In Tahiti, coffee is not just a drink: it is a moment of sharing, deeply rooted in our customs. Here, saying “let’s have a coffee” often means “let’s have breakfast.” It has become a state of mind, a shared moment before starting the day, a convivial break at the end of the day, often with grandmothers or aunts.
The custom is old, but the practices have been modernised: it is consumed as a latte, hot or cold, sometimes even blended with ice cubes.
Although coffee time remains an important ritual for many Polynesians, the faster pace of life has changed habits. Nowadays, it is common to drink coffee on the go or buy it at roadside stands.
In fact, a new concept has emerged in recent years in Tahiti: “roadside coffee”. Several vendors have set up shop at strategic locations along the roads of Papeete, offering a quick and friendly alternative to traditional coffee.
Locally, there are a few coffee producers in Tahiti, the Austral Islands and the Marquesas Islands. The most commonly consumed coffee is still industrially produced, purchased in supermarkets (instant, ground, beans or capsules).
But coffee culture is much more sophisticated: we value the moment, we seek more variety and higher quality. And it was in this context that Kaūa’a was born in November 2022.
Kaūa’a: A passion for coffee
In the heart of Papeete (Prince Hinoï Street), Kaūa’a has established itself as a benchmark for specialty coffee. More than just a coffee shop, it is a place designed to showcase coffee in all its glory: its origin, its terroir, its transformation, and above all, the pleasure of sharing it.
A specialty coffee
At Kaūa’a, 100% of our coffee comes from the specialty sector. This means complete traceability, from producer to cup; quality rated according to an international scale; and an ethical and sustainable commitment to producers, with guaranteed prices, even in the event of a poor harvest. The beans come from all over the world: Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Rwanda, depending on the seasons, climates, and availability of resources.
Understanding coffee
The quality of a specialty coffee goes far beyond the variety of bean. As with wine or cocoa, it is a subtle alchemy between terroir, climate, soil and processing method.
The terroir directly influences the aromatic profile. Coffee grown at high altitudes develops more slowly, allowing natural sugars, organic acids and aromas to become more concentrated. The result is greater acidity, complexity and intensity in the cup.
The tropical climate, with moderate temperatures and a marked difference between day and night, promotes grain balance. Too much heat or humidity is detrimental to quality, while a good balance promotes vibrant, clean coffees.
Artisanal roasting in Papeete
All coffees are roasted on site at Kaūa’a’s workshop in Prince Hinoï. This local roasting process brings out the unique aromas of each origin by adjusting the profiles for each batch. It is a meticulous process that prioritises finesse and respect for the bean, without excessive processing.
Personalised support
At Kaūa’a, we don’t just serve good coffee. We also take the time to advise you and guide you towards the right origin and grind, based on your tastes and brewing method. You leave with a bag of coffee ground on site, on request, ready to use at home. A genuine desire to share knowledge and make coffee accessible, both for curious amateurs and demanding enthusiasts.
In your cup
On site, the Kaūa’a team takes pride in preparing coffee in the most natural way possible: little or no sugar, no added flavours, and above all, no unnecessary processing. The goal is to preserve the authenticity of the bean and offer a cup that fully reflects its origin and terroir.
Much more than just coffee
At Kaūa’a, people also come to take their time, sit down, chat and enjoy a simple, genuine moment. In addition to their drinks, the coffee shop offers a homemade menu for breakfast or lunch, with fresh, carefully prepared food that is always in line with their commitment to quality.
As mentioned earlier, having a coffee in Tahiti is something symbolic. And that is exactly what Kaūa’a wants to convey through its venue: a moment to relax, share and enjoy.
