Guide to the Best Coffee in Maui

The Wailuku Coffee Company logo features a white sketch of mountains, Iao Valley, and sunrise in a round circle with orange, olive, and ocean blue brand colors.

How do you take your coffee?

Walking into a coffee shop can be overwhelming with the multitude of flavors, blends, and sizes available. It's hard to know which coffee is the best fit for you. But no worries, we've got you covered! Our ultimate guide on the best coffee in Maui will help you find the perfect cup of coffee.

A glass of iced coffee with milk being poured into a clear glass.
Black sketch drawing of a spoon filled with coffee beans and leaves.

Types of Coffee Beans

Let's start with the beans! While it is true that there are over one hundred coffee species in existence, each with its own distinct characteristics, two types of coffee beans dominate the global market. Arabica and Robusta together account for around 98% of the total coffee production worldwide.

If you ask the experts, Arabica is hands down the favorite between the two types. Arabica is a black bean that is sweeter and more complex in flavor compared to Robusta. On the other hand, Robusta is a cheaper and more robust type of coffee. It is known for its bitter taste, which makes it suitable for espressos and instant mixes. In fact, Robusta is often used to create the strong and awakening effect that many people seek in their morning cup of coffee.

Arabica Coffee

Arabica coffee beans are highly regarded for their superior taste and aroma. They are grown at higher altitudes, which contributes to their refined flavor profile. Arabica beans have a complex and nuanced taste, often described as having hints of fruit, chocolate, and even floral notes. This makes Arabica coffee a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the delicate and sophisticated flavors it offers.

Robusta Coffee

On the other hand, Robusta coffee beans are known for their higher caffeine content and stronger flavor. They are generally grown at lower altitudes and are more resistant to diseases and pests, making them easier and cheaper to cultivate. Robusta beans have a more bitter and earthy taste, with a stronger and more robust body. Due to their higher caffeine content, Robusta beans are often used in blends or as a base for espresso, providing the intense kick that many coffee drinkers crave.

Whether you enjoy the refined and delicate taste of Arabica or the bold and awakening effect of Robusta, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. At Wailuku Coffee Company we source the finest Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in the world and roast them locally on Maui to ensure a fresh and robust flavor in each cup.

A person pouring a creamy latte into a white cup with a black background.
Close-up view of golden espresso liquid pouring into shot glasses.
A Maui latte in a white cup on a wood table with a swirl leaf design in the foam.
The logo for Wailuku Coffee Co., a café where coffee lovers gather.

Types of Coffee Drinks

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and with so many different types of coffee drinks to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to order. This guide will help you diversify your coffee pallet and provides great tips on which coffee to order next time you visit us on Maui! 

Sketch drawing of black coffee.

Black Coffee

You can't get any simpler than this - just add warm hot to your ground coffee and enjoy. Try our %100 Kona Prime pour over!

A sketch drawing of Breve Latte shows steamed half and half plus espresso.

Cafe Au Lait

Translates as “coffee with milk." Café au lait is equal parts coffee and milk, served hot.

A sketch drawing of flat white shows steamed milk plus espresso.

Flat White

Creamy steamed milk is poured over a single or double shot of espresso. Taste the espresso with a mouthfeel of steamed milk. Comfort meets intensity.

A sketch drawing of cappuccino shows milk foam plus steamed milk plus espresso.

Cappuccino

One shot of espresso with steamed milk & foam (more foam than milk) makes a rich & creamy drink. Top it off with cream, cocoa, or cinnamon!

Sketch drawing of espresso drink.

Espresso

Brewed with hot water & finely ground beans. A strong, bold flavor. Enjoyed alone or as a base for drinks like cappuccinos & lattes.
A sketch drawing of latte shows milk foam plus steamed milk plus espresso.

Latte

One shot of espresso, steamed milk, & a little foam rounds off this smooth & creamy drink. A milder coffee flavor with a velvety feel. Try adding vanilla or pumpkin spice!

A sketch drawing of Espresso Macchiato shows milk foam plus espresso.

Espresso Macchiato

Mostly espresso with a small amount of steamed milk & foam, providing a rich, bold flavor with a touch of creaminess.

A sketch drawing of white mocha shows whipped cream plus steamed milk plus white chocolate plus espresso.

White Mocha

A creamy blend of espresso, steamed milk, and white chocolate, served with whipped cream on top. 

A sketch drawing of carmilla shows milk foam plus steamed milk plus caramel & vanilla plus espresso.

Carmilla

Espresso, with vanilla & caramel syrup, steamed milk, & a splash of foamed milk.

A sketch drawing of Americano shows hot water added to espresso.

Americano

Similar to black coffee but it's smoother, less concentrated and has a more intense flavor. It is often served black or with a splash of milk.

A sketch drawing of Breve Latte shows steamed half and half plus espresso.

Breve Latte

Equal parts espresso and half & half. It's an Americanized version of the Italian latte that's even richer & creamier.

A sketch drawing of espresso con panna shows whipped cream plus espresso.

Espresso Con Panna

"Espresso with cream" in Italian, is a single or double shot of espresso topped with whipped cream.

A sketch drawing of mocha shows whipped cream plus steamed milk plus chocolate plus espresso.

Mocha

A delicious sweet combo of espresso, steamed milk, & chocolate served with whipped cream on top.

Experience your best cup of coffee on Maui!

Our Locations

Wailuku Coffee Company is easily accessible with its two convenient locations and online ordering.

FREE SHIPPING on orders over $120!