Kailua Town Spotlight: Banán

Photo: Courtesy of Alexander & Baldwin.

Located on Kailua Road, between Whole Foods and Maui Brewing Co., local shop Banán is churning out some of the most unique frozen treats around. Healthful, locally grown and downright delicious—who says you can’t have it all?

Banán opened its Kailua location—one of three on the island—in 2019, and its craveable, dairy-free soft serve treats have been a hit. Made from local bananas, frozen and blended into a froyo-like texture and served with ingredients such as fruits, puffed quinoa and honey, Banán’s original smoothies and bowls are a perfect refreshing snack or guilt-free dessert. Luke Untermann, co-founder or Banán, says the shop feels right at home on the Windward Side. “Kailua Town has a strong local community that is passionate about sourcing both locally and sustainably,” he says. “We’ve had our eyes set on Kailua for the last few years, and we’re extremely happy that a spot within the Kailua Town Center opened up for us.”

Sustainability is a huge part of the brand’s mission. “When we first started, we were astonished to find that 90% of all food and goods we have in Hawai‘i are imported,” says Untermann. Not only does Banán source 90% of its ingredients locally, it takes the farm-to-table mission a step further by composting all of its food waste back to local farms. Plus, it offers a B.Y.O.B.—bring your own bowl—program: Bring your own bowl to use and $1 will be donated to a different cause of nonprofit each month. Past recipients include Surfrider Foundation, Sustainable Coastlines and Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, to name a few.

Check out the full list of places to eat in Kailua Town at KailuaTownHI.com.