Making matcha was not always routine for business owner Kanoe Francisco. However, everything changed after a recent trip to Japan and Francisco had “her first high-quality matcha.”
“It was smooth, calming and gave me a clean, sustained energy without the jitters,” she says. “It was a life-changing moment. We (my husband Jesse and I) came back from that experience, wanting to share it with Hawaiʻi.”
After that trip to Japan, Francisco wanted to learn everything about matcha.
“Once I experienced first harvest, high-quality matcha made the right way, I became obsessed,” she says. “That trip to Japan opened my eyes to what matcha could truly be; I wanted to bring that same quality experience back home to Oʻahu.”
Matcha Pop officially launched in July as Hawaii’s first luxury mobile matcha bar. Its goal is to bring an elevated matcha experience directly to private events, according to Francisco.
“The inspiration (for Matcha Pop) came from two personal places,” she explains. “For me, I’ve always struggled with anxiety, which made caffeine something I had to avoid. Finding energy throughout the day was always a challenge. Jesse was looking for a healthier alternative to coffee — something he could enjoy later in the day without it disrupting his sleep. Matcha checked every box.”
The couple decided on “Matcha Pop” as the business name because they wanted something memorable, fun and catchy, while remaining on-brand.
“We wanted a name that had a ring to it,” Francisco says. “Matcha Pop reflects who we are — a luxury matcha experience with a fun, vibrant energy. We specialize in private events and pop-ups, bringing our full set-up directly to our clients.”
The business is known for its to-go, 8.4-ounce nitro matcha latte cans (three for $24). Customers can pour them over ice, and they’re best consumed within three days.
“The quality of our matcha matters deeply to us; that’s something we’re really intentional about,” Francisco says. “Using first harvest Uji matcha isn’t just about taste, it’s about ensuring that our guests enjoy a clean, smooth energy without the anxiety or jitters that come from lower-quality matcha or caffeine. That’s what sets our business apart.”
At events, Matcha Pop often serves its nitro matcha lattes ($9), which can be enjoyed straight from the can or in a cup with a cold foam cream top.
“The latte is a first harvest Uji matcha Okumidori blend, sourced directly from Uji, Kyoto (in Japan),” Francisco says. “It’s nitrogen-infused for the smoothest, most velvety texture possible. The cold foam has been a huge hit — guests love that elevated touch.”
While the business focuses on private events — including weddings, corporate gatherings and more — it does participate in public pop-ups as well. In the past few months, Matcha Pop has participated in Yelp Hawaiʻi and Corepower Yoga events, along with other wellness events around Oʻahu. The biz was recently at the Malama Hawaiʻi Market at Ala Moana Center earlier this month; at that event, customers could opt for cold foams in flavors like ube, haupia, and strawberry guri guri (additional $1.50).
“We love connecting with the community through public pop-ups,” Francisco says. “We love showing up where people are.”
For updates and more info, follow the business on Instagram.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
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