In a place where so much of the plant kingdom can flourish, it was a wonder why there weren’t more appetizing and exciting vegetarian food options available on Maui. Living in this void paved the way for the idea and eventual existence of Moku Roots to come to fruition. 

Let’s take a moment to talk about kalo — also known as taro. Taro is one of the earliest cultivated plants in the islands, and is therefore one of the most important resources to Hawaiians. Adding to its significance, the taro plant and its many components can be utilized in a wide variety of ways. Since the plant loves the growing conditions on Maui, and is very versatile, nutritious, and organic, it has become a key player in the green and vegan/vegetarian platform of Moku Roots as well!

Being one of Maui’s only vegan/vegetarian restaurants serving organic, local food put Moku Roots into the conversation with No Ka Oi (the best)!

What is Roots Food you ask? Roots foods is made with ingredients that support your health, are kind to the environment, and are — of course — mouthwatering! 

Shade, meat, water, fiber, milk, seeds, cream, oil, erosion prevention, oxygen, flour, sugar, shells, wood…This list is seemingly endless when it comes to the ways we can utilize a coconut tree!

Moku Roots’ menu is about 95% vegan and 100% vegetarian - offering local eggs - and operates with the absolute highest integrity of purchasing ingredients with putting locally sourced, organically grown, and minimal packaging above price and convenience always. 

So many restaurants, so little time…That’s how it can sometimes feel on Maui with all the options for dining out. Here at Moku Roots — small, but mighty —we have set ourselves apart from many of the eateries on the island by FULLY integrating our values and “roots” into our menu and practices.

It’s that time of year again… 

You all know what I’m talking about, time to vote for 2019 ‘Aipono awards!  We appreciate your support and hope you will vote for your favorite Maui Vegan Restaurant at this website: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Aipono2019

Maui is a place that most anything can not only grow — but thrive! When you look around, you’re bound to see a towering mango tree, a rambling lilikoi vine, or a ripe bunch of bananas. Since Maui has a wide range of micro-climates, that translates to a wide range of fruits and vegetables that can be grown locally. 

At this point, pretty much everyone knows how proud I am of how little trash we produce at Moku Roots.  I think it’s also notable that we haven’t bought trash bags since we opened on May 1st.  Some people bring us produce in bags and we just repurpose those as trash bags along with other miscellaneous bags that come into our lives such as my dogs 50 lb bag of food.