Starbucks – Ewa Wing Ala Moana Center

I come here often in the morning on my way from the parking garage to work and I have now had two bad experiences with this location. While they do indeed know how to make a decent iced green tea latte here (compared to some of the other locations I’ve reviewed), I have had other problems with my order here. Last week I ordered an iced tea as it was BOGO for national tea day. I sat RIGHT IN FRONT of the bar for 35 minutes, but when I went back to get a free refill on me and my sister’s drinks, they told me that I can’t leave and come back for the refill… what?! Today I ordered a Grande flat white and was given a tall. When I corrected the barista she scoffed at me and turned away. When I finally got someone’s attention, i was asked to open my cup and more coffee was poured in, essentially ruining the point of a flat white (foam on top)!!! I get that its early, but you don’t need to give customers attitude when you mess up! I’ll be going to the Macy’s or Center Court locations from now on.

Buyers Beware.
I ordered a regular tall coffee, Pike I think. With soy milk.
The cashier asked if I would like to «get that
From the Clover Machine»
And went onto say it was new and how it tasted better. I asked if it costs more and she said «No» so I said sure.
Then she rings me up for $ 4. When I asked why, she said oh sorry and she rang me up 3.50.
Still confused I went back to look at the menu board and a coffee of the day is 2.25!
An extra 60c for soy.
I went up to another cashier and complained. She apologized, refunded my money and gave me the coffee for free, which is why 2 stars instead of one.
These people are trained and they do know the price difference, so stop acting. are there prizes for overcharging now?
Sheesh.

Like this new branch, even tho’ it’s often hard to get seats. Small store, not their fault, bet Ala Mo costs big buck$ for the footage. The mini-​community table (seating only 4) is usually a sure thing, as people don’t mind sharing the space, but the spots alongside the walls (near electrical outlets) are often occupied for long periods of time. Sometimes you can get one of the small interior tables on which to sit, but more often, I end up only grabbing a drink then going to browze the sale racks upstairs at Zara. If I can’t get a table in this store when I need to write, I sneak that drink upstairs into the Honolulu Coffee Co. store and just buy their great cheddar bacon biscuity scones to work, eating there. Usually, waiting a few minutes will open something up, though.
Staff seems competent and friendly, with orders coming up quickly after your request. This is good, ‘cuz the pickup area is (like the rest of the store) small, and could easily overcrowd if they handle the timing poorly. The barristas appear well trained, being able to handle all my Gold Member requests (free refills of Americanos or iced teas, with either iced coffees and iced teas, upon presenting my card, without question… unlike some staff @ SBux Kapahulu to whom I recently had to patiently explain these rules).
Sometimes they have goodies still left in their cooler near closing time, including the great chicken-​black-​bean-​quinoa salad with only 380 cal, filling and nourishing, and regular (not bakery) sandwiches and lunch boxes, as well. Most SBuxes run out of these early, so it’s nice to find a place that still sells ‘em later in the day.
Tip: Use your Starbucks Rewards to pick up abovementioned salad when you accumulate enough for a free food or drink item; it’s priced higher than most drinks and many of the lunch choices. Plus, again: healthy. SCORE.
PREDICTION: This SBux will become uku popular in June 2016, once Shirokiya and Foodland Farms open up, and this end of the mall becomes the go-​to place to buy take-​home meals. The secret parking spots between here and new Nordstrom’s will lose their hidden-​ness.
All in all: Nubbad.

Ah Starbucks what do you say most are really good some are are just fair. As with most extremely busy

So I like to sit at Starbucks and do homework, and take advantage of the free iced coffee refills. This is my first time at the new Starbucks here in Ala Moana, and I really like that there is a seating area and a bathroom. I ordered a drink for myself and my cousin through the mobile app, so that we wouldn’t have to stand in line. We got our drinks and sat down by the wall, and sat for about two hours before I decided to get up and get a refill. When I walked up to the counter to ask for a free refill on my gold card, the barista, Arantxa (that was the name on her name tag), said with a fake amount of sweetness to try to cover up her condescending tone: «I’ll refill it for you this time, but in the future, you can’t leave and them come back and get a refill.» I totally understand that logic. But, I was sitting right in front of the counter for over two hours, and I said to her «Oh, I’ve been sitting there the whole time.» And then she tried to recover and said «Oh we’re just letting all of our customers know that policy.» Okay, whatever.
I went back up a minute later to get a refill for my cousin’s hot coffee, and when I met with Arantxa again and asked her for a refill, she kind of gave me a laughing scoff of disbelief. I reiterated again that I ordered my drinks through the mobile app and that my cousin and I have been sitting right there, in front of the counter the whole time. She proceeded to be sweet and nice and refill my coffee and ask if I wanted room for cream.
I’m pretty upset because I frequent starbucks all the time (I mean, we all do), and I’ve never experienced a rude barista like that. The store wasn’t too full and was rather quiet, so I felt like I was on blast for everyone to hear me getting scolded.
This review really won’t affect the sales of this Starbucks at all, which is not what I’m hoping to do. I just want to put it out there that this barista was fairly rude, and that there is a better way to approach this kind of information giving to the customers.

Horrible service here!
Me and my mom went to Starbucks kiosk here at ala moana. We went up to the cashier & she didn’t even greet us, she looked down at her paper she was writing on! She then looked up and said what can I get for you? I ordered my drink (venti), then my moms (trenta). We waited for our drinks. The barista that handed us our drink handed us two ventis. I let her know politely that we had a trenta and a venti, she gave me attitude about it and looked over to the cashier and said out loud «did they order a trenta?!» The cashier said yes sorry that’s my fault. The barista then was more upset because she had to make a new drink. Instead of making a whole new drink, she jus added water and little bit of tea and syrup. We got our two drinks, tasted it and it tasted horrible!!! However didn’t tell them it was horrible because of the service we already had, I then contacted a manager there.
We go to ala moana every weekend and always come to this kiosk for a drink while shopping. (Even though the line is REALLY LONG and takes forever) This experience was horrible and we won’t be returning there any more! Well walk a few stores down to the Macy’s Starbucks. I really hope those girls get talked to and maybe take some customer service classes.

Seriously! I ordered… waited… waited… waited… 25mins later… I let the cashier L_​_​_​_​_​know I didn’t get my Java Chip Frappé. All she said was «Oh someone must have taken your drink!» Well– my name wasn’t called so that the lady before me got a FReaKin FREEBIE!!! WTF! Enjoy my Frappé, Lady! What made it worse instead of making my drink ASAP… she wakes 2, other drinks before mine!!! Urrrghhhhh! Whatever!!!

Visited this Starbucks for the first time today while I was at the mall. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was that it was really hot— I think the AC might have been broken/​not working. I ordered a grande iced café latte for my husband and a grande strawberry black iced tea for myself. After getting our drinks we left to go to the post office and while my daughter and I were standing in line she drank my entire iced tea. So, since I’m a gold card member I went back to the Starbucks to get a free refill because I had been told at the Starbucks at the center of the mall that as long as I go back to the same Starbucks that I purchased the drink from I could get a free refill. Well, I’m not sure if their policy has changed in the last month but my daughter and I stood in line and when it was finally our turn the girl working the cashier said that the free refill is only good if we had stayed inside the Starbucks to drink our drinks. She said that once we leave the store when we come back we have to pay for any drinks we order.
I looked it up on the Starbucks website and apparently that is their policy. Like I said before, I’m not sure if they recently changed their policy because it was only about a month ago that I was told I could get a free refill as long as I go back to the same location I purchased my drink from. To me, this «new» policy is a kinda dumb. I mean, are the workers actually watching to see who stays to drink their drink and who leaves? At the Starbucks at the center of the mall AND the by Macy’s all the seating is outside so the workers can’t even really see who is sitting there and who isn’t. I plan on inquiring with Starbucks to clarify this but in the mean time I probably won’t be coming back to this particular Starbucks location.

Love this spot. Right in the center of the mall, outside seating. Great for enjoying your coffee and people watching, enjoying the cool morning air. Grabbed some easy eats from Shirokiya (2^nd floor), then came here and got coffee. Great simple breakfast, ALOHA.

Food: ¹⁄₅
Price: ⁴⁄₅
Service: ¹⁄₅
Organization: ¹⁄₅
Layout: ⁵⁄₅
Ambiance: ²⁄₅
This is not the type of review that I could deem worthy of being entirely impersonal and neutral, but I do feel that I need to mention the issues that plague this potentially promising store. While I still carry over that the pricing for Starbucks could be a little better, the layout for this new store is spectacular. The seating and available restroom make it feel more like a café rather than a place to grab your coffee and drink it elsewhere.
Now onto the bad aspects of this location. They do not have all the standard food items that the other two Starbucks locations also located in the mall carry, even though they are classified as a Reserve store and should be offering something as simple as Spinach Foldovers. Based on this classification, which describes them as «recherché», they are supposed to not only carry all the necessary food items, but also provide above average service.
While I can excuse the lack of ample variety of food, it has come down to the service that has been provided that pains me to give this location a one star rating. I am used to locations training new hires on proficiency and excellent communication. However, aside from a few veterans that have been transferred over from other locations that I am familiar with from their prospective former stores, I have witnessed baristas who are relatively new to the register functions and espresso bar left unsupervised while the store manager rushes to the back with his lunch as the line of more than ten people wait to order and pick up their drinks during their ten minute break. Rather than jumping in to assist these green baristas and cashiers, he just goes into the back with his meal. Further more, I have seen this same store manager literally leave two baristas to run the entire floor during a rush, with one ringing up customers at the cashier and the other running around making all the drinks and food, as he provides no assistance other than to talk to a handful of customers out of a long line and hold up the register. His selection of who to talk to appears to be very biased and more driven by sales rather than providing excellent customer service as certain words he chooses to utilize seem too uncouth in a business setting like Starbucks.
Another prime example of his lack of leadership ability lies in his coaching of less experienced baristas. I have a set drink that I always get and I speak slowly with extra care in pronunciation to ensure the accuracy of my drink. An iced venti soy caramel macchiato, substitute the vanilla syrup with caramel syrup, stirred, and with either five or six total shots of espresso. I have had new baristas either not know how to properly write down the substitution or interpret a C (which is for caramel syrup) as classic (which is normally written CL). On top of this, I had a less experienced barista mistakenly put vanilla syrup in, realize the mistake, throw out the cup, and then begin making my drink without remembering what was originally written on the cup. I was then asked if 2% milk would be fine. Although I am not lactose intolerant, I do enjoy the taste of soy milk. She didn’t put any caramel in the remake and when I asked if it was caramel syrup in now, she lied and then put it in after the espresso pulled, meaning that if I had not told her as she was making it she would have played it off as if nothing was wrong with her preparation of the drink. This lack of accountability cannot be properly placed on new hires as much as the complete disregard for supervision that the store manager should have been providing for quality control rather than stuffing his face and expecting to compete with the service standards that the other two Starbucks located in the mall have striven to uphold themselves to.
Normally I have seen many store managers jump onto the register to start at least writing the drinks that way they only need to be rung up by the cashier but this store manager provided no such assistance or even showed concern for the efficiency of the store towards its customers.
This lack of leadership from the person who is supposed to be in charge of a special Reserve store shows when I see baristas either running around, standing idly by, or overall lacking direction with their work ethic. The only people I can say make this location a worthwhile experience are Kira, Nate, Arantxa, and Mickey. I have seen their work ethic and service constantly shine even in the face of a long line of customers reaching the door that their counterparts let build up and stand waiting. Without them, this store should either be downgraded to a regular corporate Starbucks rather than a Reserve or should have new management handling the supervision that way the individuals working there can be allowed to properly perform their job functions without the excess stress.

Newly opened on the new Ewa Ground Floor (where Sears used to be).
A bit of an odd location since there are no stores next to them — but it’s okay.
I come here from time to time when I have some shopping to do on this side of the mall — and I’m sorry to say that the baristas and the cashiers take wayyyy too long with each customer and they are wayyyyyy too yappy with each customer. It’s puzzling, because at any given time, there are 4 (or maybe 5) staffs there — but they don’t seem like they’re doing much.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, there’s «friendly and courteous talk» and then there’s the «why don’t you just pull up a chair by the cash register and talk story» kind of talk — and they are the latter kind. Since this is something I really notice for this Starbucks (and I am a Starbucks junkie) — management needs to check on this.
It’s funny because it’s not just one particular barista/​staff.
I know that some customers like to talk. Even if there are 5 or 6 people waiting in line, this one person was talking to the one and only cashier — even after he was done ordering and had paid already, and even while the rest of us stood there waiting. I think there is another cash register next to that one, and there was another staff member standing there, examining «a» plastic lid and just standing there. If he could have been a bit more attentive to what’s going on and opened up the second register — but nope. He just stood there, pretended to be doing something and walked away. So we all waited… and waited some more until the «conversation» was over with.
Being friendly and answering a question or two is not a problem. But having someone stand there to talk about this and that, about his life about his job, about all things under the sun for a irritatingly long time while there is a line is probably not a good thing. The staff behind the cash register wasn’t helping the situation at all — as he kept talking, encouraging for more talk by asking more questions, keeping the conversation going … and going… and going. No subtle hints to move this customer to the side or body language to move someone forward. It was unreal. LOL My friend waiting outside even came in to peek to see just what the hold up was because it was taking so long (so I am not exaggerating LOL) This has happened to me on more than one occasion here. Someone’s gotta keep the line moving (please!) We all have things to do, places to go!
Also, are dogs allowed INSIDE the coffee shop? There was a customer inside, sitting at a table with their laptop open, and with a dog. Every 2 or 3 minutes, the dog would bark (really loud too! LOL) No, the dog wasn’t in a carrier or a doggy stroller — just leashed and restless — bored out of his/​her mind (don’t blame him/​her). — and the baristas/​staff didn’t do a thing about it. Was that a service dog (no service dog vest)? I love dogs, but … isn’t this some kind of health code violation? If for some reason dogs ARE allowed, I would love to bring mine inside while I surf the internet or yap with my friends. Is this okay? That would actually rock for me — as I am always wishing I could bring my dog with me while I relax at a Starbucks but I didn’t think it was allowed.
But more than that, let’s cut the lengthy chit chat when there is a line. Let’s work on some efficiency and speed because it takes way too long from beginning til the end.
This Starbucks is pretty roomy — but so many POP items taking up space and very few tables. Maybe reconsider the layout and add more seats? When there was delivery, the staff member placed the cart (stacked with boxes) blocking the condiment bar and we couldn’t get through to fix our drinks. It’s a shame — it’s a beautiful/​roomy Starbucks.

This kiosk here is always busy as usual. it is a very good place to get your coffee fix or get a refresher drink and believe me, it is a good way to keep your day going so that way you don’t get too tired and sappy too. I was able to reload my card at this location so that i can still use the app to place my order for Tom morning as well as going to get my fix to get my day started and believe me when people do order from the app, it does save time and energy so that you do need to stand in line and wait for your order and it will help to get to work on time so that i don’t have to be late. It is highly recommended that you can give this feature a try so that way it will really save a lot of headaches of waiting in line and all the people have to do is pick up the order and it’s ready to go. This is a good way to also free drinks and get freebies too so take advantage of this app and you never know, you can earn freebies too for being a member and you can also get a gold card as well so you can get points just for ordering from the app or using the app to pay. Give it a try, you never know what you are missing out on

Mickey and Shawn are the best baristas, I’ve encountered at this new location! Multiple times I’ve frequent here they have gone above and beyond to deliver the best experience. They do not miss an opportunity to address me by name, and will always tell me about something good and new in store.
This new location is located on level 1 a little past the post office on the way to the old Sears. Inside is very clean and spacious. One piece of feedback would be: to put a code on the bathroom at this location, so it’s not open to just any random person off the streets. With Ala Moana’s new Ewa wing expansion, parking is usually difficult to find, but there are tons of parking right outside this new Starbucks!
Overall, the rest of the staff at this location is seems helpful, and attention to detail.
Will continue to frequent!

Friendly staff here at the «new» Starbucks!
They have this clover machine… it’s a thing of beauty. If you haven’t tried it: it’s a must if you care about your coffee’s flavor. Fairly limited seating…

Just opened 11÷12÷15
Very friendly staff in a beautiful brand new store. The store also features the rare reserve coffees via the new clover machine.
Lots of parking and I was able to find a clean table!
Mobile order and pay perfect for when in a rush.

Just opened on September 28! Fresh and brand new Starbucks right at the heart of the Ala Moana Hotel.
Service is EXCELLENT. I’ve never felt so important and one with my barista’s until now. Definitely will be coming back to this location.
Ordered an iced black tea and it was splendid! It was done JUST right.
Definitely come by and check it out for yourselves. You will not regret it one bit!
Congratulations on your opening!

Always busy and I’m pretty sure they charge more for the same drinks…
This is my go-​to Starbucks when at Ala Moana, and I just wish it was a bit better.
FOOD & DRINKS:
Sadly there isn’t a ton of variety at this Starbucks. They are missing the bottled drinks and there are no snack boxes. I can understand, because it’s right in the middle of the mall, but I do wish they had the same amount of food and drinks as other Starbucks.
They made good coffee drinks, though. So, I cannot complain about that.
SERVICE & SPACE
This place is always slammed. I feel for the staff at this location. Usually the line is 10 people deep, but they always seem to be working really really hard and they remain very friendly at this busy location.
PRICE:
I am almost certain they charge more at this Starbucks than other ones. Probably because it is in the mall, but that still doesn’t seem fair.
All in all, I prefer the Starbucks in the Macy’s.

This is the worst Starbucks I have ever been to. Their organization skills of the baristas and the ordering setup of the kiosk is RIDICULOUS.
First I waited in a long line of about 12 people. There’s only one register open, and two baristas working the bar but there’s a total of 6 people working altogether. Since 3 people are standing around doing nothing you’d think they’d either open the other register or have someone get drink orders on the line. But no.
Finally after a 10 min wait I get to the register and a girl asks for my drink order. I give it to her and she walks away. Then The guy on the register starts shouting at me for what I want. I repeat my order and he keeps saying «what? What?» Is he deaf? I’m speaking louder than normal as it is since the two baristas on the bar are shouting at each other. Finally he gets my order and I give him my gold card and he tells me I still owe a $ 1. Well no, he actually a snaps his fingers in my face like I’m a dog and tells me I owe a $ 1. Pissed. I hand over my debit card because I don’t have cash and I get a big eye roll. Finally I start to walk away and he starts shouting at me that I didn’t give him my drink order. Um, what? I just paid you for it. How did I not give it to you? It’s not my fault that you forgot to write it down. GRRR.
Eventually I make my way to the hand off area and wait for my drink. At this point there is only one barista on the bar and there’s three baristas just running back and forth in the back ground, it Doesn’t look like they’re helping anyone. God, I just want my drink so I can leave this place. The barista then informs and Australian woman and her kid that the c02 is out so she can’t make the ginger ale they ordered. The Australian woman (clearly never having been to a Starbucks before) asks for a Coke instead. The barista says she doesn’t have any. The woman asks for a Sprite. The baristas says she doesn’t have any. This goes on for about three more rounds as the Australian woman names every soda out there. Why couldn’t the barista just say WE DONT SELL NAME BRAND SODA, PICK SOMETHING ELSE. All the while she isn’t making any of the drinks in the huge line of drinks now piled up.
Ten mins later my chai is ready. All in all I was at this kiosk for 20 mins. That is ludicrous. They either need to re-​train everyone at this location or shut it down for lack of working. It saddens me that I have to give a star at all.

Alright I used to be a huge Starbucks Addict, I mean I even have a gold card, and I got that in less then month lol!!! Today was my second time coming to this Starbucks kiosk location at Alamoana, which is conveniently located right in between Louis Vuitton & Prada on the second floor.
The line wasn’t long at all, I ordered that new drink they have, which would be the Strawberry shortcake Frappuccino. I’ve only tried it once before that was at the ward theater location. This one however tasted a bit watery. It wasn’t as thick and consistent as the first one that I had tried. I do understand that every Starbucks makes their drinks a little different not every barista is going to be the same. But I will come back to this one. I don’t think that I’ll order that drink I’ll probably order another usual drink that I have, which is always complicated. Besides all of that it’s a great way to beat the heat especially in this open mall.

You know what I hate? Placing an order, having it read back to me, charged for something else, and given that wrong order.
On my way walking back from lunch with 15 mins to spare, I saw this place fairly empty. I asked for a croissant and a tall, wait actually GRANDE size ice macchiato. She nods her head and reads it back to me. I get my order pretty quick! But it’s a TALL. I frown and mention I want the bigger size. He says nothing and checks the computer. She ran me up for the wrong size. But she read my order back to me? Ugh confusing. And no I have run out of time for you to waste. Thanks have a nice day. BYE.
Rarely do I write bad reviews. Maybe I’m In a Starbucks hating mood because all but one Starbucks (Kahala mall) has really satisfied me on this island.
I will give you another chance at redemption my friend, but not today.
Stay tuned!

This starbucks is in the most ideal location. Mall level and right in the middle of the mall. When Sears starbucks went away in place of the current expansion of Ala Moana’s new high end Ewa Wing, i know i would still walk to the Macy’s one but how often. It is far from my office on Kapiolani blvd so I was happy to see this kiosk open.
It’s quite small and often understaffed so prepare to wait. It’s always a nice surprise at times when there is no line. Drinks come out good but waiting in line while it is hot is not the business.
3 stars for the starbucks itself. An extra star for the baristas working in this summer heat in an outdoor setting.

I have to agree with most of the reviews on here… This location really isn’t the best Starbucks out there.
This is my experience from this Starbucks on a typical Sunday afternoon. I’m not sure what’s going on with this Starbucks but they are truly missing something. of course it’s a very busy store, the line was about 5 – 6 people deep. All the drinks I have ordered from here do not seem to have that «amazing» quality about them. This weekend I ordered three fraps (Carmel, Vanilla Bean and the NEW Red Velvet), all of them were soupier than the iced coffees. I mean it doesn’t take a rocker scientist or that keen of an eye to see the fraps were slushing around in the cup to figure out that they aren’t quite thick (or frozen) enough. I wasn’t to only one waiting their with the same issue. Just seems like they were making and trying to deliver them as quick as possible with out doing any sort of quality control.
Note to store: We expect long lines and have an expectation of a wait but also expect that we will have a delicious drink with that long wait.
Pros: It’s Starbucks and convenient when shopping.
Cons: Always busy, staff seemed very rushed and the drinks just didn’t have the taste that I expect from a Starbucks, regardless if its busy or not!

Starbucks in the mall …
Usually a damned fine option, especially since they are my coffee of choice. Unfortunately, the staff at this location fail meet the standards I’ve come to expect and enjoy at other outlets worldwide:
— Short, verging on rude, customer service. It seemed as if I were inconveniencing them by coming by their kiosk.
— Little or no goodies available for purchase. WTF!!! Where the hell am I !!!
This Starbucks should be ashamed of the service and quality that they provided this EXTREMELY loyal customer.
I will not return to this location if I can avoid it.

This Starbucks has a lot of activity around it. at first it might be difficult to distinguish the front of the line from the back of the line! Just look for the stanchion with sign that says «Line starts here» which is located closest to the street side of this Starbucks.
Staff are constantly busy yet keep an upbeat cheerful disposition. Overlooking the constant lines at this location, they can enjoy the frequent musical and other entertaining performances in this area. And at this time of year, with the malls busily decorating for the holidays, and decorations all around, its so easy to get caught up in the joyful holiday spirit. …as I sit with my ice tea in one hand while lazily lounging around the seating area overlooking the musical treat at Center Stage.