Even if you plan on indulging at every meal in Kauai, you’ll still want to stop by a local spot for acai bowls or fresh juice. The succulent tropical fruits grown on the Hawaiian Islands have such a rich sweetness that even a simple acai bowl tastes decadent Plan at least a couple of stops to sample local fruits while in Kauai for a real taste of the Hawaiian Islands.
In Kauai, you’ll find the best fruit juices and acai bowls at the following top spots:
Aloha Aina Juice Cafe
If you want your acai bowl made with the care of an artist that includes mix-ins layered with the base throughout the bowl, you should visit Aloha Aina Juice Cafe. Many visitors don’t add a stop to this juice cafe to their itineraries, but once they try it, they come back as often as their vacation time allows during their stay near Lihue.
The acai bowls at Aloha Aina Juice Cafe can come with a base of either acai or a blend of half acai and half pitaya (dragonfruit). You may also choose a 100% pitaya base, which would change the dish to a pitaya bowl.
Bowls at Aloha Aina Juice Cafe come in three sizes. This range ensures that even kids can have a fruit bowl that fits their appetites. If you need gluten-free foods, select the gluten-free granola option.
Try the Niu (coconut) bowl. This bowl comes with your choice of base layered with coconut flakes, haupia (coconut pudding), and granola. It comes topped with mango, papaya, honey, and bananas. Adding pineapple to the toppings gives this bowl the taste of a pina colada without the alcohol or guilt.
Ingredients here include unusual options other acai bowl vendors don’t have. For instance, the Aina bowl comes with a layer of poi and a drizzle of sweet poi on top. On the add-on list, you’ll find distinctly Hawaiian ingredients such as poi, haupia, sweet potato, and macadamia nuts. These numerous add-ons let you create your ultimate acai bowl that you may not be able to replicate anywhere else.
The wide range of toppings, including options you won’t find elsewhere, make this a must-visit spot for acai bowls.
Anakes Juice Bar
Is visiting a market for the juice bar in the back worth the trip? It is if you visit Anakes Juice Bar. Located in the back of the Kukuiula Market off the tourist-beaten path, few travelers know about this spot for fresh juice and acai bowls. However, you should stop by because the food and drinks are Instagram-worthy and just as tasty.
Several things make Anakes Juice Bar stand out. First, it offers gluten-free granola for its acai bowls, something rarely found elsewhere. Second, because this spot is small and local, the bowls generally cost less than at other places around Kauai. Third, you have options for medium or large acai bowls, so you don’t have to feel guilty ordering more food than you would eat.
The acai bowls taste fresh and come with multiple options. Visitors suggest trying the Funky Monkey, which has a base of banana, strawberry, acai, peanut butter, and almond milk. The toppings include bananas, strawberries, honey, granola, and dark chocolate chips. This acai bowl has prompted some visitors to both snap pictures of their acai bowls and to return multiple times during their stay near Koloa. If you prefer fruit bowls with acai, try either the Poipu Paradise or Da Dragon.
Grab your bowl and relax inside at the seating near the juice bar to enjoy a local staple that comes packed with flavor in a beautiful package.
Kalalea Juice Hale
Family-owned and operated since 1970, Kalalea Juice Hale is one of the oldest staples of the area for fresh juice. The family supports local farmers and uses area-grown, organic produce in its menu offerings.
If you want to go to a place for acai bowls that offer super-packed, decadent ways to enjoy this healthy treat, you must stop by Kalalea Juice Hale. Standard menu combinations of acai bowls include original, Next Level, King Kong, and Mo Buttah Mo Betta. A staff member blends the acai base when you order, making it fresher but adding time to prepare your bowl. Be patient when you request one of these hearty and healthy treats.
The basic acai bowl uses Tambor acai, locally grown bananas, organic strawberries, and coconut. The standard topping on all bowls is a blend of bananas, honey, and granola, all from local producers. You have the option of boosting any acai bowl with a variety of add-ons, including seasonal fresh fruit. If you love coconut, follow the advice of other coconut-loving visitors and add extra to your acai bowl topping.
When ordering an acai bowl, bring your appetite. These mammoth fruit-filled bowls will sate even the hungriest of visitors. Kalalea Juice Hale will not split bowls for you.
For the ultimate acai bowls with a dizzying selection of fresh topping options, stop by Kalalea Juice Hale.
Kauai Juice Co. Kapaa
The Kauai Juice Co. began with a Kickstarter campaign in 2010 as Kauai Kombucha. Today, the business has expanded to several locations around the island and nationwide shipping of its kombucha, juices, and health shots.
When you feel that you’ve indulged a little too much in the rich cuisine of the island’s resorts and restaurants, stop by Kauai Juice Co. in Kapaa to get something a little lighter. You’ll find a large selection of on-tap kombuchas, fruit juices, elixirs, and freshly pressed nut milk.
The fruit juices at Kauai Juice Co. come in a variety of blends, each designed for their healthfulness and flavor. The friendly staff here will help you to find the perfect juice to quench your thirst or help your health goals.
If you want something with a tropical taste, try the Omega juice. This blend includes orange, mango, chia seeds, pineapple, dragonfruit, and soursop for a fruity, flavorful combination. Each sip gives you the thrill of sampling the variety of flavors of the fruits for a tart, sweet, tasty drink that you won’t forget. It’s a favorite of many visitors to this shop. The name comes from the omega-3 fatty acids in this drink contributed by the chia seeds.
Keep your juice bottles to bring back to the store for store credit. The store’s container buy-back program reduces waste.
Moloaa Sunrise Fruit Stand
Situated on a lonely road in the Moloaa agricultural district on Kauai’s north side, Moloaa Sunrise Fruit Stand has served up fresh fruits and more to travelers since 2003. While you can order sandwiches, coffees, or bagels, the standout items are fresh fruits, juices, and smoothies.
Make sure that you try the locally grown sugarcane juice. Freshly cut, this juice is refreshing and flavorful. Try it with the complementary squeeze of lime and ginger to add complexity. Other standouts from the menu include watermelon juice and chilled coconut water straight from the fruit.
If you prefer an acai bowl, you’ll enjoy a simple dish with local produce including in-house shredded coconut. Bowls come with acai, strawberries, bananas, and coconut. Topping this combination is a blend of pineapple and banana with Anahola granola and shredded coconut. The simplicity of the dish lets the freshness of the fruits shine through.
While here, watch out for the fruit-loving geckos that jump on tables to try to get your food. Or get pictures of these adorable local lizards.
Feel refreshed and rejuvenated with a stop at one of the top places for fresh juice or acai bowls in Kauai.
