Ono Yo

There’s a fantasy I have where I own a frozen yogurt machine. A real one. The kind that they use on Iron Chef and Chopped and the judges grip each other in anticipation of ice cream being made in exactly SEVEN MINUTES. I want one, so, so badly. Just because. And just for me.

Ok, so I’ll share some with you if I get one.

Actually, most likely, I would lock myself in the house with the proper ingredients and never come out again.

I’m sure such a machine costs thousands of dollars, but wouldn’t it be worth it?

Good news: Ono Yo is a frozen yogurt truck a stone’s throw from my work.

Bad news: Ono Yo is a frozen yogurt truck a stone’s throw from my work.

Yup.

I’d driven many hour long trips to Kailua for Yogurt Mama before Ono Yo parked across from my school. But now I can hit it whenever I want, even during my lunch break. And I do.

Sometimes I happen upon an unfortunate establishment who doesn’t know how good frozen yogurt can be. I cringe when I realize that the yogurt I’m about to eat is, somehow, water based. That stuff just tastes nasty. You can tell because it’s translucent and always claims, “Low fat!”

Instead, Ono Yo is creamy, tangy (made with Greek yogurt), and enlivened with fruity fresh flavors, found locally. How’s that for a tongue twister?

“Ono” means “delicious” and it is. This place is more interesting than your average frozen yogurt place because its flavors are more island-based. The fruit flavor of the day is usually made with a locally found fruit, and often is not one you see every day, especially on the mainland. There is nothing synthetic about the taste. So far, jackfruit has been my favorite flavor. Apparently it was a pain in the butt to deal with, but I hope they’ll have it again. Strawberry comes around pretty often, as does Acai. I want to catch Lilikoi day soon. There are cute little kiddie chairs and adult chairs too, with some umbrellas to keep you from baking (Kahuku, if you didn’t know, is hot this time of year). Oh, and Giovanni’s shrimp is a stone’s throw away from Ono Yo, so you can make a meal out of the afternoon. For you townies, the hour drive would be worth it.

I’ve decided that I like this yogurt best plain or simply dressed, but they do have a large variety of more natural toppings than the brand cereals and candies you see at many frozen yogurt shops these days. The caramel, honey, and chocolate hazelnut toppings are very nice. Amaya’s favorite is plain with dulce du leche topping. She never wants to share with me.

Mozely doesn’t want to share with me either, but he doesn’t have a choice since I don’t buy him his own. I try to eat quickly before he can eat more than me.

They try hard to stick with local and organic when they can. Anahola Granola is a nice touch, and Waialua sodas line up at the window.

I guess it will do, until I get my very own commercial yogurt machine. 

Ono Yo frozen yogurt

56-505 Kam Hwy, Kahuku, HI (approximately) Google Maps

Parked in the field to the left of Kahuku Superette.

Open 12 pm – 7 pm Monday through Saturday

Favorite eats: Jackfruit, soursop, plain. Chocolate hazelnut sauce. Flavor changes daily based on available seasonal fruits.

Expenses: $3.50 (+ tax) – $6 Toppings are .50, creations (a mix of toppings) are a better deal.

Bonus: Local and Organic where possible

Little Foodie? Whole family friendly

FYI: outdoor seating only, check facebook page for daily flavors (1 fruit flavor and plain, every day) and last minute closings. No bathroom, obviously. Lunch can be found close by.

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This is a series of posts about food on the North Shore. Stay tuned.