A true labor of love “rooted” in the owner’s familial ties to the island’s sugar plantations, Sugar Roots is the perfect spot for grabbing goodies like smoothies, frozen treats, baked goods, snacks, and more during your time in Waimea on Kauai.
Looking for the ultimate sweet treat while vacationing in Waimea on Kauai? You’ll find it (and much more!) at Sugar Roots. This business may be small in size, but it’s huge on heart….and on some of the tastiest and most inventive smoothies and baked goods around.
Located across from Gather Federal Credit Union’s Waimea Branch, Sugar Roots pays powerful homage to owner Brittnee Pablo’s rich family history. Both of her grandfathers immigrated to the Philippines to work on Kauai’s sugar plantations. The connections to the land and culture deepened over the generations, and are now lovingly and gratefully infused into every concoction crafted by Pablo in her kitchen.
In addition to freshly blended smoothies and baked goods, Sugar Roots also offers a rotating selection of menu items guaranteed to dazzle you with their island-influenced flavors and colors. You won’t find any bland or boring baked goods here. We’re talking about truly inspired flavor profiles and blends that you’ll still be dreaming of long after your return to the mainland.
If you’re heading out on a hike or day trip, Sugar Roots is also the perfect place to stock up on snacks for your adventure. Handcrafted candies, seasonal Chex mix featuring locally sourced ingredients, and other prepared and packaged snacks are guaranteed to keep you going while nourishing both body and soul. (Our pick? The super-addictive, mouth-puckeringly sour Li Hing Lemon Peel gushers and gummies.)
One more thing to love about Sugar Roots? The merch! If you’ve ever struggled with finding authentic souvenirs and gifts to bring back home, you can’t go wrong at Sugar Roots. We’re smitten by their colorful waterproof stickers and cute tee shirts.
While it’s almost impossible to choose favorites from Sugar Roots’ abundant and amazing offerings, here are a few of the things we loved during our visit:
Banana mochi bread
Sugar Roots is a master of mochi, and we could not get enough of this luscious, freshly baked treat. (The matcha butter mochi is also to-die-for.)
Chex mix
When it comes to grab-and-go snacks, Sugar Roots’ chex mix in flavors like furikake and pumpkin spice is a serious cravings buster.
Dipped berries
Time’s got to be on your side to get your hands on these decadent sweets, but they’re worth it! (And don’t worry if you get there and they’ve run out; you’ll have plenty of other treats to choose from.)
Campfire s’mores cookies
Loaded with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker cereal, these hearty cookies are made for enjoying with a cold glass of milk.
The Fruity Dragon smoothie
What do you get when you blend fresh orange, pineapple, dragon fruit, strawberries, bananas, and passion fruit? This radiantly refreshing smoothie.
The Ocean Potion smoothie
While the gorgeous blue color may entice you to order this banana-pineapple-honey-apple juice-blue spirulina beverage, the unbelievable taste will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants!
Churro bars
Lovers of all things cinnamon and sugar will revel in this twist on the class churro.
One last thing to keep in mind? Sugar Roots is a small operation, and the menu changes by the day and by the season. While you may not be able to get the exact same thing you got last time, you’re sure to find a different yet equally delightful alternative. (Did someone say pumpkin rolls with cream cheese filling and Pumpkin Pie shakes at Thanksgiving?)
Insider Tips:
-Sugar Roots is a small operation with limited hours. Check their Instagram page or give them a call before popping in.
-To learn more about the rich and inspiring history and heritage of this unique family business, be sure to peruse the photographs and other memorabilia on display.