Starbucks

I agree with the reviewer below. I’ve been coming to this starbucks and lanikai juice for years but the new parking situation completely turned me off. I completely recognize that this is SALT/​our kakaako/​KS’ fault, and I’ve already expressed my feelings to them as well. I only post here in the hopes that the manager of this starbucks can try to use this feedback to negotiate some sort of better plan (hopefully they at least get a portion of the $ or reduced rent or something).
It is not the greed or the money that is annoying, it’s the fact that this policy was so poorly implemented. In the early mornings when people are on their way to work and running in to grab a coffee, it is so ridiculous to have to do this whole charade with the parking. Needing to get validation for 10 minutes is annoying, but not nearly as annoying as the traffic jam that now occurs because of the gate to exit (you need to stick your validation card in and wait for the gate to lift) which slows things down considerably. What usually took 10 minutes took me 25. I tried to ask the parking manager who to speak to about this and he just rudely replied «kamehameha schools.»
It would be very easy to have the exit gate open in the morning (maybe only until 8:00 a.m.). People could still take a ticket so if you stayed past 8:00 a.m. you would still need to pay whatever their ridiculous parking fees are. But at least that way the early morning in and out crowd that frequents starbucks/​lankikai juice in the a.m. would be able to do their in and out runs in peace.
I’ve completely stopped coming here because of the annoying parking — I just go to the starbucks on ward (by sports authority) where there is easy parking.

I’ve been coming to this Starbucks for years (they are right across from my office) and have always gotten good service. Very friendly, energetic, and accurate staff.
Within the last month however, the «Salt» building owners decided to try to make an extra buck by making what was once a free parking lot into a pay by the hour parking lot. The Starbucks employee did inform me I had a 15 minute «grace period» to get in and out of the lot or they could validate. Figuring I was within the grace period, I foolishly headed out the Starbucks door only to arrive at the exit gate and effectively turned my $ 3.00 Americano into a $ 5.00 irritation.
I understand this is not Starbuck’s fault and the guilt is purely by association of location and circumstance. But based on the the property management’s greed, I will go elsewhere for my coffee in the morning.

As a dog, I rate it ⁴⁄₅ stars for dog friendliness. Us dogs can hang out in the patio outside but can’t go inside (which means it’s easy to bring a pup if there are multiple humans, but not if there’s just one human).
As for the coffee — well, it’s Starbucks and I’m pretty sure everyone already knows what Starbucks is like. The parking here is plentiful, which is nice.

Excellent service, awesome and friendly staff, and I highly recommend this Starbucks location. Every time I come here the staff knows me and knows my drink. I could be waiting in line and they would know my drink. They would have my drink ready for me right at the cash register. That’s what I’m talking about excellent service. Not too many places will remember your drink and your name… especially at this very busy Ward Avenue Starbucks location.

Interesting to see past reviews saying the crew here is so friendly. That hasn’t been my experience. They are cordial at best. No good morning, no thank you. I’m used to the super friendly baristas at the Bishop downtown location so it was a little off putting. Three stars for cleanliness and typical starbucks quality. It’s a busy location like others have said so if you don’t have to stop here and will pass by another location, then I’d recommend that.

This is perhaps one of the busiest SB locations on the island, so don’t expect a quick in-​and-​out experience. Baristas, for the most part, have excellent customer service skills. Location/​setting, particularly at night, however, can be less than ideal. It’s not uncommon to find large groups of people occupying the outside seating areas, moving 75% of the chairs and desks to accommodate for their group — very inconsiderate. Also, if you aren’t a fan of cigarette smoke, I’ve often experienced patrons smoking in the outside areas despite there being a number of no smoking signs. Not once have I seen anyone (from Starbucks, the police, or other patrons) confront them about it.

I come here almost everyday, there are always 20 people in line and I have never had faster or kinder service. Everyone is a really hard worker and super sweet to me always. It is never less then a delightful experience.

I usually always come here to study since their coffees are cheap and good, free wifi, great service, and this location opens until midnight! However, just come maybe before 6pm or be prepared to come with your computers or tablets more than halfway charged if you’re planning to do work because since it seems like everyone studies here, the tables by the outlets are always taken. Also, i would recommend bringing a thick jacket because inside the store is really chilly.

Hot spot indeed. This is one of my favorite Starbucks locations.
Perfect for when I need to make a coffee pit stop. This place is always busy. I love the hours.
I sometimes get off of work and come straight here to do some hw. Lots of outlets and free wifi.

Perhaps considered THE location that embodies the Starbuck’s spirit to the fullest, this location is probably the best Starbucks in Honolulu. Bustling with people, nice baristas, and plentiful indoor and outdoor seating, you will find anyone from young professionals meeting up, to community members casually reading the newspaper. Talk about community.
No you don’t have to have things to do to visit. You can grab a cup of coffee and people watch! Perhaps many of them will be on their phones or laptops, but there are plenty of those who have interesting, whether annoying or not, who chat on their phones, meet and talk story, or laugh loudly. Quite entertaining, or cheap entertainment for that matter. Who says everything is expensive on the island?
There are lounge chairs outside where you can nestle as you sip on a frap to enjoy the rays of the sun or stay fully or semi-​protected under one of the plentiful umbrellas. Combined with chill music, excellent natural lighting, and a variety of seating options, this Starbucks makes for a great location to be, whether rain or shine, or busy or not. It’s for everyone.

Aiden… U rock. I hope u get a raise, bonus, or pat on the back because service like yours is legendary. My kid dropped his iced tea all over the parking lot, we went back in to pay for another (cause it was our fault, I knew that), but dear sweet Aiden the barista made us another one FReE of charge :) and he told us a joke which made me laugh after a seemingly embarrassing drink faux pax outside. It truly is the exceptional service that makes me return to certain Starbucks (Kahala Mall, Date Street, Kam shopping center) for expensive coffee and food :) yeah, it’s a treat to go, but fun to return!

Its always time for coffee. I come here with my friends and talk for hours. It is always busy. AC is super cold and drinks are the best. If you don’t like your drink, you can always give it back and they will make a new one.
Today I received an offer with my receipt. It is a $ 2.50 any cold grande beverage if I come back after 2pm today. This location closes at 12am so I have lots of time to take advantage of this order! I feel like a lucky girl!
I enjoy this location and it is close to a lot of shopping and eating places too. Its a great place to hang out.

Good Starbucks location. Very friendly staff and made my drink fairly quickly. Nothing to complain about! They have a few tables inside as well as outside

Huge inside with plenty of seating, as well as lots of seating outside, including comfy patio furniture. But it’s usually pretty packed.

I’ve been coming to this Starbucks for a while now, due to the location.
The pros are that it has a bathroom, unlike the other Statbucks in Waikiki. But there is only one bathroom and you have to wait in line sometimes. Unfortunately, it’s pretty dirty and smells like urine. And sometimes the toilet paper runs out, but at least the staff is nice enough to refill the toilet paper pretty quickly. Just wish they would clean it. It smells the same everyday, but maybe there are loads of people missing their target. Who knows.
The pros are that it is air conditioned (pretty chilly, but I like it) and there is a lot of seats outside. Sometimes you have to run to a table if you are there to work on your laptop while you sip on some java, tea, or what not.
My only grip is with the staff working the shift tonight (6÷27÷15 @9:40pm), especially the young guy. None of the staff were very friendly tonight and especially the guy, whom got my drinks incorrect and made a smirk comment how I accidentally called the Carmel Spice drink an Apple Cider. I was standing right there too. Does he not think I can hear him? I was kind of upset about that. It was just rude.
Why do I come back if I’m not a fan? Because of the location. The other Starbucks next to the Ward Entertainment Center is a little too small and doesn’t have enough seats. Too bad.

My boyfriend and I showed up ten minutes before closing, and after we fussed around with our Starbucks apps, we took forever to pick out sandwiches as well. Our drinks were not easy to make either, and I just wanted to give this place five stars for the service. I understand that being on your feet all day can be terribly exhausting, yet these people kept it together well past midnight. I have a lot of respect for people who can stay positive despite being so clearly exhausted.
I used to date a guy who worked at a Starbucks for a little bit, so I know that the training is not very extensive in terms of how to deal with irate customers in a high stress situation. There has always seemed to be a rather high turnover rate of employees in this company, but mostly the baristas seemed to just go through memory training regarding what goes into certain drinks. So, I am impressed when a Starbucks employee goes above and beyond and keeps the coffee shop environment positive even after the store is closed.
Great work guys! Keep it up!
PROS:
1. Outdoor Seating Area (plenty of seats and umbrellas!)
2. Free Wi-​Fi (obviously)
3. Location (centrally located near Kaka’ako)
4. Big and Spacious Indoors (also plenty of seats)
5. Good place to study
6. Open late
CONS:
1. VERY RARELY, some bums/​very stinky people come in to this location, but that’s nothing they can help, and like I said, the service is great here. The baristas and cashiers are all very professional regardless of the person they are dealing with.

I love this Starbucks because I usually pick up shifts at night as a lyft driver and I can go there to take breaks and go to the bathroom cause it closes late.
There’s plenty of sitting and the internet is fast, the baristas are cool and the bathroom is clean in a regular basis.

This Starbucks seems to be the most conveniently located one in town. The Starbucks closer to the theater is small with minimal seating inside, while this one is larger with more seating inside along with additional seating outside. Recently it seems that they’ve added a couch out there too!
One warning about this location: at times it can get very VERY busy, with a long line to order, and a sea of customers waiting for their drink to be served. However, you never seem to wait a ridiculously long time, and I’ve never had a complaint about any drink I’ve ever ordered.
This location seems to be a hotspot for college students and the working adult, with lots of outlets and the free wifi. Around exam time it gets pretty packed. Also, if you’re planning to stay at a table inside for a while, make sure you bring a jacket. It’s one of the colder Starbucks I’ve ever been to.
One more note about this Starbucks location: If you’re looking for Starbucks-​brand gifts, come here. Their wall is full of Starbucks coffee grinds/​beans and mugs. Cheers!

Believe it or not I used to work at a Starbucks many moons ago. The great thing about working at Starbucks is that it allows you to try everything for free! Unfortunately, the Starbucks that I used to work at no longer exists. It was torn down when the Ala Moana Sears was destroyed. After working at Starbucks, I fell in love. I changed from not liking coffee much to relishing its caffeinated essence.
Nowadays, my drink of choice is a simple black iced coffee. It’s one of the strongest drinks Starbucks has! It’s brewed at double strength. This may be a strange thing to say, but I don’t sweeten or add cream because I enjoy it’s bitter and strong qualities. If you were to add syrup, I recommend hazelnut. I think it goes best. I used to get hazelnut in my iced coffee all the time with one less pump of syrup for the perfect taste. What’s really cool is that you can get a refill for only 50 cents.
Fun fact: This Starbucks is the busiest one on the island! Even though they are really busy, it never really takes too long to get a drink made. Parking and inside seating on the other hand can take a while if you like to park close and sit with air conditioning.
The employees have always been pleasant and it has always been relatively clean. They currently have a awesome promotion where if you buy a drink before 2pm, you can get grand sized drink after 2pm for only $ 2.

Enee mini miney mo… oh, Starbucks you have so many locations that I enjoy… how do I choose?
This location is a favorite of ours because of its location that is near to shopping, entertainment and walking areas that we frequent. There are plenty of businesses and dining areas around that you could stop in here for either a late afternoon pick-​me up or an after dinner night cap. It’s always busy here… similar to its Kahala location. Service is friendly, efficient and well-​organized. The cashiers and baristas show great team spirit as they move the lines of caffeine crazed people through… quickly.
I’ve dreaded being called the «stopper» in line so I ALWAYS come prepared with a written secret recipe whenever it’s time for me to cash in my rewards. The baristas whip out my order in a matter of a few minutes and I’m off and running while downing the delicious concoction. The barista crafted beverages are always flavor consistent and delicious.
There are lots of indoor and outdoor seating options available. Although, a lot of tables fill with students or office workers who use the free wi-​Fi service. No problem, Starbucks has made their clean dining environment to allow everyone to relax and chill out.