My Top 5 Acai Bowl Places on Oʻahu

First there was kale, then mason jar smoothies, and now it seems as though acai bowls have risen to top of the healthy hipster food list. I remember eating my very first acai bowl when I was in the 10th grade, and ever since then, I have become an avid acai bowl expert. For anyone not familiar with acai bowls, acai is a tropical berry that can be blended into a thick, purple smoothie-like substance. Toppings such as chia seeds or strawberries are usually added, making acai bowls pretty healthy and satisfying treats. Throughout our high school years, my friends and I would drive around the island, tasting acai bowls from various places. Here is my list of the top five acai bowl places on Oahu – enjoy!

#5. Jess Da Best

Jess Da Best was actually one of the first acai bowl places I visited. I remember first learning about the place on Instagram when the owners were still running the business from their garage. Now, Jess Da Best has its own location at Ka Makana Ali’i mall in Kapolei. I would consider its acai bowls closer to a dessert than to a healthy treat. Sure, Jess Da Best still includes fruit toppings like pineapple, strawberries and kiwi on its menu. However, most customers purchase chocolate chips and cookie dough as additional toppings. If I’m going to eat an acai bowl, I would still like to keep it on the healthier side or I might as well eat a banana split instead. The common bowl costs about $8, not including the additional money if you want to add more toppings. As a local company, the staff and service is very friendly, and the seafoam walls of the store are lined with beautiful photos of Hawaii’s sunsets, oceans and culture.

#4. Haleiwa Bowls

Coming in at number four is Haleiwa Bowls located on the north shore of the island. Unlike other places on this list, Haleiwa Bowls is not really a restaurant but a local shack in the heart of historic surf town Haleiwa. I know what you’re thinking. Buying food on the side of the road from a grass shack seems a little sketchy, but don’t be fooled. Its acai bowls are non-dairy with no added sugars. The place also supports other local businesses by buying their fruit from North Shore farmers. The popular acai surf bowl is topped with fresh bananas, organic hemp granola, raw coconut flakes and drizzled with honey – all for a mere $7. Additional toppings such as papaya and blueberries can be purchased for 75¢. Located right across from the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice, the shack is usually busy with customers. However, the line moved by quickly every time I visited. I would also recommend this place to anyone who’s looking to take some artsy food pictures – just take a look at Haleiwa Bowl’s Instagram!

#3. Diamond Head Cove Health Bar

Also making my list for best acai bowl places is the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar. Much like Jess Da Best, the local staff and island-decorated restaurant creates an easy-going and relaxed environment. Located in busy Waikiki, this place is usually packed with locals and tourists. I would advise not going during lunch hours to avoid waiting in a long line. What I like about this place is the range of healthy toppings served. For example, “Da Hawaiian” Acai Bowl is topped with Big Island Lehua Honey, fresh strawberries, blueberries, bee pollen, organic granola and bananas – all of this just for $8. Unlike other acai bowl places, this place serves its food in reusable ceramic bowls, adding a home-made vibe to the restaurant. I would definitely recommend stopping by and grabbing an acai bowl after hiking Diamond Head, which is located right above the restaurant.

#2. Banan

Banan holds a close place to my heart because the company’s Instagram (which has 15 thousand followers) actually follows me! I may be bending the rules a little bit for this place not only serves acai but fruit soft serve as well. I remember first visiting Banan when its only location was a food truck in Waikiki. Banan now has a store near the University of Hawaii Manoa. Banan is another local company that focuses on simplicity and freshness. Not only does Banan have acai but also banana, lilikoi, and chocolate mac bowls! What makes this place even better is that customers can order their acai in papaya boats! My favorite acai bowl to order is probably the “Riss Moore” – a swirl of acai and lilikoi soft serve topped with granola, puffed quinoa, honey, bee pollen, pineapples and strawberries. This bowl is actually named after professional surfer and Banan associate Carissa Moore, making it the perfect breakfast of champions. Unlike other places on this list, Banan is really focused on sustainability. Each store location has compost bins for leftover papaya boats and multiple recycle bins. Banan also includes many activities for customers such as open mic and face paint Fridays. Bowls typically range from $6 to $12, depending on the size you get.

#1. Nalu Health Bar & Café

Topping my list for best acai bowl places on Oahu is Nalu Health Bar & Café in Kailua. Located in yet another surf town on the island, Nalu’s acai bowls cost about $10. The local service and beach-decorated store create a soothing island vibe. However, what makes this place my go to acai bowl place is the natural and fresh taste. Although many of the places I’ve listed above serve fresh acai, Nalu’s the only place I’ve been to where I can taste natural acai. Its authenticity is evident by its deep dark purple color. Whenever I visit, I order the “Ala Moana” bowl. The richness and smoothness of the acai combined with the sweetness of bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and honey and the crunchy goodness of granola satisfy my sweet cravings while still filling my once empty stomach. Out of all the times I’ve visited, Nalu has always exceeded by acai bowl needs.