Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

CBTL's Ice blends are as good as they get. Unfortunately, the employees aren't the friendliest and the bathrooms are permanently closed. Still I'd recommend them.

Short version Relatively standard chain coffee shop. More of an in-and-out place than a lounge, but the drinks are pretty tasty/consistent, they're open later than most local joints, and the employees are friendly. Long version Because I grew up in the midwest and try to avoid chains while traveling, I had never visited The Coffee Bean before I came to Kauai for vacation. One of my goals for the trip was to find different local coffee options, and while I was able to get several good varieties, it seems most of the island shuts down at 8:00pm. As a result, this place became my go-to for (relatively) late night coffee fixes. The shop is located in the shopping center attached to and just north of Foodland. They have relatively clear signage and share parking with the rest of the tenants, so it's pretty easy to find/access. Inside, there is an abundance of open floor space and not a whole lot of seating. The chairs they do have are wood and lack padding, so don't come here expecting to comfortably read/chat for an extended amount of time. On the walls, they sell the standard slightly-overpriced coffee and tea accoutrement (mugs, tumblers, pour over sets, tea baskets, etc.), and there is a small counter display with pastries. When I was there, the fruit danishes were the only items freshly prepared (by a local bakery), and they're pretty tasty. As with many places I found in Hawaii, the relaxed attitude could be mistaken for rudeness. My first time in, the person at the counter was chatting with a friend who had just put in an order. I waited for about half a minute while they finished their conversation (why would I hurry on vacation?), at which time she cheerfully answered several questions about their products before taking my order. After a brief wait, my drink was finished and correct. My subsequent trips were similar, including one where I was the one chatting at the register, causing someone else to wait. I was on a latte kick during that time, so I can't report on their drip/pour coffee or iced drinks. As with most chains, if you want to taste the espresso, ask for half the sweetener, which is actually powder instead of the nearly ubiquitous pumped syrup. While the finished product wasn't remarkable, I didn't feel slighted for the price, and to my relief, the espresso didn't have the over-roasted bitterness that is the hallmark of another popular coffee chain. I ended up going to The Coffee Bean multiple times during my trip, and the drinks were consistent, if not mind-blowing, which is all you should realistically expect from a good chain coffee shop. While you're in town, you owe it to yourself to check out some of the local fare and pick up some kona beans for home. However, this place deserves to be in the rotation.

Love it! They have great teas. Fav place I tried while there for a hot drink!!

Drinks came out great even though we ordered something out of the ordinary. Staff was awesome, thank you!!

Yea not the cleanest, but i am in Kapaa. Staff was friendly, Larisa? Pretty good2me.