Blue Bird Kauaʻi — a Līhu‘e-based coffee shop — recently reopened and is back to its regular hours, after being temporarily closed, due to the Hurricane Lowell.
The business opened its Līhu‘e storefront last November, according to owners Taran and Kaiulani Tani, who emphasize the importance of supporting the local community.
“Blue Bird was created with our local community at the center of everything we do,” Kaiulani Tani says. “As two local people who were born and raised on Kauaʻi, we wanted to build more than just a coffee shop — we wanted to create a place where people could gather, connect and feel at home.”
While the brick-and-mortar is coming up on its first anniversary, Blue Bird Kauaʻi officially started in August 2023 as a small, blue coffee trailer in Kalaheo.
“Since day one, our goal has been simple: serve great food and coffee while creating a space where our community feels welcomed,” Taran Tani says.
“Blue Bird was inspired by our love for our island, our family, and our desire to create a place where people can slow down, connect and enjoy something made with intention,” Kaiulani adds.
The business’s name was inspired by its original bright blue coffee trailer, and by the couple’s daughter.
“Our little coffee trailer was bright blue, and quickly became recognizable around town,” Kaiulani says. “The second inspiration came from our daughter. She was about 18 months old when we started the business, and her very first word was ‘blue.’ That memory has always been meaningful to us, so combining those two inspirations naturally led to the name ‘Blue Bird Kauaʻi.’”
When it came to choosing locations for their business, selecting a place that was convenient for local families to access was essential for the Tanis.
“Serving the people who make this island what it is has always been our priority,” Taran says. “We also put a tremendous amount of care into what we serve. From our housemade syrups and sauces to our pastries and menu items, we make as much as we can from scratch because we believe quality matters.”
When the biz opened its brick-and-mortar café in Līhu‘e, the Tanis were excited to expand the menu beyond pastries and coffee. Today, the café has become known for its signature drinks created with housemade syrups, freshly baked pastries, and breakfast and lunch menu.
The breakfast menu includes avocado toasts, crepes, breakfast burritos and sandwiches. The avocado toast ($16) features toasted sourdough topped with caramelized onions and smashed avocado mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions. It’s finished with feta cheese, citrus-dressed arugula and a balsamic glaze.
“We always recommend adding an egg cooked to your preference,” Kaiulani says. “We’ve had many guests tell us it’s the best avocado toast they’ve ever had.”
The breakfast burrito has become a local favorite, according to Kaiulani.
“It’s generously filled with kālua pork, potatoes, scrambled eggs and our housemade chipotle aioli, then served with a side of fresh guacamole salsa,” she says. “It’s hearty, flavorful and leaves people satisfied.
“Every item on our menu is something we genuinely enjoy eating as a family, and our goal has always been to share those favorites with our community,” she adds.
The drink menu features a variety of lattes and signature beverages. The Nene ($6-$8) is the best-selling drink, according to Kaiulani, who says it’s made with housemade vanilla syrup, creamy oat milk and signature brown sugar coffee foam.
“It’s smooth, balanced and has become the drink that many people come back for again and again,” she says.
Other signature options include Apapane ($7-$9) — organic ceremonial match, strawberry puree, vanilla drizzle and almond milk — and birdy tea ($6-$7), an herbal peach tea with lilikoʻi honey and strawberry puree.
As the business is now back open during its regular hours, the Tanis continue to look for ways to help others. The biz recently posted on Instagram, “If you work for KIUC or are a first responder, please let our team know! We’d love to take care of you, mahalo for all you’ve been doing for Kauaʻi.”
“A lot of businesses on Kauaʻi took a hit (from the hurricane) and were closed for almost a week,” Kaiulani says. “Some places are still closed without power, but Kauai is resilient and the community is strong.”
“We’re incredibly proud to be two people who were born and raised on Kauaʻi,” Taran adds. “This Island has given so much to us, and Blue Bird is our way of giving something back.”
CONTACT
Blue Bird Kauaʻi
4180 Rice St., Līhu‘e
blue-bird-kauai.square.site
Instagram: @bluebirdkauai
Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
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