The locally grown fruits and vegetables of Hawai’i are delicious on their own, but blend them together in the right combination, and the result can be so tasty, you may consider an all-smoothie diet. We’re here to help you on your fruit-loving quest, so here is a list of the best joints to find ono (delicious) smoothies and acai bowls.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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Smoothies and Acai Bowls in Kona
75-5831 Kahakai Rd., Kailua-Kona
808.769.4068
Basik Acai has been blending together fresh smoothies and bowls since 2010. The Kilauea Bowl is acai mixed with mango juice and topped with papaya, strawberries, granola, goji berries, honey and bee pollen. The smoothie list is just as enticing. And yes, there’s acai in everything! Open Monday through Thursday 7am to 4pm and Friday through Sunday 8am to 4pm.
75-5669 Alii Dr., #1109, Kailua-Kona
808.331.2899
This shop is serving up 100% kona coffee, local fruits, speciality shave ice, boba tea and more! The Kona Wave Cafe menu has some delicious blended coffee drinks like Kona Mocha. There’s acai bowls with fresh fruit toppings and shave ice if you have room for more cold treats! Open Monday through Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm.
72-100 Kaupulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona
808.325.8000
Located in the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, ‘Ulu Ocean Grill pairs a beauty of a beach view with an acai bowl that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost! Topped with banana, blueberries, coconut, granola, bee pollen, goji berries, and local honey, you can’t help but smile when it arrives at the table. Don’t be surprised if you have to fight off incoming spoons from envious breakfast companions. Open daily 6:30am to 11am.
Smoothies and Acai Bowls in Hilo
Family-owned and operated with aloha, Makani’s has some of the most elaborate açaí bowls we’ve seen. Their playful claim on Instagram is that they have the #1 best in the world, backed by the endorsement of Demi Lovato and other celebrities, so head over and see if you agree. Their smoothie list is long and they also have soft-serve ice cream, which can be added to your açaí bowl for a special treat! This cute little shack has a tiki vibe with outdoor seating. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Winner of Hawaii Tribune Herald’s “Best of Hawaii East” award in 2019, Vibe Cafe features an all-plant-based menu with lots of vegan and gluten-free options. The acai bowl is served all day long—100% Brazilian acai topped with nuts, granola, seasonal fruit, condensed coconut milk and honey. Get in my tummy! Open Monday through Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 3pm.
Smoothies and Acai Bowls in Waimea
With a tagline like “Good Friends, Bad Habits” how could you not be a little intrigued? Waimea Coffee Company has been recognized locally for “Best Cup of Coffee,” “Best Sandwich,” and “Best Eco-Friendly Business.” There’s a separate menu for smoothies & acai bowls which are served all day. The Waimea Coffee Co. Waimea location is open daily from 6:30am to 5:30pm and the Hawi location is open daily from 7am to 5:30 pm.
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr. #116, Kamuela
Under the Bodhi Tree provides healthy alternatives for you to enjoy. Chef Stephen Rouelle transitioned to a raw vegan and diet and after leaving corporate kitchens, was inspired to open this establishment. Local produce is at the heart of the menu, and it’s a nice menu with a variety of selections. Their acai bowl is topped with mango, strawberry, coconut and granola. Smoothie options are mango, strawberry or a mango strawberry blend. Open daily from 11am to 7:30pm.
