Down to Earth Organic & Natural
201 Hamakua Dr, Kailua, HI, 96734
Down to Earth Organic & Natural Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Kailua for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Kailua for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
201 Hamakua Dr
Kailua, HI, 96734 - Phone (808) 262-3838
- Website https://www.downtoearth.org
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:30 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Megan W.
I always forget to go here at the beginning of my vacation and come to it in the end and wish I had gone sooner. I could go there every day! Smoothies, deli and hot bar are all good. I much prefer their smoothies over others available at other chain stores. They also have non-gmo papayas and other local fruits. The other fun find was the local organize kombucha that is in tap. This location has 4 flavors on tap. Mango and ginger were a good combination together which I was able to blend myself at the self serve tap station.
(4)Arleen D.
If at all possible, I'd rather shop here than Whole Foods down the street. The staff is way friendlier, the aisles are cleaner and better organized and there is just a very positive vibe to the place. Even the customers who shop here are nicer. Shopping for yummy, healthy groceries should be a pleasant and peaceful experience, not a jam-packed, cut-throat race to the registers. I especially like that they do not sell meat or eggs and that they support local farmers and vendors as much as possible. They even give a discount if you order items by the case. And their frequent buyer program lets you earn points towards credit; you can spend it as you earn it or save up till you are ready to use it. The hot and cold bar rocks, too.
(5)Ashley M.
While working in Kailua, Down to Earth was so convenient to picking up some lunch since it was right next door. Despite the fact that it was a little pricey, it felt great knowing the fact that I was eating organic food. I tried their mock chicken salad wrap that I saw on Yelp before coming here and it was DELICIOUS! I couldn't believe that something so healthy could taste SO good!! They have a hot bar as well, and I picked up a breakfast burrito to try one morning which was just as yummy! I actually wanted to try a slice of their pizza which were pretty huge, but I never got a chance to do so.
(5)toni a.
I love Down to Earth because its not a big box store. It has a little of everything and is not as overwhelming as say "the other" health food store. The staff is helpful and they make great oatmeal raisin cookies.
(5)Jeffery A.
I woke this morning and there was the most lovely envelope on the nightstand beside my bed, my name was clearly printed in perfect calligraphy. I rubbed my eyes and lay looking at the washi paper trying to recall the night before. I picked it up, sniffed the amiable scent, and opened it... "Dear Jeffery," it began, "I don't know how to begin to express my thanks to you. The things I see you trying to do for me shakes me to my core. After all this time together, to bare witness to the love you are so effortless displaying, brings me to the edge of tears. I want to tell you, I love you. Keep up the good work, all will pay dividends...I promise...my love." It was signed..."Your Body" I try...try mind you...to do the right thing. I read, I study, I see the "caveman" diet that has become so prevalent in society. Yet, I want (Want mind you!) to be a vegetarian. My thinking has become so Shinto, that I apologize to the ants as I kill them, after all, they are only doing what ants do. Do I need to consume raw flesh? Is it a need or a want (are the two mutually exclusive?) that drives me to this carnivorous desire? Or, is it the result of my environmental upbringing that tells me "...eat your meat. How can you have any pudding, if you don't eat your meat?" This is now stuck in my head! Mahalo Pink Floyd!! I have now, for the past five months, been in training. Not any physical training (other than my regular workouts) but using "Premack's Principal"...which states: "More probable behaviors will reinforce less probable behaviors." It's the same principle I use to train my dogs. I go vegetarian for three days, then reward myself with the best quality pork, steak, lamb, etc. after that period. I think I am now ready for the next step! Down to Earth is exactly what you would think. Rows and isles filled with vegetarian and vegan options (I will never give up cheese or eggs! NEVER!). The cliental, my limited observation, is more on the hippy side, which I have no problem, it would seem that most of the men (again, in my limited experience) might need the bras that the woman have forsaken?! Handle bar mustaches and facial and body hair a given (on both!). No one seems to care and I like that, a laid back atmosphere, where each can be who they are. My first trip here produced a veggie burger that was passable once covered in a volcanic lava flow of Jack and Cheddar cheese, and topped with maitake (they look like flowers!) mushrooms. I could drop bison like Forman dropped Frazier. As a added bonus, it would be cost effective (financially responsible!). I added oven roasted red-jacket potatoes (and dropped my side salad!) as I felt the need to reward myself (Jeffery! You are a good boy!...who you callin "Boy"...but thank you.) and it was a nice addition. My thinking was that if someone other than myself had prepared this meal and I had no knowledge of the ingredients...I would have never guessed. So one step forward... Down to Earth...just don't expect me to grow a Dali anytime soon. I lay the letter down and crawled from my bed, did some stretching and harnessed my dogs. I skipped rope for about ten minutes and took them for a run. Returning home, I found a note taped to my door. It read... "What about me? All this time of me taking care of you! Putting up with your silly assed escapades! You had better watch yourself mister! You only got one, and that's ME!" It was signed..."Your Liver" Aloha
(5)Michelle H.
Love this place!!! The products, the food, the smell, and the people. Calm, quiet and so Zen in here!!!
(5)Crystal B.
I love Down to Earth. Before I even moved to Oahu my sister introduced me to this local gem back in 2004. We would always stop and get their avocado & cheese sandwiches or salad from the salad bar. When I moved here in 2010 I discovered their free cooking classes! The wonderful Cynthia Cruz taught a monthly class at the Pearlridge location & now teaches at Kapolei as well. Definitely look into these classes & the Kailua "coffee talks". Their events are very informative and wonderful resources for your healthy lifestyle goals. Try their pumpkin bars, the Life Foods wraps, Dragonfruit smoothies, and red curry soup (just some of my favorites).
(5)loge n.
This has become our go-to place. Their sandwiches are excellent. The veggie burgers are really good, with options as to what veggie patty you want. We really like the "Amy" patty. The sprouts they use are really fresh as well as the other veggies. Yummy. For groceries, their choices are varied and carefully chosen. A place for those who are especially particular with good quality. Their salad bar and warm food bars are really good. They even have a vegan pancit! Not easy to achieve. Down side: no wine. But despite the absence of wine, I wish we have them in Berkekey.
(5)A S.
Always a great has most of what you want place with easy shopping and in and out. Food bar always a pleasant surprise along with favorites as baked goods are great. A bit too much variation between offerings at the 3 Oahu locations for whatever reasons but the Kailua outlet is great for Kailua and most all needed. Don't forget the deli options. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating on the backside outside gets a lot of road noise so go for the marsh side.
(4)Janet L.
I LOVE this store! They have my favorite soda Zevia and chips, which were on sale. They have an AWESOME hot food bar and salad bar. They also have a huge smoothie and juice bar and you can order sandwiches. One night I had eggplant parm from the hot food bar and it was DELICIOUS. Another time I had the mock chicken wrap which was also VERY good. It could have used more sauce and tomatoes, but it hit the spot. Their pizza by the slice is $4.59 but at the end of the day it's marked down to $2.29 if there's any left. We stopped in and got a piece to have for lunch the next day. There is plenty of seating inside and out. Didn't grocery shop much but we did eat lunch and dinner here 3X while on vacation. Although I am not a strict vegetarian, I like what they stand for per the sign in the back of the store.
(5)Laura S.
I just found this place a few weeks ago. I've lived in Hawaii for 2.5 years and never gone inside, and I wish I had. This place is the closest think to a Trader Joes on Oahu! Some things are cheaper than Safeway and some more expensive, but I love the bulk food you buy by weight! And the bakery is so good! I also really like how small it is compared to whole foods. The small store lets me find everything with ease and I feel like the staff already know me!
(5)Maria Shea A.
Of course the place is over priced, what would one expect? I'd read an article recently mentioning how refined, overly-processed, preservative laden foods are "cheap" which makes actual organic/wholesome/nutrient dense/less processed foods seem very expensive. Okay, let's just say for lack of options; I'll go with that. I tend to prefer to park in the metered stalls right up front though they do offer free parking in the back. I was able to find the items I'd been looking for however, the variety wasn't as good as my usual, Whole Foods Market store. The service was great. What a relief it was to have employees actually ask me if I needed help then to show me where I needed to go instead of just pointing the way. The hot bar was a bit disappointing. 1 out of the 5 menu selections I picked up was tasty. Not a good ratio. Though I didn't purchase anything from, they did offer a med sized salad bar, a soup bar, pizza and dessert. Oh, don't buy the vegetable chips from the "serve yourself". Compared to the ones I've picked up in the past from other places, they were really lacking in texture and flavor. Overall though, I do recommend this place to those who prefer organic, whole and vegan or vegetarian foods. The location is very convenient and as an added bonus, the seats right up front are a nice place to sit and unwind, maybe enjoy a dessert after a long day and before returning to the Honolulu traffic scene.
(3)Stephanie S.
Non-cooking vegans like myself are no strangers to the expensive habit of eating food! That said, Down To Earth can be quite affordable if you do some of your shopping across the street at Safeway. Produce is a little expensive here, especially the kale which is way overpriced at $6-7/pound. The fresh food counter is incredible, with giant sandwiches for about $8 each. I love the Down To Earth burger with a meaty Amy's vegetarian patty and avocado added ($1 extra). Don't forget to pay at the cashiers and get a sticker on your receipt before trying to pick up your order! They have a hot and cold buffet and 2-3 different soups that appear to be made fresh daily. They also sell Sicilian slices of vegetarian pizza which unfortunately sit all day on an unheated rack. My favorite thing to do is grab a couple of vegan cookies for $2 each, especially the White Chocolate Macadamia (totally VEGAN) and the Energy Cookie which makes a great pre-workout treat or snack to bring on hikes!
(4)Jennifer Y.
This is my first time here! I usually go to wholefoods. They hot bar is more expensive than wholefoods. Prices on frozen food is expensive ;(
(3)Ashley S.
Hmmm!! I love down to earth and I go out of my way to go there vs other places. But man Kailua is the worst. I've ordered a fresh juice many others before me got theirs. They were regulars but they came after. Not cool down to earth. The juice girls are not that friendly to new customers. FYI
(2)Jody S.
I've been a fan of Down to Earth for a longtime dating back to when I was in college and would make a trek to the original locale near the University. That was officially about the time that I became a vegetarian and well, DTE was really the only place I could eat and find healthy alternatives to meat. I would purchase fake pepperoni, fake bacon, fake luncheon meat and the like. I know you are probably thinking why not eat real meat if you are buying meat but only in 'fake' items. But it's totally different--I didn't actually care for the meat versions and much prefer the veggie versions and the health benefits to boot. I was also introduced to really awesome mock chicken salad and that, coupled with lettuce in a wrap, is incredibly delish and filling! Yum! Today I make the short trek to Kailua to visit this really cool place that I know I am safe eating at and don't need to worry about eating something with meat in it by mistake. I like perusing through the aisles, picking up chai, my fake meat items, my Daily Vitamin Code vitamins as well as incense to burn around the house for meditative and cleansing purposes. Overall love this place!
(5)Sydney K.
Lots to offer I will go here over whole foods anyday. Ya it is pricey.. but what do you expect for great products??
(5)Lei A.
I love Down to Earth in Kailua. Before I realized there was a Whole Foods in Kailua I was a D2E devotee. Now I mix up my shopping between the two locations depending on what I need. I love getting my fresh juices and acai bowls here and their salad/hot bars are pretty good. In comparison to WF, of course D2E doesn't have as wide as a selection of stuff but they have just enough of your staples. I love that they have a frequent shopper points system which has saved me quite a bit of money so far. I like visiting here when I'm not in the mood to deal with the hustling crowd at WF or when my daughter needs some downtime to just chill outside to people/car/bird watch while we eat. There's also a tables to sit and eat at inside the store and they have utensils and self serve water available. I believe they have free wi-fi available too. Bathrooms are located outside the store and require a key to open most times. The staff here is friendly and they're always working - not checking their phones or ignoring you like I've witnessed at WF. I like their personal care section where I buy a lot of my products for me and my baby girl. I buy my spices and teas here as well and some of my bulk items used for baking and cooking. I didn't initially plan to write a review comparing D2E to WF but it ended up as so because I've noticed quite a huge difference in customer traffic at both locations and I think it's good to compare prices. I've gotten a lot of products for a cheaper price at D2E then at WF. And as I've mentioned it's a lot more mellow at D2E which is nice for a busy on the go mommy like me. The vibe here reminds me to stay present and to relax more. Oh and for newbies that don't know... they don't serve meat here.
(5)Jeremy G.
I've been going here for years and always have a great Experience, Employees are very friendly and even change salad bar foods if its wilted or looks imperfect. Hot food bar is outstanding, the garden burger (Amy's) with Swiss cheese and ad avo is perfect. Huge and delicious. Will always support them over Whole Foods even if the selection is limited.
(5)Melanie C.
Sure, Whole Foods is nice to have as well, but Down To Earth has much better produce. Local and diverse and delicious. Thanks, guys!
(5)Paige S.
DTE is a nice place for even more specialized health foods but even with their wide selection, they did not have walden farms or suzies rice mallow :( Sad, those two things are common at most wholefoods and health food stores in the mainland. When I asked an employee about them, they were confused and not very happy or helpful. I am only giving this a 3 star for that alone. The prices here are reasonable for the area so I don't think there stuff is a bad deal at all. I hope to go back soon to try out their hot foods bar since so many rave about it!
(3)Juanita D.
Imagine Whole Foods on crack. You think WF offers a lot for "specialized" diets, this place blows it out of the water. They also offer a juice bar, food bar, snack bar and aisles of fancy goodies. My Mom would frequent this place since her diet is so strict - I'd join her on her adventures here and be floored by the prices - SO expensive! Even something as common as a protein bar will be about $3 bucks a pop here. Lots of parking - friendly staff - lots of options - smaller than whole foods!
(3)Claire C.
My only regret with "Down to Earth" is that I did not find it sooner! The staff was incredibly helpful and provided me with some phenomenal information about natural skin care products (specifically sunscreen as I'm prone to burn in this Hawaii sun!). They have plenty of paleo products available for reasonable prices and their sales are great. With many of the same products as Whole Foods Market and better service, I will be frequenting here as often as possible!
(5)Jake H.
This place is crap I know it's a local business but it's ran by the lanikai cult. Google Chris Butler Lanikai Cult it's bad news. service is horrible and the food is way over priced. The groceries are over priced and the selection is minimal! Go to whole paycheck instead!!
(1)kalona H.
I love Down to Earth in Kailua! I do live there so it is convienent but if it were not friendly or clean I would go elsewhere. The food bar is most times fresh and the grill person does a fantastic job. Soups are very good as well. The salad bar is always fresh and has a good variety for a small bar. The checkout people are very friendly and everyone is very happy to help. I always recommend this store before the competion!
(5)Mel G.
My favorite location, the store is really well laid out and everything is easy to find. They have a much better selection of healthy and actual organic/natural products than at the Aiea store, and the people are really friendly. I can always seem to find anything I need, whether a item I use all the time or a once off thing. Love it!
(5)Regina T.
I'm a fan of D2E and I mainly shop the one in kapolei, I stopped her for a quick lunch pick up and maybe what ever else I could find. I don't know I wasn't impressed with the cold/hot food bar or the breads, pizza, and such. Kapolei had a lot more to choose from that I have to talk myself to leave...not so much here. As far as other groceries, the "typical" items. I may come back but for the most part I'm a frequent shopper to the other even though I live on hickam.
(3)Hanna Z.
This place is the BOMB!! I LOVE IT! When I was visiting I went there every single day. Great food, in their deli as well as buffet. Super delicious, nutritious and they try to be as clean and healthy as possible. I was impressed with how friendly the management and employees were. Great selection of food and supplements.
(5)Nikki H.
This has been my go to place. I stop in at least once a day when I need a kombucha, beach snacks, organic baby products or my favorite tea. The staff is always friendly when I go through the check out line, and I keep telling myself I want to stop there and have lunch on the sidewalk section. The prices are pretty reasonable, IMO, and I love that the selection is always pretty plentiful. In fact, if you're on a special diet, pretty sure that this is the place you should come for those needs. There is a deli section with fresh prepared food, a bakery, a salad bar and a juice bar. The aisles are always stocked well, organized and the layout of the store is super easy to navigate.
(4)Steronimo G.
This is my wife's favorite place to get good, fresh, creative food that's ready to eat. Although I'm definitely not vegan, even I found lots to love on the hot food bar. Curry quinoa salad, a nori wrapped tofu roll (surprisingly rich and tasty), corn salad with wakame, red Thai curry tofu, green salad, Greek salad, the list goes on. Ultimately, everything on the salad bar was fresh and much of it was really quite creative. Even if you're not vegan, this is an excellent place to grab a healthy lunch to picnic somewhere in Kailua.
(5)G W W.
I LOVE down to Earth. Vegan options abound. The restaurant is VEGGIE, so they get being flexible. Employees are all helpful, and know what is in everything. Bird bars are super. Food is VERY flavorful. I LOVE IT!! Be cautious of what you get though. It can be a bit expensive if your eyes are too big. :-) Easy to overload your plate.
(5)J H.
Happy to have a nice (non-corporate, sorry whole foods) health food store to shop at. Everyone who works here is pretty nice and not pretentious like some natural grocers tend to be. My husband made the mistake of asking if they sold fish the first time we came here and the girl answered him in a snooty tone saying it was a vegetarian store. I'm vegetarian and cannot stand when people speak about it as if they're better than others. It's a lifestyle choice, be righteous, not self righteous! Otherwise, I like this place and of course it's pricey, good for you food isn't cheap and cheap food isn't good for you.
(5)Alex M.
We as humans have no need for a cow's milk, or a chicken's unfertilized eggs. A cow's milk is her own and for her calf, her body is her own. I grew up vegetarian but have since realized that if I truly believe in opposing the slavery and cruelty of animals, that would mean opposing milk and eggs as well. They are being exploited, otherwise to mention how unhealthy a cow's milk and chicken eggs are for an adult human! Again I love your vegan products, but because your store sells animal products I am withdrawing my business. Stop supporting the slavery and rape of mothers who will soon be used for meat when they can no longer make milk for a sick and greedy purpose! What do you think happens to her babies when they are ripped away from her soon after birth? Please go Vegan!
(1)Quyen N.
I could picture myself living in Kailua since there's a Down to Earth (as well as a bunch of other great grocery stores that will not be named). The Down to Earth I typically frequent is the one in Aiea. This one in Kailua has better parking and better selection than the Aiea one, but is not as roomy and spacious as the newest one in Kapolei. Another plus is its location near the Hamakua marsh. I'll visit the Kailua one more since the boyfriend lives windward side.
(4)Angela K.
My favorite place in Kailua still and ever for 4 years on the Island. I am vegan. I don't have to look at all the non-vegan items they have at Whole Foods. Shopping is quick and easy, even though the prices here are nearly $5 more than the Down to Earth in Pearl City. Still worth it for me after a day out at the beach. Plus, patio cafe seating. Best!
(5)Shay F.
I like this Down to Earth better than the one in town because it just seems much cleaner. Of course I'm a fan of this place because it targets vegetarians like myself! Yay! So today, I had all these cool veggie items from the hot bar. Tofu, veggies, etc. Totally yummy...and healthy! What more can I ask for?
(4)Mami S.
I like to go here to eat. the down to earth burger is my favorite. the life burger variety. the reuben and burrito are good too. you can never go wrong with the hot bar too and love the fresh veges on the salad bar pizza is hit or miss. cookies good. sometimes get good deals shopping. get ready to spend money.
(4)Dmitry O.
I have been coming here for three years . Never disappoints. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about vitamin supplements and such. The food is always fresh and delicious and I pretty much want to eat everything in the store . great place to get good food!!!!! knowledgeable and helpfull people!!!!!
(4)Michael M.
I have a hard time giving this place more than one star for one simple reason: $10 for Chili and rice that does not even fill you up. Every time I pay for this, the bad feelings I have outweigh any health benefits the food has. On a side note, what's up with the clientele who wander the store like a vegan zombie apocalypse? The only objective for these lost souls is to get in your way at the salad bar and load up heaps of Silk and assorted wheat germs at the counter with their EBT card. The average wait per customer is about 40 minutes because of these Real Housewives of Granola County.
(2)Johnny M.
I generally do not like to write negative reviews so consider this more as informative. The staff is great here and very helpful and friendly and most of the time you can find the food items and produce that you desire. But the issues are in the health/beauty section where several times I have noticed that they are selling products that have surpassed their expiration date. Other than that I think its a great store and a great opportunity to support locally.
(3)Foo D.
I am a fan of DTE, love their local products, all organic. however the three stars is based on recent experiences with the store. I came in Tuesday at about 1130 to grab a little bite before work. the hot bar LOOKED so good so i went for the eggplant parm which is always good, some steamed veg and their coconut milk curry with cauliflower, which should have been in the salad bar and NOT with the HOT foods because it was STILL COLD! not like room temperature cold, but straight out of the fridge cold. i didnt find out till i took my first bite& was already in the truck pulling out of the parking lot. i was so disappointed. i think ill just skip it next time and eat when i get to work.
(3)Karen D.
I have been a confirmed DTE shopper for years. It's great that they pack so many departments into such a small footprint, including a hot food bar, bakery, household goods, essential oils, and a terrific bulk food selection that even has herbs and spices. Their frequent shopper program is nice, too, because they store the credit in their system at the checkout--just ask the cashier to check your account. One of my favorite things about DTE Kailua is the location next to Hamakua Marsh. You can take your purchase out to their lanai and enjoy seeing both the land and the many native waterfowl that frequent the area. Very peaceful. I hope they survive the opening of Whole Foods....
(4)J Z.
Having lived near 2 Down to Earth's (town & Kailua) since '82, I can definitively say that Down to Earth is THE place to shop/eat if you're vegetarian or vegan. I like it better than Whole Foods (I don't like the fact that their food may be cross-contaminated with meat, eggs or seafood - and I don't like smelling fish & beer when I'm shopping!) There are absolutely no fish, meat, eggs, etc. in any of DTE's foods - which means I can safely grind on the Eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, & mock chicken salad, etc., with impunity. Oh & the desserts? Cheesecake? Mango cheesecake for the win. Cookies? Smoothies? Chocolate-chip deluxe model, and a blueberry 'Banini' smoothie ... OH & the Acai bowl!! *sigh* Their hot bar & salad bar are both awesome. And they even have an olive bar now - the balsamic onions are to die for! I could go on - but go see for yourself. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Kailua's DTE is located by Hamakua Bird Sanctuary, so after you eat you can go bird watching, too. :-)
(5)Jenna C.
Desperately I searched for a healthy grocer when I was visiting my husband's fam who live in Kailua. This place is my dream. The second I walked in... I felt at home. Yes... healthy, non-processed options. They even have a vegan bakery! The Energy cookie is delicious and so is the Almond cookie. It really is amazing to know that you CAN have vegan baked goods without skimping on flavor and awesomeness. My only complaint would be the price... but everything has to be imported here... so, that's really not their fault. I mean, I thought NYC prices are bad... but these... phew. But... it was so worth it. I needed some healthy goodness in my life.
(4)Andrew T.
they got my previous review removed -- guess Yelp really is pandering to their advertisers these days-- so here goes again--- my "consumer experience" here really sucked and I dont' recommend shopping here. I did not feel welcome. Look at all the hidden and suppressed reviews and google the company if you want to learn the information Yelp is working with the advertiser to suppress,
(1)Frank C.
Love this store and everything it stands for. I'm no veggie but I greatly enjoyed the mock chicken salad wrap for a healthy lunch alternative
(4)Erin B.
This is one of my favorite hot bars on island. I have been coming to this store for four years now to grab quick bits from the hot bar. I love their potato Au Gratin. The price is high for everyday but as a treat on those meat free cleans days I do it is great. I really like how everything is Vegetarian or Vegan. They try to locally source produce as much as they can. This will continue to be my treat meal location.
(4)Jac G.
Pros: Salad bar and hot food bar. Not a great selection but there's at least 5 hot soups to choose from. The people who work here are friendly. I like how its right next to a car repair shop. Cons: The price for some things are kind of pricey... for example a bottle of flax seed oil is $40.
(4)Zoe F.
Oh, how at home I was. This is a sweet, sweet grocery with a very crunchy granola goodness. Prices on par with other groceries in the area, selection & availablity of specialty goods very nice. Although their fresh dairy and vegi sections could be little bigger & more, overall, I was very pleased. I only wish they carried eggs.
(5)Jessica S.
I have a love-hate relationship with Down To Earth. On one hand, I would give them 4 stars for their deli alone. The veggie burgers are awesome as long as they hold the veganaise and ketchup and the wraps and sandwiches are also pretty delicious. I love that everything is made on whole wheat grains and -- being a vegetarian store and all -- they never seem to mess up my order as far as leaving off sauces and cheese. BUT I've been shopping at this store for years and it's an unpleasant experience every time though I still can't pinpoint exactly why. It could be the staff, who are nice enough but always seem dazed or more likely stoned. It could also be the pidgins no one ever shoos away that fly through the sliding doors and perch atop the hot food bar as you make your plate and hope they did what they had to do on one of the cars outside instead of in the teri tofu. It could also be the clientele, many of whom carry themselves with an air of hippie pretension. Whatever the case, Down To Earth is the type of place you shop at out of necessity and not because they outshine the local competition... because there isn't any. Yet.
(3)Tiana L.
I love their hot and cold food bar! Their made to order food is decent too. Their reuben sandwhich is yummy, but I didn't like the quesidillas or pizza. I agree with Jac G. They are very pricey. Bring your own bag and get 5 cents off your bill. The staff is helpful and friendly as well.
(4)Scott K.
Every since I decided to try and live a healthier life, Ive been a frequent visitor of Down to Earth. The variety of healthy choices makes this grocery store ideal for anyone who wants to "try" and live a better life. Besides the variety of organic foods and healthy alternatives, they have a health food bar where you can eat nutritional foods. I will be the first to admit tho....living healthy is not cheap. The food bar you end up paying by the pound. Its cheap if you eat greens but try getting healthy baked items or dishes made with heavy items and it will cost you. I love the acai bowl from the health bar. Its a mix of acai, bananas, granola and some nuts. Its about $7 and will fill you up. Ive ordered sandwichs before but I think you can make this alternative at home for a much cheaper price.
(4)Amy K.
I'm slowly turning into a hippie on the inside, so I'm drawn to anything organic whether its health/beauty products or food. They have an interesting selection and I always enjoy browsing through here. They have a great beauty/health section which takes up about 1/3-1/2 of the store. When you first sign up for their discount card, they give you a free shopper bag which I thought was nice since I hate wasting plastic bags. Not too many employees strolling through the aisles to see if you need help, and half the time they'll walk by without even saying anything to you. But thats okay I guess since I always hate being bothered by every employee that walks by....which I'm sure the new Whole Foods in Kailua is going to be like. I saw a bird in there in the grains and seeds aisle. Go figure. But this store isn't open air. It has a roof and doors that close just like any other store or restaurant. They need to get that dirty bird out! Its like if you went into CPK or Longs and there was one in there--it shouldnt't be there! Yes, its pricey, but that's a no brainer--the more pure and healthier a product, is usually more money. Its probably worth it though to put out that extra two dollars so you know you wont have ingredients with names you can't pronounce in it!
(4)Brian A.
Ah, it's that Oregonian feel to the place. In one of the many towns in Hawaii that are closer to the demographics that are similar to that of a small town in Oregon. Why do I compare every health food store to living in Oregon? f you've ever been there, you'd know. I figure 15 years of living there makes me at least qualified to make a good comparison to the granola eaters over there to the transplanted ones over here. It is what it is. It's small like the other Down to Earth locations. This one doesn't include the larger homeopathic supplement section that the one in on King Street in Honolulu has. Parking's pretty good since this place is rarely crowded. Just make sure to drive carefully in this area and watch for pedestrians.
(3)Marc C.
I felt like I was back at home in Santa Cruz!! The store has all the items you'd expect from a natural food store etc... Prices were as expected! If you are ever in Santa Cruz, CA check out Staff of Life and you'll feel right at home!
(4)Amanda T.
I don't eat strictly organic, I'm not vegetarian or vegan but I still love Down to Earth. The food bar an deli are delicious. The only time I ever eat tofu (NEVER been a tofu fan) is from this place...and it's actually pretty dang good! I love their trail mixes and dried fruit. Oh and grind yourself organic peanut butter. I go for the health/beauty section more so than the food. They have great skin products, masks, etc. The mint julep mask and mud mask are wonderful. I need to try the apricot still. And I can't be without my grapeseed and jojoba oil for my face. That stuff works wonders!
(4)Nicole K.
I really like Down to Earth. I truly do. But this one doesn't have a lot of variety. It's smaller, and the hot food selection is menial. And they always run out of food when I go. Parking isn't that bad, so that's a good thing. It's never really crowded like the one in town, so I can shop at my own pace and not feel like I just wanna grab and go. I like browsing through Down to Earth because I always find something new and good. Their vitamin/supplement section is also not as extensive. But they usually have what I need.
(3)Lee C.
I've been to this location 4 times....I give the deli and their service 5 stars...the cashiers up front, 0 stars!!!Each time I've been there, not one of the cashiers have greeted or acknowleded me......the only words was the amt due.....I guess I shouldn't complain...I didn't even get a bag for my groceries today. Nalani gave me my change and started talking to another worker as I stood there looking at my groceries on the counter...I actually had to interupt them to get it bagged....can't wait for whole foods.....
(1)Artemis A.
You can find here "Nasoya" brand tofu which has ZERO sodium!
(5)Amina M.
Great place to grab a quick healthy lunch from a self-serve by-weight buffet. Also a godsend for health nuts, vegetarians and vegans. This place is AWESOME.
(5)Chuck D.
A little pricey, but not compared to other stores like this. Huge amount of vegan options available, but they don't taste like it! Their smoothies are some of the best on the island, so definitely pick some up. They also have deli options as well as bag it yourself treats (so you can get as much or as little as you want!). Every time we were over by this store we stop by for some treats to munch on in the car and a smoothie. I suggest you do the same!
(4)Tiffany A.
I love this Down to Earth, probably more than the other two only because the other two are located in places where the parking is really horrible even on slow days since they're situated in busy areas. This one is across from Safeway and every time I go it's nice and slow and not so busy. Most of all, it seems to have items here that I can't find else where. The hot food is also very delicious especially the Eggplant Parmesan. Yay for helping me be healthier and helping Mother Earth be cleaner ;)
(4)Amanda H.
My family visiting from the mainland and I had just enjoyed a delicious afternoon lunch over at Zia's nearby with my son, fiance' and fiance's younger brother. My aunt was interested checking out Down to Earth and I was too since I never had before. Her and I are very passionate about Organic/Natural foods and remedies so we decided to take a peek in being our first stop in EVER!!! We were both a little shocked to see that it was a much bigger store on the inside than we had thought from looking on the outside. The pastry case was FULL of FRESH/YUMMY Vegan cookies, bars, and muffins. My uncle was also present along with my son... so we were immediately greeted by a woman on duty and she offered us all FREE samples of the triple chocolate, chocolate chip cookie that were cut up into individual pieces for customers to INDULGE in. She answered some questions about the nutrition facts about the pastries since we were all curious on if they were high on calories, fat, and sugar. My aunt, uncle, and I decided to try out the freshly brewed coffee ($2.70 or less for a short or tall size) and all the condiments (soy milk, half & half, stir sticks, cups, lids, Stevia 100% Natural sweetener, agave nectar, honey) were out to make-up your PERFECT cup of joe or tea. (An assortment of tea was available in individual packets) There were some lovely scented perfumes and lotions that were set out for samples and sale but weren't visibly marked on what they were selling for so we asked a younger looking male worker nearby if he could price check. He politely sat down the box he was carrying to go to find out and told us he would be right back. An older women on duty appeared with him shortly after and let us know how much they were selling for. (Going back to purchase them very soon!!! :) My aunt was attended to by another older woman on duty who gladly helped and was VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE about the products to find some herbal remedies that she fit to my aunt's wants and needs. Our visit to Down to Earth was AMAZING!!! Super clean store, well stocked, friendly, on the spot GREAT customer service and well staffed, GOOD location, and AWESOME store hours (Open till 10pm Mon-Sun) NOT really over-priced either compared to a Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or any other Organic/Natural store we have been to before!!!! We lastly decided to INDULGE a little bit more into those Vegan treats so a variety of them were purchased and ALL I HAVE TO SAY is, my Pina Colada muffin was so moist and had just enough flavor... wasn't over-powered at all, and had a FRESH baked taste. I also bought the "Organic Ville" Sun Dried Tomato & Garlic vinaigrette (Gluten-Free) on sale, $2.99 for an 8oz. bottle and enjoyed a few generous drizzles on salads tonight with my fiance' for dinner. Him and I thought it was a well-worthy purchase. Overall I CAN'T WAIT to go back and have a taste/meal from the FRESH salad bar that is open daily, maybe a side dish, or cup/bowl of soup and sit outside to catch some sun rays at one of the teak tables with big umbrellas for shade. I briefly noticed bulk items so I would love to check that aisle on my next visit since I haven't found any other store around in Kailua that offers them. My aunt was ABSOLUTELY satisfied with her shopping experience as well, she wishes to go back before she heads back to the mainland next week with my uncle. :)
(4)Ed H.
This place is a God send. It has a healthy vegetarian buffet with some organic items included. Your meal is by the pound which is nice for the salad eaters out there. I haven't really shopped in the grocery part of the store, but I am told it is robust.
(5)David M.
Down To Earth is a place I spend quite a bit of time. They have a great bulk section that provides my source of oats, rice, and other grains. They also have some nice cheeses and other snacks. A couple times a year they also have a huge sale that's a great time to stock up on stuff. My biggest problem with Down to Earth is their Vegetarian mantra. I like the organic foods they have, but having to source all my meats and eggs elsewhere is a huge pain. Their hot bar would also be far better if it was catering to the vegetarian and non-veg crowds. All in all, I'm really glad Down To Earth is here, I just think it could be improved pretty easily.
(3)M E.
I like the one in Honolulu area better. So expensive. However, their salad bar is pretty decent. Great place on the island for organics though.
(3)AJ W.
Been a fan of Down to Earth since I moved here in '98... Never got any bad vibes and their hot bar is hell of a lot better then the "other" guys. Definitely check out the Deli and bulk food sections... packaged food always costs more!
(5)Kastriot K.
I'm far from a vegetarian. But the stuff here is legit! Good prices too.
(4)Justin B.
Great organic/naturalistic market if that is what you are into. It is a shame that whole foods is moving in because this is a local classic.... support local stores and go here and not the conglomerate chain market set to move in.
(4)Lance T.
Great sandwiches and salad bar. Great outdoor seating nearby to view endangered Hawaiian waterbirds in their restored habitat.
(4)john r.
i feel like part of the family here. everywhere in hawaii is expensive for food, whole foods is considerably more expensive than dte and you have to be careful as many things have meat things in it and they dont care about vegetarians at whole foods, not one bit! also their hot bar is all frozen from the mainland and heated up. My major suggestion to dte is to have more protein rich things in their hot bar, lots of carbs and fat but not enough protein. the staff is laid back, some people despise that, but i know the employees well as i shop here at least 4x week, and they are just mellow. i find them conscious and helpful, but everyone has a bad day. salad bar is great, bulk foods are a good deal.
(5)Diana L.
The last time I bought soup from the deli area I was sick all night long. My husband did not have the soup and he was fine. I'm wondering if they check the temp. per regulations and how long they "pushed" that soup. Other than that complaint ,it's a great vegan store, but super high prices!
(2)Veganopoly G.
Down To Earth is a boon to Vegans/Vegetarians living in or visiting the island of Oahu, HI. There are three D.T.E. stores on the island. They have a hot/cold buffet that is superb! The only reason I didn't give D.T.E. five stars is because it's not 100% Vegan.
(4)Samantha V.
Small store but there's a great selection of healthful food and friendly helpful staff.
(4)Lisa L.
I love this store! I often stop in for "better choice" snacks! They have tons of fresh homemade goodies! My friends & I also enjoy the salad bar. Nice place to eat outside looking out over the beautiful marsh! The people are always friendly & helpful! I am not a huge natural food person.... but I enjoy healthier eating choices & Down To Earth is a great place for everyone!
(5)Caitlin P.
Fresh baked cookies, yummy deli, gluten free treats, great pizza - you can't go wrong :) Plus, they're local and they care. I really appreciate that they go out of their way to support GMO labeling and promote GMO free products in their stores.
(5)Sita L.
Down to Earth is run by the Hare Krishnas (sp?) so we are surprised by the prices? It compares to the Polynesian Cultural Center, money making. The prices are way to high, but, it was the place to go for your health needs.
(3)holland h.
expensive and little selection..
(2)Abby W.
Down to Earth was a highlight of our recent trip to Oahu (it was a bit of a disaster...still too fresh on the mind to completely relive, but, to summarize, it wasn't great). This is the place to go if you are looking for healthy, delicious vegetarian food while in Kailua. We bought groceries here for our vacation rental and also picked up some tasty items from their deli and hot food bar. They make an amazing "Better than Beef Stew" that I devoured for breakfast one morning. I am a mock-chicken salad junkie and let me tell you, Down to Earth does it right! I could have eaten that stuff morning, noon, and night! I didn't mean to rhyme, but I guess the thought of that tasty goodness brought out my inner rhymer.
(5)Bun R.
I went here twice on a recent trip to the Island. I thought that the selection was good and the prices were decent. Several items were cheaper than non-organics at the nearby safeway. The produce selection was high quality and varied. Thank you for coming to the big island, you made our trip so much easier.
(4)Kelleth C.
My family loves Down To Earth and we shop here every time we come to Kailua. Great self-serve bar with hot foods and salads. Very friendly staff. They have both indoor and outdoor tables for eating at the store. It's a bit pricey, but not much more so than Whole Foods. Speaking of which, Whole Foods is opening soon in Kailua, but I'll continue to shop here, as they are a well-run small business who has filled the natural foods niche in Kailua very well for years.
(4)Lilikoi J.
It seems as though a lot of workers were Hare Krishna, they were talking in groups about temples? The workers there are not knowledgeable about much, they just work there, and they are not friendly at all. What happened to the down to eartheddness?? Selection was okay, the natural health area was bigger than the other stores. There's birds flying all over the place INSIDE the store and around the open food. I saw a several people eating out the food bins. What the heck is going on, health hazard much? The Rewards card or something isn't worth the spam that they send you, 5$ for every 300$ you spend!? Prices, not any better than Whole Foods. I'd come back just for the cosmetic products but the food is way too expensive.
(2)sna v.
We were pleased to see this is exactly what we expected, a good natural foods market with refillable things, baked stuff, picnic stuff, a small but nice selection of items that could be good hostess gifts. And super nice staff. Thanks!
(4)C C.
I'm happy I have a natural food store to go to on the windward side. Pro's: Taro burger (hot), avocado wrap (cold), and chocolate bar with brownie are all tasty. Con's: Employee attitude, not friendly at all! I've been going for years, but that is on aspect I DO NOT LIKE! Also what's up with the birds???! There are birds flapping around in there with exposed hot food and cold vegetables. I also hope that they clean those dry food dispensers to prevent the spread of disease from customer to customer. I hope this review helps you Down to Earth Natural Foods in Kailua!
(2)Anita L.
This location is so much more pleasant than the one in town (on King St). Though a little smaller, it feels bigger because it is less cramped and things are spaced out rather nicely. Prices remind me of Whole Foods, but selection is no where near what WF offers. However, if you're looking for organic, healthy alternatives, there aren't THAT many choices on Oahu so you either have to suffer the consequences, or pay.
(3)Charlie D.
Selection is fairly good, they offer neither meat nor eggs (vegetarian, but not vegan).
(4)