Best Boba in Oahu: You Won’t Believe These 5 Top Spots!

Oh, the sweet savor of boba bubble tea! I can hardly imagine what life was like before this delightful concoction became a daily must-have for me. If you’re anything like me, then you know that sinking feeling when your go-to boba spot just isn’t cutting it anymore. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!

You see, my boyfriend and I take an annual vacation to Oahu, Hawaii – a paradise filled with modern, well-stocked, and innovative boba shops catering to all taste buds. From traditional homey flavors to exotic and creative twists on the classic drink, I’ve ventured through countless establishments in search of the ultimate boba experience.

As a self-proclaimed bubble tea enthusiast who has sampled nearly every shop on the island during our summer trips (no kidding!), I am confident that my top picks for Oahu’s best spots will not disappoint! With their delicious fresh flavors made from quality ingredients and served in generous portions at reasonable prices, these places truly embody everything you could possibly desire in a cup of bubbly goodness.

Warning: Once you’ve tasted the heavenly concoctions at these amazing locations, there’s no turning back – your love for bubble tea might just reach new heights!

So join me on this exhilarating journey through Oahu’s finest boba havens as we uncover irresistible menu options amid enchanting ambiance and superb service. Get ready to fall head over heels for some seriously unforgettable brews!

What Will I Learn? show

#1 Top Tea + Espresso Liliha – The Best Boba, Freshest Juices, Teas, and Smoothies on the Island

Address: 1425 Liliha St Ste #10, Honolulu, HI 96817

I want my tea to be tasty, fresh, and full of flavor. I also want the service to be convenient. This place has parking, accepts credit cards, has free Wi-Fi, and it’s even dog friendly. Having it locally owned by women is also a big plus for me.

Some of the things that set this great shop apart are the service, reasonable prices, and ability to control the flavor of your drink. They offer sweetness levels of 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%. I also love that they have add-ons like boba, lychee jelly, rainbow jelly, coconut jelly, and even chia seeds. Those who don’t consume caffeine, have large caffeine-free sections.

For those looking to experiment at home, they have exclusive DIY Boba Tea Kits. But the best experience is right in the shop. The staff is always smiling. They know their drinks and can suggest flavor combinations or substitutes. Really, they are very well trained to make sure you get the drink you will love most.

The space is small but there is still decent seating for those wanting to enjoy their drink at the restaurant. I would say it seats about 15 people.

This is my favorite Boba tea and espresso spot because:

  • The menu is large and creative with many combinations of flavors, add-ons, and options for those with dietary restrictions.
  • The flavors are fresh, and unique and don’t taste artificial.
  • Service is great, friendly, and quick and they are masters of their menu.

#2 Cowcow’s Tea – The Best Underrated Shop in Town

Address: 3620 Waialae Ave Honolulu, HI 96816

This is a gorgeous mall pink shop that reminds me of a perfume boutique (They even have many plushies for sale.) The decoration is top-notch, and there are a few cute tables available, but it’s best to get your drink to go. The drinks are creative, rich in flavor, and fruity (just the way I like them). But they also have dairy-free and zero-added-sugar tea options.

Some top choices (better than in other shops) are the matcha milk tea with grass jelly, Creamy Rose Milk Tea, and Mango Yogurt with purple rice. My go-to is the Mango with boba because it is refreshing and the flavors are natural.

Service is quick, smiling and they know their stuff. The prices are reasonable. And the line outside is worth the wait. Service is efficient, so the line moves pretty quickly.

Don’t miss out on a great boba drink at Cowcow’s Tea because:

  • The space is cute, funky, filled with plush toys, and Instagram-friendly with many awesome selfy spots.
  • The drinks are well flavored and the ingredients are great. Nothing tastes cheap or artificial.
  • Service is top notch and they can help you find your special drink.
  • There are choices for yogurt lovers too, and they have purple rice additions that are sweet and chewy.

#3 ThắNg’s French Coffee & Bubble Tea

Address: 1286 Kalani St Suite B108, Honolulu, HI 96817

This is not a fancy spot. Rather a truly local and authentic stand with fresh fruit, hand-squeezed juice, and fresh boba. The menu is filled with exotic and tasty options like Lychee Coconut, Mango pineapple, Avocado taro, watermelon, papaya, honey powder, and more.

I love this place because there is a nice seating area with funky Hawaiian décor, and it’s frequented by locals. This is much more of a local spot than a tourist one. So the times are shorter, the atmosphere relaxed and people authentically Hawaiian.

When here, try my favorites, the fresh mango smoothie with lychee jelly and black pearls. Also the strawberry taro with boba. The flavors are perfectly balanced and taste like fresh real fruit without any additives or added sugar. These are drinks I feel good consuming.

Make sure to stop by Thắng’s French Coffee & Bubble Tea for some awesome boba because:

  • This is a local spot with fresh fruit, friendly staff, and all-natural flavors.
  • The menu is creative with exotic tastes and many options.
  • They have seating available in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion on the Best Boba Spots in Oahu

Oahu is a paradise island and a melting pot full of rich culture and exotic flavor.

Influenced by tastes from Hawaii, Japan, Portuguese, India, Polynesian, and more, the boba spots on the island are truly unique.

If you are looking for exotic and authentic flavor combinations with great service then you need to check out these great pics.

Visit all these unique spots or choose your favorite. Either way, you will have a delicious drink to brighten your day. Take them to the beach, on your hike, or just people-watch at the shop.

Whatever you choose. I guarantee a top experience.

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Last Updated on April 7, 2023 by Brigitte