This matcha trailer offers lattes with cookie lids on the weekends.
Gotcha Matcha opened in early September and can be found in Duke’s Lane, tucked between ALO Yoga and Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel. Business owner Emma Adolpho liked this location because she enjoyed the idea of being a “little hidden gem” that people could discover.
“We loved Duke’s Lane because it’s right in the heart of Waikīkī,” she says. “It gets a fun mix of locals, Waikīkī workers and visitors.”
Adolpho says she loves matcha, but more importantly, she enjoys putting a playful spin on drinks with cookie lids, seasonal specials and local collaborations. She wanted her business name to fit the brand’s concept.
“We wanted something fun, catchy and easy to remember,” she says. “‘Gotcha Matcha’ just felt playful and matched the personality of the business. We really wanted to create a fun, laid-back spot where people could grab a good drink and enjoy a little piece of Waikīkī.”
Gotcha Matcha serves matcha lattes, iced espresso lattes, cold brews and lemonades made with fresh-squeezed lemons, according to Adolpho.
“A lot of our drinks are named after local surf breaks, and we use locally made Pono Potions syrups for our fun, Island-inspired flavors,” she says.
Drinks range from $5 to $9, depending on the flavor. So far, customer favorites have been Queens (strawberry matcha), Canoes (ube matcha with ube cold foam), Cliffs (blue haupia matcha), Fours (mac nut iced latte) and Rockpiles (strawberry lemonade).
On the weekends, the biz features drinks with edible cookie “lids” from Mrs. Fields Cookies (additional $4).
Adolpho emphasizes that Gotcha Matcha is a small, family-run business that loves to partner with other local businesses, artists and makers.
“We’re always thinking of something new and fun to bring to the trailer, whether it’s a new drink, a cute trinket, or a local collaboration. We also offer Waikīkī workers 20% off through our Good Neighbor discount.”
Customers can currently enjoy drinks from the trailer’s fall menu, which includes options ranging from pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin spice cold brew to cinnabun matcha lattes.
“We want Gotcha Matcha to feel like more than just a place to grab a drink,” Adolpho says. “We want it to be a fun, little shop where you can try something different, take a cute photo, and leave a little happier. Whether you already love matcha or have never tried it before, we’ll help you find something you like.”
CONTACT
Gotcha Matcha
Duke’s Lane, Honolulu
Instagram: @gotchamatcha.hi
Open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays to Sundays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
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