If you’re not taking advantage of Hawaii’s wealth of fresh fruit, what are you even doing there?! Açaí is a wonderful base for all that local fruit, and Waikiki and the larger Honolulu city area have so many great smoothie and açaí bowl spots. We taste-tested our way through the city, trying over a dozen smoothie bars and cafes to narrow down the 5 best açaí bowls:
1. Island Vintage Coffee – Waikiki
Possibly the best açaí bowl in Honolulu, maybe on the entire island! Island Vintage Coffee has perfected the fruity cornucopia, so it’s no surprise that lines regularly stretch out the door and past other shops in Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center. Their entire menu is delicious, not too health conscious–and includes vegan options– making it one of those rare spots that please all types of foodies.
Their sister restaurant next door, Island Vintage Wine Bar, also serves much of the Island Vintage Coffee menu, including the açaí bowls–so you might be able to circumvent the line by ordering at the wine bar.
And if you’re exploring the island, Island Vintage also has locations in Ko’Olina, Haleiwa, and Whalers Village.
What to Order:
All of Island Vintage’s açaí bowls are fantastic, but if you’re a fan of coconut, be sure to try the Haupia Moana bowl, which includes a mouth-watering scoop of frozen coconut cream. I’d also recommend going with the larger 24 oz size bowl–the smaller size will be gone too soon!
2. da Cove Health Bar and Cafe – Diamond Head
This popular smoothie bar and cafe is located just off Waikiki in the Diamond Head neighborhood, making Da Cove the perfect post-hike stop.
They have a variety of fresh and flavorful bowls on their menu, along with smoothies and sandwiches (try the yummy seared ahi!).
Because it’s just off the Waikiki bustle, there generally aren’t long lines, and there’s outdoor tables to sit and enjoy your bowl.
What to Order:
We loved the Hapa Bowl, which combines açaí and pitaya, along with plenty of fresh fruit, granola, coconut flakes and honey.
3. Nalu Health Bar & Cafe – Ala Moana
Nestled in the hip South Shore Market across the street from Ala Moana Beach Park, Nalu Health Bar is the perfect pre or post-beach stop.
Boasting a richly flavored açaí base with a deep purple hue (indicative of a higher açaí ratio) that sets them apart from other spots, along with healthy add-ins, Nalu’s açaí bowls skirt the line between virtuous health food and decadent treat. They’re so good!
What to Order:
The Nalu Bowl has a little bit of everything, and it’s even better if you add coconut. They can be a tad heavy-handed with the granola, so ask them to go easy on it if you’d prefer a higher ratio of açaí.
4. Tropical Tribe – Waikiki
Hidden away in the Discovery Bay Center Building, you might not notice Tropical Tribe from the street, but they’re well worth a stop! The location is close to Hilton’s Hawaiian Village, and other West end Waikiki/ Ala Moana hotels. In fact, you may find yourself in the building when renting a car, as Enterprise and Alamo rent from Discovery Bay.
Whatever brings you to Tropical Tribe, their bowls are delicious, and you’ll have the choice of a “Brazilian” açaí base made with açaí and guaraná berry juice, or the “Hawaiian” açaí base more commonly found in açaí bowls in Honolulu, which blends açaí, apple juice, tropical fruits, and often a nut milk like almond milk.
What to Order:
We tried both açaí bases, and couldn’t choose a favorite! Whatever you order here is likely to be scrumptious, though I do recommend opting for the Tropical Topping selection for maximum fresh fruits on top.
5. Hawaiian Crown Cafe – Waikiki
Fresh, flavorful açaí bowls that also come in a pineapple or papaya bowl? Yep, and the Hawaiian Crown Cafe is centrally located in Honolulu just a couple blocks off the beach.
While you’re picking up your deliciously Instagrammable bowl, Hawaiian Crown also stocks a wealth of packaged local foods perfect for gifting or taking back to the hotel for sampling later.
Their tiny storefront doesn’t offer dine-in, so be prepared to take your bowl to the beach or the nearby Princess Kaʻiulani Triangle mini park to eat.
What to Order:
Unlike many spots, they only offer one type of açaí bowl, but I highly recommend adding on an island fresh pineapple or papaya bowl.
