Ai Love Nalo

This plant based paradise in Waimanalo is back! After a hiatus Ai Love Nalo is back to serving up vegan / vegetarian food that supports our local, regenerative farmers. Their mission is really about feeding Hawaiʻi healthy, culturally appropriate, and high-nutrient foods. A truly farm-to-table spot that puts community first. Things have changed a bit since they've reopened. Unfortunately, they've closed their indoor dining. You can order from their website, they have a QR code on the street facing side of the building. On the backside of the building is a window that you can pick up your food from once you get a text that your order is ready. They have an outdoor garden eating area with a nice big lawn. It really feels like you're at a family paina. We brought our dog and he loved it out there- even with the chickens walking around! I usually get their laulau but they were out of stock-- so I ordered their kaukau lūʻau, which is like a plant based version of squid lūʻau-- with ulu and taro. That comes with a side salad and their tofu poke. If you don't eat fish-- I swear their spicy tofu poke is the closest thing to poke you'll ever get. I also got their "it's mint to be" smoothie-- a blend of banana, coconut milk, mint cocoa nibs.

I have seen Ai Love Nalo all of my Instagram feed so I just had to try it. We ventured out to Waimanalo on a Saturday and found the spot pretty easily. Their service window is around the backside of the building. But it's not in the traditional sense that you walk up and order. Everything is done online so you have to scan the QR code to purchase food online and pay for it. They will let you know when it's ready via text or will open the window. Preferably we should've ordered our food beforehand, but I didn't know that this was their ordering process. While we waited for our food, they have a very beautiful back area that includes grass and a covered patio for eating. There are some games for kids to play with and toys. But it was a very peaceful spot that was fun to relax in.I ordered the medi bowl, oh wow laulau, Buddha bowl, and the mini ulu chowder bowl. The Hawaiian food was good and I really like the flavor of the tofu poke. I wish there was some lomi lomi tomato or poi to go with it. The medi bowl had a great mix of toppings, my favorite being the beet hummus and I wish there was more! The Buddha bowl again was lacking in dressing. I see why there is alway extra dressing options with their bowls because I felt that there wasn't enough in each. The ulu chowder had rice in it which wasn't my thing and it made the whole soup taste like barley soup. I wish they had just done a chowder with ulu as a potatoes and every other normal thing since I am not a fan of grains in my chowder. They also have meal plans you can purchase which would be good if you want a plant based diet. I can't wait to come back and try more options!

I remember awhile ago when Ai Love Nalo closed. Wellll they are baaaa-aack! I'm happy to see a waimanalo business re-open. The building is one door down from Mcdonalds, and the building itself is their kitchen. So you go around the back and order from a window or use the QR code (how modern!) and then wait for a text or for your name to be called. Then, behind the building, you can enjoy your food at one of the tables under the tent. My husband and I recently came just to get ice cream and it was so good. The soft serve kind of tasted like soy milk, but it's probably a mix of different non-dairy things. It was topped with some granola, honey, fruit and chocolate sauce(?). I will definitely be back for lunch and/or a smoothie. They also have fruit parfaits that you can get topped with poi. I've never thought to eat poi with fruit before....It's all vegan and very healthy. the workers here are sweet. One of them is my former student and she loves working here so I feel good about giving them my business knowing that they take care of their workers.

Cashless. Easy to use app that is posted on their fence close to the pick up window IN-BACK. Don't let the front fool you. They are OPEN and the enlarged seating area in back is quite peaceful to sit with a nice grassy yard for the keiki to play while you munch down your food. Either sit on a bench or bring a mat to picnic on the grass.You can't go wrong with ANY of the drinks. All 'ono! Daily Dose is my fave of all.I've tasted all of their meals and brah, ALL delicious! My top 3 FAVES are:1. Tofu poke bowl2. Ulu Chowder3. Scrambler wrapMy top refreshing items and Desserts:1. Rainbow Parfait2. Outta this Swirled2. Gramma Nani's Bread (I wish they had a larger size)It's a bit of a wait for the order and worth the wait for made-to-order freshness! All menu and order options are here:https://ailovenalo.toast.site/order/ai-love-nalo-41-1025-kalaniana-ole-hwyThe app is easy to use and it is a good brain workout for memory! lol! No worries, they got you covered if you forgot your phone! Just knock on the Pick Up Window.

I ordered the daily dose smoothie. We walked around the building wondering where to order, then saw a QR code with the menu. We scanned it and placed our order. After we waited ten minutes I got a text that said our order is ready. My husband waited in the courtyard and no one acknowledged him until another confused customer knocked on the window to ask how he can order. So we waited another 13 minutes for the girl to just pull it out of a fridge. As for the smoothie, it mainly tastes like an old banana. Not a fan and wouldn't come here again. Overall, just a confusing service and not worth your time/money sadly.

Nestled in the heart of Waimanalo, Ai Love Nalo is a vegan gem that delivers outstanding food and an inviting atmosphere. The star of our meal was the vibrant Beat Hummus -- creamy, earthy, and bursting with fresh, local flavor. With a spacious outdoor dining area and a children's play zone to keep the little ones entertained while you wait, it's a perfect spot for families. The friendly and attentive staff made the experience even better, ensuring that every visit feels like a warm, community-driven gathering. Ai Love Nalo is a must-try, whether you're vegan or simply love delicious, thoughtful food.

Words cannot describe how stoked I am that this spot opened back up! Love everything on the menu-- so balanced and nourishing. If I had to pick one item as a fave it would probably be the Buddha bowl. I usually order pickup via their website and then eat at the beach.

Today I was a little disappointed.. I love lasagna and usual go to Down to Earth to buy me a plate which usually cost me around the same price (of course with my other sides). However I seen they had this special on the menu and by the photo and what I got you can see I feel like it was misleading with the amount I got. My carrots came on top my pasta so I pushed it on my salad and this was the amount of lasagna I had. So I'm just disappointed in the lack of actual lasagna and salad that was in this plate. Photos taken was before I ate it. However on a good note the taste is amazing just wish there was more.

What other place do you know has basically the SAME EXACT MENU after re-opening 5 years later?! Can you imagine your favorite place giving you the same pre-pandemic nostalgic feeling in their environment and delicious food? Once you meet their staff, you realize their food is truly made with love - which is one of the many reasons 'ai love nalo.This is a place that is worth the road trip to Waimanalo - every time.

So happy to see that 'Ai Love Nalo, my favorite restaurant is open again!Freshly painted a soft green, and in back, a large grassy backyard, with a wonderful, large seating area under canopies next to a garden with fruit trees.One big change is you can now order either by App so it's ready when you arrive, or walk up to the front window and scan the QR code to order. Then walk around to the back for a short wait to getting your tasty meal and smoothie. The staff is very friendly and helpful if you have any questions.So many excellent food dishes to choose from, and a variety of smoothies, all nutrient packed and incredibly tasty - well you know, if you've eaten here before. (4 years ago)So enjoy the happiness and good feeling healthy vegan food brings!