the lowdown: Lahaina, Pa’ia, Hana, Kihei, Kapalua

With a little bit of luck Maui is a surprisingly vegan friendly place!

My father relocated to Hawaii over a year ago but recently moved from Oahu to Maui. I’d been to the Big Island and Oahu previously so I didn’t give my dad much time to settle in before I made the 6 hour flight to visit. I made my best effort to research dining destinations but it turns out that timing and luck played a more important role in my eating than preparation.

Cheeseburger in Paradise - 811 Front St. Laihaina, HI | Lunch, Dinner | With a name like this, it is easily overlooked but their “Tofu Burger” is served on a wheat bun with all the fixings. For $8.50 with beach front views, you can’t turn this up!

Joy’s Place - 1993 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI | Brunch, Lunch | We rented a Harley and cruised around the island making a pit stop in Kihei at a road side cafe. When I asked if they could prepare their sandwiches vegan they quickly referred us a block away to Joy’s, the only vegan friendly joint in the area! I ordered a smoothie and a tempeh wrap which was the perfect shot of energy to resume site seeing from the back of the bike.

Farmer’s Market - 3636 L. Honoapiilani Rd., Honokowai, HI | Salad Bar, Market | This market was right next door to where we were staying. It offers all that Portland offers, but at a premium. For example, an Amy’s frozen pizza goes for $11 and a pint of Soy Delicious costs $6.50. We tried to keep our purchases to a minimum but couldn’t help being excited at the options!

 

Compadres Bar & Grill - 1211 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina, HI | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | This is huge mexican restaurant with an enormous veggie fajita dish and unlimited chips with salsa.

Doing Hawaii in 2.5 days is fast but well worth it!