Oh wow, Laulau and the perfect poi parfait have returned to the roadside stand in Waimānalo!
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The concept of vegan Hawaiian cuisine appeared contradictory until ‘Ai Love Nalo emerged nearly ten years ago. After temporarily shutting down during the pandemic, it transitioned into a meal plan service before finally reopening as a takeout location last autumn. It’s one of those establishments that you don’t fully appreciate until you hear news of its comeback, igniting a determined quest that takes you all the way from town to Waimānalo.
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The breezy, laid-back dining room has been transformed into a tent-covered patio in the back, where you can also locate the ordering and pickup window.
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Returning to the menu is the Medi Bowl ($18.75), featuring a vibrant blend of deep-pink beet hummus, baba ganoush, millet tabouleh, and freshly fried falafels. Also making a comeback is the Buddha Bowl ($16.75), a colorful medley of roasted kabocha, sautéed mushrooms, house-made kim chee, and other plant-based delights. Additionally, there's the Scrambler Wrap ($16.75) that swaps scrambled tofu for eggs; a BBQ Portobello Sandwich filled with organic portobellos smothered in house-made barbecue sauce and paired with coconut slaw; a hearty ‘Ulu Chowder ($16.75 for the meal) rich with sweet corn and edamame; along with lū‘au stew and chili.
However, our main highlight is definitely the Oh Wow Laulau ($16.75), a humble dish that features a delightful combination of surprisingly good tofu poke, fresh salad, and brown rice. The true standout, though, is the creamy sweet potato enveloped in silky lū‘au leaves, all crowned with rich coconut milk.
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The new Rainbow Parfait has made a delightful return, featuring chocolate coconut strips and a crunchy granola topping, alongside all the familiar fruits we cherish. Now offered in a more generous size (the small is 16 ounces for $11.25, while the large is 20 ounces for $12.50), you can customize your topping with options like poi, chia seed pudding, or brown sugar coconut yogurt. Our version has a generous layer of poi, which beautifully complements the vibrant layers of fresh pineapple, apple banana, papaya, avocado, and sweet potato, creating a stunning purple presentation. On certain days, ‘Ai Love Nalo also brings back their beloved banana-based soft serve, a refreshing treat perfect for the warm Waimānalo weather.
