A Rainbow of Healthy and Happy

While maintaining a healthy diet may seem relatively easy to do in Hawaii, oftentimes kamaaina simply are too busy to devote any time to preparing a hearty, let alone nutritious meal or snack. So when Yilisha Yin, owner of Aiea’s Rainbow Tea House, moved to the Aloha State, she saw a need for affordable, healthy drinks people could integrate easily into their busy lifestyles.

“People are finding it harder to get their recommended dose of fruits, vegetables and other essential nutrients,” says Yin. “A lot of juice and smoothie shops that do exist are not as healthy as they claim, because there’s a lot of white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup in the drinks.”

Situated in Waimalu Shopping Center, Rainbow Tea House utilizes locally grown, organic produce and natural sweeteners such as agave nectar to make teas, smoothies, milkshakes and sorbets from scratch. “Every ingredient we use serves a purpose,” explains Yin. “The benefits are endless, from clearer skin to stronger hair.”

For an energy boost, Yin recommends Hale to the Kale Smoothie (starting at $4.75), which infuses pear, avocado, cucumber, lemon, kale, ginger and coconut water. Perfect Pink Smoothie (starting at $4.75) is another customer favorite with raspberries, strawberries, pear, honey and organic vanilla yogurt. “We use ingredients in their purest form,” says Yin. “We never include anything from concentrate into our smoothies.”

In addition to smoothies, Rainbow Tea House offers a mouthwatering array of homemade milkshakes and sorbets, including Taro Milk-shake (starting at $3.50) with fresh taro and milk. Customers may choose from either regular milk or organic soymilk. Matcha Sorbet (starting at $4) also is a popular choice.

For an extra 50 cents, customers may add tasty toppings, such as ice cream, mochi balls, herb jelly and custard. “We are always happy to customize a drink depending on what the customer wants,” says Yin.

Equipped with free Wi-Fi, movies and games, including Connect Four, Scrabble and Jenga, the tea shop is a haven for friends and family to relax and socialize. And there’s ample free parking.

For a limited time only, Dining Out readers may take advantage of a $20 voucher available for purchase for $12. The deal, which may not be combined with any other offers or discounts, may be purchased through Monday, Nov. 3, and is valid for six months. Log onto HotDealsHawaii.com to get your coupon!

Rainbow Tea House

98-044 Kamehameha Hwy., Aiea
487-0777
Daily, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.