Sol Café

I had the loveliest time checking out Sol Cafe at the Lonohana Chocolate Estate factory in Kaka'ako. It is a one-man operation led by one of the owners of the company, and he is truly passionate about his work. I thought I was just coming for a mocha made with local chocolate, but I was pleasantly surprised to also receive a lesson on cacao, participate in tastings, and even got to try their cacao nib tea. Usually, cacao tea is made with the shells, but here they actually use the nibs, which adds a lovely deep, earthy flavor. Back to the mochas -- they truly are special because of the Hawaiian chocolate. However, they also don't skimp on the coffee quality. From meticulously sourced beans to careful consideration of chocolate complements, lonohana has done it all. They're also currently (December 2024) running a promotion for a free coffee if you bring in a puzzle for their puzzle library! They also sell caneles made by a local baker (but not in-house), and sell their products at the store. There are some tables you can sit and chat at, and self serve water, so it's quite comfortable. However, there isn't WiFi, and if you need to use the bathroom, you'll have to run across the street to Aloha Beer Factory (also a really cool place). You can also book a tour to actually visit the factory, which I did for next week! So excited to learn even more about cacao.

The Sol Cafe is located in the Lonohana Estate Chocolate Factory - they use 100% Hawaiian-grown cacao from the North Shore and Hilo, and real chocolate made by Lonohana.their Mocha Bar menu changes periodically, offering the 'milk' and the 'dark side' - The coffee was strong, and the milk was steamed well; service was friendly, too!+located inside the Lonohana Estate Chocolate Factory+friendly service

The coffee was delicious. My husband and I enjoyed sipping our coffee. The ambience was chilled and met Remero who chatted with us and was very friendly. We will return for more delicious coffee.

This is the most delicious mocha I've ever had and Ramiro - the owner - is extremely knowledgeable about coffee and chocolate and really kind. The store is super cute and truly a hidden gem in Oahu. Highly recommend!

There "Sol"thing special going on here...Sol Café just at the edge of Kaka'ako and Downtown has some familiarity going on as soon as I walked in...located right across Aloha Beer with parking right besides the building what a convenient spot to relax and enjoy your sip.This cute little cafe is a great hangout for coffee looking to order at a counter only to find a mobile cart as soon as you walk in and mirroring what was going just across the street with Aloha Beer was Ruby Violet was done here and yes they were serving coffee from Ruby Violet was a delightful surprise offering the same with the exception of Ube and Beef add ons is replaced by Mocha! Yup "The Mocha Bar" Sol Café is part of Lonohana Estate Chocolate and is offering tours and tasting here with reservations.Majority of the space is dedicated to all things chocolates and are immediately asked if I'd like to try samples which how can you not resist gosh the flavors are so exceptional and it just spreads in your palate.Using chocolates from Lonohana Estate is a bougie I never expected and it was just a glorious smooth sip! Currently there are "Plain, Jasmine Tea and Salted Milk and regular Milk Chocolates" and you know I had to get try the Jasmine Tea Chocolate and what a gentle blend it was, having literally a Mocha here at Sol Café is a great way to start your day.Thank you!

If you are on the hunt for great coffee and locally made chocolates, let this be at the top of your list. Kaka'ako has a number of coffee places, however, I wanted to see if it was indeed different. It is. I love my mocha and to hear a local chocolate factory making their way in the coffee realm really piqued my interest. The flavor of the chocolate their use is full of local flavor that's deep, complex, rich, and subtly sweet enough to balance the coffee. It was great talking to the owner about the history of the factory (and you can get tours). He really took the time to explain what each chocolate was, gave samples, and talked about his vision. Would definitely come back again. I hope they get to use more of their delicious chocolates in their mochas.

The coffee selection is out of this world good!!! If you're looking for really excellent coffee this is the cafe for you. Service excellent, chocolate is the best. A hidden treasure in Kaka'ako. The hours of operation is limited. I wish they also served a light breakfast with baked goods fromA local bakery. But still, I would return here for the coffee. If this cafe were in my way to work, I would stop every chance I get. Also the cafe is quaint and quiet. There are tables and counter seating. Just know it is also a high end chocolate store - go check it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Great coffee and ambiance! Free parking!Great place to study and work on your computer

Great service, fabulous coffee and chocolate. We found this cute place with a seating chill area.

Go see Ramiro at his cafe. Solcafe is the perfect place to get a cup of coffee. Coffee beans are local north shore and he can make you some nice mixed beverages using local fresh chocolate made in the factory right behind him. So excited to have Solcafe nearby!!!