VEGAN IN HAWAII

This past January my older sister and I kicked off 2018 with a two week trip to Waikiki. We wanted the new year to begin on a high note, without any worries or stress, and figured that hopping on a plane to escape our day-to-day lives back home would do the trick, and it did.

I'd wake up at 8am every morning, start up a pot of coffee, and journal on the balcony as it brewed. No matter the day, we'd always end up at the beach. Our hair was permanently knotted from the salt water, but we didn't mind in the slightest. Sand was everywhere, always, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

During our stay we scouted out some restaurants and cafes that had vegan options, and found a few that had us coming back again and again. It wasn't tricky, veganism is definitely on the rise so a lot of spots will usually have options to satisfy a plant-based person or anyone who's willing to give it a try!

1. The Cheesecake Factory

We came here twice, I ordered the avocado toast with a side of fries (pictured right). The avocado toast was six pieces of goodness and the side of fries were more like a mountain. Both occasions we had leftovers (bonus) which we'd bring to the beach and munch on while watching the sunset.

3. Ruffage Natural Foods

We probably went here five times because they had so many vegan options! Their menu is vegetarian and vegan, and you can tell everything is made with love. When you order food from here it feels like one of your parents made you a homemade meal, it's the best. Not to mention, their prices were super reasonable and the food was always fresh.

2. Island Vintage Coffee

Their vegan poke bowl had so many flavours going on, loaded with purple potatoes, avocado, beets, asparagus, and served with rice and green salad (pictured below). A bunch of different acai bowls are also offered here, mmmmm. Plus, they have the cutest outdoor seating area.

4. Food Pantry

Because our hotel had a fridge and microwave we were able to do a little bit of grocery shopping. This was one of the few grocery stores in Waikiki that wasn't insanely overpriced (avoid going to ABC for your everyday groceries). Our typical grocery haul consisted of almond milk, cereal, oranges, inari, and ramen. Making "meals" in our room also saved us a bit of money that we got to spend on other things, like beer ☺.

5. Barefoot Beach Cafe

They have two options here, a veggie fried rice and a veggie burger (skip the sauce). This cafe is located right on the beach, so it's the perfect place to watch the sun set.

Notable mentions...

ABC Stores

Convenient when you want to grab some drinks, inari, cucumber rolls, or ground coffee for your hotel room.

Eggs 'n Things

If you're craving a tasty brunch come here for the tofu and veggies with hash browns.

Jamba Juice

So many smoothies, so many acai bowls. We'd order them to-go and snack on them at the beach, they're the perfect way to cool down.

Moose McGillyCuddy's

The best happy hour. Your wallet will thank you, your liver will not.

Once I got home from Hawaii, I started thinking about when I'd return. It's one of those places I don't think I could ever get tired of. Who knew I'd miss finding sand in every crevice of my body so much.