I'm not the biggest Starbucks diehard like so many out there. In fact, I am barely reaching gold status for the first time ever, and only because there was a super bonus star promotion I scored on. That being said, I enjoy Starbucks from time to time, and this location is probably my favorite in Kona. It's located in a tiny strip mall type setting (shares a building with a cupcake shop and a Bose/Apple shop), so parking can sometimes be a challenge. I haven't had any problems but I keep seeing that come up in reviews. The wifi has always worked great for me, although I only used it to test it. I'm not the guy you see at Starbucks who has their computer and is doing whatever it is they do for hours on end. I always thought that was kinda weird, the "Starbucks barflies". This isn't as big of a problem as it is in bigger cities though, where its hard to find any seat in places like Tokyo, because people literally sit there for hours doing who knows what- besides taking up valuable real estate. The lines don't seem to get out of hand here, and if anything, I let people go ahead of me while I try and figure out what I want to order. The Starbucks pros have always I intimidated me by their insanely detailed orders. I feel strange just asking for a cup of coffee. Very plain! The staff and service are always great, everyone is always friendly here. I haven't ever seen bad attitudes or bad customer service at this location. As I stated, I'm not the hippest Starbucks fanatic, so I often end up asking the employee for a recommendation. They are always polite and steer me in a good direction. Another cool thing I have seen is people coming in to get free used coffee grounds from Starbucks. They use it for composting or other gardening. I think that's cool they recycle, as I have seen other companies needlessly throw things away because it's against policy to give anything away. Another thing I love about Starbucks, and this is not pertaining to just this store, but the whole company- I think it's amazing they pay 100% tuition for up to a 4 year degree for all of their employees who are interested, even part timers. I have never heard or seen this anywhere else. Any teenager or young person who is working somewhere else, paying for tuition is crazy. If I were 18 again, I would work here and let Starbucks pay for my degree. Unbelievably cool! If I were to think of any gripe (which is hard), it would be maybe the prices are a little high for their "premium" drinks. I tried the new S'mores frapuccino and the large size cost a little over $6. I guess it's the same thought of paying big $$ for a beer at a bar when you can buy it for much less and drink at home. You are paying for the Starbucks name, and the experience. So it isn't too much of a gripe, but if it were a little bit cheaper, I would probably go there a lot more often. All in all, no complaints about this Starbucks, I will be back. Very soon I am guessing.
(4)
Greg L.
Waited 10min plus in line just to order, only 4 people in line. Wanted a traveler box of coffee, one. Told have to wait another 20 minutes. Clearly not on top of their game. There are other choices in town.
(1)
Laurie M.
Always friendly service with a smile, greetings and asking how you are. I enjoy choosing this Starbucks because of the staff.
(4)
Chelsea A.
Oh my god don't even bother with the drive thru here. It doesn't matter who is working it, they can never get your order right. Every time they somehow repeat it back to me correctly, then try to serve the wrong drink. So then I pull forward and wait, and what they bring out is still wrong. Not worth the effort...maybe it's time to let my Starbucks gold card expire. Womp womp
(2)
Frank G.
The interior of this Starbucks is far nicer and larger than the old location on Palani Rd. However, exterior seating area is smaller, sterile and uninviting. The new corner location is not nearly as convenient or as easy to access and parking is a problem. I like the earlier opening hours. Staff is as friendly as they always have been and make it an enjoyable place to start the day. They desperately need to reset interior thermostat. Even with a jacket I was cold. It must have been around 60 degrees or less in the corner. On Thursday, Howard Schultz walked in and sat down for a moment, apparently to visit and inspect. Must give credit to someone who can take someone else's great concept and develop yet another successful concept. Hopefully some of the original culture has seeped back into company.
(4)
Robert A.
To me coffee is coffee but I continue to go to this Starbucks drive thru because the service is amazing! All employees have a great attitude and always go out of their way to make you happy.
(3)
Kenny C.
What can I say.......it's just another Starbucks......but this one has a drive-thru.
(3)
Amber C.
The bathrooms and tables are filthy. Sat outside on the lanai and all I could hear was the drive through waitress. She was incredibly courteous to the customers though, something rare for a Starbucks.
(1)
Bob M.
Must have hit a bad day. Coffee was stale. No skim milk. The parking lot is a zoo. Almost hit twice trying to park. Ugh. Lots of kona coffee shops with parking wifi less expensive. Not for me.
(2)
Rachita B.
This was a pretty normal Starbucks. We ordered the classic oatmeal and the blueberry oatmeal. The classic came with brown sugar, nuts, and dried fruits. The blueberry came with fresh blueberries, agave syrup, and nuts. The presentation was nice and the delivery was speedy! What's awesome is that the barista gave us a cup of milk for free! If you're looking for a place to hang out, this is a good sbux because it is spacious and has clean restrooms!
(4)
Sam G.
I needed a Starbucks to study and this one was the one I picked. I had to wait 5 minutes to order even though there were no customers in line. Then once some haole lady come walk in and cut me, the cashier goes to the register and talks to her. I was about to leave then but the guy rang me up and apologized and brought my drink to my seat. Good recovery. Here's a quick summary, my thoughts: Pros: 1) Same menu, maybe some regional coffee 2) Ok location on major intersection 3) Nice interior, big table with multiple outlets on power strips underneath, cushioned barstool and 4 love seats 4) Drive-thru (although I would never use it) Cons 1) Uphill and few parking shared with another business 2) Free Wifi kicked in and out. Annoying and slow 3) A/C kicked in and it got hella cold sitting there for a couple of hours. Better to sit outside since it's always nice (but no outlets)
(3)
Kathy K.
My comments are primarily about the new location. The "old" Starbucks on Palani Road was convenient - at least for me. I could buy dinner makings at KTA and then grab a coffee. Or get some cash at the credit union and then grab a coffee. You get the idea. That Starbucks was close to a number of stores/services that I use. Not now. It's close to nothing and access is confusing. Maybe after a few more visits, I'll learn how to get there driving makai on Henry Street, but this afternoon I turned around in the McDonald's parking lot to face the right way on Kuakini. (I'm sure McD's loves that!) One thing I do like is the addition of a couple more comfy chairs. I'll figure out non-busy times, so I can grab one. The outside seating area is quieter than I expected, given that the store is on a busy intersection. Now, if we could just get the loud cell-phone yakkers to go elsewhere!
(3)
s c.
WORST Starbucks ever! I truly deserves ZERO stars. I've had some pretty bad experiences at Starbucks' but this one has got to be the worst. Every order I witnessed was WRONG. I waited 15 minutes for my drink (which apparently is just syrup and juice from a carton) and watched as bartistas would look at it then put it down. I finally said something and they started on my drink. I ordered a TRENTA and they had out a venti cup in a trenta cup, so the barista actually made a VENTI. I paid for a TRENTA so I expect a trenta. The people there were so unorganized and made snarky remarks and faces. Will NEVER go back to this place because of this extremely awful experience.
(1)
Chris W.
Average Starbucks to me Wi-Fi good coffee interior was a little small compared to what I'm used to there was a sit down bar three or four two-seater tables and then one big group table which would be okay if there wasn't a couple of students taking up nearly the whole thing with your books and laptops all spread out which made it a two seater. But what can you do , there is 4 or 5 tables outside with a canopy, that's where we chose to set it was nice.
(4)
Bill C.
Great location, and excellent hours. The staff here are very friendly! I usually get a green iced tea lemonade- free refills if you are a green or gold member! I've seen many people ask for slight adjustments, and the staff are happy to oblige. The only thing is that I wish they had larger tables for large groups, because most of the large groups end up pushing tables together. Bill Tip: Honestly, I come here because it offers great hours to do work. On weekdays, they're open until 10pm, and Fri+ Sat they're open until 11pm.
Charles P.
I'm not the biggest Starbucks diehard like so many out there. In fact, I am barely reaching gold status for the first time ever, and only because there was a super bonus star promotion I scored on. That being said, I enjoy Starbucks from time to time, and this location is probably my favorite in Kona. It's located in a tiny strip mall type setting (shares a building with a cupcake shop and a Bose/Apple shop), so parking can sometimes be a challenge. I haven't had any problems but I keep seeing that come up in reviews. The wifi has always worked great for me, although I only used it to test it. I'm not the guy you see at Starbucks who has their computer and is doing whatever it is they do for hours on end. I always thought that was kinda weird, the "Starbucks barflies". This isn't as big of a problem as it is in bigger cities though, where its hard to find any seat in places like Tokyo, because people literally sit there for hours doing who knows what- besides taking up valuable real estate. The lines don't seem to get out of hand here, and if anything, I let people go ahead of me while I try and figure out what I want to order. The Starbucks pros have always I intimidated me by their insanely detailed orders. I feel strange just asking for a cup of coffee. Very plain! The staff and service are always great, everyone is always friendly here. I haven't ever seen bad attitudes or bad customer service at this location. As I stated, I'm not the hippest Starbucks fanatic, so I often end up asking the employee for a recommendation. They are always polite and steer me in a good direction. Another cool thing I have seen is people coming in to get free used coffee grounds from Starbucks. They use it for composting or other gardening. I think that's cool they recycle, as I have seen other companies needlessly throw things away because it's against policy to give anything away. Another thing I love about Starbucks, and this is not pertaining to just this store, but the whole company- I think it's amazing they pay 100% tuition for up to a 4 year degree for all of their employees who are interested, even part timers. I have never heard or seen this anywhere else. Any teenager or young person who is working somewhere else, paying for tuition is crazy. If I were 18 again, I would work here and let Starbucks pay for my degree. Unbelievably cool! If I were to think of any gripe (which is hard), it would be maybe the prices are a little high for their "premium" drinks. I tried the new S'mores frapuccino and the large size cost a little over $6. I guess it's the same thought of paying big $$ for a beer at a bar when you can buy it for much less and drink at home. You are paying for the Starbucks name, and the experience. So it isn't too much of a gripe, but if it were a little bit cheaper, I would probably go there a lot more often. All in all, no complaints about this Starbucks, I will be back. Very soon I am guessing.
(4)Greg L.
Waited 10min plus in line just to order, only 4 people in line. Wanted a traveler box of coffee, one. Told have to wait another 20 minutes. Clearly not on top of their game. There are other choices in town.
(1)Laurie M.
Always friendly service with a smile, greetings and asking how you are. I enjoy choosing this Starbucks because of the staff.
(4)Chelsea A.
Oh my god don't even bother with the drive thru here. It doesn't matter who is working it, they can never get your order right. Every time they somehow repeat it back to me correctly, then try to serve the wrong drink. So then I pull forward and wait, and what they bring out is still wrong. Not worth the effort...maybe it's time to let my Starbucks gold card expire. Womp womp
(2)Frank G.
The interior of this Starbucks is far nicer and larger than the old location on Palani Rd. However, exterior seating area is smaller, sterile and uninviting. The new corner location is not nearly as convenient or as easy to access and parking is a problem. I like the earlier opening hours. Staff is as friendly as they always have been and make it an enjoyable place to start the day. They desperately need to reset interior thermostat. Even with a jacket I was cold. It must have been around 60 degrees or less in the corner. On Thursday, Howard Schultz walked in and sat down for a moment, apparently to visit and inspect. Must give credit to someone who can take someone else's great concept and develop yet another successful concept. Hopefully some of the original culture has seeped back into company.
(4)Robert A.
To me coffee is coffee but I continue to go to this Starbucks drive thru because the service is amazing! All employees have a great attitude and always go out of their way to make you happy.
(3)Kenny C.
What can I say.......it's just another Starbucks......but this one has a drive-thru.
(3)Amber C.
The bathrooms and tables are filthy. Sat outside on the lanai and all I could hear was the drive through waitress. She was incredibly courteous to the customers though, something rare for a Starbucks.
(1)Bob M.
Must have hit a bad day. Coffee was stale. No skim milk. The parking lot is a zoo. Almost hit twice trying to park. Ugh. Lots of kona coffee shops with parking wifi less expensive. Not for me.
(2)Rachita B.
This was a pretty normal Starbucks. We ordered the classic oatmeal and the blueberry oatmeal. The classic came with brown sugar, nuts, and dried fruits. The blueberry came with fresh blueberries, agave syrup, and nuts. The presentation was nice and the delivery was speedy! What's awesome is that the barista gave us a cup of milk for free! If you're looking for a place to hang out, this is a good sbux because it is spacious and has clean restrooms!
(4)Sam G.
I needed a Starbucks to study and this one was the one I picked. I had to wait 5 minutes to order even though there were no customers in line. Then once some haole lady come walk in and cut me, the cashier goes to the register and talks to her. I was about to leave then but the guy rang me up and apologized and brought my drink to my seat. Good recovery. Here's a quick summary, my thoughts: Pros: 1) Same menu, maybe some regional coffee 2) Ok location on major intersection 3) Nice interior, big table with multiple outlets on power strips underneath, cushioned barstool and 4 love seats 4) Drive-thru (although I would never use it) Cons 1) Uphill and few parking shared with another business 2) Free Wifi kicked in and out. Annoying and slow 3) A/C kicked in and it got hella cold sitting there for a couple of hours. Better to sit outside since it's always nice (but no outlets)
(3)Kathy K.
My comments are primarily about the new location. The "old" Starbucks on Palani Road was convenient - at least for me. I could buy dinner makings at KTA and then grab a coffee. Or get some cash at the credit union and then grab a coffee. You get the idea. That Starbucks was close to a number of stores/services that I use. Not now. It's close to nothing and access is confusing. Maybe after a few more visits, I'll learn how to get there driving makai on Henry Street, but this afternoon I turned around in the McDonald's parking lot to face the right way on Kuakini. (I'm sure McD's loves that!) One thing I do like is the addition of a couple more comfy chairs. I'll figure out non-busy times, so I can grab one. The outside seating area is quieter than I expected, given that the store is on a busy intersection. Now, if we could just get the loud cell-phone yakkers to go elsewhere!
(3)s c.
WORST Starbucks ever! I truly deserves ZERO stars. I've had some pretty bad experiences at Starbucks' but this one has got to be the worst. Every order I witnessed was WRONG. I waited 15 minutes for my drink (which apparently is just syrup and juice from a carton) and watched as bartistas would look at it then put it down. I finally said something and they started on my drink. I ordered a TRENTA and they had out a venti cup in a trenta cup, so the barista actually made a VENTI. I paid for a TRENTA so I expect a trenta. The people there were so unorganized and made snarky remarks and faces. Will NEVER go back to this place because of this extremely awful experience.
(1)Chris W.
Average Starbucks to me Wi-Fi good coffee interior was a little small compared to what I'm used to there was a sit down bar three or four two-seater tables and then one big group table which would be okay if there wasn't a couple of students taking up nearly the whole thing with your books and laptops all spread out which made it a two seater. But what can you do , there is 4 or 5 tables outside with a canopy, that's where we chose to set it was nice.
(4)Bill C.
Great location, and excellent hours. The staff here are very friendly! I usually get a green iced tea lemonade- free refills if you are a green or gold member! I've seen many people ask for slight adjustments, and the staff are happy to oblige. The only thing is that I wish they had larger tables for large groups, because most of the large groups end up pushing tables together. Bill Tip: Honestly, I come here because it offers great hours to do work. On weekdays, they're open until 10pm, and Fri+ Sat they're open until 11pm.
(4)