About Us

Positive Coffee was created to make people’s days better.

That’s it.

Fifteen years ago, after encountering a small coffee cart that radiated warmth and positivity, it wasn’t just the drink that stood out — it was how they felt afterward.

They decided that if they ever had the opportunity, they would create something that delivered that same feeling to others.

Years later, that chance arrived.

From Shuttle Bus to Specialty Coffee

In May 2020, with time to finally pursue the idea that had been brewing for years, they began converting a retired North Shore shuttle bus into what would become Positive Coffee — a true drive-up, drive-through specialty coffee stop in Kapaʻa.

Just off the highway, a quarter mile north of Safeway, the bus quickly became more than a coffee stop. It became a daily ritual for locals.

When Positive Coffee opened in mid-October, every cup served during the first week was free. They called it “Mahalo Coffee.”

It wasn’t a promotion. It was gratitude.

Their first priority was simple: give back to a community that had given them so much. Many grateful customers stopped by that first week. Smiles were shared. Conversations began. Mornings felt a little brighter.

That spirit still defines the business today — from kamaʻāina discounts to the simple joy of throwing a shaka.

More Than Convenience

From the beginning, Positive Coffee was built on two commitments:

1. Serve exceptional specialty coffee

2. Create a genuinely positive experience

There has always been a love for coffee — but not just casually. They care about sourcing, flavor clarity, and the difference between average and exceptional. They wanted to bring Kauai something more than convenience. They wanted to bring high-quality, specialty coffee — crafted intentionally and served with warmth.

That commitment lives in their tagline:

Specialty Coffee and Education.

Why Education Matters

At Positive Coffee, education isn’t about technical jargon or exclusivity. It’s about appreciation.

What makes a coffee balanced? Why does origin matter? How can the way the bean is processed affect the flavor notes? How does the brew method change the experience?

They believe that once you understand what makes a cup exceptional, you experience it differently.

That’s why they plan to offer small, hands-on classes — exploring different brewing methods and tasting the difference side-by-side. Because great coffee shouldn’t be mysterious. It should be shared.

Built on Positivity

The name “Positive Coffee” isn’t accidental.

It reflects the feeling that first inspired them years ago — that coffee can be more than a transaction. It can be an interaction. A moment of warmth. A small lift at the start of the day.

Whether you’re rolling through the drive-thru on your way to work or visiting Kauai for the first time, their goal remains the same:

Serve a great cup. Share genuine positivity. Start your day right.