Lani Tea House the New Place for Bubble Tea in Kailua-Kona

February 18, 2024

Every month I have the pleasure of connecting with my friend and amazing lender Meena Na to record fun videos about real estate and lending. Sometimes we meet here on Hawai’i Island and sometimes on O’ahu. One of the first times I flew to O’ahu, Meena introduced me to Cowcow’s Tea and I had my very first Mango Purple Rice Yogurt drink. Ever since then, I have been on a personal quest to find anything remotely close to it here on Hawai’i Island.

Some fun facts about Bubble Tea & Rice Yogurt Drinks that I have learned along the way:

Bubble Tea

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since gained global fame. What sets bubble tea apart ? Bubble Tea is traditionally made with a sweetened tea base, milk and ice. and you will be hooked. The combination of flavors and texture make it a unique drink.

There are a variety of bubble tea ranging from black, green, oolong, and fruit-infused teas. The milk options range from classic dairy to plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or coconut milk. The topping choices are endless and can includeToppings can include fruit jellies, pudding, and aloe vera cubes, allowing for a customizable and unique experience.

Rice Yogurt

Rice yogurt drinks on the other hand, offer a different yet just as unique experience. Rice yogurt drinks originate from East Asia. They tend to have a more smooth and creamy texture. The combination of yogurt with the subtle rice flavors and fruit makes my heart happy. The drinks can often include sweeteners like honey or sugar which will create fine balance of sweetness and creaminess. In addition to the traditional rice yogurt drinks you will also find some variations that include fruit flavors like mango, strawberry, or passion fruit. My favorite is Mango with purple rice.

Last month after our video shoot we set out on a mission to find something to eat in Kailua-Kona. As we sat in the car, Meena consulted with Google to find out what options we had close by. Lani Tea House came up as an option and away we went ! Imagine my surprise when Meena noticed yogurt drinks on the menu. They have bubble tea drinks too ! How did I not know this place existed?! They have a nice seating area inside as well as some shared seating outside.