PerkJolt
What are good vegetarian restaurants on Oahu?
Short answer: Start with Down to Earth, an all-vegetarian natural-foods store with hot-bar delis around the island. Add Leahi Health for plant-based breakfast and lunch, and Earth Aloha Eats if you're staying in Waikiki and want vegan comfort food. Most dedicated vegetarian and vegan spots are in or near Honolulu.
The details
Down to Earth (several Oahu stores). This is the easiest all-vegetarian option on the island. It's an all-vegetarian natural foods store with a focus on organic ingredients. The deli has a hot food bar, a cold salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches, grab-and-go items and many eggless desserts. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
The Honolulu store is at 2525 S King St in Mōʻiliʻili. Store hours are listed as 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the deli closes at 9:00 PM. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The same directory lists other Oahu stores in Aiea (98-211 Pali Momi St.), Kailua (573 Kailua Rd.) and Kapolei (4460 Kapolei Pkwy.). (checked Oct 12, 2026) There is also a Kakaʻako store at 500 Keawe St. Hours differ by store, so check each store's page at downtoearth.org.
Vegans should note the Vegan Society of Hawaii describes the Aiea deli as lacto-vegetarian and mostly vegan. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Ask about dairy in a dish if it matters to you.
Earth Aloha Eats (Waikiki). This one is for vegans. It serves 100% plant-based comfort food, including housemade burgers, crispy chicken and tacos. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The Waikiki address is 1958 Kalakaua Ave. The site's listing shows 11:00 to 21:00 hours, but it doesn't list every day of the week. Confirm the days on the menu page before you walk over.
Leahi Health (plant-based cafe, several locations). The Mānoa location describes itself as a health-conscious cafe with plant-based options, open daily 8am to 5pm, at 2752 Woodlawn Drive. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Leahi has more than one Oahu location and hours differ slightly, so check leahihealth.com for the one nearest you. It suits a smoothie, bowl or tacos rather than a long sit-down dinner.
Roots Café (Kalihi). This is a small nonprofit project of Kokua Kalihi Valley. The Vegan Society of Hawaii says it is open Tuesday and Thursday 11am to 1pm and serves one vegetarian or vegan entrée daily. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Hours are limited and holidays can close it, so call ahead.
More places to research. Juicy Brew, ʻAi Love Nalo and Umeke Market come up often in local vegan roundups. We haven't confirmed their current hours, so check juicybrew.menu, ailovenalo.com and umekemarkethawaii.com before you plan a meal around them.
Tips
- Use Down to Earth as your backup. Every product in the store is vegetarian, so it works for picnic supplies, beach lunches and a late dinner.
- Plan around short hours. Some small vegan cafes close mid-afternoon or on certain weekdays. Look up the day you plan to go.
- Call small, nonprofit or temple-run places. The Vegan Society of Hawaii advises calling ahead to check hours and make reservations. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Watch for hidden animal products on regular menus. The same directory notes that Zippy's vegetarian curry sauce contains wheat, and that its vegetarian chili is very salty. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Ask about sauces, broths and shared fryers.
- Stay near Honolulu if food is a priority. The North Shore and Windward side have fewer dedicated options.
FAQ
Is there an all-vegetarian restaurant chain on Oahu?
Down to Earth is the closest thing. It's a natural-foods store with delis, and its Oahu stores are in Honolulu, Kakaʻako, Kailua, Pearlridge in Aiea and Kapolei. Each has its own hours, so check downtoearth.org for the store you plan to visit.
Where can vegans eat in Waikiki?
Earth Aloha Eats is a 100% vegan restaurant at 1958 Kalakaua Ave. Its website lists 11:00 to 21:00 hours, though the listing doesn't cover every day. Confirm the days before you go, since Waikiki is otherwise mostly mainstream restaurants with a few vegan dishes.
Are Down to Earth's foods vegan?
Not all of them. The store is all-vegetarian, but the Vegan Society of Hawaii calls the deli lacto-vegetarian and mostly vegan. Ask staff about dairy in specific dishes. Many desserts are eggless, but eggless doesn't mean dairy-free.
Can I find vegetarian food outside Honolulu?
Yes, but you'll have fewer choices. Down to Earth has stores in Kailua and Kapolei, and Aiea is near Pearl Harbor. Check the Vegan Society of Hawaii's directory at vsh.org for the North Shore and Windward side, and call ahead for small cafes.
Do I need reservations?
Usually not for cafes and delis, but small dinner spots can fill up. The Vegan Society of Hawaii advises calling ahead for hours and reservations. Check each restaurant's own site, and call a small place before you cross the island for it.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Oahu guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Oahu guide
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See every question about Oahu → /answers/oahu/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. Hours and days open are the most likely things to change, so check each restaurant's own site or downtoearth.org before you go.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.downtoearth.org/our-stores/honolulu-oahu
- https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/Hawaii.php
- https://www.earthalohaeats.com/
- https://manoamarketplacehawaii.com/tenant/leahi-health/
- https://www.vsh.org/Veg-Friendly-Businesses.htm