Best Vegan Restaurants Oahu 2023

Welcome fellow vegan enthusiasts!

You know, when my boyfriend and I decided to go vegan a couple of years ago, we didn’t realize that finding the perfect meal would become an adventure! But here we are – planning vacations around where we can find delectable plant-based dishes. So imagine our excitement as we set out for Oahu, Hawaii – ready to explore its gastronomic delights.

After endless hours of research and countless conversations with locals, I uncovered a treasure trove of mouth-watering cuisine – from sushi to Chinese, Hawaiian and even homemade meals that taste like heaven!

Now sit back because you’re in for a tasty treat as I share our scrumptious finds with you! We handpicked these exceptional vegan restaurants in Oahu after considering ingredients used (locally sourced and organic), menu diversity, restaurant atmosphere, service quality—all contributing factors towards creating those unforgettable moments you’ll cherish forever.

Warning: You might want to book your trip right now just so you can experience these amazing eateries firsthand; trust me; they’re worth it! And who knows? You might catch us fishing through another sumptuous feast on those tranquil shores soon!

Bon appétit!

#1. Tane Vegan Izakaya – Best Date Night Restaurant with Vegan Options Honolulu

This Japanese restaurant is beautiful, with classical and original food options. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the food is plated like artwork. But this restaurant takes the number one spot because of the best-tasting food and service.

We made reservations for dinner and requested a window seat. Our server was friendly, and we did not have to wait to be seated. She asked immediately about our drinks and was attentive without rushing us. The server offered many recommendations (and we ordered way too much food!)

The specialty rolls were amazing and would be enjoyed even by meat lovers! I had the Kailua (with Ginger shoyu tomato, pickled mango, shiitake, and asparagus). There were amazing sauces, and seasonings added (but I can’t give away the secrets!). My boyfriend had the Half moon roll (sweet potato, smoked bean curd, pickled mango, onion, and jalapeno). Again, there was something special we didn’t recognize but loved!

These were some of the most creative vegan pairings we have tried. It made the meal special. Vegetarian dishes like pan-fried vegetables and tofu dumplings also made an excellent starter.

We paired this special dinner with a recommended Chardonnay and had a memorable date night!

Here’s what makes Tane Vegan Izakaya the best vegan restaurant in Oahu:

• There is a diverse vegan menu with cold and hot dishes.
• The food is modern, unique, and beautifully presented.
• The service is quick and knowledgeable about the food and its origin.
• This is a vegan restaurant that non-vegan friends and family can love.

Address: 2065 South Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96826

#2. Leahi Health Bar – Best Smoothie and Taco Spot

We visited the Kaimuki location, but there are several more throughout the city. This is a wonderful hole in the wall with beautiful outdoor seating. Grab your food and enjoy some reused wood seating among tropical plants.

The servers are friendly and very familiar with their food. They have a lengthy menu with in-house-made bowls, a creative list of smoothies, and (my favorite) – tacos! There are also great gluten-free options.

I ordered the spinach avocado taco, and my boyfriend had the kale avocado tacos. Both were fresh, beautifully served, and delicious. The combination of warm pita bread, lime dressing, garlic bean spread, and vegetables was perfectly proportioned).  

I tried the deep green smoothie with acai and local greens for drinks. My boyfriend had the starburst, made with different tropical fruit and almond milk. Both were refreshing, and the size of the drink was just right.

I am unsure what secret ingredients they use, but the food is nicely seasoned and authentic. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on their range of sweet treats.

You’ll love the food at this restaurant because:

• They have an endless option of smoothies made on the spot and perfect for a vitamin boost.
• The tacos are perfectly seasoned with authentic dressing and seasoning.
• The pita bread is always warm and fresh.
• There are great bowls and salads available with tofu and mock fish.
• Lots of gluten-free options.

Address: 3441 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

#3. Umeke Market – Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant Honolulu

This modest lunch bar is authentically local and offers vegan menu and vegetarian dishes. So grab a plate and pick out some of today’s specials! Asides from being a 100% plant-based restaurant, they pride themselves on their organic ingredients (which we appreciate!). My first impression was that this was a delicious homemade meal.

They have a large choice of breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches, but the best food is on the Build Your Own Plate Lunch. For breakfast, we tried their delightful breakfast sandwiches with an innovative vegan spin that you’d love. We tried the Pono Chili (you can choose your side dish: brown rice, organic salad greens, or spaghetti noodles), Korean Mock Chicken (with sweet & savory organic tamari sauce and brown rice), and Deluxe Nachos.

The portions are large, the food is excellent, and the prices are low. All our options were fresh, warm, and very filling. The seasoning was spot on, and it smelled amazing.

 This meal reminded me of my grandma’s cooking. They have a lunch special for every day and a large changing menu. So new options are available every day.

If you are craving a no-fuss, homemade meal with organic ingredients, visit Umeke Market. Here are a few more reasons to visit:

• They offer quality cooked meals that are reasonably priced (for Hawaii).
• The menu is large with many options to substitute or combine different meals.
• They have a fun breakfast and smoothie menu.
• The food is organic and, in part, locally sourced.

Address: 1001 Bishop St #110, Honolulu, HI 96813

#4. Juicy Brew – Best Takeaway Option (My Hidden Gem!)

This is the spot if you’re looking for the best vegan restaurants for takeaway in Honolulu.

This cute small spot is located in the Kaimuki neighborhood. It was recommended to us by the locals. I would call it the hidden gem on this list! The menu often changes here, but they always have great meal options and dessert!

We picked up our food and headed to the beach. I had been craving a burger for a while, and the beet burger was delicious! The burger was a nutty and bean combination with beats and sweet onions (Yummy!), and the shiso-feta topping with seasonings were delicious. The food was not soggy, which is very critical to me.

My boyfriend had the Lemon-yuzu poppy “chick’n” full of micro plants and fresh vegetables. The sauce was very flavorful. The portion was surprisingly large. The food was perfect for eating when we arrived at the beach, so it was freshly made for our timely order (big bonus points to the restaurant!) I hate when the food sits out before pickup.

For dessert, I recommend the Pina Colada cheesecake and gingersnap cookie. Oh.. and orange blossom antioxidant Tea. (So much tasty food!)

It was perfectly packed for takeaway, and no mess eating at the beach.

You will love getting takeaway from this local spot because:

There are great burgers and buns for those who crave a hearty meal:

• The ingredients come from fresh sources, and there are gluten-free options.
• They have delicious desserts and drinks to pair with your meal.
• You can get a takeaway or eat at the restaurant. Both are great options!

Address: 3392 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

#5. The Cosmic Kitchen – Best Vegan Honolulu Kept Secret by the Locals

The best-kept secret among the locals is this hole-in-the-wall hidden restaurant. Honestly, without proper guidance, we wouldn’t know this place existed. Right away, you feel the local vibe with driftwood and a small funky seating area outside.

The Cosmic Kitchen offers an amazing range of vegetarian options in its menu and they also cater to the vegetarian buffet lovers.

My boyfriend said his sandwich was the most delicious he had ever had! He had the Smokey Kalua Jack (on sourdough bread with Garlic Aioli and avocado), but there are many breads and sauce options to add. 

I had the soup of the day – squash bisque and a breakfast sandwich with Tofu Scramble and Mushroom Sausage on whole grain. The soup was creamy and smooth, with great seasoning and flavor. They quickly made the sandwich, and everything was fresh. The mushroom sausage was juicy and rich flavored.

I also recommend the OG. Goji smoothie, which was thick and smooth like ice cream. Moreover, the staff is so nice that they will patiently explain each menu option to you. They give off a happy vibe (which made us happy!)

Note: Try some additional dipping sauces on the side! They are all awesome!

We highly recommend The Cosmic kitchen because:

• They have the most delicious, rich-tasting sandwiches on the island.
• They offer creative dipping sauces and additions to each menu item.
• There are many bread types, including rice and gluten-free.
• This is an authentic local spot without tourists and high prices.
• The service is super friendly and willing to describe each option and addition in detail.

Address: 66-443 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 (parking lot, alley area)

#6. Water Drop Vegetarian House – Best Cafeteria-Styled and Chinese-Styled Vegetarian Food Hawaii

This wonderful treasure serves traditional vegetarian Chinese food and is owned by the Taiwanese Buddhist temple. I loved the simple cafeteria-style service and the beautiful decorative details in the seating area. This is the best spot if you’re looking for a cafeteria style restaurant serving authentic vegetarian dishes.

We had a delicious lunch here, and it was friendly and not overcrowded. There are so many options that it’s difficult to choose. So we both got four sides, each with rice (I wanted to try just about every vegan option!) I started with the tomato vegetable soup, and my boyfriend had the hot and sour soup. It’s nearly impossible to say which is better because both were perfectly seasoned, authentic, and rich tasting.

They are only open for lunch during the week, and the menu changes. I had vegetable rice, tofu beef with okra, bean curd with vegetables, and sweet, sour tofu. My boyfriend also tried long rice noodles and fried vegetables with broccoli.

The staff was professional and friendly in explaining the ingredients.

NOTE: This is a vegetarian restaurant, so not all options are vegan. Still, with so many choices, everyone will find something to drool over!

Make this a destination on your trip because:

• It will satisfy your craving for fast Chinese food without being greasy or commercial.
• The restaurant is run by a Buddhist temple that strives for farm-to-table ingredients.
• There are many options, and the menu changes every day.
• There are great options for everyone, regardless of whether you are vegan.

Address: 801 Alakea St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States

Top Vegan Food Options in Oahu

Restaurant Name	Specialty	Address
Tane Vegan Izakaya	Date night, diverse menu	2065 South Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Leahi Health Bar	Smoothies and tacos	3441 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Umeke Market	Vegetarian and vegan options	1001 Bishop St #110, Honolulu, HI 96813
Juicy Brew	Takeaway (Hidden Gem)	3392 Waialae Ave, Honolulu HI 96816
The Cosmic Kitchen	Amazing sandwiches& sauces	66–443 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712

Conclusion

Oahu is a foodie’s paradise, particularly if you’re in search of excellent vegan restaurants. Visiting any or all of my choices of restaurants on Oahu is a guaranteed hit! And with the pleasant climate, it’s perfect for snorkeling or surfing during the day before hitting the town.

Having so many vegan food options, ranging from healthy quinoa salads to satisfying veggi burgers, and restaurants on this island alleviated my anxiety. It’s not just about vegetarian restaurants, Oahu was so vegan-friendly that I had some of the most delicious vegan sushi and other meals ever! The options for vegan eatery on this island, from food trucks like the Beet Box Cafe offering their acai bowl and fresh juice to high-end establishments, are countless.

If you’re looking for the best vegan restaurants, you can’t miss The Cosmic Kitchen, a fantastic food truck offering their unique medi bowl and burrito babe. Wanting the perfect sandwich? They offer a brilliant vegan cheese sandwich, made even more delicious with their homemade pesto.

For the perfect date night, head to Tane Vegan Izakaya. They’re one of the best vegan restaurants in Honolulu, known for their vegan versions of traditional dishes. Their vegan sushi, filled with fresh veggies and topped with furikake, is a must-try.

Craving a home-cooked meal? Don’t miss Umeke Market. It’s a quaint grocery store where you can find a variety of options. You can enjoy their mapo tofu, or grab a quick wrap filled with chickpea and taro. Their selection of fresh juice and coffee is also notable.

While visiting Oahu, try some vegan versions of local favorites. At Loving Hut, you can find a vegan Laulau and Loco Moco that will satisfy your taste buds. There’s also a Poke dish on the menu, which replaces the traditional fish with marinated tofu, and a vegan Bibimbap served with vegan cheese and fresh veggies.

Beet Box Cafe in Kahuku, Hawaii, is another great option. From their spring rolls to the delicious acai bowl, you’ll find a lot of vegan options here. For dessert, try their vegan soft serve, or go for their macadamia and chocolate dessert.

Finally, don’t forget to check out Lowe, a vegan eatery famous for its Cheese sandwich. With a side of their fresh juice or coffee, it’s perfect for a light brunch or a snack while exploring the island.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Is Hawaii vegan friendly?

Yes. Hawaii was voted as one of the most vegan-friendly places. Being naturally rich in organic fruits and vegetables like Banana, Pineapple, and Papaya, there are many farm-to-table vegan options on the island. Oahu has some of the best vegan places with BBQ, Mexican, Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese options. Not to mention the endless smoothie options from exotic fruits. Many restaurants also provide dairy free and gluten free options, allowing for a wide range of dietary needs.

Is it easy to be vegetarian in Hawaii?

Hawaii is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly state with many dining options. The vegetarian dishes and vegan options range from high-end dining to Coffeehouses and even sandwich shops. Most restaurants (even those not designated as vegan or vegetarian) offer vegan options. Some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants are in Honolulu.

Which Hawaii Island is best for vegans?

Oahu, including the famous Waikiki Beach area, is the best Hawaii Island for vegans because it has endless dining options. It offers many vegan-friendly restaurants and shops. Other restaurants offer vegetarian options and are willing to adjust meals upon request. Many styles of vegetarian cuisine and vegan options are available in Oahu, including fast food, Chinese, Japanese and Mexican.

Are there any vegan sushi options in vegan restaurants around Oahu, Hawaii?

Yes, many vegan places in Oahu, Hawaii offer delicious and creative vegan sushi options. You can find fantastic plant-based rolls made with fresh ingredients like cucumber, eggplant and avocado, catering to the diverse needs of vegans and vegetarians alike on the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

Where can I find avocado toast and cold-pressed juices in Honolulu’s Vegan eatery scene?

You can enjoy a tasty avocado toast paired with cold-pressed juices at various vegetarian and vegan eateries across Honolulu. Many establishments invest in providing delightful experiences featuring seasonal fresh fruits like passion fruit that cater to health-conscious individuals. The local Coffeehouses also provide excellent options for dairy free and gluten free treats.

What kind of food truck offerings are available for vegetarians in Oahu, including spring rolls?

Oahu has a thriving food truck scene offering mouth-watering spring rolls amongst other delightful vegetarian dishes. From freshly made salads, wraps and burrito babes styled meals, these mobile kitchens feature unique twists bringing an exciting dining experience to residents and visitors alike. You can find trucks serving anything from Thai cuisine, to Ramen and Pizza that have vegetarian options.

How does Beet Box Café stand out as a popular Vegan restaurant on Oahu with its Acai Bowls selection?

Beet Box Café distinguishes itself by serving delectable acai bowls topped with granola and shaved coconut, along with scrumptious options like beet hummus Medi Bowls or their signature Baked Goods. Using only high-quality fresh produce sourced from local Farmers’ markets across the Hawaiian Islands, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable culinary adventure when visiting this much-loved café filled with delicious Vegan versions of your favorite dishes. This popular spot in North Shore (Oahu) also serves kombucha and cold-pressed juices for a refreshing, healthful treat.

Are there vegan restaurants in Honolulu that offer gluten free and dairy free options?

Yes, many vegan restaurants in Honolulu provide a variety of gluten free and dairy free menu items. These eateries cater to a diverse clientele with plant-based and vegetarian friendly options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy delicious Hawaiian food.

What are some popular dishes you can find at Oahu’s best vegan restaurants near Waikiki beach?

At Oahu’s best vegan restaurants near Waikiki beach, you’ll find an assortment of mouth-watering vegetarian cuisine such as fresh fruit smoothies, acai bowls, spring rolls, breakfast sandwiches, beet box cafe-inspired meals, tasty tempeh entrees seasoned with spices like coriander and much more!

Can I expect an enjoyable dining experience at Tane Vegan Izakaya with unique vegetarian options amidst beautiful surroundings like Diamond Head or Ala Moana in Honolulu?

Definitely! Tane Vegan Izakaya is among the top-rated vegan eateries in Honolulu offering scrumptious farm-to-table options to satisfy even non-vegans’ palates. This restaurant is located amidst magnificent scenery like Diamond Head or Ala Moana area allowing for picturesque sunset views while indulging your taste buds with exceptional dishes prepared by talented local chefs using lovingly sourced ingredients from the nearby farms on Oahu Island.

Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Brigitte