Whether you live on Oahu or are visiting from a neighboring island or even the United States mainland, there’s little we recommend more than escaping the hoards of tourists and heading inland - to the heart of the island. And while there is so much to love off-the-beaten-path, here between the Ko’olau and Waianae Mountains, in the small town of Wahiawa (population: 17,122), you will find one of the islands’ best small businesses: a local watering hole that is as much about community as it is about coffee.

Welcome to Surfers Coffee, a scrumptious slice of paradise that’s just waiting to be discovered.

Upon first glance, this Wahiawa storefront may not look like much, but as soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a light, airy space that is as eclectic as it is cozy. The smell of gourmet java will delight your senses, and your coffee cravings will soon be satisfied.

From drip, pour overs, and French pressed coffees to lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and more, there’s something for everyone here at Surfers Coffee - and because most Surfers baristas are Stumptown-trained, you will enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee every single time you visit.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out Surfers’ underground menu where you’ll discover a variety of sweet drinks. Not a coffee drinker? Tea and chai are also served here at Surfers Coffee, and if you’re hungry, you’ll want to try the mochi waffles or an acai bowl - they are both massive crowd-pleasers!

But it’s not the handmade espresso drinks, tasty pastries, and acai bowls, or laid-back atmosphere that make Surfers Coffee special: it’s the story and mission behind this venture.

"When we began in 2011 we were fully volunteer-run and never could have imagined the support and growth that would come over the next decade!" said Surfers Coffee manager Michael Duy. "We are constantly adapting and growing, but with all of that growth we never lose sight of [our initial goal]: being more than a cup of coffee."

Surfers Coffee is owned and operated by Surfing The Nations, a non-profit organization founded in 1997 by Tom and Cindy Bauer that started with a simple idea: “surfers giving back.”

According to their mission statement, the organization strives to "equip the next generation to pursue a radical lifestyle of selfless service and meeting needs in communities globally."

The storefront used to be a bar, and in fact, the entire block of buildings was once connected to the sex industry in Wahiawa - but in an attempt to revitalize the community, Surfing The Nations came in and transformed each of the buildings into what is now a surf shop, ice cream parlor, vintage store, sandwich shop, woman’s boutique, and Surfers Coffee.

This one-of-a-kind coffee shop not only gives back to the community in a variety of ways but has succeeded in creating a space where everyone feels welcome - including the homeless community.

"We believe that our success comes from our relentless pursuit of the highest quality experience for our customers," said Duy. "From the moment they walk in, we want them to be welcomed into their home away from home, met with a warm greeting, and served a high-quality product. We welcome and love all who come through our doors!"

With plenty of outlets to charge your laptop or phone and local artwork lining the bright walls, you’ll feel right at home here at Surfers Coffee. Whether you visit infrequently or every day, this charming coffee shop will quickly become of one your favorite places on the island.

Whether a customer or employee, there is so much to love about Surfers Coffee and the community they have worked so hard to cultivate over the last decade.

"Baristas form lifelong friendships between other staff members, but also form special bonds with our customers. It’s amazing to see people having quiet time in the mornings or large groups of military personnel from the local bases enjoying their acai bowls. Families spending a Saturday morning together, or couples attending our open mic nights," said Duy. "The relationships formed remind us why we dedicate ourselves to a high-quality experience."

In addition to serving as a gathering place for all walks of life, Surfers Coffee is always looking for new ways to give back.

Last year, the owners helped fund the Studio R dance studio opened by Surfing The Nations that offers free dance classes to youth and other community members free of charge. "We strive to be more than a cup of coffee in all of our interactions with customers and are always looking for additional ways to support the community," said Duy.

Embodying the Aloha Spirit in everything they do, Surfers Coffee serves up one of the best coffees you'll ever taste, but more importantly, they make the community of Wahiawa - and the entire island of Oahu - better.

For more information about Surfers Coffee Bar, including their hours and menu, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. You can read more about Surfing The Nations here. Have you ever been to this Wahiawa coffee collective before? What’s your go-to order? Sound off in the comments.

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