Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Symbol Key:

• Vegetarian restaurant
•• Vegan restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Hawaii

Aiea

·Down to Earth

98-129 Kaonohi St., Aiea, HI 96701

(808) 488-1375

Vegetarian/natural foods store/deli/organic. Down to Earth is an all-vegetarian natural foods store with a focus on organic ingredients. Their deli features a hot food bar, cold salad bar, a made-to-order sandwich menu, grab-and-go options, and a wide variety of eggless desserts. Try items such as a Mock Chicken Salad Wrap, Vegetarian Reuben, and Fresh Mex Burrito. West of Honolulu, the Aiea store is located in the Pearlridge Center, beside Jamba Juice. Open daily for three meals. Deli-style, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC, $$.

Haiku

·Veg-Out Restaurant

810 Kokomo Rd., Haiku, HI 96708

(808) 575-5320

Vegetarian/eclectic. Veg-Out offers vegetarian cuisine "Maui Style." Any item can easily be made vegan by removing the cheese. Choose from Italian, Mexican, Far East, and Middle Eastern dishes. Their 'Freedom Pizza' is a favorite; it's vegan and comes topped with garlic, peppers, onion, tomato, mushroom, tofu, zucchini, pesto, and nutritional yeast. Don't forget the little ones; choose from the keiki (kids) menu. Veg-Out is a small café setting located in a strip mall. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Hana

·Café Romantica

Hana Highway, Hana, HI 96713

(000) 000-0000

Vegetarian/food truck. Located in scenic and beautiful Maui, Café Romantica serves vegetarian and vegan gourmet fare out of a catering trailer. Their international menu is ever-changing but previous entrées have included Veggie Wellington and South Indian Curry. They are located at Mile Marker 35 in downtown Hana. Cash only. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Take-out, vegan options, $-$$.

··Coconut Glen's

Mile 27 1/2 Hana Hwy., Hana, HI 96713

(808) 979-1168

Vegan/ice cream stand/organic. Coconut Glen's is an ice cream stand serving vegan and organic ice cream. Enjoy gourmet vegan ice cream made from coconut milk and served in a coconut bowl with a coconut spoon! Unique flavors include Coffee Toffee, Banana Rum Raisin, and Chili Chocolate Chipotle. Glen also offers handmade coconut candy that takes three days to prepare and cooks for 16 hours. The stand is located on the Hana Highway (between Mile Marker 27 and 28) in Hana, a town on Maui, southeast coast. Coconut Glen's may be hard to find, but it's definitely worth the trip! Cash only. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Counter service, take-out, $.

Hanalei

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Kilauea.)

Postcards Café

5-5075 Kuhio Hwy. # A, Hanalei, HI 96714

(808) 826-1191

Natural foods. Enjoy a wide variety of vegetarian dishes in a charming "old Hawaii" setting. Featured dishes include Marinated Grilled Italian Veggies, Thai Spring Rolls, Polenta Triangles, Nori Rolls, Taro Burgers (made from grated taro, tempeh, and whole grains), enchiladas, quesadillas, soups, salads, and much more. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

Hilo

Abundant Life Natural Foods & Café

292 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 935-7411

Natural foods. This establishment offers a full deli with a hot table that is 97 percent vegetarian, except for one dish that contains fish and tuna sanwiches. Most of the ingredients are organic, and they offer lots of vegan options, raw dishes, and desserts. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for brunch through early dinner. Counter service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Island Naturals Market & Deli

1221 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 935-5533

Natural foods deli. Island Naturals Market & Deli offers local Hawaiian-style and international dishes. They have sandwiches and hot and cold buffet-style foods. Specials change daily. The Hilo store is centrally located in downtown Hilo at the Hilo Shopping Center. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Maui Tacos

111 E. Puainako St., Ste. 605, Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 959-0359

Mexican. Maui Tacos is very veg-friendly and has many locations on different islands. Their menu includes several burritos, tacos, and bowls that either are or can easily be made vegan. Beans are cooked without lard (even the refried beans!). A salsa bar lets you add just the right amount of heat to your meal. Try the Vegetarian Bowl which is comprised of beans, rice, greens, tomatoes, corn chips, and cooked potatoes. Please note that menu items, services offered, and hours may vary at each location. Maui Tacos in Hilo is located in the food court at the Prince Kuhio Plaza. Open daily for three meals. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Honolulu

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Aiea.)

Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant

2239 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 941-1151

Thai. Here you will find exotic northern Thai cuisine with a full vegetarian menu, and we mean full! The front of the menu says, "Vegetarians Welcome," and their excellent meatless selection reflects this. You'll find an impressive array of appetizers, salads, soups, noodle and rice dishes, and other tofu and vegetable entrées. Make sure to request no fish sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

·Down to Earth

2525 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 947-7678

Vegetarian/natural foods store/deli/organic. See description under Aiea, HI.

Downbeat Diner & Lounge

42 N. Hotel St., Honolulu, HI 96817

(808) 533-2328

Diner/lounge/eclectic. Downbeat Diner & Lounge offers typical yummy diner food. Every item on the menu can be made vegetarian or vegan! Try vegan versions of French Toast, BLT, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Burgers, and Milk Shakes. Also a lounge with full bar, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual at this Chinatown establishment. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals through late night. Open Sunday for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC, $-$$.

·Govinda's Vegetarian Cuisine

51 Coelho Way, Honolulu, HI 96817

(808) 595-3947

Vegetarian. This highly affordable buffet, located on a lovely three-acre estate in the hills of Nuuano, was formerly called Gauranga's Vegetarian Dining Club. Govinda's features a full salad bar, homemade whole-grain bread, fresh baked cookies, Mung Dahl soup, brown and jasmine rice, and more. A different ethnic theme is featured for each night of service. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Buffet, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

··Greens & Vines

909 Kapiolani Blvd., Unit B, Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 536-9680

Vegan/raw foods/organic. From the same owner as 'Licious Dishes, Greens & Vines serves an all-vegan menu of gourmet raw foods. The menu changes frequently but previous dishes have included Living Lasagna, Vietnamese Salad Wraps, Spicy Almond Thai Collard Wraps, and Avocado Sunflower Seed Sushi. The eatery is on the ground floor of the large condominium at Ward Avenue and across from the Neal Blaisdell Center; free parking is available in the back. Greens & Vines is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

India Bazaar Madras

2320 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 949-4840

Indian. Indian Bazaar features a menu of South Madras-style Indian cuisine that is nearly all vegetarian. The food is good yet inexpensive. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Cafeteria, BYOB, take-out, $.

Keo's In Waikiki

2028 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 951-9355

Thai. Gourmet Thai cuisine is served in a casually elegant, tropical garden setting. Vegetarian appetizers, salads, entrées, and curry dishes are available on the menu. Also, any item can be made vegetarian because all food is cooked to order. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

··Loving Hut

1614 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 373-6465

1102 Pensacola St., Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 626-5626

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The location on King is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. The location on Pensacola is open daily including Sundays. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Maui Tacos

2233 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 8, Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 931-6111

Mexican. Maui Tacos in Honolulu is located in the food court of the Waikiki Royal Hawaiian Center. See description under Hilo, HI.

Payao Thai Cuisine

500 Ala Moana Blvd. # 1 E, Honolulu, HI 96813

(808) 521-3511

Thai. Located on restaurant row, Payao Thai has two pages on the menu of sumptuous vegetarian dishes to choose from, including Crispy Thai Vegetarian Noodle, Sa-The Tofu, and Royal Tofu Soup. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner only. Full service, non-alcoholic and alcoholic wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

··Peace Café

2239 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 951-7555

Vegan/natural foods/organic. Peace Café is a cozy eatery offering an all-vegan menu of sandwiches, lunchboxes, and sweets. Organic and locally-sourced ingredients are used as much as possible. A different genre of music is chosen each day and played for the entire day; they do this so patrons can experience a different atmosphere each time they visit. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Limited service, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Pineland Chinese Restaurant

1236 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 955-2918

Chinese. Pineland features a special vegetarian menu with dishes such as Hot and Sour Noodles in Soup, Fried Bean Curd with Szechuan Orange Flavor, and Eggplant with Spicy Hunan Garlic Sauce. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, BYOB, take-out, $.

Ruffage Natural Foods

2443 Kuhio Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 922-2042

Natural foods. Ruffage offers a full sushi menu as well as other natural foods treats. Try the Vege Chili or an Avocado Burger. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

··Simple Joy Vegetarian Cuisine

1145 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 591-9919

Vegan/organic. Simple Joy Vegetarian Cuisine is an organic and vegan restaurant with a casual and family-friendly atmosphere. Featuring Vietnamese, Italian, and American cuisines, the menu includes Teriyaki Kabob, 'Chickun' Putanesca, and the classic Philly Sandwich. Simple Joy is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC, $$.

Yen King Chinese Restaurant

Kahala Mall, 4211 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 732-5505

Chinese. Szechuan, Mandarin, and Shanghai cuisines are featured at Yen King. The back page of the Yen King menu lists 30 vegetarian dishes, including soups, assorted vegetable and noodle entrées, mock meats, and gluten dishes. MSG is not used in food preparation, but you may have to request that they not use chicken stock. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Kahului

·Down to Earth

305 Dairy Rd., Kahului, HI 96732

(808) 877-2661

Vegetarian/natural foods store/deli/organic. This store is centrally located on the island of Maui and offers a beautiful view of Haleakala Crater. See description under Aiea, HI.

Maui Tacos

275 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului Kaahumanu Center, Kahului, HI 96732

(808) 871-7726

Mexican. Maui Tacos in Kahului is located in the food court at the Kahului Kaahumanu Center. See description under Hilo, HI.

Kailua

·Down to Earth

201 Hamakua Dr., Kailua, HI 96734

(808) 262-3838

Vegetarian/natural foods store/deli/organic. See description under Aiea, HI.

Maui Tacos

539 Kailua Rd., Kailua, HI 96734

(808) 261-4155

Mexican. Maui Tacos in Kailua is located in the Kailua Village. See description under Hilo, HI.

Willow Tree Restaurant

25 Kaneohe Bay Dr., Kailua, HI 96734

(808) 254-1139

Korean. Willow Tree Restaurant serves a wide variety of Korean dishes and is willing to accommodate vegetarians by substituting tofu for meat in some of their dishes. Request no chicken or fish sauce, though. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Kailua-Kona

Island Naturals Market & Deli

74-5487 Kaiwi St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

(808) 326-1122

Natural foods deli. They are located a mile north of Ali'i Drive and in the Old Industrial Area. See description under Hilo, HI.

Kapolei

·Down to Earth

4460 Kapolei Pkwy., Ste. 320, Kapolei, HI 96707

(808) 675-2300

Vegetarian/natural foods store/deli/organic. This store is located in Kapolei Commons. See description under Aiea, HI.

Kealakekua

Island Naturals Market & Deli

79-7460 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua, HI 96750

(808) 930-7550

Natural foods deli. See description under Hilo, HI.

Kihei

Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods

2411 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753

(808) 875-4356

Natural foods store. Located across from Kama'ole Beach, this deli has a salad bar and hot food bar. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday. Cafeteria, take-out, catering, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $$.

Joy's Place

1993 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753

(808) 879-9258

Natural foods. Located in the Island Surf Building next to the Pacific Ocean. Dishes are prepared with organic and locally grown ingredients. Menu items include vegan vegetable soup, avocado salad roll, black bean salad wrap, and pesto wrap. Open Monday for breakfast and lunch. Open Tuesday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday. Limited service, VISA/MC, $.

Maui Tacos

247 Piikea Ave., # 10-100, Kihei, HI 96753

(808) 875-9340

1913 S. Kihei Rd., Ste. A, Kihei, HI 96753

(808) 874-6088

2411 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753

(808) 879-5005

Mexican. Maui Tacos on Piikea Avenue is in the Piilani Village Shopping Center. The location at 2411 S. Kihei Road is in the Kamaole Beach Center, across the street from Kamaole Beach. The location at 1913 S. Kihei Road is in the Kihei Kalama Village Center. See description under Hilo, HI.

Lahaina

Maui Tacos

840 Wainee St., Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 661-8883

5095 Napilihau St., Lahaina, HI 96761

(808) 665-0222

Mexican. Maui Tacos on Wainee Street is located in the Lahaina Square shopping center. The location on Napilihau Street is in the Napili Plaza. See description under Hilo, HI.

Maui

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Kahului and Kihei.)

Royal Thai Cuisine

1280 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, Maui, HI 96753

(808) 874-0813

Thai. Although not a vegetarian restaurant, Royal Thai Cuisine offers more than 25 vegetarian entrées. A great selection for reasonable prices. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Pahoa

Island Naturals Market & Deli

15-1870 Akeakamai Loop, Pahoa, HI 96778

(808) 965-8322

Natural foods deli. They are located on the main street in downtown Pahoa. See description under Hilo, HI.

Paia

·Fresh Mint

115 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779

(808) 579-9144

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Fresh Mint offers a cool, comfortable place to sit and take in good vegetarian food. The menu includes the signature "Fresh Mint" salad with soy shrimp or soy crab and veggies tossed with pineapple sauce, bamboo soup with tofu and veggie ham, golden mock chicken curry, veggie beef with lemon grass, and the Vietnamese Burrito with Grilled (mock) Fish. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Mana Foods

49 Baldwin Ave., Paia, HI 96779

(808) 579-8078

Natural foods store/deli. Mana Foods is a natural foods store with a good deli counter that makes sandwiches and smoothies. They have a very large selection of organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Some favorites from their salad bar include Tofu Eggless Salad, Hawaiian Fern Salad, Green Papaya Salad, and Kale Salad. All vegan salads are clearly labeled and the selection changes daily. Although there is no seating, Mana Foods is a great place to stop for grab-n-go items; they even have vegan baked goods! Open daily. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, VISA/MC, $-$$.