Tradition Coffee Roasters (Oahu) - Onolicious Hawaiʻi

Tucked along a hidden road and nestled between warehouses in Kailua, Tradition Coffee Roasters is one of my favorite coffee shops on Oahu. They have great drinks and are family friendly. They also roast coffee beans on-site! I always buy a fresh bag to take home. Make sure to try the Mexican Mocha ^_^

Good vibes, super good drinks, and friendly service. What more could you want!

Location

Tradition Coffee Roasters is located off Kapaa Quarry Road. And it feels like a hidden gem! I first came across this cafe when I was sent on an errand to purchase supplies from a specific pool shop. Address in hand, I drove along the quarry road (which also feels like a hidden gem), turned into another road and then into a cluster of warehouses.

What was this place?? I was born and raised on Oahu, and yet...I didn't learn about this warehouse area till a few years ago. No matter how "small" the island may seem, there is always SO MUCH to discover. I love that.

As I pulled into a parking spot, I saw a small food truck (more on this later), and then a big open coffee shop. I went to pick up the pool supplies, and then walked over to the coffee shop. That's how I first learned about Tradition Coffee Roasters.

And now I come every couple weeks, or any time I am in Kailua. Sometimes I even find excuses to drive to Kailua just so I can stop by here heheh.

Tradition Coffee Roasters Mexican Mocha drink.

Try The Mexican Mocha

I usually just order one of two things: an americano or this Mexican mocha.

Judge as you will, but I really love this Mexican mocha. It is not too sweet, full of spices. Just the right amount of chocolate. Sometimes I order this with macadamia nut milk. Sometimes I order it with whole milk. Just depends on my mood. 99% of the time, I order it hot. On super crazy hot days, I will get it iced.

I prefer the drink "to stay," and have it served in a cup. This is such a nice treat in the middle of the day. And it feels extra decadent when it's smack in the middle of the day on a weekday.

But when I'm have somewhere to be, then I order it to-go. These to-go cups are super pretty. I'm not sure if they're custom, but I've only seen it here.

Coffee Beans

We like to make coffee at home so I often pick up a bag of beans to-go. Everyone appreciates this at home! We are slowing trying them all. Tradition roasts coffee beans on-site. You can actually see the roasting taking place when you're at the cafe. So neat, so fresh.

Classes

Tradition is popular for tours and classes. They have everything from factory tours to cupping classes and a roasting experience class. I have yet to try the classes, but will do so one day! I also saw that they host pretty delicious looking dinners every now and then...that is also on my list.

Insider Tips

Keiki Drink
The keiki drink is not on the written menu, but you can just ask for it. It's a baby sized steamed milk with a little vanilla syrup. And then you can pick cinnamon or cocoa powder on top. Very cute ^_^

Kid Friendly
I'm guessing the owner has kids, because this place is really family friendly. They have high chairs (rare for a coffee shop!) and a big bin full of kid toys and games. My son loved the magnetic coffee cup game so I will likely to order one for home heheh. Another kid related bonus - they have a nice, big, and clean bathroom.

Tradition Coffee Roasters coffee bean options

Parking
There is free parking right in front of the shop. The shop is located within a cluster of warehouses, and each business has a few designated spots so make sure you don't park in a spot that is meant for a neighboring business.

Also at other bakeries and restaurants!
Many bakeries and restaurants across the island feature their coffee. One of my favorite bakeries in town is Okayama Kobo - they use Tradition Coffee for all their coffee drinks, including the matcha sea salt cold brew I am crazy about ^_^

Food Truck Pop-Ups
Tradition often hosts food truck pop-ups right near the entrance to the coffee shop. The monthly schedule is sometimes posted online, or you can just look at the chalkboard near the cash register and take a photo of it. First time I went, I had pizza from Fatto a Mano (which also happens to be one of my favorite vendors at Kakaako Farmers Market).

You can purchase from the food truck and eat at any of the tables in the coffee shop. Just make sure to also get a drink from Tradition!