Islands Cafe

Pali: Our Third Café, Our Roots

We named our Ocean Park location Pali because, in Hawaiian, Pali means “bluff.” But Pali holds a special meaning for us beyond just the name—it’s more than our third café; it’s a return to our roots. Both Ja and I grew up just blocks away from this location. Ocean Park isn’t just where we planted our café—it’s where we spent our childhood. Opening Pali here felt like coming full circle, and it gave us the chance to add a more refined, grown-up touch to our brand.

At Pali, we’ve embraced a more modern design for Islands Café, taking advantage of the bright yet cozy space. With features like a peek-a-boo window into the kitchen and chef-style lighting, this café has become one of our favorite kitchen designs. The warm, open layout is intended to make customers feel at ease—whether they’re catching up with friends, enjoying a quiet moment over coffee, or sharing a meal.

Ocean Park is one of our favorite communities, and we couldn’t be more grateful to be welcomed so warmly. It’s surreal to have a café just steps away from where we went to school, and it’s a privilege to now serve the neighborhood that shaped us. As we continue to grow year after year, we’re excited to bring even more to the Ocean Park community—from live music events to new menu items that we’re constantly working on.

If you’re ever in the Ocean Park area, look for the banana palm leaves near Safeway. Stop by, grab a coffee, and feel the warmth of Pali—a space designed with community and connection in mind.

We look forward to serving you.