Out of all the islands in Hawaii that I’ve visited so far (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Moloka’i), Oahu has the best gluten free options and the tastiest food with a better variety in my opinion. We didn’t get to try any of the fancy restaurants this time around, because restaurants aren’t at full capacity and everything was booked around the island. I was able to find more low-key, family friendly spots around the island that I hope you can enjoy during your next Hawaii trip. With that said, try to make reservations ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling with a big group.
Here’s a list of restaurants with gluten free options that I visited during our vacation in Oahu, Hawaii:
- Makahiki at the Disney Aulani Hotel (Ko’olina) – Breakfast
Enjoy the pre-fixe breakfast menu at Makahiki — The Bounty of the Islands restaurant, but be sure to go on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday if you want your kids to enjoy the character breakfast. We didn’t make reservations since we went there first thing in the morning, and they were able to seat us.
They have a good variety in their menu, and they definitely cater to customers with food allergies. I ordered the traditional breakfast, which came with a basket of gluten-free chocolate and cranberry muffins, a bowl of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, portuguese sausage, and fried potatoes. It was a lot of food for one person and worth a try just for the Disney character breakfast experience.
- Kalapawai Market (Kapolei) – Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner
If you’re looking for something casual and quick, this market/cafe has a large assortment of Hawaiian-style food, drinks, and snacks. From salads, to sandwiches, pizza, lunch plates, and desserts, they have it all. They’re open all day and you can have breakkie, lunch or dinner there.
I ordered my food to-go and had the kalua pork and pineapple gluten free pizza and a Hawaiian lunch plate that came with rice, eggs, portuguese sausage, and spam. I took this to the beach near my hotel while I baked in the sun – it was the best and I highly recommend it in that order!
- Lanikai Juice (Kapolei)
If you’re lacking greens on your trip or need a big boost of vitamin C, head over to Lanikai Juice for smoothies, bowls and juices. I needed a big boost of greens so I ordered the “Hana Hou” which came with local Greens, kale, green Apple, cucumber, celery, and lemon. This juice shop is located all around the island, so be sure to check them out.
- Waialua Bakery & Juice Bar (Haleiwa)
If you’re heading up to the North Shore, stop by this bakery for a sweet treat, sandwich, salad, or smoothie. They offer a few gluten-free and paleo treats and bread and they’re clearly marked as such in their baked good display.
We ordered Turtle Balls (gluten free, dairy free, egg free) that include a raw blend of raisins, chocolate, oats, honey, macnuts, coconut, and peanut butter. It was sooo good! I ended up eating most of the 2 balls we ordered and shared a little with Willow and Chris. We also ordered the Paleo Balls that included organic PB, oats, maple syrup, mac nuts, raisins and cocoa powder. That one was really good too! And lastly, We tried the Monster cookie that’s gluten free and has oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter and M&Ms. My favorite out of all 3 were the Turtles Balls – check it out if you’re in the area!
- Farm to Barn Cafe & Juicery (Haleiwa)
The cutest little Farm to Table cafe with clean eats and gluten free friendly meals. It’s an open indoor/outdoor space that serves healthy sweet and savory bowls, brunch items, juices and smoothies.
I ordered the Fried Rice Bowl made with gluten free tamari, sautéed vegetables, eggs and your choice of bacon, sausage or tofu. It was simple and tasty, but I would definitely try other items on the menu next time. I also ordered the Sweet Green Juice which has kale, celery, cucumber, apple, lemon, ginger – it was super refreshing on a hot day.
- Over Easy (Kailua) – Breakfast or lunch
If you’re visiting Kailua on your trip, you must have brunch at Over Easy! Their menu is amazing and the food is excellent. They have gluten free options as well as gluten free bread substitutes on the menu.
I ordered the Kalua Pig Hash with Kalua Pork, Okinawan and Fingerling Potatoes, lomi tomato, eggs, and green goddess sauce. It was SO good and definitely something to share with 2 or 3 people, because it’s a heavy dish. My husband ordered the Custard French Toast and Breakfast Sando and said they were both really good.
- Pu’uwai Aloha Bakery & Real Food (Honolulu)
Hands down one of the best gluten free bakeries I’ve been to! The owner and pastry chef supposedly studied and has experience in Europe and New York, but I didn’t get a chance to meet her. They don’t have a website, but they do have a Facebook and Instagram account. This gluten free dedicated bakery serves gluten free pastries, pizza, sandwiches, soups, quiches, and an assortment of desserts.
I ordered the Breakfast Sandwich served on a dinner roll made with coconut milk and layered with vegetable quiche and ham, cinnamon roll, focaccia bread, and Lilikoi Cake. Everything was really good! The focaccia bread was a little tough and dense in my opinion, but I would order the others again. Wherever you’re staying on the island, this bakery is worth the drive!
- Monkey Pod (Ko’Olina) – Lunch and Dinner
I love this place for their hip/upscale vibe and the live music during happy was a nice touch. They have an extensive list of cocktails, wine and craft beer, along with Hawaiian fusion / American fare and gluten free options.
During happy hour, we ordered the Roasted Chicken Wings, Lobster Deviled Eggs, Garlic Truffle Oil Fries, and Waipoli Farm Organic Mixed Greens with organic beets, bacon, chèvre, maui onion, orange ginger vinaigrette. The seasonal cider was really good too! I would definitely go back and order the same items and try new ones too – I highly recommend this place.