13 Very Vegan Options on O'ahu
Living in O’ahu for the past eight years and committed to a vegan lifestyle for the last four, has made me keenly aware of the changes in the plant-based landscape on this island. What was once an option few and far between has become a budding vegan scene, with still so much room for growth.
For clarification purposes, this is a compilation of 100% veg options that we know of thus far. There are many vegan-friendly eateries that deserve a blog of their own.
This may not be a complete list of all the vegan eateries on O’ahu. If we missed some place or one of your favorites, we’d love to hear about it… leave it in the comments!
Located in the neighborhood of Kaimuki, dining at Vegan Hills is a dining experience to remember. Vegan Hills prides itself on it’s whole foods plant based fare, that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. It also has the only all organic, sustainably sourced, and vegan bar on the island! Our favorites are the Why Nachos? and anything with their coconut whip cream. With weekly specials on plates, desserts and drinks—we recommend you check them out often, and make a reservation because tables can fill up quick.
3585 Waialae Ave
Wednesday thru Monday 10am - 3pm
Closed Tuesdays
This is GFM’s choice for epic yet low-key and casual weekend brunches (only at their Kaimuki location). Juicy Brew’s menu is constantly changing as they source locally and the ingredients they use depend on what’s in season… but you can almost always count on ‘ulu being featured, as well as uniquely flavored sweets and mochi. They make vegan grab n go affordable, easy, and delicious! Our favorites are the breakfast sandwich on a bagel and their loco moco is always choice. They also have delectable grab-n-go items in the front case if you don’t have time to sit down and eat.
2 Locations
3392 Waialae Ave
Open Monday thru Friday 9am - 6pm
Epic brunches on Saturday & Sunday 9am - 2pm
1401 S Beretania St. (First floor of Hale Pawaa Medical Building)
Open Monday thru Friday 6:30am - 5pm
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
This mobile, wood-fired pizzeria is THE place to go for artisan New-York style pizza. All ingredients— from dough, to “meat”, cheese, and sauces are homemade from scratch. To top it off, there are special pizza flavors every week to keep you coming back for more! There is usually a line, and they do close when they run out of dough, so we recommend you either get there early or call in your order to have it ready beforehand.
3212 Monsarrat Ave (same parking lot as Banan Food Truck)
Open Friday thru Sunday 4 - 8:30pm
What’s better than vegan pizza? Vegan pizza AND ice cream! Now you can get both, in the same location… at the base of Diamond Head (What it Dough + Banan Food Truck= YUM). Voted as one of PETA’s Top 10 Vegan Sundaes in 2017, Banan’s frozen goodness speaks for itself. Order your Banan without the honey and bee pollen to make it completely vegan. Also, bring your own bowl and Banan will donate $1 to their monthly non-profit of choice. Or get your nice cream in a papaya boat and eat your bowl! They are frequently serving up new flavors, so follow them on social media to stay updated.
4 locations
Diamond Head Food Truck: 3212 Monsarrat Ave
Open Every Day 9am - 6pm
University Store: 1810 University Ave
Open Monday thru Thursday & Saturdays 10am - 8pm
Fridays & Sundays 10am - 6pm
Kahala Cube in Kahala Mall: 4211 Waialae Ave
Open Monday thru Saturday 10am - 9pm
Sundays 10am - 6pm
Waikiki Beach Shack: 2270 Kalakaua Ave
Open Every Day 8am - 8pm
Once upon a time, Peace Cafe was one of the only 100% vegan eateries around. Thankfully, that time has passed and Peace Cafe is still standing! This quaint little spot is know for its vegan homecooked meals— sandwiches, bowls, salads, vegan alternatives to coffee, and nice cream. You can even grab one of their books and read while enjoying a nourishing meal.
2239 S King St
Monday thru Saturday 9am - 8pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm
A favorite for local-style dishes, Mama T and her team are always serving up something delicious. There’s a hot bar where you have a choice of guilt-free ital style dishes— meaning cooked the natural way without processed food, additives, oil, salt and sugar. Kalo is a staple ingredient on the menu and they support local, organic farmers. (P.S. you don’t want to miss out on the kalo cinnamon buns!)
1001 Bishop St. #110
Monday thru Friday 7:30am - 2:30pm
Simple Joy Vegetarian Cuisine:
Here you can find a varied menu offering vegan-style Italian, American, and Asian dishes. A cute, casual spot for lunch and dinner, you are sure to find something(s) that will satisfy your hunger at Simple Joy. Dishes are made to order and, if needed, you can request gluten-free rice noodles.
1145 S King St
Open Every Day
10:30am - 2:30pm (lunch)
5pm - 9pm (dinner)
Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain found around the U.S. and across the world. Each Loving Hut has a different menu, and ours in Honolulu is definitely Asian-inspired. There are a plethora of mock-meat dishes to try. One of our favorite dishes to order is the pho! There are lunch specials and rotating specials that change on a weekly basis.
1614 South King Street
Open Monday thru Saturday
10:30am - 2:30 pm (lunch)
5pm - 9pm (dinner)
Get your fix of plant-based versions of Hawaiian and locally inspired cuisine at ‘Ai Love Nalo. They also serve up delicious smoothies, juices, and desserts. ‘Ai Love sources high quality ingredients from local farms, making all their food from scratch to be both delicious and nutritious! They are also on a mission to improve community wellbeing by hosting and providing events (yoga, sound healing, massage, live music, workshops) that are good for mind, body, and soul healing. They do use honey in some dishes, so if you’re concerned— just order it without!
Located in Waimanalo: 41-1025 Kalanianoa’ole Hwy
Open Monday thru Friday 10:30am - 3pm
Saturday and Sundays 10:30am - 5 pm
The mantras at Leahi Health include organic, farm to table, and Made with Aloha. You can seriously taste these intentions in their food. We love their Kombucha concoctions— whether it be a smoothie or (alcohol-free) cocktail. They pair so well with any of their healthy grinds! Leahi Health is like guilt-free, vegan fast food— local style.
3 locations
Kaimuki: 3441 Waialae Ave.
Monday thru Saturday 8am-5pm
Sundays 10am-3pm
Aina Haina: 820 W Hind Dr.
Monday thru Saturday 8am-5pm
Sundays 10am-3pm
Kailua: 418 Kuulei Rd
Open Every Day 8am-4pm
You know the island is vegan-friendly when there’s not one, but two, 100% vegan pizzerias. If you’re out on Kailua side and looking for a delicious hot slice of plant-based pizza, we highly recommend checking The Lovin’ Oven Out. It’s a cozy, quaint space where everything is made from scratch and you can taste the love. We love the spinach salad, the variety of pizza topping flavors, and if you’re lucky… they’ll have vegan lasagna and tiramisu, too!
418 Kuulei Rd
Wednesday thru Sunday 2:30-8:30pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Feeling quick, yummy, Chinese food for lunch? Water Drop has got you covered. Their food is already made, so all you need to do is pick your choices from the hot bar, pay and eat. Besides their deli, they offer vegan desserts and frozen vegan items in their freezer. According the staff, everything available is vegan, but we recommend making sure— just in case. The only downside is their limited hours (open for lunch only), but perfect if you happen to be downtown and looking for a quick, veg bite to eat. Brownie points if you BYO utensils & containers to make it a zero-waste meal!
801 Alakea St.
Open Monday thru Friday 11am - 2pm
The newest plant-based eatery to pop up in Honolulu, Atelier Plant Based is taking vegan fare to a whole new level by offering authentic and creative nice cream bowls, nutrient dense bowls, and CBD water on tap. They source their ingredients from local, organic farms and do not include any added sugars, oils, preservatives, or fillers. It is on the pricier range for food, but considering the quality of ingredients it’s well worth it. The food is beautifully colorful, meticulously crafted, and tasty as health. Because of this, they don’t always have everything available on the menu… but be on the lookout, we see growth and good things for the future of this deli.
Located inside Vim N Vigor at the Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd Suite 1014
Call (808)971-1859 for hours as they vary
For more details on veg-friendly dining options please check out Vegetarian Society of Hawaii. Consider becoming a member and receiving discounts at most of the veg and veg-friendly eateries on island.
Remember, every meal you choose to have sans animal products (i.e. vegan), you nourish your body with plants, reduce your carbon footprint, and most importantly, you save lives. Every meal is a choice to make a positive impact on your health, the environment, and our animal friends.