Our Aloha Story
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.
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.
