a‘a Roots Maui
A‘a Roots’ staff proudly notes that this is the only true vegan restaurant on Maui. What sets it apart is that it is bee free: a‘a uses no honey in its recipes; hence, no bees were harmed in preparing the food and juices here. So sidle up to the counter and place your order for some of the best veggie eats around. Owner-manager Maria Maither, known for her years of work at the Honokōwai Farmers Market, has partnered with Chef Veronica Hood to create light and fresh cuisine incorporating produce from Maui’s farms. Grammy Award-winning musician and farmer George Kahumoku and Waikapū/Moloka‘i-based Kumu Farms provide much of the organically grown, high-quality, just-harvested produce that Chef Veronica turns into “naked burritos” paired with fruit, herbs and nut-based dressings; and Buddha bowls stacked high—two of my faves. Maither says, “We were blessed by the outpouring of the community. We’d find wooden wall hangings and shelving and Balinese-style mirrors, wrapped in carved teakwood, at our door when we were building out the cafe.” Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Make a beeline over! Nāpili Plaza Shopping Center, 5095 Nāpilihau Street, Nāpili, 298-2499
