Believe it or not, I have never been to the original Lanikai Juice in Kailua! As smart and supportive of local businesses as I like to think I am, I of course blame this on Jamba Juice’s global, cultural, smoothie-al monopoly. (For those who may not know, Lanikai is an affluent beachside neighborhood on the Windward side of Oahu, with one of the most pristine, beautiful white sandy beaches in the world). This shopping center wasn’t even here the last time I was in town. Needless to say, I was just a little confused the first time I entered H-1 westbound and saw a Lanikai Juice near Kahala Mall, of all places! New Year’s Eve Day, sweltering midday and having just finished hiking Diamond Head, it was the perfect opportunity to quench our thirst and give the new location of Lanikai Juice a try. We entered and stood for a good five minutes gaping at their HUmongous menu of frothy drinks. I had a really hard time deciding on one. Finally I went for the Pacific Passion, and later sampled my friend’s soy-based choice. Both were refreshing and yummy. Lanikai Juice tastes more natural and fruity and less sweet than Jamba Juice. Hopefully that means it’s healthier, too. I don’t think they differ a whole lot in price, but now that I know Lanikai Juice is just as good and possibly somewhat better, I’ll definitely try to hit up the local version more frequently! (Just as soon as I spend all those Jamba gift cards I got for Xmas.)
Crissy K.
Tu valoración: 4 Honolulu, HI
Big upsides: YAY for having a local smoothie bar in East Honolulu! I know Jamba Juice has been across the street(at Kahala Mall) for 10 years now, but I love that Lanikai Juice is independent and locally owned. Also a big plus: Their all-fruit smoothies are sweeter than Jamba’s, probably because they blend better fruit combinations. Small downside: Sometimes, the service is a little slow. The people who work here are really nice, but sometimes, they just aren’t all that efficient. There’s no reason why my acai bowl should take 10 minutes when the place isn’t crowded. This is not a major problem, though, as I have been here several times and have only had the super slow service once. Big downside: The parking lot is just too small for the number(and popularity) of businesses at this new complex. This situation is helped a little by the(sometimes) presence of a lot attendant.
C O.
Tu valoración: 4 Honolulu, HI
Lanikai Juice is the best smoothie bar on the island. The selection is great, the ingredients are fresh, and the service is great.
