Traveling in Hawaii was an amazing experience from the hiking, breathtaking waterfalls, and the sunsets that seemed to cover the world in a pink and golden glow. However, everyone comes back and talks about the waterfalls and the beautiful picturesque scenery of Hawaii but I do they come back boasting about the food they enjoyed in Hawaii. Being a total food nerd and love all everything local and plant-based, my Hawaiian food experience was just as mind-blowing as the natural beauty of the island.
I booked a few private tours on the island of Oahu with local organic farms to gain a deeper understanding of the agriculture in Hawaii. I toured an organic banana farm, enjoyed organic raw cacao pods right from the tree, and of course saw my first acai tree. Acai bowls have become very trendy in the past few years but nothing I have ever had compared to the organic and local Acai bowls you can enjoy all down the highway in Hawaii. I may have eaten my weight in Acai bowls while vacationing. The Acai bowl is a big part of the surfer culture in Hawaii since it delivers quick, clean energy that satisfies you while still leaving you feeling light.
What is Acai?
Acai (pronounced, ah-sigh-EE) is a grape-like berry harvested from acai palm trees. 
You can buy Acai typically in powder form, I love the Organic Traditions Brand. You also can enjoy them in Frozen Smoothie Packs at your local grocery or health food store which is my personal favorite way of making an Acai Bowl.
What are some Health Benefits of Acai?
Acai is well-deserving of its superfood status! Acai is a powerful source of antioxidants which strengthens our immune system and helps combat free radical damage. It also is a good source of fiber which helps you feel fuller, promotes bowel health and aid elimination of toxins. Acai also offers heart-healthy fats that help memory, energy, and maintain a healthy weight.
What is an Acai Bowl?
So you can find every variation of an Acai smoothie bowl possible on the internet and get creative making different flavor combinations (Mango Acai is probably one of my favorites). While in Hawaii though, the straight-up classic Acai Smoothie Bowl was the most common which is great for a quick and easy energy boost, while keeping sugars lower (which can easily creep up in some smoothie bowl recipes).
How to Make a Classic Acai Bowl?
Below is a recipe for a classic, uncomplicated smoothie bowl you can make 
anytime you need a health boost. You can add fancy superfood toppings or granola or just enjoy it straight up. That is the great thing about smoothie bowls is there really is no right or wrong way to dress you bowl up, just let your personal tastes guide you. Click the link and watch the Step-by-Step Video of how to make this bowl below,
Classic Acai Bowl
Ingredients
Acai Smoothie Bowl
- 2 frozen unsweetened Acai packets
- 2 frozen brown bananas brown bananas are sweeter
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp organic nut butter I love cashew butter here
Optional Topping
- 1/8 cup fresh fruit sliced
- 1 tsp raw cacao nibs
- 1 tsp coconut flakes, unsweetened
- 1 tsp bee pollen or hemp seeds
Instructions
- Place all smoothie ingredients into a high powered blender and process for 2 minutes.
- Pour smoothie into a bowl, top with optional toppings, and enjoy!
