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There have been a few evolutions of Hilo’s preeminent coffee shop, Kope Kope, but ultimately it has become the best in town; possibly on the Big Island. It’s not their yummy coffee alone that designates it as such, though their choice of using fresh roasted beans from Hilo Coffee Mill seems to work (a local company whose owners were the original proprietors of Kope Kope ’til October 2004, who left to focus on growing their own pesticide-free beans, as well as providing coffee processing for smaller East side coffee farmers and choice beans from around Hawai’i and the world). Perhaps the main attraction for Kope Kope though is the casual space, mellow environment, and eclectic style.
The Kope Kope staff seem to comprehend the needs of their customers, whether it’s the local old guys and gals who like a cool relaxing space to enjoy their morning brew, or the middle-aged entrepreneur using it as their own “office”, to the younger crew who appreciate, in a town needing for such spaces, an artistic-friendly meeting ground, to play music or see local musicians, for study dates, to get one’s 
art or photos displayed on the wall…. (And, as a consistent observer, I’ve noticed it tends toward its most upbeat, friendly vibe when the crabapple owner is not there.) Kope lends it’s windows to flyers for events, sells local wares, and most importantly doesn’t haggle with their customers over internet fees (you have your own laptop, just make a $3 purchase and use the wireless all you like – otherwise there are a couple computers you can use for a small charge; $6 an hour).
If I had to make one complaint about the place, it’s their use of the microwave instead of steaming -via the espresso machine- their eggs. Anyone slightly health conscious will want to stay away from them since microwaves essentially render proteins unrecognizable by the body, which puts them instead in the “toxic” category and forces the body to work overtime to eliminate them – not good. While we’re on the subject, you might also want to skip their soups, which at least the last time I asked are from a can, and their smoothies, which despite the fact that tropical fruits abound, theirs are blended up chock-full of frozen corn syrupy stuff and nothing fresh.
But other that that, they make some healthy salads, healthy-sized sandwiches and wraps, occasional surprises like homemade lasagna, and are among the few places around town that can supply this Jewish princess with a bagel, lox and cream cheese (ask for it open face with onions!). As a bonus, on the weekends you can enjoy some Belgium Waffles with fruit and gobs of whipped cream – comparable to the ones served at Bear’s Coffee Shop.
On occasion you may find yourself cozy on their couch, really getting into your school work, focusing on completing a deadline, bantering over the days surf session, when suddenly, seemingly out of the blue, the most god-awful sounds will begin emanating from the “stage”; a sort of Broadway musical gone awry. I will not say anything bad about it though -um, despite what I said already- ’cause I think one of the singers is the owner’s honey and ultimately it’s cute and anything that isn’t Jawaiian 24-7 is nice for a change.
The business is for sale, or at least it’s been listed as such with Re/Max all summer; only $147,000 (lease hold) if you’re a prospective owner. Hopefully the new owner will keep the place casual and community-oriented – and be a little more congenial than the current one!
So skip Starbucks to catch some innovative sounds, get some computer work done, and enjoy some of the best coffee in Hilo.
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Kope-Kope (at the Hilo Shopping Center)
1261 Kilauea Ave #220, Hilo • (808)933-1221
or their new Satellite Location inside CU Hawai’i, Kea’au Bypass Road at Milo Street (808)982-3865
Check out their new extended hours…
Monday-Friday 6:30 am – 9pm
Saturday 7:30am – 9pm
Sunday 7:30am – 6:00pm
With extended late night hours especially during the summer for events. (psst…we wouldn’t mind if you opened a little earlier on the weekends!!! xo)
And check out Kope’s Events Calendar for everything from music, cabaret, swing dancing and spoken word!
(Hopefully they’ll update it more often) And see Coconut Girl Wireless Events for info on the Electric Love event in October!
