Looking for the best jolt of java?
Drip Studio HNL in Honolulu and HiCO Hawaiian Coffee in Kailua-Kona are two of just 20 in the U.S. nominated for the list of Best Independent Coffee Shops in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
The awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle, and the 20 nominees were chosen with the help of a panel of experts. The final 10 will be determined by voters.
Drip Studio owner-operators Vince Pohaku and Kelsie Mercado Uehara founded the specialty coffee house, located at 1114 Fort Street Mall, in 2023 with no cafe experience and the argument that "Hawai'i grows world-class coffee, so we should drink like it," an announcement from the shop notes. The coffee shop founders add that it works directly with farms and roasters to showcase Hawaiʻi as a world-class coffee destination.
Meanwhile HiCO, which has three Big Isle locations, serves 100% Hawai‘i-grown coffee, supporting local farmers and honoring the Islands' agricultural heritage, its website notes.
You can vote here once a day until 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. Winners will be announced Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Several other Hawai‘i businesses are up for spots on various other 10Best lists, voting for which is underway:
- Best Craft Distillery Tour: Ola Distillery in Hilo; Wailuku Distillery in Makawao. Vote here.
- Best Craft Gin Distillery: Ko‘olau Distillery in Kailua. Vote here.
- Best Craft Rum Distillery: Hanalei Spirits Distillery in Kīlauea; Kuleana Rum Works in Waimea. Vote here.
- Best Craft Vodka Distillery: Ocean Organic Vodka in Kula; Pau Maui Vodka in Makawao. Vote here.
- Best Speakeasy: The Hidden Nēnē in Hilo. Vote here.
- Best Spirits Tasting Room: Ko Hana Distillers in Kunia; the Kōloa Rum Tasting Room in Līhu‘e. Vote here.
- Best Resort Airport: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole in Kailua-Kona. Vote here.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
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