Our Story
Rooted in Friendship, Fueled by Surf
We are four friends—two couples—from South America who came to Hawai‘i with a simple plan: experience the island lifestyle and do what we love most: surf.
Back in 2014, our post-surf routine became a ritual. We’d head back to our homes in Kailua to refuel—making fresh food, blending our own açaí bowls, experimenting with flavors, and sharing long conversations over good meals. It was simple, joyful, and nourishing.
But we noticed something was missing in our neighborhood. There wasn’t a place that matched what we created in our kitchens, fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and the relaxed, “come-as-you-are” surf vibe we loved.
So we stopped looking for it… and decided to build it ourselves.
We didn’t have investors or a business plan, but we took a huge leap and believed in what we could build! With little money and zero business experience, we maxed-out our credit cards, invested all our savings, and got to work building the first Nalu Health Bar in Kailua.
And we truly mean building.
If you sat at a table, leaned on the bar counter, or admired the lighting in those early days, you were touching something we crafted ourselves. We built the benches. We painted the walls. We installed the fixtures. We poured every ounce of love and sweat into that small space.
It wasn’t perfect. But it was ours. And it was real.
Building Nalu with Our Own Hands
Growing With Aloha
We are incredibly proud and endlessly grateful for the enormous support we’ve received from the local community and our amazing staff. You embraced us, and because of you, Nalu has grown from a DIY passion project into a beloved island staple and four locations.
Whether you visit our original shop in Kailua, stop by our newest café in Waikīkī, or join us at any of our locations, you’re stepping into a space built on friendship and hard work.
Nalu is our happy place, and we’re grateful that it has become one for so many of you too. Mahalo!
The Nalu Difference
Whether you’re grabbing a bowl after a surf session, sharing a meal with friends, or discovering us for the first time, you’re always welcome at Nalu!
Authentic. Fresh. Simple.
We believe good food doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be real.
Inspired by our South American roots and the vibrant flavors of Hawai‘i, we create food that is fresh, nourishing, and full of flavor. Everything we serve is something we personally love, and we hope you will too.
What Makes Us Different
Authentic Açaí Bowls: Made with organic Amazonian açaí; voted O‘ahu’s BEST OF 2023.
Signature Flavors: Our famous Nalu Sauce takes our hot-pressed sandwiches to the next level.
Inclusive Options: Plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and substitution choices so everyone can enjoy a meal together.
