Oakberry Acai Bowls Now in Kapolei Commons

Oakberry began in 2016 in Brazil and now its acai bowls are served at over 600 operating stores in over 35 countries. Oakberry uses USDA organic-certified acai and are vegan, high in antioxidants, gluten-free, and trans-fat-free. Located at the Kapolei Commons, their signature blend contains no added juices, sweeteners, ice, or fruit like bananas or apples. 

There is a variety of signature preset selections on the menu, but you can also build your own bowl or smoothie and add an unlimited number of toppings! There's a ton of delicious choices ranging from fruits, nuts, seeds, proteins, and more. We opted for the signature Original acai bowl with granola, peanut butter, banana and the Create your own classic 12 oz acai bowl with chia seeds and peanut butter.  

Signature menu

Create your own menu

Located next to Aloha Salads

The shop itself is bright and the service was great. There is some counter seating inside the shop and a couple of tables outside. They are open Monday through Friday from 10am and 9am on Saturday and Sundays.

Oakberry Acai 
4450 Kapolei Pkwy, Ste 104

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A Few Hours in Leeward and Central Oahu: Our Favorite Spots

We had a few hours to kill on the west side of the island and realized it had been way too long since we spent time in Leeward and Central Oʻahu. So, naturally, we made a mini food tour of our favorite local spots.

First stop: Island Vintage in Kapolei
No trip out this way is complete without a visit to Island Vintage for a caffeine boost and an acai bowl. Their bowls are always refreshing, and the coffee? Strong as ever! It was the perfect start to the day.

Next: Kilani Bakery in Wahiawā
We couldn’t leave without picking up a box of goodies from Kilani. The donuts were our target, but of course, we had to grab their famous brownies too (not pictured because they were devoured almost immediately). 

Final stop: Tanika's for local grinds
We wrapped things up with a plate of okazuya items from Tanioka's, and wow—we forgot how good this place is. Their boneless butterfish bowl - a combination of butterfish (choose between three different flavors) and your choice of poke, was spot-on. Flavorful, generous portions, and exactly what we needed to end our quick tour on a high note.

I'm already wanting to go back to this side of the island to hit more of our favorite spots!

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ISLAND VINTAGE COFFEE AND WINE BAR KAPOLEI, 4450 KAPOLEI PKWY.

KILANI BAKERY, 704 KILANI AVENUE

TANIOKA'S SEAFOODS AND CATERING, 94-903 FARRINGTON HIGHWAY

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ALOH Health Bar & Cafe in Waikiki

Ala Moana Bowl

On a recent staycation in Waikiki, my friend suggested we eat breakfast at ALOH Health Bar & Cafe. They offer coffee, acai bowls, and toasts, but best of all it was a 3-minute walk from our hotel. Conveniently located on Seaside, it appears to be a small shop from the outside, but you will find ample seating in the spacious cozy cafe including a couch in the back.

I ordered the Avocado Toast - Vegan Sourdough Bread, Fresh Avocado, Cream Cheese, Oregano Leaves, Himalayan Pink Salt, Cracked Pepper, Bagel Seasoning, ALOH Dressing. It may not look amazing, but I enjoyed it very much. The sourdough is flavorful and chewy. My friends loved their acai bowls and favored the Caprese Toast and Basil Pesto Toast. The acai bowls come in three different sizes so my friends opted for a small size bowl to pair with their toast.

ALOH Health Bar & Cafe is open daily from 6:30am to 10pm and you can order online for pickup. After 12pm, they offer milky shave ice. 

Avocado Toast

Basil Pesto Toast

Caprese Toast

Honey Ricotta Toast

Diamond Head Bowl - SMALL

ALOH Health Bar & Cafe

407 Seaside Ave Honolulu, HI 96815

  

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Visit Maui: Kihei Food Oasis

 

Located in the South Maui Gardens is the Kihei Food Oasis where you will find food trucks galore that will make your head spin, but your tummy happy. There is a great variety of food from acai bowls to gyros to thai that will satisfy everyone in your group. On a recent trip to Maui we were staying in Kihei so we found Kihei Food Oasis to be very convenient. So convenient, my family went to the North Side three times in two days!

See all the food truck vendors here.

Sweet Hula 

Acai bowls and super food bowls

Lamb gyro from Gyros and Gelato

Bling Bing Maui is home to the only Chinese shave ice in Maui

Baobing with regular condensed milk and strawberry condensed milk

Play area and lots of seating available.

Kihei Food Oasis

North Side

30 Alahele Pl
Kihei, HI 96753

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Pai Cafe

We were in Kapahulu looking for a quick snack for the four of us .. the son wanted a smoothie from Mango Mango, so we pulled into the parking lot of the Wong Long Building, and noticed a place called "Pai Cafe" next door, so we went to check it out after picking up a smoothie for the son. 

We picked up an acai bowl and blueberry scone to-go, both were excellent!

The acai was nice and creamy, not icy like how some places prepare it. It came with a good amount of blueberries, strawberries, and bananas, drizzled with organic honey. 

The blueberry scone came with big blueberries in it, which made this scone very moist. I'm normally not a fan of scones (because they tend to be dry), but I couldn't put this one down. I had intended to just take a few bites, but ended up devouring the whole thing.  

Current hours are Monday - Saturday 6AM - 3PM, Sundays 8AM - 3PM.

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Pai Cafe

755 Kapahulu Avenue

Instagram: @paicafekapahulu

 

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HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe

 

HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe recently moved their town location from Keeaumoku Street where they had been for years, to the Kaheka Professional Center on the corner of South King Street and Kaheka Street. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of smoothie and sandwich places, but since my brother and his wife were heading here to pick up lunch, I decided to tag along to try something new.

HiBlend's menu includes acai bowls, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, salads, juices, cold brew, and healthy shots. 

My brother ordered the Turkey Caesar wrap, which was one of the items I was debating on ordering. 

I ended up ordering the smoked salmon and bacon sandwich, and I'm so glad I did! It was delicious! This sandwich included smoked salmon, bacon, avocado, spinach, onions, cream cheese, and garlic citrus aioli, all sandwiched between grilled and buttered sourdough bread. 

 

I ate half for lunch and saved the other half for lunch the next day.

My brother also insisted that I try one of their smoothies, so I ordered the "Pump You Up" with peanut butter (for an additional charge). 

Parking is available in building's parking lot (free 15 minute grace period) or on the street (metered).  

This location is currently open daily from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm.  Online ordering is available!

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Aloha Bowls and Tea at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

The last time we staycationed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, we walked across Ala Moana Blvd to pick up some acai bowls. This time, we didn't have to leave the resort! Located near the Diamond tower and Tapa pool is Aloha Bowls and Tea!

With roots in Maui, this local small business serves up acai bowls, smoothies, and poke bowls.  They source local ingredients when available and use fresh sashimi grade ahi for their poke bowls. The fruit smoothies are made with real fruit and all drinks and bowls are made to order for optimum quality.

For breakfast, my son and I ordered acai bowls. I had the Original Aloha and he had the Hawaiian Sun Rise.  The bowls come in two sizes: regular and large.  The original Aloha comes with organic acai, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, organic honey, and organic granola.  The Hawaiian Sun Rise comes with organic acai, strawberries, big island papaya, mango sorbet and puree, organic honey, and organic granola.  The bowls were delicious!  We also picked up a strawberry blueberry smoothie for my daughter and she enjoyed it as well.  

Aloha Bowls and Tea is a great addition to the food options at the Hilton Hawaiian Village!      

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Açaí Bowls at Tropical Tribe

 

When we staycationed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in August, we were in the mood for acai bowls.  Lanikai Juice was still closed so I did a quick Yelp search and found Tropical Tribe just a short walk away at the Discover Bay Center, ground level.

Tropical Tribe serves authentic Brazilian acai bowls which are made with a blend of acai and guarana berries.  We each ordered the signature Tropical Tribe Bowl with the standard topping of bananas, granola, and honey.  I also ordered a cold brew.  

Small Tropical Tribe Bowl

They also offer smoothies and pao de queijo, a gluten free cheese bread made with Yucca flour.  There is some seating outside the shop to sit and enjoy your acai bowls.  Be sure to check in on Yelp for 10% off your order.  Also call in your order to save time in case there is a line.

Tropical Tribe

Discovery Bay Center -1778 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 101

808-366-8226

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Hawaiian Aroma Caffe at the Waikiki Beachcomber

On our last day of our staycation, we slept in and decided on acai bowls for breakfast. I had heard great things about Hawaiian Aroma Caffe at the Waikiki Beachcomber which was just a short walk away. We had missed the morning rush, but the caffe was still pretty busy. The seating inside the caffe is first come first serve and there are also a few tables outside by the pool.

We ended up with two acai bowls, a traditional waffle, and an almond latte.  The kids loved the acai bowls and I really enjoyed the fluffy waffle.  It was a nice casual breakfast! They are open Monday-Friday from 6am to 2pm and then again from 5:30pm -9:30pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, they are open from 6am to 9:30pm and on Sundays from 6am to 5pm.  

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Acai Bowls at The Sunrise Shack

When my family staycations in Waikiki, I always do a quick Yelp search for new eats.  My main two searches are for acai bowls and dessert.  This summer my acai search turned up the Sunrise Shack which opened its second location last year just inside the Outrigger Waikiki. 

The Sunrise Shack serves up bulletproof coffee, smoothie bowls (including crowd favorite Blue Dream Bowl made with blue algae), healthy bites, and fresh cold-pressed juices. 

My daughter likes her acai to have a sorbet texture so I asked if they had that available. They did and the frozen acai was perfect on that hot day. 

Inside seating is limited, but eventually some chairs opened up. The acai bowls were filling and delicious. Will definitely be back again! 

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Da Spot

At Da Spot in Moiliili, you'll find a menu of flavorful entrees, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, side dishes, and desserts. Not only is everything delicious, but everything is affordable! Main dishes start at $6.00 for a mini plate, which includes two scoops of saffron or brown rice and tossed salad.

Another great deal on the menu is the $6 acai bowl.  Yes, you read right ... $6! And it's a hefty serving of acai too!

Don't forget to save room for the baklava!

DA SPOT

2569 South King Street

(808) 941-1313

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HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe Now Open in Wahiawa

I am so happy that HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe is now open in Wahiawa!

HiBlend emphasizes the use of fresh, organic, and all-natural products throughout their menu, which includes smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and more!

I've been following them on Instagram for a while, and they sure make healthy look good!

Having just opened in Wahiawa, I couldn't wait to stop in!

Detoxinator

Acai Bowl

Braised Ahi

The BALT

Braised Meat Cheese Steak

The Steamer

I've had my eye on The BALT - a croissant topped with bacon, tomato, avocado, pepper jack cheese, and kale, ever since I've seen it posted on Instagram. I opted for a smoked pepper aioli dressing which gave the sandwich a nice kick. It was a simple, yet extremely delicious and satisfying sandwich.

The Steamer was amazing as well.  Steamed eggs, bacon, tomato, avocado, red onion, pepper jack cheese, and spinach topped a croissant (you can also opt for a spinach wrap or bagel), and was drizzled with an arugula pesto.  I had a bite of this sandwich, which one of my sons ordered, and it blew me away.

The Cheese Steak consisted of house-braised, grass-fed Kulana Big Island short rib, caramelized Ewa onion, sauteed Hamakua mushrooms, smoked pepper, and havarti cheese.  It comes with a smoked pepper aioli, but because my son doesn't really like too much spice, we asked for the garlic citrus aioli instead.  The short rib was just so tender and flavorful!

My husband loved the Braised Ahi sandwich   - topped with tomato, avocado, pepper jack cheese, and curly kale.

All sandwiches are served with a salad (I did not miss not having any fries!).

The Detoxinator Smoothie was a blend of curly kale, dino kale, cilantro, mint, celery, mango, orange, and ginger.

The Acai Bowl was a mixture of acai blended with strawberry, blueberry, banana, and apple juice, and topped with bananas, blueberries, strawberries, apple, granola, and honey.

Two of the three co-owners, Jason Chang and Miles Sugahara, were there, and they are some of the nicest people I've ever met!  They were super friendly, and were eager to give recommendations on what menu items to try.

Unlike many other Wahiawa eateries, HiBlend offers plenty of parking.

HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe is a welcome addition to the Wahiawa neighborhood - they make healthy taste so good!

HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe
1718 Wilikina Drive
Wahiawa, HI

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Island Brew Coffeehouse

It's a given that after an early morning hike, my daughter and I will be on the lookout for yummy acai bowls and waffles...as well as coffee! 

We found them all at Island Brew Coffeehouse located by Longs Drugs in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center.  Open daily from 6am to 6pm, you can satisfy your appetite while enjoying a beautiful view of the water. 

Menu offerings include breakfast and lunch options all day including sandwiches, bagels, acai bowls, waffles, and gluten-free pastries.  Island Brew specializes in 100% Hawaiian coffee and espresso so be sure to pick up a cup.  With free wifi, Island Brew makes for a great place to relax and refuel. 

 

Acai Bowl

Amaretto latte made with 100% Hawaiian Espresso and organic milk.

Chocolate chip waffles!  Waffles were pretty perfect.

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Makai Bowls

Disclosure: complimentary product was provided for review purposes

Acai bowls have been in the trend for years, and for good reason. Not only are they very Instagram-friendly (look at all those bright colors!), but they're delicious, sweet, and full of nutrients. Acai (pronounced "ah-sigh-ee") bowls are made of a smoothie-like blend of acai berries, which are rich of antioxidants and nutrients that help prevent arthritis, inflammation, and other ailments, and are usually topped with more nutritious foods such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, etc.

These refreshing and nutritious bowls can be found at many smoothie and health-conscious cafes around Oahu, but there's one particular one on the windward side of Oahu that has captured my heart, and my appetite - Makai Bowls in Kailua.

Makai Bowls is a small food truck owned and operated by Kaulu. It's been almost a year since Kaulu decided to turn his passion for acai bowls into a business, and over the past year, he's been hard at work perfecting his version of the acai bowl.

He works out of this small green food truck located in the same parking lot as Agnes' Portuguese Bake Shop off of Ho'olai Street in Kailua. You can't miss his lime green truck.

It's a one-man operation, and Kaulu makes everything by hand, made-to-order. 

There are two items on the menu: the Aloha Bowl, which is his famous acai bowl, and the Mana Bowl, which is a blend of peanut butter and bananas.  All bowls are topped with granola, banana, strawberries, blueberries and honey. Coconut and bee pollen are also available.

The Aloha Bowl is his best seller, and for good reason - it's delicious! Kaulu's acai blend is sweet, thick, and not watered down like at some other places.  He does not skimp on the toppings either.

Aloha Bowl

Check out this highly-nutritious spoonful of antioxidants.....

I also sampled the Mana bowl.  If you love peanut butter as much as I do, you'll love this bowl. The base is made mostly of frozen bananas and peanut butter, so it's ultra-rich and thick.   It doesn't have the nutritional punch that the Aloha Bowl has, but it's certainly high in protein.

Mana Bowl

Makai Bowls initially started out at Sandy Beach, and many people do not realize that he has since moved to Kailua (Yelp has yet to update his business page), so come check him out next to Portuguese Bake Shop and look for the green food truck!

MAKAI BOWLS 

46 Ho'olai Street (next to Agnes Portuguese Bake Shop)

Kailua, HI

(808) 428-6518

Instagram: @makaibowlshawaii

Hours: Monday - Saturday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm

Accepts Cash or Credit Cards

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