Apelu Island Cafe logo

Apelu Island Cafe

4.9 ★★★★★ · 312 Google reviews · 23 photos
Coffee shop · Hampton, VA

Apelu Island Cafe at a glance

Reviewers highlight fair pricing, friendly staff, and unique Polynesian menu items like taro lattes and ensaymadas. The cafe is noted for its family-friendly environment, featuring a children's play area and comfortable seating suitable for work or socializing. Recurring criticisms include inconsistent adherence to posted operating hours, with customers reporting the shop closed early, and some noting that drink sizes contain excessive ice or that service can be slow for new arrivals.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 312 reviews (95% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 312 Google reviews (235 with written comments, 85 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 69% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 26, 2026.
  • Service: Coffee Shop serving Hampton, Virginia.

Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9
★★★★★
312 reviews on Google
5★295
4★10
3★5
2★1
1★1

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

What customers talk about

We read 235 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Bomb atmosphere and very family friendly, even my kids look forward to it!”
  • “Don't get me wrong all their other pastries are good too but the ensaymada is 10/10.”
  • “Unique food, in a relaxed atmosphere with great service.”
  • “Their prices are fair, likely even more reasonable than some other coffee shops in the area.”
  • “We landed in Norfolk and looked for a quick breakfast bite, Apelu hit the spot with a friendly staff.”
  • “It’s clear how much thought and heart went into crafting this space, and it genuinely added to the experience.”

People customers mention

  • Norfolk 13 reviews
  • Latte 6 reviews
  • Samoan 5 reviews
  • Musubi 4 reviews
  • Pacific 4 reviews
  • Starbucks 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

M.M.Local Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews M.M. has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This place is a hidden gem. The staff are very sweet and attentive. Their prices are fair, likely even more reasonable than some other coffee shops in the area. My mom and I tried two of their fall special drinks and both were so good, along with their breakfast burrito. Definitely give them a try! :)

  • Price per person: $1–10
  • Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
Taylor Hansen3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Taylor has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Love stopping in here! Best island flavors in the state! The Spam Musubi with egg hits every single time! My wife got me addicted to the cold foam on the Pacific. Seriously a must try when you’re in the area and definitely a great place to take your family visiting from out of town! Bomb atmosphere and very family friendly, even my kids look forward to it! All that topped with the best customer service you’ve ever had at a cafe. FA’AFETAI APELU FAM!

  • Order type: Dine in
  • Meal type: Breakfast
  • Price per person: $1–10
  • Wait time: No wait
Diana GuerreroLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Diana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I absolutely love going to Apelu! Their lattes are delicious and I love getting a misubi when I'm there early enough to get one. They also have a stamp card and I believe the 10th drink is on them.

  • Order type: Take out
  • Meal type: Breakfast
  • Price per person: $10–20
  • Group size: Suitable for all group sizes
Kayumberly W4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kayumberly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I get a Frappe everyday and they all taste better than Starbucks. Their ensaymadas are the main event and the encore of my day everyday. Don't get me wrong all their other pastries are good too but the ensaymada is 10/10.

  • Order type: Take out
  • Meal type: Lunch
  • Price per person: $1–10
  • Group size: 1 person
  • Parking space: Plenty of parking
Jolene Kujo1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Jolene has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I come here every morning and its been good every time. 10/10

  • Order type: Take out
  • Price per person: $1–10
Beth HansenLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Beth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Literally the best place I took my family in and we all enjoyed ourselves. My husband got the taro frappe and I got the volcanic ash lemonade. Plush we got some pastries that didn’t last long with our kids. The staff is amazing and it’s such a nice atmosphere. I’m definitely going back! Thank you!

Liberty WorthyLocal Guide · 95 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Liberty has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This place is amazing! So beautiful and cozy inside, the people are so nice, and the coffee was amazing!!!! I highly recommend! The banana bread latte.... so delicious!

Matea L.Local Guide · 197 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Matea has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

2/15/24 - I have stopped by here a few times now. I cannot get over their breakfast sandwich and bakery goods. Anytime they have something new out, I always get at least one thing so I can try it. My favorite drink so far is their Matcha frap and I add dark chocolate drizzle to it. I have gotten their valentine day brownies, taro cupcake, red velvet, etc. I have also tried their lemonade which was refreshing but it did taste like I was drinking candy and also had carbonation to it. There is definitely a variety of things to try. They also have different menus for the seasons, like winter, Christmas, valentine's, etc. Service is always great too! I am excited to keep coming back to try new things though.

  • Order type: Take out
  • Meal type: Breakfast
  • Price per person: $10–20
  • Noise level: Very quiet
  • Wait time: No wait
Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Thank you so much for leaving us this sweet review! We always enjoy your visits with us and look forward to seeing you again soon!💜

X. B.Local Guide · 122 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews X. has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very delicious coffee drinks. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. They offer a rotating, seasonal menu of specials as well

  • Order type: Take out
  • Meal type: Other
  • Price per person: $1–10
  • Group size: Suitable for all group sizes
Kelly Pereira PinedaLocal Guide · 33 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kelly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My gosh I love coming here. The baristas are super kind and attentive. Me and my sister got two different orders. You can never go wrong with this Hawaiian coffee place. 💯 best coffee place everrrrr

  • Order type: Take out
  • Meal type: Other
  • Price per person: $1–10
  • Group size: 2 people

Apelu Island Cafe on Google Maps →

Business details

  • Address: 1710 E Little Creek Rd #104, Norfolk, VA 23518
  • Service area: Hampton, VA