These new tea bars have been popping up all over Oahu in recent years and noticing the trend within the last few years. I'm not a fan of the bobba, but at least it was tea and not soda. At least, high sugar + tea is better, right?
I found myself here at Kahala Mall on a recent Saturday evening after purchasing a tuna sub at Jersey Mike's subs. As I walked out of the store with my order, I noticed Share Tea - which was 2 doors down from Jersey Mike's. I was like, maybe I should try this place out. And so, in I went. It was a simple store, as many of them are. It was a small store that found a small niche in the eastern side of Honolulu. Share Tea's beginning is from Taiwan and the inspiration from these teas and tea concoctions stem from them. They offer brewed tea, fruit tea, milk tea, and possibly any combination you can think of. First impression was "fruit tea?!". I didn't know how to process that one, as I know traditional tea comes from tea leaves and not from fruit. And yeah, milk tea was just a mind blown moment for me. I don't know how milk tea is derived. With that said, I was a total skeptic when I came here, especially when the rise of popularity of tea drinks arrived in Hawaii and became popular. I just wanted to try their brewed ice tea just to see if it's the same stuff I make at home. Just the basics for now. Just gotta say that the basics was sweet, as they mix in a little too much sugar. Maybe I should have said plain.
The overall experience here at Share Tea - Kahala Mall was okay, but could've been better. Their prices tend to be on the heavier side, almost like a sticker shock. It's like buying a chocolate milkshake at a fast food restaurant, a smoothie at Jamba Juice, or a frappuchino at a Starbucks. It's that expensive and be prepared to spend an average of $5.00 per drink. Still, the service here was friendly, fast, and courteous. The wait time was about 5-7 minutes, depending on if there is a line or not. For my own experience though, there was about 3 people ahead of me at the time and it was nice to check out the many flavors they had before making a certain decision. For the most part though, $4.25 + tax was an okay price to check things out - at least for the basic brewed tea. You can get ice tea from McDonald's nearby for $1.00 large or buy tea bags in bulk at Walmart. BUT, I just had to try Share tea's version of their basic brew. Let's just say that you can get the same taste, but at a reduced cost. I didn't taste any real significance, although if you put enough sugar in it, I just might come to enjoy it. Still, teas are becoming an alternative to soda pop and I commend any store that sells them - along with special water too.
Still my experience here was just okay. I may be back to try other flavors, but I won't be back regularly, even though I'm in the area almost daily after work. If you are a fan of these tea houses, consider coming here to get your tea fix on. They are located at the Kahala Mall shopping center, 4211 Waialae Avenue. Take the H-1 east and take the exit after passing the Koko Head Avenue exit. Since they share their space with other tenants at the mall, you can find generous parking spaces here, but be warned that you may need to come here before the lunch or dinner rush to get the best stalls. If you are like me, public transportation options are available too. Routes 1, 1L, 14, 22, 23, and 24 come through the area and stops off at various bus stops around the shopping center. Also, Uber and Lyft can be there for you too. While I am not a fan of these tea houses, you may be one and you totally can check out this place if it's the place for you. I rather have my basic tea bag tea without the extra sugar. Soothes my soul a bunch of times.
3.0 stars for the overall experience. 3.0 stars for the drink and the ambiance. 4.0 stars for the friendly service.
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