Upon arriving in Hawaii, everything I had imagined it would be came true: clear blue ocean, white sand beach, humid breeze, lush tropical plants, spectacular sunsets, double rainbows, friendly locals, swarming tourists, and delicious Mai Tais!
But there’s one thing I never thought Hawaii would be: a paradise for vegans.
If one’s to say vegan paradise, I’d automatically think Portland, Seattle, or San Francisco, and not the state that resemble so much of the Philippines including its love of eating roasted pig.
Boy was I in for a surprise treat.
My breathtaking view of Hanauma Bay
Watching the sunset at Waikiki Beach feels wonderfully surreal.
After my boyfriend and I checked in at our hotel, our first stop was the ABC convenience store located in every corner of Waikiki. After perusing, I spotted and bought seaweed musubi and plum musubi! Score!
Eating Plum Musubi at the bus (didn’t have picture of the other one).
We grabbed our purchases and took the bus to have lunch. We later found ourselves at “Peace Cafe”.
Peace Cafe is a hub for healthy vegetarian and vegan food, similar to Cafe Gratitude of the Bay Area minus the raw factor. The place was quaint and urban. We must have ordered half of the menu that day because we were starving!
I was pleasantly surprised to see that people do flock this place to eat, study, and/or have a meeting. The couple next to our table was discussing their wedding itinerary with a dance troupe.
Throwing a peace sign by the Peace Cafe
Chris and I enjoyed our food, although I secretly wished it had more grease. The food was healthy and heavy enough though to keep us full and satisfied throughout the day.
Caesar Salad with Cashew Parmesan Cheese
I forgot what you call this dish, but it has Kale, bean sprouts, veggies, and some kind of grain I had never tried before (not quinoa).
Lovely, homey decor of Peace Cafe
The menu at Peach Cafe!
Chris researching what’s Hawaii in store for us
About two blocks away from Peace Cafe was another vegan-friendly place, “Down to Earth”, which puts Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to shame.
“Down to Earth” has so much more array of organic fruits, vegetables, and cheese alternatives. Plus, “Down to Earth” offers various vegan meals such as Vegan Calamari, Vegan Lasagna, Vegan Lamb Vindaloo and so much more!
Unfortunately we didn’t have a kitchen in our hotel room to try these products. We did however, have a microwave, toaster, fridge, and blender so we bought almond milk, vegan egg salad, pineapple, vegan burger patties , vegan milk chocolate bar, and a big bottle of water.
Hella down for some Down to Earth
Vegan boxed meals galore!!!
Had never seen a Tofurky Pepperoni Pizza until that day…I wonder how come they’re not available here in the Bay Area.
Oh how I wished there was a ktichen in our hotel room so I could have tried ’em.
My first time trying a vegan egg salad, and I wasn’t disappointed 🙂
Gigantic Avocados, yum!
After tons of walking, gallivanting, and of course, swimming, Chris and I grew hungry and ready to eat again-except it was already past 9pm and most restaurants had already closed. Bars and clubs were our only hope. Good thing I brought my iPad that has the Happy cow application. We researched and found a bar called “Yardhouse”.
When we arrived, Yardhouse was packed to the gills with tourists, most likely because of its endless beer on tap. After 20-30 minutes of waiting, the commotion had calmed down. The waitress led us to our table and handed us the menu -which has a special section for Gardein!
Inside the Yardhouse Bar and Restaurant, finally got seated
So glad to find this on the menu
Vegan Buffalo wings
Vegan Fried Chicken Strips
At the bar, endless beer on tap
I ordered the Gardein buffalo wings and Chris got the Gardein chicken fried sticks. Both were equally scrumptious. “Yardhouse” saved the night!
And just recently after getting back from my trip, my co-worker has told me “Yardhouse” also has locations here in the Bay area 🙂
IS VEGAN FRIED CHICKEN STRIPS MADE FROM TOFU?
Gardein fried chicken strips is a soy product, so yes. And it does have the same taste and texture as chicken strips. My boyfriend and I joked about serving it to his friends and they wouldn’t have known the difference. Anyway, feel free to try for yourself. I believe certain grocery stores carry em, or just check out Yardhouse.
I haven’t been back to the islands in years, since the family officially left in 2005. But man…seeing pictures of Down to Earth brought me way back to late nights walking around in slippas. I never would’ve thought of Hawai’i and vegan paradise in the same sentence (although there is beautiful fruits, vegetables, fish and homegrown yummies there) so it’s fun seeing the vegan experiences ya’ll gleaned. Thanks for the post.
@kitchenkwento
I love Down to Earth! I agree…their Mock Egg Salad is to die for! I even like their Mock Chicken Salad, too.
I never knew Yard House had vegan meals. That’s awesome. Every time I go in there, I have a hard time getting over how much beers they have!
Thanks for saying nice things about my hometown. I hope you two come back real soon!
Wow, when I went to Hawaii I had a HORRID time trying to find vegan food. I ate a lot of Cliff bars … wish I had made it out to Peace Cafe!