Our Aloha Story
Koana opened its doors in 2019 in the historic village of Mountain View on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. My wife and I are passionate coffee lovers, and we wanted to create a space that reflects the spirit of aloha—one that honors Hawaiian coffee, the farmers who grow it, the roasters who craft it, and the story behind every bean.
From the start, we have sourced our coffee exclusively from some of the best farms on the Big Island. We’ve had the privilege of working with award-winning growers and roasters across the island, sharing not only their coffee but also their passion, vision, and dedication.
Despite the challenges and changes brought by the pandemic, 2022 was a bright moment—Food & Wine Magazine ranked us the “Best Coffee Shop in the State of Hawai‘i 2022”. While we’re honored by this recognition, what truly brings us joy is watching locals and travelers gather here—sharing stories, unwinding, and simply enjoying the moment.
After five wonderful years serving our community as a specialty pour-over coffee shop, we felt the need to refocus—to grow, to slow down, and to find a better balance between work and life.
In 2025, we launched our passion project: Art of Coffee [Omakase]. It’s something we’ve dreamed about for a long time—a more personal, immersive way to experience Hawaiian coffee. Art of Coffee is our way of offering something deeper and more meaningful. It’s not just about making coffee; it’s about being present, slowing down, and connecting through something thoughtful and beautiful.
At Koana, we believe coffee is both science and art—shaped by nature, guided by hands, and shared with heart.
Aloha~
Love the life we’re living!~
Brian Lo
Koana’s Core Values
Community
The heart of our coffee is community. We aim to create spaces where locals, visitors, and artists feel welcomed and connected. Our mission goes beyond serving coffee—we foster cultural enrichment, education, and shared experiences that build a strong, supportive network. where, everyone is embraced, and our spaces are designed to uplift and unite.
Equality
At KOANA, everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and care. We are committed to ensuring that all customers, employees, and collaborators are valued and given equal opportunities. From how we hire to how we serve and work with our partners, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected. We believe inclusiveness is essential to building a kinder, better world.
Sustainability
KOANA was founded on a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. We approach sustainability through creativity—reimagining materials and systems in functional, beautiful ways. Our space was built with upcycling and locally sourced or recycled materials wherever possible, allowing us to tread lightly while serving our community. We also support local farmers, businesses, and artisans, helping strengthen the local economy. Everything we do is rooted in long-term care for the land, the people, and the cultural heritage of Hawai‘i.
Pono
Pono means doing what is right—in balance with others, nature, and oneself. At KOANA, this principle guides every decision we make, from opening in a remote town to support community growth to helping those facing adversity and investing in farmland for the future. Even through difficult moments and the challenges of a global pandemic, we remain committed to choosing what is right and fostering balance, fairness, and well-being for our business and the community we serve.
Aloha
At Koana, the spirit of Aloha is alive in every cup, every conversation, and every smile. Aloha means much more than a greeting—it’s a way of life that embraces love, compassion, and mutual respect. We embody this value by nurturing positive energy and by creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. Aloha informs not just how we treat our customers, but how we approach life, work, and community.
Experience
KOANA is more than a place to get coffee—it’s an experience crafted with intention. Every detail, from our artful space to the way we present our food and drinks, is thoughtfully designed. Built as a site-specific installation using local and repurposed materials, the shop creates an immersive environment. We hope every guest leaves feeling enriched, whether through conversation, local art, or the beauty of the space. Each visit to KOANA is meant to be memorable and uplifting.
Creativity
Creativity is at the heart of KOANA. The shop itself is a product of creative problem-solving, from its upcycled design to the way we navigate the challenges of running a business in a remote village. We believe that creativity extends beyond art—it’s a way of thinking and approaching every aspect of life and work. By embracing innovation, we find unique solutions to everyday problems, transforming limitations into opportunities. KOANA is a space where creativity flourishes, not only through the artwork we display but in the way we approach service, community-building, and sustainability.
Trust
Trust is central to KOANA. We operate with transparency and integrity so customers, employees, and partners know they can rely on us. By staying open, real, and consistent in our actions, we build authentic relationships. Clear communication helps foster mutual trust, creating a supportive and cohesive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
KOANA, we ensure that our coffee shop is not just a business but a beacon of community, creativity, kindness, and aloha.
