Begin your morning with a burst of island flavor with our Hawaiian Acai Bowl Recipe. It is an easy, healthy breakfast made with whole foods that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. This delicious acai bowl blends the antioxidant-rich purple hues of acai berries with the sweetness of tropical fruit.
As a holistic nutrition specialist and advocate for natural, nutrient-dense foods, I know the importance of starting the day with something that tastes amazing and nourishes the body.
That’s why I love smoothie bowls; they're a fantastic way to include antioxidant-rich foods in our diet. Acai is a powerhouse of nutrition. This acai bowl is the perfect way to start the day.
Imagine the tropical flavors of Hawaii—kiwi, coconut, and berries—melding together with the added crunch of granola and the subtle sweetness of honey.
For a different spin on superfood breakfast recipes, try our take on First Watch's Chia Pudding, Nekter Acai Peanut Butter Bowl, Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk, or Superfood Millet Porridge.
Let's set some healthy intentions before we begin. For a step-by-step guide, check out our guide to intentions and affirmations.
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Ingredients
Açaí Packs: This is the base of our Hawaiian-style acai bowls. Harvested from acai palm trees, the acai berry is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. I get mine from Trader Joe's or Sambazon.
Granola: This adds a delicious crunch. Whip up a batch of homemade granola or grab a high-quality brand from a health food store. My favorite granola is One Degree Sprouted Honey Hemp Granola.
Shredded Coconut: Sprinkling shredded coconut adds a tropical flair and is a source of essential fatty acids.
Raw Honey: A drizzle of raw local honey brings a natural sweetness. Local honey may provide benefits including relief from local allergens.
Frozen Berries: The mix of frozen fruit contributes a thick consistency and a sweetly tart profile. Go for organic to get the peak antioxidant benefits without any unwanted chemicals.
Banana: Frozen banana transforms it into a creamy texture once blended. It helps smooth out the perfect acai smoothie bowl base.
Almond Milk: A splash of almond milk helps the acai mixture to blend to your desired consistency.
Kiwi: Organic Kiwi slices add a pop of color and a tangy taste with a vitamin C boost and are packed with digestive enzymes.
Fresh Fruits: Topping with banana slices, fresh strawberries, and blueberries are delicious and visually appealing.
Substitutions and Variations
The best part about acai smoothie bowls is they are versatile and taste great with different toppings- perhaps switch it up on different days of the week!
Milk Alternatives: Swap almond milk with coconut milk, coconut water, pineapple juice, or orange juice for a different flavor profile.
Toppings: Elevate your bowl with a variety of toppings. Add nutritional crunch with hydrated chia seeds, flax seeds, macadamia nuts, hemp seeds, bee pollen, cacao nibs, fresh pineapple, or goji berries. Get creative!
Make it a Drink: Acai smoothies are as delicious as a drink as they are bowls! Just add a tad more liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
How to Make a Hawaiian Acai Bowl
Step 1: Start by blending your acai frozen puree with the mixed berries and pre-frozen banana in a high-powered blender. Add almond milk gradually, blending until you achieve a rich, thick consistency. Pour into a bowl. Set it in the freezer for just a moment or two, if needed, to keep the consistency.
Step 2: Prepare your toppings. Thinly slice the banana, kiwi, and strawberries. Set aside your fresh blueberries and any additional toppings you've chosen to include in your bowl.
Step 3: Prepare your acai bowl. Arrange the slices of banana, kiwi, and strawberries, and scatter the blueberries over the top. Sprinkle your favorite granola and some shredded coconut. Finish with a generous drizzle of honey.
Step 4: Serve your Hawaiian Acai Bowl immediately!
Hint: The night before, peel and place your banana in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Top tip: Defrosting Açaí Packets
For the perfect açaí bowl consistency, gently defrost your açaí packets. Briefly soak them in warm water or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes—just enough to blend easily, but not fully thaw. Breaking the packet into smaller pieces can also ease blending. This ensures your açaí bowl remains thick and frosty, just as it should be.
Recipe FAQ's
Açaí bowls originated in Brazil, where the açaí berry is originated from. However, they became popular in Hawaii, as well. The local love for fresh, tropical ingredients took the traditional açaí bowl and infused it with local flavors like kiwi, pineapple, and coconut. While not originally Hawaiian, the version we know today is heavily influenced by Hawaiian tastes and the island's vibrant food culture.
Yes, açaí bowls can be very healthy. Açaí berries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. When topped with fresh fruits, granola, and other nutrient-dense ingredients, these bowls can be a balanced meal. However, the healthiness of an açaí bowl depends on its ingredients. Bowls loaded with excessive sweeteners or high-calorie toppings can increase the sugar and calorie content significantly.
Açaí berries are expensive for a few reasons. They are harvested from the açaí palm trees found in the Amazon rainforests. This can make them difficult to cultivate and harvest compared to fruits that grow in more accessible locations. Additionally, the berries are highly perishable and must be processed shortly after harvesting.
Fresh açaí berries are highly perishable and begin to lose their nutritional value and flavor within 24 hours of being harvested. Since they are primarily grown in the Amazon rainforest, it would be difficult to transport them fresh. Instead, açaí berries are typically frozen, dried, or processed into a puree immediately after harvest to preserve their qualities. This process allows them to be shipped worldwide and enjoyed in various forms, including the popular açaí bowl.
More Breakfast Recipes
Looking for other breakfast recipes? Try these:
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Recipe
Hawaiian Acai Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Bowls for serving
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 packs frozen açaí puree
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ fresh banana sliced
- 1 kiwi sliced
- 3-4 strawberries sliced
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup granola
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
Instructions
- Blend the Base: In a blender, combine açaí puree, frozen mixed berries, and frozen banana. Add almond milk gradually until smooth and thick.
- Prepare Toppings: Slice the fresh banana, kiwi, and strawberries.
- Assemble and Finish: Divide the açaí mixture into bowls. Arrange banana, kiwi, strawberries, and blueberries on top. Sprinkle with granola and shredded coconut. Drizzle with honey.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your bowl fresh for the best experience.
Video
Notes
- Slightly defrost the açaí packet in warm water or at room temperature for just a few moments to help ease it out of the packets. Be sure not to melt it.
- Customize your bowl with additional toppings like hemp seeds, flax seeds, or almond butter for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, add less almond milk or more frozen fruit to the blend. Either way, be sure to add the liquid slowly to achieve your desired consistency.
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