Hawaiian coffee concept lands in Seoul

1 min readUpdated May 26, 2025Jan 30, 201511:00 PM

A Hawaiian coffee concept already popular in Tokyo has now made its debut in Korea.

Lanai Cafe is a Hawaiian Kona Coffee shop serving coffee, pancakes, desserts and drinks.

Kona is ranked as one of the world’s top three coffee beans alongside Jamaican Blue Mountain and Kenyan Kilimanjaro. It is brewed by pour over for each cup which draws its unique aroma and flavour.

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What this means

Lanai Cafe's entry into Seoul, following its Tokyo success, is a calculated move to use a premium product in a receptive market. Korean consumers demonstrate a strong appetite for international, high-quality food and beverage experiences, making this a promising, albeit competitive, new frontier. The pour-over method for a top-tier bean like Kona offers a distinct value proposition, differentiating it from mass-market chains. While other brands have similarly expanded within Asia, Lanai Cafe's niche focus on a single origin positions it well against broad-menu competitors. This venture pressures local speciality coffee shops and international chains alike to innovate their premium offerings. Watch for reports on its customer reception and potential further expansion across Southeast Asia.

Maria Santos

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