What is a city without an array of beloved hole-in-the-wall eateries? Hideaways lending unique character at reasonable prices to the food-fare landscape.  As we explore the scene of tiny off-the-beaten-path grinds throughout Oahu I must begin with one of my personal favorites, a vegan establishment in the Kaimuki district of Honolulu called Leahi Health, featuring all plant based food & drink. 

Vegan restaurant in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Leahi Health vegetarian cuisine featuring Plant Based local organic Food and drinks. (Photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Now, I’m not a vegan purist by any means. I have a taste for all cuisines and  walks of life however, this place gives me regular cravings for a couple of menu items (enough to be habit forming, in fact).  I have two routine longings from Leahi Health the first being their kale avocado tacos.  Before I first sampled these, I couldn’t imagine how kale could make a satisfying taco but that was put to rest at first bite.  The kale is tossed in a killer sauce with healthy amounts of garlic, tahini, lime & cilantro topped off with avocado, black beans, corn, sesame seeds, and served-up on warm pita bread.  You will not miss the meat or crunchy corn shell!!

Vegan restaurant in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Leahi Health vegetarian cuisine featuring Plant Based local organic Food and drinks. (Photo by Ronen Zilberman)

My second go to is the Morning Mana (Hawaiian for spiritual energy of power & strength) drink, featuring cold brew coffee, coconut milk, apple bananas, almond butter, maca root, cacao, cinnamon & agave.  As a daily coffee addict I’m impressed how this drink satisfies my caffeine craving while including the additional taste and health benefits of the other delicious ingredients.

Vegan restaurant in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Leahi Health vegetarian cuisine featuring Plant Based local organic Food and drinks. (Photo by Ronen Zilberman)

The Leahi Health Kaimuki location has a few small tables with a makeshift shade tent if you want to eat outdoors and street-side or you can get your meal to go.  Their menu includes many other mouth watering fresh made juices and food bowls although I’ve yet to try them.  If I lived in the Kaimuki neighborhood, I’m sure I would frequent their vegetarian food-stand often enough to venture outside of these two personal favorites, but for now I’m completely devoted to the Kale Avocado Tacos and Morning Mana drink.  

Vegan restaurant in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Leahi Health vegetarian cuisine featuring Plant Based local organic Food and drinks. (Photo by Ronen Zilberman)

The best thing I’ve noticed about eating their food is that my hunger is satisfied and I have sustained energy for hours without feeling any heaviness in my stomach. Now, I’m a 120lb female with small – average size appetite.  A 16oz drink and bowl with 2 tacos is all I can put away – comfortably.  Those of you with bigger appetites may not find it a cost-efficient option. The price for lunch and a drink is about $16 which puts it at the higher end for local hole-in-the-wall fare. However, if you compare it to other vegan eateries on Oahu it’s not over-priced for similar quantity/quality meals.  In addition, you can feel good knowing that they source their ingredients from organic local farms.  The choices we make on where we spend our hard earned dollars as consumers sends strong signals as to the direction we want to see business practices veer towards on both small and large scales.

Vegan restaurant in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Leahi Health vegetarian cuisine featuring Plant Based local organic Food and drinks. (Photo by Ronen Zilberman)

But don’t take my word for it,  let your conscience and your palette be your guide – get out on the streets of Honolulu and taste for yourself!

Located makai of 3441 Waialae Ave. and 9th Ave.  (if you check their website you can get addresses for their Kailua and Aina Haina locations as well)