Koana opened in 2019 in the old Mountain View General Store, along Old Volcano Road on Hawai‘i Island. It was a small, hand-built space where coffee was made slowly and the conversation was as much a part of the visit as the cup.

Founded by artist and coffee lover Brian Lo, Koana began as Hawai‘i Island’s first specialty pour-over coffee shop, with one purpose: to honor Hawaiian coffee and the people behind it. Brian studied fine arts at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and discovered his passion for coffee while living in Japan. Both influences shape how every cup is crafted. Every coffee we serve comes directly from award-winning Big Island growers who share our passion, our integrity, and our devotion to craft.

In 2025, we introduced Art of Coffee, a grassroots, omakase-style tasting experience. It is an invitation to slow down, connect, and discover Hawai‘i coffee more deeply, one cup at a time. That same year, Koana was ranked No. 28 on Yelp’s Top 100 Coffee Shops in the U.S., an honor we share with our growers and our community.

Starting in 2026, we have redirected our focus to Art of Coffee, now offered as a dine-in tasting experience on select dates rather than during daily café hours. Each gathering is intimate and thoughtfully paced, giving guests time to savor each coffee and the story behind it. To see upcoming dates and availability, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

At Koana, coffee is both science and art: shaped by nature, guided by hand, and shared with heart. Come talk story with us.

Aloha —
Love the life we’re living.