Down to Earth Organic & Natural — Attraction in Oʻahu

I agree with the positive comments about this location, I've been a Down to Earth customer since 2013 and Aiea store quickly became my most frequent shopping location because the cashiers and grocery stocking staff have been warm, professional and really great with making recommendations. However, yesterday I had the most dreadful encounter with the store management. While sitting in the cafe section enjoying my tasty purchases, the assistant manager, who happened to be Caucasian, came over to my table and said the seating area was for customers only. I replied that I was a customer, thinking there must have been a small misunderstanding on her part, and hoped I had allayed her concerns. Instead she quickly added "I mean I can just call security." So I told her I'd just purchased several items and could show her my receipts, adding that her assertion was beginning to appear discriminatory.

She then asked if I was refusing to leave. I replied that I would certainly leave as soon as my purchases were refunded and I cancelled my membership card because she'd lost my business and I wouldn't continue shopping there in the future. I handed her my bag of groceries and as she completed my refund, the police appeared. wow. really? well I guess if you're gonna go racist, go big or go home right? Who calls the police on someone who hasn't broken any laws or store policies?

I have no idea what she was thinking or why, and I don't know if this review adequately expresses my disappointment, but after speaking with another African-American customer following these events and finding out that he'd had a similar experience at this location, I felt it's important to let people know what they can expect from the store management at this location, even as regular customer after years...

For the past few years, every time I returned home to Oʻahu to care for my father in Halawa Heights, one of my daily rituals was picking up a Mushroom Love Latte from Down to Earth Aiea. It became more than a drink—it was my small moment of peace and comfort in a long, emotional day of caregiving. I live in Arizona but, I from Hawaiʻi. Aiea is my hometown and would fly back and forth every few months, and throughout those two years, this latte became my grounding thread.

I’ve searched high and low and still haven’t found anything quite like it—except for one boutique café in Tucson. The variety of milk options, the ease of using the Down to Earth app to order ahead, and the consistency of the drink make it a go-to favorite. Most times, it was ready just in time for me to swing by after leaving the house.

But what truly sets this location apart is the staff. Every single team member at the Aiea espresso bar has been nothing but warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. That local aloha spirit is alive here, and it shows from the food to the service, to just the feeling you get when you walk through the door.

I especially want to thank Colleen. She may not know how much of a blessing she was during that chapter of my life. Caregiving is tough, especially when you’re away from your own home and family. Colleen offered more than customer service, she offered compassion. Her kindness and words of affirmation came at a time when I truly needed them. In that small window of daily interaction, she created a space where I could exhale just a little.

Mahalo to the incredible team at Down to Earth Aiea for creating not just great food and drinks—but a true sense of comfort and connection. You reminded me every day that healing sometimes comes in the form of a warm cup...

I'm in this store at least once a week to either grab takeout or grab some items for the house. I love their Mediterranean panini, and quesadillas from the deli. They also have pretty fresh organic red beets, red cabbage, and organic sweet potatoes, which we get often from the store. Definitely worth checking out if you like to eat healthy.

Edit: So im gonna whine a litte bit. I'm sorry to say that lately I haven't been having good experiences at this location. I've been coming to this location since they opened a few years ago and I usually come during the week. The weekday staff is AMAZING. I came in on a weekend and the staff now check...and double check.....and triple check your reciepts when you purchase from the deli. It actually made me feel quite uncomfortable. I completely understand that you need to show your receipt when purchasing now, I absolutely agree with that. But your order number should tell the staff what you ordered. I usually show the reciept to the person making my food, they see the number, and away I go. Now, they grab your reciepts to check off what you're picking up. It just gives me some weird vibes and this used to be my happy place to shop and grab some grub. I also feel this is a little unsanitary if youre handling food, maybe you shouldnt be grabbing everyones reciepts? Also when purchasing items, they make you give them your shopping bag to bag your items. You're not allowed to bag your own. Idk maybe I am whining a little. I just want to enjoy a happy shopping experience without feeling uncomfortable. I'll come back, of course because they sell some great items. But I may never come back on...