Let’s face it: Hawai’i isn’t exactly known as a veg-friendly destination. (Hello kalua pork, laulaus, and deep-fried chicken katsu plate lunch!) Plant-based folk visiting Hawai’i can sometimes find themselves in a real pickle (pun intended) when it comes to finding quality veg-friendly fare when hunger strikes. But fear not! We’ve done the footwork for you friends...because we carrot about you! (Last one, sorry.) Here’s our list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Kona, Hawai’i.
1. Journey Cafe
This plant-based cafe offers a cozy dine-in ambiance as well as pickup and delivery. Our favorite thing on the menu is their Sourdough pockets! A healthy, filling spin on a hot pocket with homemade sourdough and delicious fillings like the Falafel (crunchy herbaceous falafel and creamy macadamia nut-based tzatziki with fresh pickled purple cabbage, sprouts, and carrots). Or the Margarita (Sundried tomato marinara with hand-seasoned chili papas, a mix of creamy macadamia nut-based ricotta and mozzarella & fresh basil). Yum! Pop in next door to their sister cafe Sweet Journey for delicious plant-based soft serve ice cream for dessert.
Margarita Sourdough Pocket. Image courtesy of Journey Cafe.
Plant-based ice cream! Image courtesy of Sweet Journey Cafe.
Juice heads rejoice! This is your spot for fresh, cold pressed goodness! They offer creative and colorful combos packed with good stuff like “Cultivate Health” (pressed kale, celery, cucumber, green apple, lemon, ginger), “Cultivate Happiness” (Pressed pineapple, cucumber, mint), and Cultivate Joy (pressed watermelon, green apple, mint, and lime with a hint of jalapeno), and others. They source their fruits and vegetables local wherever possible.
Feeling in the mood for something more? They make awesome salads and wraps. These bad boys are filling and packed with a rainbow of tasty superfoods like avocado, quinoa, chickpeas, farm-fresh greens, coconut bacon, and bomb housemade dressings. They offer limited outdoor bar style seating. Best for grab and go service, or order delivery with Door Dash!
Cold-pressed juice! Image courtesy of Cultivate Good Food.
Vegan BLT wrap with coconut bacon! Image courtesy of Cultivate Good Food.
3. Herbivores
Plant-based and drive through?!?! Holy guacamole this place is awesome! Drive through or dine at one of their outdoor shaded tables. Herbivores offers a fairly extensive menu of great stuff. Breakfast burritos, pizza, sandwiches, smoothies, coffee and decadent baked goods...all vegan and/or vegetarian friendly! Sweet tooths - try their dragon fruit smoothie, cinnamon roll, banana bread, or chocolate cake.
Vegan donuts. Image courtesy of Herbivores.
Vegan Burger :)) Image courtesy of Herbivores.
Vegan cinnamon rolls! Image courtesy of Herbivores.
4. Basik Açaí
Kona’s best Açaí bowls! This little gem serves up some yummy combinations like “The Islander” (blended Açai and hemp milk topped with granola, banana, strawberries, goji berries, coconut shavings, and honey), or “The Banyan” (blended Açai with natural peanut butter and housemade cashew milk, topped with granola, banana, crushed almonds, hemp seeds, bee pollen, and honey). Picky eater? You swap out different blends and toppings to build your dream bowl. They also make smoothies. They have bar style seating upstairs with an ocean view and additional table seating on the downstairs patio.
Açaí bowl. Image courtesy of Basik Açaí.
Yes, we have Indian food in Hawai’i! This spot offers dine-in with an ocean view or takeout. Careful when ordering takeout that you’re calling the right location - they have spots in Kona, Hilo and Maui! Plant-based eaters will love their extensive vegan and vegetarian options...and your carnivorous friends will be happy here too! Don’t miss their vegetable samosas that come with delectable dipping sauces. They have a Vegetarian Platter (dine-in only) for $19.95 which comes with the works: (Vegetable Samosa, Pakora, Naan, Aloo Matar, Palak Paneer, Dal Fry, Papad, Achar, Salad and Rice Pudding). Don’t forget their Mango Lassi and fresh-baked hot Naan bread!
Garlic naan and all the fixings! Image courtesy of Kamana Kitchen.
A great Thai restaurant which pleases both plant-based eaters and carnivores. Any curry, soup, or noodle dish here can be made with tofu or vegetables rather than meat. A few of our favorites include the Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls, Tom Kha coconut soup, Green Papaya Salad, and Pad Thai. They also serve cocktails, beer, and wine. Dine in - we love their booth style seating - or take out or delivery. Check out their $11 lunch special (11 am - 2:30).
Green papaya salad! Image courtesy of Royal Thai Cafe.
Mango sticky rice. Image courtesy of Royal Thai Cafe.
7. Island Naturals Market and Deli
Kona’s health food store. In addition to their full service grocery store, Island Naturals offers a hot and cold “build your own” salad bar, made to order smoothies, juices, and sandwiches, as well as boxed grab and go items. You never know quite what you’re going to get at the hot and cold salad bar - but they usually have several vegan and vegetarian options. Their produce department carries a variety of locally grown produce. Some of our favorites include their “Makai Monkey Smoothie” (blended coconut milk, banana, almond butter, and cacao nibs), their Vegetarian Lasagna, Spinach Puffs, and Vegan Cupcakes and deserts! Overall, there are definitely more options for vegetarians than vegans here. They have limited indoor and outdoor seating.
Island Naturals cold salad bar. Image courtesy of Island Naturals.
Grab and Go section. Image courtesy of Island Naturals.
Veggie Lasagna. Image courtesy of Island Naturals.
OK, that’s all friends! We hope you’ve found our list of best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Kona, Hawai’i helpful. Did we miss one of your favorite spots for plant-based grindz in Kona? Drop us a line and let us know where you like to chow down!