The açai berry is one native to the amazon but coveted by those in tropical climates, especially by those in Oahu, Hawaii. Açai bowls are sorbet-textured blends made of a mixture of fruits and juices topped with a variety of fruits, granola and honey. There are hundreds of açai vendors on this small island in the middle of the Pacific and that is why we have narrowed it down to the top 10 must try bowls on Oahu. So, if you haven’t given this superfood a shot, make sure you check out one of Oahu’s best!
1. Haleiwa Bowls (Haleiwa- North Shore)
Photo by: @carakuulei on instagram
Located in the quaint surf town of Haleiwa, located on Oahu’s North Shore, Haleiwa bowls boasts an Instagram following of over 30,000, so no wonder it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The small roadside shack offers acai bowls using only organic products from local sources. Each bowl comes with Hawaii’s famous apple bananas, organic granola, fresh coconut flakes, and honey; for an additional cost you can make your bowl your own by adding toppings like sweet papaya, chia seeds, and more. Next time you find yourself cruising the North Shore, grab a bowl and hit the beach!
2. Lanikai Juice (Kailua, Waikiki, Haleiwa, Honolulu)
Photo by: Alex Frank
Established in 1977, Lanikai Juice has been providing the island of Oahu fresh smoothies, juices, and Acai bowls out of its 6 locations (Kahala, Kailua, Haleiwa, Waikiki, Downtown Honolulu, and Waikiki Shopping Plaza). Despite being a fairly large and mainstream company for Oahu, Lanikai Juice still prides itself in fresh and organic products. Keeping it classic and cool, Lanikai offers 3 variations of acai bowls, pitaya bowls, and green bowls. With an extensive list of smoothies, juices, and bowls, you’re sure to find your fix!
3. Banán (Honolulu)
Photo by: @rayesrachel on Instagram
Established and run by 4 local childhood friends who formulated business strategies out of their parents basements and bought a food truck on Craigslist, Banán now has over 12,000 Instagram following and a consistent line outside of their 2 locations: Diamond Head Truck & UH Manoa. Although first known for their dairy-free banana soft serve, Banán also serves a dairy free Acai soft serve worth competing for the top 10. You even have the option of having your bowl made of papaya, or your acai swirled with the classic banana soft serve! Next time you find yourself coming off a hike from Diamond Head, make sure to give this local business some love.
4. Crispy Grindz (North Shore)
Photo by: @jannid
Located alongside the “7 Mile Miracle,” a strip of coastline on the North Shore of Oahu that includes many of the popular surf spots such as Off the Wall and Pipeline, Crispy Grindz is a classic Brazilian food truck offering traditional Brazilian acai bowls. A popular spot for surfers after a quick surf session, this vibrant purple and yellow food truck is a must for all of those venturing to the North Shore.
5. Island Vintage Coffee (Waikiki)
Photo by: @teekaphan on Instagram
Despite the name, this popular spot in Waikiki is equally known for its acai bowls (or should we say mugs) as it is for its kona-style coffee. With its rooftop location looking over Waikiki’s most prestigious shopping strip, this small chain location delivers amazing classic acai bowls with no frills. The line is known to be out the door and around the corner on a busy day; however, if this tasty treat keeps the customers coming, you know it’s good.
6. Bogart’s Café (Honolulu)
Photo by: @bogartscafe on Instagram
Another local coffee shop, Bogart’s, offers a local style shop just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Tourists and locals alike come from all over the island to try the most popular item on the menu: the acai bowl. Bogart’s keeps it classic with perfectly pureed acai, berries, and apple bananas served at peak ripeness and crunchy granola topped with sinfully sweet organic honey.
7. Diamond Head Cove Health Bar (Diamond Head)
Photo by: Saxon S. on Yelp
Located just off the very popular Diamond Head Hike, this health bar is the perfect stop to fuel up before or after your hike. Offering an array of juice, smoothie, and bowl options, this cash only spot prides the aloha spirit in delivering fresh. Cove Health offers a twist on the classic bowl with fresh bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, topped with a cinnamon granola.
8. Jewel or Juice (Kaimuki and Kailua)
Photo by: Alyssa G. on Yelp
With locations in Kaimuki and Kailua, southerners of Oahu love this spot for a filling and affordable bowl. Topping our list for most affordable bowl, you can grab a deluxe bowl for only $6.95. With a Kailua location close to popular Kailua and Lanikai beaches, the location is perfect for grabbing a cold treat after a long beach day. With fresh and often local products, these bowls will have you full and satisfied!
9. Salted Lemon (Honolulu)
Photo by: @lilihasaltedlemon on Instagram
Located in Honolulu, a bit away from the madness of Waikiki, lies one of Oahu’s hidden gems. Salted Lemon, like many health bars, takes pride in using organic and natural ingredients. Although Salted Lemon is first known for its “Salted Lemon” drink, they boast a mighty acai bowl. Breaking the barriers of acai basics around the world, Salted Lemon serves their “bowls” on a bed of granola with a mountain of acai goodness on top. Looking for a spin on a normal acai bowl? Try Salted Lemon’s seasonal “Mango & Lychee bowl!”
10. Tropical Tribe (Ala Moana)
Photo by: Victoria J. on Yelp
Priding itself in an “authentic Brazilian acas bowl,” Tropical Tribe started as a small lunch wagon and due to immense popularity, it now has its own storefront in Waikiki. The key to their tasty blend is a mix of two berries: the açai berry and the guarana berry, a Brazilian secret! Topped with the classic berries and Hawaiian apple bananas, these bowls are one of Oahu’s best!
With such abundance in fresh fruit, it’s no wonder Hawaii holds some of the very best bowls around. It wasn’t easy narrowing down the top 10 bowls, but you won’t go wrong with any of the bowls on this list. So next time you’re headed to Waimea Bay, grab a Surf Blend from Haleiwa Bowls, or after that surf session on Waiks, grab a classic açai bowl from Lanikai Juice!