Last summer I flew to Honolulu for a little city break. Being my first time in Hawaii, I spent a few weeks before my trip collecting inspiration for the best things to do on Oahu. On my list to explore, was the neighbourhood of Kaka’ako, a trendy district nestled between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, filled with local shops, restaurants, entertainment and the Murals.

On our first morning in Honolulu, we had breakfast at Arvo Café on a bustling street in Kaka’ako based on the recommendation of a friend, who loves coffee and Oahu.

Arvo Café pays homage to Australian café culture; you know, those cool, laidback and bright coffee shops that has popped up in cities across the globe (Arvo is Australian slang for afternoon)? That’s the place.

The space is enticingly airy, bright and plant filled; Arvo shares their space with a charming plant shop, and a small surf boutique on the other end. A coffee bar and plant boutique; there’s a dreamy essence to the space.
The intoxicating smell of coffee, the sleek, homey design, the beautiful tropical plants, adorable pottery and the large windows that allow natural light to flow through make for a unique picturesque coffee shop.

The food is simple and excellent, and the coffee is wonderful. A variety of coffee brewing methods are available and there’s a small but vibrant menu. It’s the place to order a lavender latte or some other specialty brewed latte with an avocado or vegemite toast. Toast is popular here, as are the chia puddings; there are some other plant-based options.

We tried the nutella toast, topped with bananas and strawberries on thick slices of crusty bread, and refreshingly cool iced mochas. There’s limited seating inside, and a few other spots outside ideal for people watching. The staff here are welcoming and helpful with recommendations. It’s a great cute place to hang out, to while away time and enjoy the scenery.