Maui is famous for miles of gorgeous coastline and plenty of sun, sand, and waterfalls. But did you know that the fertile volcanic soil in Valley Isle’s interior region is home to some of the most vibrant produce farms in America?
Local vegan and vegetarian restaurants partner with Maui’s organic growers to serve up incredible healthy dishes that are bursting with fresh flavors. Getting hungry and not sure where to start? Check out our list of the Top 10 Vegetarian Restaurants on Maui.
Maui Kombucha
This raw vegan fusion café and kombucha brewery is located in the unassuming little township of Ha’ikū on Maui’s North Shore. They serve up raw vegan fusion cuisine in a former pineapple cannery.
If you aren’t hip to the booch, Maui Kombucha has award-winning brews that are generally agreed to be the best on the island which makes it the perfect place for a first taste. This fermented tea has an effervescent quality that some people can’t live without! Maybe
Our favorite from the menu: We love the Watermelon Lime kombucha, and the Raw-Zegna is their delicious version of lasagna with a side salad, packed with local farm-fresh ingredients.
Location: 810 Kokomo Road, Ha’ikū. (808) 575-5233.
Fork & Salad
Three local chefs had such success with Three’s Bar and Grill in Kīhei they decided to redefine the possibilities of farm-to-table cuisine with their latest joint – Fork & Salad. The concept of healthy, quick, convenient, and affordable food has been such a hit that they now have a second location and grocery service! Their salads, sandwiches, soups, and customizable grain bowls are all overflowing with locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Our favorite from the menu: The Roasted Eggplant Sandwich. Focaccia, macadamia nut pesto, goat cheese, cucumber, olives, dill tzatziki, spring mix lettuce, tomato & red onion.
Locations: 1279 S. Kīhei Rd, #204, Kīhei. (808) 879-3675 & Puunene Shopping Center, 120 Ho’okele St, Kahului. (808) 793-3256.
Moku Roots
Ever heard of a farm-to-table-to-farm restaurant? Back in 2018, Erica Gale and Alexa Caskey decided they would commit their new West Maui restaurant to serve healthy, zero-waste food. That means all the compost they generate each day is hauled back to Caskey’s farm Mala’Akala in Lauinupko. In turn, many of the menu ingredients are harvested from there and delivered to the kitchen for use in their imaginative and largely vegan recipes. Moku Roots has also committed to making sure utensils and packaging aren’t single-use. Did we mention that the food is seriously delicious? It’s good for the Earth and good for your body!
Our favorite from the menu: Their signature item, the locally famous Taro Burger, is a must-eat. Taro patty, lettuce tomatoes, onion, mac-nut aioli on a wheat oat bun. Your belly will say mahalo.
Location: 335 Keawe Street, #221, Lahaina. (808) 214-5106.
Choice Health Bar
Choice knows that fresh food makes you feel good and for the past 10 years they say they have been on a mission to provide a bummer-free zone for hungry people. Their menu is fully plant-based and chock full of healthy, organic, and local ingredients. They serve up superfood dishes, acai bowls, and cold-pressed juices at all three locations.
Our favorite from the menu: Green Papaya Golden Rice, tossed in a green papaya tamarind Thai vinaigrette with crushed almonds, Thai basil, cilantro, green beans, and tomatoes, served with turmeric basmati golden rice.
Locations: 11 Baldwin Ave, Pā’ia; 1087 Limahana Place, Lahaina & 2435 Ka’anapali Parkway Kiosk 1, (in Ka’anapali at Whalers Village). Phone for all 3 locations: (808) 661-7711.
Veg Out
The 100 percent vegetarian menu at Veg Out on Maui’s North Shore has a clever mix of global inspiration. Mexican, Italian, Thai, Greek, and Indian cuisine melts together and makes for one big happy belly. This casual café is a great place to pick up lunch and various picnic treats for a meal during your drive along the Road to Hāna.
Our favorite from the menu: Etsalada Salad. Pinto beans, Mexican seasoned tofu, tomato, cucumber, red onion, cheese, olives, jalapeño, and salsa on top of mixed greens.
Locations: 810 Kokomo Road, #19, Ha’ikū. (808) 575-5320 and the Food Truck in Upcountry by Longs, 12 Kiopaa Street, Makawao. (808) 633-5874
Joy’s Place
Joy’s Place started out as a small café on Maui’s south shore back in 1998. In the 20+ years since, they’ve expanded their wide range of wholesome, healthy wraps and sandwiches to become a local favorite for smart eating. At Joy’s Place, the focus is on live foods, which are rich, nutrient-dense ingredients, such as fresh fruit, raw vegetables, uncooked grains, seeds, and sprouted nuts.
Our favorite from the menu: The Indo Crunch Collard Wrap. Marinated tempeh, crunchy vegetables with Indonesian peanut sauce in a collard green or rice wrap.
Location: 1993 S. Kīhei Rd, Ste 17, Kīhei. (808) 879-9258.
Alchemy Maui
Twin brothers Bryan and Mark Willard launched Alchemy Maui in 2019. It is the perfect union of their previous experience. Bryan founded Valley Isle Kombucha in 2013, and Mark has been a baker on the quest for the perfect sourdough loaf for years. Now, Alchemy Maui’s sourdough paninis and rotating roster of premium Kombucha flavors on tap have made it a legendary lunchtime location.
Our favorite from the menu: The Tempura Falafel Banh Mì Bowl. Two plump tempura falafel patties, pickled carrots and daikon, brown rice, cucumber, cabbage, cilantro, jalapeño, Thai basil, sweet chili mayo, house-made fish sauce, fried garlic, and fresh herbs.
Location:157 Kupuohi Street, J1, Lahaina. (808) 793-2115.
Café Des Amis
The three “friends” from this café’s name are actually French, Mediterranean, and Indian dishes. OK, technically it may be named after Emmanuelle & Bill Betham and their friend Tina Prior. The trio opened the café together back in 2000. You can tell by the menu and décor that all three have a passion for great food, culture, and travel. Perfectly suited for Pā’ia’s bohemian-meets-surfer vibe, Café Des Amis serves crepes and curries made from fresh, local, and organic ingredients.
Our favorite from the menu: The Butternut Squash Coconut Curry Wrap. Spinach, garbanzo beans, green beans, curry leaves, butternut squash, coconut milk, Kehrela spices, mango chutney, and cucumber raita swaddled in a flour tortilla.
Location: 42 Baldwin Avenue, Pā’ia. (808) 579-6323.
A’a Roots
A’a Roots Health Café launched in 2017 on a health-conscious and eco-friendly mission. They specialize in fresh, locally sourced vegan cuisine and re-interpreted global comfort foods. Their freshly pressed juices and smoothies are infused with seriously impressive superfoods.
Our favorite from the menu: The Ka-Chava Bowl. Acai, tribal superfood Ka-Chava (which contains 70 Superfoods), banana, and blueberries, topped with cacao nibs and coconut.
Location: 5095 Napilihau Street #103, Lahaina (in the Napili Plaza). (808) 298-2499
Sprout Vegan Café
Sprout started out as a plant-based food truck in June of 2020 and six months later set up shop in the Wailea Gateway Center to keep up with demand. The menu is overflowing with terrific vegan health and comfort food options. Sprout also has a charming “Book A Picnic” package, which includes food, drinks, and desserts in a fully equipped basket. They add a touch of luxury with a wooden serving tray and a woven beach blanket.
Our favorite from the menu: The Huli Huli Bowl. Brown rice, tofu, house Huli Huli sauce, roasted vegetables, grilled pineapple, mixed greens, sesame seeds, and sprouts.
Location: 10 Wailea Gateway Place, B102, Kīhei. (808) 793-3030.
Remember, Ali’i Resorts is the #1 vacation rental for South Maui condos. There are plenty of great rental locations, including downtown Kīhei for easy access to many of the vegan and vegetarian restaurants listed here. You can also stay in North Kīhei for super central island convenience.
