Kona Island Coffee is the newest food truck near FHS. Opening in 2023, the family-owned business has two locations: one directly across the street from FHS, and one near Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Inspired by a trip to Hawaii, their goal is to serve the perfect cup of coffee. Beyond coffee, they also have crepes, and aspire to continue expanding their food menu to include tropical flavors.
Some menu items include their Maui crepe, Kamoa mocha and hot chocolate. While their crepe menu is extensive, their Maui Crepe takes the cake with its range of salty to hearty ube flavors. Inspired by creme brulee, a traditional French dessert, the crepe integrates a creme brulee’s sweet vanilla flavor, custard and even its hard sugar shell. Topped with house-made coconut whipped cream, strawberries, pistachio pieces and a glob of cream with the signature burnt sugar topping, the presentation is beautiful. The crepe is filled with custard, creating a sweet and sticky dessert with added texture from the nuts and crystallized sugar. The creamy vanilla paired with pistachios, strawberries and coconut flavors work really well together creating a cohesive and delicious meal. It is a solid nine out of 10.
As for their drinks, they have many options. Their sections include non-coffee drinks, iced drinks, Kona pour-overs, espressos and Kona specialties. One of their Kona specialties is the Kamoa mocha. As the name suggests, this drink includes a mix of coffee and chocolate with a little island twist. They paired their original Kona Island Espresso with dark chocolate, added raspberry flavor and topped with their whipped cream. This unique combination of flavors tastes like a liquid chocolate-covered raspberry. The drink encapsulates the essence of the fruit, allowing the drinker to taste the tartness and sweetness that comes with it. Overall, it is a seven out of 10.
One of their non-caffeinated options includes a hot chocolate. Their hot chocolate is topped with their signature whipped cream making it rich and creamy. This seemingly simple drink is done so well by Kona Island Coffee. It is definitely an eight out of 10.
As the new school year began, students became curious about the new truck off campus. Unfortunately, the coffee shop is only open at the FHS location on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., so when hungry students go to explore the new food options they are met with disappointment. Since most students like to stay close to school during lunch, the restaurants near FHS gain a large amount of customers.
“[The fact that it is only open on Sundays is something they] should consider changing at some point because I feel like they could bring in a lot of revenue with opening it during school hours,” FHS senior Katie Kunishige said.
While the Kona Island Coffee truck by FHS is not open daily, it is still another great option for lunch that everybody should try.
