From vibrant açaí bowls to plant-based sushi and tofu katsu bento boxes, Honolulu has a wide and diverse array of vegan food that reflects Hawaii’s history as a cultural melting pot. The beautiful weather makes it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat outside, so thankfully, many restaurants offer outdoor seating and takeout options. Why not camp out on the beach with a satisfying vegan spread? From casual cafés to impressive multi-course tasting menus, here are just some of the fabulous vegan restaurants that Honolulu has to offer.
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Is Hawaii vegan-friendly?
Hawaii is an extremely diverse land mass—from the seashore to the mountains, the Big Island alone is home to 10 of the 14 recognized climate zones. This variety makes it prime for growing an expansive number of crops, though the state is limited by its small size. This also means that Hawaii is incredibly vegan-friendly.
Tane
In fact, the produce grown on the Hawaiian islands is flavorful and beyond comparison to what you may find on the mainland. The bounty extends far beyond pineapple and coffee—apple bananas, lilikoi (passion fruit), avocados, taro, mangoes, and jackfruit (which is often used as a vegan meat alternative) all thrive in certain areas of the islands. So, while the restaurants listed below are exceptional, you may find your favorite meal at a local farmers’ market or in the produce section of an independent grocer.
That said, seafood, spam, and pork make up island culinary culture as well. However, some restaurants have created vegan versions of typically meat-heavy Hawaiian dishes. Traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, for example, are made with seitan or tofu-based katsu or plant-based loco moco (a hamburger-based main covered in brown gravy, often topped with an egg).
Vegan options are trending upward, but not quite to the point where you can wander to any part of the island and expect to happen upon a fully satisfying vegan option. There are hidden gems everywhere, no doubt, but it’s best to have a plan to ensure you’ll have something delicious to eat.
Vegan-friendly restaurants in Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu
Here is where to get the best vegan food in the bustling capital city of Hawaii.
Nature Waikiki
1 Nature Waikiki
Looking for a vegan fine-dining experience in Honolulu? Nature Waikiki offers an authentic farm-to-table experience. Diners can choose between a preset six-course plant-based menu with locally sourced and seasonal organic produce and an á la carte menu that lists several vegan options. Look for dishes such as Cremini Mushroom Tagliatelle, Ewa Sweet Corn Gnocchi, Truffle French Fries, and the Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc. Call ahead, as this place books up quickly.
Find IT HERE
Leahi Health
2 Leahi Health
Located in Kaimuki, an eclectic neighborhood with chic boutiques and foodie restaurants, Leahi Health is an unassuming beach-y eatery with only outdoor seating. This is your go-to restaurant for all-things healthy, vegan, and consistently delicious. Think vegan poke bowls, breakfast tacos, refreshing green smoothies, pizzas, and flavorful salads and bowls. It’s the perfect place to stop for a bite before heading off for a hike or snorkeling adventure.
Find IT HERE
Tane
3 Tane
Craving vegan sushi beyond the standard avocado and cucumber roll? This vegan izakaya restaurant crafts elaborate plant-based sushi and other delightful Japanese dishes. Located on Beretania Street, the restaurant boasts a stunning interior with wood and steel details for a hip ambiance. The kitchen applies traditional Japanese culinary techniques to veggies, fruits, tofu, nuts, and flowers to offer diners an unforgettable upscale experience. Whether you munch on the beet salad, enjoy the tomato nigiri, or nibble on one of Tane’s 12 speciality rolls, you won’t leave dinner disappointed or hungry.
Find IT HERE
Dara X./Yelp
4 Floralia
Formerly titled What It Dough, this mobile food truck is churning out pies worthy of its more sophisticated name. Parked on Kona Street, this artisan-style pizzeria was the first to offer wood-fired vegan pizzas in Honolulu. The menu includes classic pies such as White, Margherita, and Pesto Genoa, as well as options with vegan meat, like The Paradiso, which features vegan bacon, or The Brooklyn with vegan meatballs. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, because you won’t find an ultra-decadent and creamy Basque-style cheesecake anywhere else. It’s worth noting that their hours vary so remember to check their Instagram page for the most current opening times and pizza specials.
Find IT HERE
AV
5 AV
Located in the Kaimuki neighborhood, “All Vegan” (aka AV) has a swanky upscale atmosphere. Led by Chef Kenny Lee, the restaurant offers high-end American and Asian fusion cuisine through a 10-course vegan gastronomic tasting menu. Many of the courses are interactive. For example, the White Peach Dragon’s Breath is served with liquid nitrogen foam that you crush between your front teeth while blowing out air, making you look like a dragon.
Find IT HERE
Peace Cafe
6 Peace Cafe
Located in the Waikiki neighborhood, this quaint family-owned restaurant offers clean and delicious vegan options at a great price point and large portion sizes. Try the Tempeh Katsu Curry or the Yakisoba. The health-conscious café also offers garlic-free options for those sensitive to alliums.
Find IT HERE
Juicy Brew
7 Juicy Brew
The menu at Juicy Brew is extraordinary. Open for lunch and late afternoon nibbles, the food here embodies the best of Hawaiian fusion. Choose from options like Orange Chick’n Hirata, Chickpea Toona Salad, and Mac ‘n Kimcheezy. Each dish is complex in flavors and textures, making you want to order one of everything, including dessert. Don’t leave without a taste of the Sweet Potato and ‘Ulu Caramel Mochi or the Chocolate Chip Razzleberry Tahini Cookies.
Find IT HERE
Umeke Market
8 Umeke Market
For a breakfast option beyond an açaí bowl, check out Umeke Market. The vegan spot cranks out fruit-and-nut-topped oatmeal; tofu scrambles; and vegan egg, cheese, and sausage breakfast sandwiches. Those who sleep past 10:15am and miss breakfast can find sustenance in the form of a build-your-own vegan plate lunch. From stewed taro leaves to Pono Chili and fry bread, this option is a must for anyone interested in tasting culture through food.
Find IT HERE
Sunrise Shack
9 Sunrise Shack
A beachside morning isn’t incomplete without at least one açaí bowl, and there’s no better place to get one than from a sunshine-yellow shack surrounded by palm trees. This micro-chain boasts several locations around O’ahu, all offering vibrant smoothie bowls topped with Instagram-worthy fruits and nuts. Just be sure to request no honey when ordering your bowl or smoothie.
Find IT HERE
Banan
10 Banan
Bananas have never tasted so good. This two-location sweet shop transforms bananas into creamy, cool, and swirly soft serve. Toppings are gourmet and an absolute must. Choose from scratch-made Mac Nut Butter, fresh fruit, cacao nibs, granola, shaved coconut, and more. Pro tip: save yourself the indecision and opt for a pre-made Creation. From the açaí-swirled Amazon to the chocolate-infused Dark Fantasy, you’re sure to walk away with a refreshing sweet treat that fuels all of your island adventures.
Find IT HERE
7 Vegans HI
11 7 Vegans HI
Those in the know on O’ahu don’t look for a storefront when searching for the island’s best vegan baked goods—they go to a medical building just 13 minutes outside the city in ‘Aiea. 7 Vegans HI is an Instagram-based business that follows the DM-to-order model. The tight selection of treats is announced early in the week for pick-ups that typically land on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, though special orders are accepted on occasion. Each week varies but you can always expect sweets that reflect the baker’s Hawaiian and Filipino roots combined with American staples. The Chocolate Haupia Pie is a must-try, along with the Ube Tiramisu (or anything ube flavored, for that matter). If you luck out, the irresistible cookie pie might be in the rotation. Don’t have much of a sweet tooth? They also offer savory eats. Follow them on Instagram @7vegans_HI and plan your vacation around your order. It’s completely worth it.
Find IT HERE
Niu Soft Serve
12Niu Soft Serve
Whether you’re looking for a post-dinner treat or need a delicious way to keep cool, stop by Niu Soft Serve. Here, decadent, dairy-free swirls in intoxicating flavors are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. The small-batch, hand-crafted flavors include options such as ube, coconut, matcha, and hala kahiki aka pineapple! Guests can top their swirls with toppings including syrups, mochi, Oreos, rainbow sprinkles, macadamia nuts, and more. Sundaes, shakes, and baked treats are also offered, so you’ll want to stop by more than once on your trip to sample them all.
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Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
