Sign Up for Free Stuff, Concert, Dining Info, and More
SHARE
SEND A LINK
SITE MAP
flag
the grid
2010-04-22 tracking Food section

Food & Drink


Big Wave Espresso


Drive-up coffee stand a sight for caffeine-deprived eyes


April 21, 2010 | 01:08 PM
Big Wave Espresso
333 Dairy Rd., Kahului
M-F, 5:30am-6pm; Sat., 6am-5pm; Sun. 7am-1pm
www.bigwaveespresso.com
Getting coffee from a seasoned barista or coffee expert can really take things up a notch. For coffee aficionados like me, it makes all the difference. I just can't settle for a gas-station cup of Joe. So when I discovered Big Wave Espresso, a drive-through coffee shack at 333 Dairy Road, I was pleasantly surprised to find some of the most exotic gourmet blends on the island.

For Floyd Tatum and his wife, Letty, Big Wave Espresso is a dream six years in the making. Hailing from the Seattle area, they know their coffee and are excited to grow their business here with Maui-grown products. "I have tried all kinds of coffee, and some of the best coffee in the world is grown here," says Floyd.

The tropical-themed shack is modest, but the coffee menu is extensive. The first time I visited, Floyd offered me the white coffee, saying Big Wave is the only place in Hawaii serving it. White coffee is brewed from a flash-roasted bean, which means less acidity (good news for those with sensitive stomachs). Looking at the hot brewed liquid you'd think it was a murky tea, but don't let appearances fool you. This brew packs a caffeinated punch. Floyd makes his white coffee with white chocolate and cream, turning it into a decadent delight.

On my second visit Floyd offered up "The Chronic," which he said he makes every day for himself. It's strong and sweet, thick and shake-like. It was my second cup of the day, meaning I'd be up for hours—luckily it was Saturday.

Big Wave is all about the beverages and light on food. The only grinds right now are banana-nut or apple-crumb muffins. If you aren't a coffee drinker, they also serve smoothies, sorbets and energy drinks like Monster. The Tatums are also supporting live music on Maui by throwing an all ages, once-a-month "Rock the Lot" live music night. (Last month the featured band was Mobius Project, whose young members can't gig inside alcohol-serving establishments.) "Rock the Lot" also raises donations for the Maui Public Library system, so you can sip your coffee with a clear head and conscience.

print
Print
email
Email Link
Comment
Feedback
share
Share

Tags: Big Wave Espresso

  1. print email
    Big Wave = good
    April 25, 2010 | 07:08 PM

    I'm glad Floyd, Letty, and Big Wave are getting some recognition for their efforts. These are two of the hardest working people I know. Big Wave has some of the best coffee/smoothies on the island, and the're great people. Thank you to Maui Time for doing this write-up on them and giving them a nod.

    PS - I play in The Mobius Project and wanna say thanks for mentioning us, but I do have a correction. Everyone in TMP is on the better side of 25...in fact 3/4 of us are teachers in Kihei at various schools. We helped put together the Rock In The Lot with Big Wave because we saw that a lot of younger musicians had no place to play outside of the alcohol serving establishments, and there was some good music from people under 21. That combined with a desire to help the community lead to the RITL.

    Jeremiah of The Mobius Project
  2. print email
    Ok just how can I get a cup a day via over here in So Cal?
    June 10, 2010 | 03:48 PM

    Such a really great way to live! God Bless you guys!

    Terry Dudinsky Cody
  3. print email
    Clarification
    September 13, 2010 | 05:23 PM

    I notice you Jen you use the words "brewed" a few times. This is espresso coffee and not that filtered stuff I presume ? Espresso isn't brewed. If so I look forward to trying it when I am over in Maui.

    Andy of Australia
  4. print email
    Deadbeat
    November 10, 2010 | 07:24 AM

    Floyd is a complete deadbeat. He stuck numerous people and businesses with unpaid bills on the mainland before he fled to Maui. He has judgements against him that he will not pay. He is a crook and eventually he will scam the people of Maui. Beware.

    Tim Smith, Idaho
  5. print email
    Mother's Day
    November 21, 2010 | 11:11 AM

    White coffee sounds great. I'd love to give it a try sometime. I heard Mother's Day was big in Hawaii. Will Big Wave be planning a Mother's Day special?

    maxportman
  6. print email
    Happy Hour~ Mocha Boost
    November 27, 2010 | 03:57 PM

    I have only great things to say about the products and the service by Letty whom is always a cheerful server who is great at suggesting different drinks to try. I like their Mocha's and espresso's because they are quality items and not too sweet like other places. These people are very flexible and go above and beyond in customer service..

    Lisa A. Anderson, Maui
  7. print email
    Best Coffee In Town
    December 20, 2010 | 08:23 AM

    Letty HAS MAD SKILLS. Big Wave Espresso is the best coffee in town. Sucks they are no longer operating. I am 100% positive this is not the last we see of them. Quality like theirs is rare around here. I miss rolling up and talk story with my new friends over there.

    sad Carina, Maui
Reader Feedback Submission
Use this form to submit Reader Feedback.
* required value
Your Name*

Town

Email (not shown on website)

Subject

Comment*

Verification*
Calendar Search
Event
calendar icon
Zip Code Proximity
of
Extras
emaile-mail this article link to a friend
lettersletter to the editor about this article
printprint this article
facebookfacebook
twittertwitter
diggdigg it
shareshare
font size Larger | Smaller
Maui Food and Drink
How Rare Wagyu Beef Gets From Japan To Maui’s Backyard Grills
2013-May-30
What You Get When You Mix Fresh Herbs And Vegetables From Oo Farms with Grey Goose vodka
2013-May-30
What You Can Drink At The 2013 Maui Brew Fest At The Maui Arts And Cultural Center
2013-May-16
Stewarts Burgers In Kihei Is Simple And Delicious
2013-May-16
Special Mothers Day Events
2013-May-09
How The Empty Bowl Project At Star Noodle Fights Hunger On Maui
2013-Apr-11
More...
Entertainment and lifestyle news for Maui, Hawaii and the surrounding Islands. Maui Time Weekly is Mauis only independent and locally owned newspaper. Mail this link to a friend
Web Analytics