Waikiki Coffee is known for its gentle sweetness and rich, tropical aroma — a flavor that captures the relaxed warmth of Hawaii itself.
Many of our customers ask us how to bring out the best flavor in Waikiki Coffee.
We experiment with many brewing methods every day, and over time, we’ve found a few recipes that truly bring out the beauty of our beans.
Today, we’d like to share one of our favorites — a simple, beginner-friendly hand-drip recipe that anyone can enjoy at home.
In fact, about 80% of this recipe is the same as what world champions use!
So even if you use it for other coffee beans, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how delicious the results are.
We hope this helps you enjoy Waikiki Coffee at its very best.
Our Recommended Waikiki Coffee Recipe
Don’t be fooled by how simple this recipe looks — the flavor will surprise you.
It’s consistent, clear, and beautifully balanced.
Based on the roast level and characteristics of Waikiki Coffee, we think this method brings out its natural sweetness and aroma best.
Recipe Details
For Waikiki Coffee, the key to great flavor is capturing its sweetness and fragrance while keeping bitterness and harsh notes to a minimum.
This recipe is fine-tuned to highlight exactly those qualities.
- Coffee Grounds: 16g
- Grind Size: Medium (medium-coarse if grinding your own beans)
- Water Temperature: 91°C (okay within 90–92°C)
- Water Amount: 250ml (brew ratio 1:15.6)
- Total Brew Time: 2 min 45 sec
How to Pour the Water
It’s easy to remember —just pour 50ml every 30 seconds, that’s it!
Pour slowly, about 6–7ml per second, drawing a gentle circle about the size of a U.S. quarter coin.
Each pour takes around 7–8 seconds.
- 1st 0:00 Less water brings more sweetness; more water adds brightness.
- 2nd 0:30 Same style — enhances aroma and acidity.
- 3rd 1:00 Builds the core of sweetness and body.
- 4th 1:30 Adds depth and a gentle bitterness.
- 5th 2:00 Pour only in the center to keep the aftertaste clean and crisp.
You can pour the last round the same way as the others, but this center-only method gives the cup a clearer, more transparent finish.
The total drip time should be around 3 minutes or less.
The Same Recipe Used in Our Café
This is actually the same recipe we use in the Waikiki Coffee café!
While we may make small seasonal adjustments depending on the beans, our standard brewing style is this five-pour method (one bloom pour + four main pours).
Of course, in our café we add a few professional touches, such as rinsing the filter before brewing.
But our goal has always been simple: to let you enjoy the same great taste right at home.
We believe good coffee shouldn’t depend on a barista’s skill or an expensive machine.
Waikiki Coffee is made to taste wonderful anywhere — in a café, at home, or even by the beach.
So please, feel free to use this recipe as much as you like — it’s not a secret at all!