Here’s the Scoop on Kaimukī’s New Matcha and Coffee Spot

Left, matcha liliko‘i soda; right, Daily Whisk Matcha co-owner Summer Shiigi. Photos: Nikki Jennifer / Aaron K. Yoshino

Caffeine fans already know Kaimukī as a must-stop for great coffee. Now they’ve got another reason to hit the foodie-friendly neighborhood: Daily Whisk Matcha, a sweet little matcha shop that recently opened on 11^th Avenue. 

Technically, Daily Whisk is actually a matcha shop within a shop—the Ten Tomorrow clothing boutique to be exact. This makes sense once you learn that Ten Tomorrow designer Summer Shiigi is one of Daily Whisk’s owners, along with friends Noa Laporga and Angelina Khan, owners of downtown’s Skull & Crown Trading Co., and Norm Morya of Kula Threads. 

SEE ALSO: First Look: Skull & Crown Trading Co. in Downtown Honolulu’s Chinatown

The idea started brewing during the pandemic, when Laporga and Khan pitched the idea of opening a coffee shop within Ten Tomorrow. It was perfect timing for Shiigi, who was looking to expand the store experience in a way that would set it apart from shopping online. Her only stipulation was that they switch the concept to matcha, as she had stopped drinking coffee during the pandemic. 

Left, matcha lemonade; right, matcha latte. Photos: Nikki Jennifer

Expect classic matcha lattes, made with Uji matcha from Japan, and hojicha lattes—hojicha is made by roasting green tea leaves over charcoal—which offer a fuller, almost nutty flavor. Whole, oat, soy and almond milk are all on hand. Purists should beeline for the matcha-cano, which, as you probably guessed, is a take on an Americano, unsweetened with organic matcha. And for a more adventurous option, check out the matcha lavender latte made with Pono Potions’ delicately floral Ali‘i Lavender syrup.

When afternoon rolls around, with all its sticky heat, Daily Whisk’s sparkling matcha liliko‘i soda and chilly matcha lemonade are top of mind. The baristas will even whip up an off-menu matcha-free liliko‘i lemonade for keiki if you ask. 

Hot matcha drinks clock in at 12 ounces and iced drinks at a cool 16 ounces. All are hand-whisked with chasen, bamboo whisks used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Because of that, “service might be a little slower, but it’s worth the wait,” says Shiigi. “We want to bring back the art of matcha and celebrate all the nuances that come with it.”

Fresh fruit sando. Photo: Nikki Jennifer

Not that Daily Whisk forgot about coffee diehards. They’re covered with Americanos and caffè lattes—available in salted mac nut, honey and vanilla flavors—made with freshly roasted beans from Kailua-based Tradition Coffee Roasters.

The menu also features small savory bites including simple butter rolls lightly dusted with rock salt, a drool-worthy arabiki bun with a slice of bacon draped brazenly across the top, and a cheesy puff stuffed with mushroom, cheddar and Parmesan. Plus, fresh fruit sandos loaded with kiwi, strawberries, bananas and blueberries—a special that you’ll want to watch their Instagram for. 

Left, cheese and mushroom puff; right, iced matcha latte. Photos: Nikki Jennifer

You can grab and go from the counter, or snag a seat on the breezy covered porch—the shop is housed in a quaint two-story cottage. There’s bar and bench seating, and a community table to park it at. 

Either way, you can take advantage of the best perk of a matcha shop within a boutique—shopping while waiting. Daily Whisk stocks ceramics, including spouted matcha bowls and cups, from local potters. And just a few feet away, you can browse the full Ten Tomorrow womenswear line, along with fresh releases from local labels, including Jules & Gem candles, i.a.m. jewelry and Umbrella Collective handbags. 

Open daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1114 11^th Ave., (808) 490-3436, dailywhiskmatcha.com, @dailywhiskmatcha