Down to Earth Organic & Natural - Kahului — Restaurant in Maui

What a disappointing visit to Down to Earth. Every summer when we fly into Maui, our first stop is this store — it’s been a tradition. But today, I had multiple frustrating experiences with several employees.

When I went to get milk, the fridge only had 2%. I asked an employee if they had whole milk, and she told me they were probably out due to the holiday (4th of July). I asked if she could check in the back, and she replied, “That’s not my department.” She did eventually get someone who said she would check — but I waited at least 12 minutes. I finally saw her walking around and smiled to remind her I was still waiting. She said, “Did you get your milk?” I told her no, and she said, “Well, I put it in the fridge.” There was no follow-up, no effort to let me know, and no sense of service — I was just standing there waiting.

Throughout the store, I was told “that’s not my department” by three different employees. No one offered to help me find someone who could assist. I asked another employee, who was stocking shelves, if they had lunch meat for sandwiches. Without even looking up, she said, “We’re a vegetarian store.” Fair enough. I then asked if they had eggs, and she just repeated, “We’re a vegetarian store.” I mentioned that eggs are vegetarian, and she ignored me entirely.

I also understand that prices can be high on an island, but the prices here were extreme — some of the highest I’ve seen — and combined with the apathetic, unhelpful staff, it made for a really unpleasant experience.

That said, I did speak with the manager before I left. She was kind, apologetic, and assured me this is not the level of customer service they aim to provide. She said she would follow up with the staff, which I appreciated. I left still disappointed, but at least...

I love this store! Have been customer for more than ten years now and everything has always been great - food, products, people who work there! However, not giving 5 stars because lately one of the people working in vitamin section, has made me feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome in vitamin section of the store... couple times already in last few months have had not-positive interaction with her! It started with first time little while back when she asked, like people usually do "is there anything I can help you with!" I answered "no, thanks" - within less than a minute after that, she came back to me and, I dont remember exact words but basically started to tell me that she is supposed to ask me that and how she didn't like the way I answered to her (I guess, the tone of my voice?!" not sure, she didn't explain)... I was just taken by surprise ... I understand people working there are suppose to offer help, but I dont understand how is that her business to tell me she didn't like how I responded - I just said "no, thanks"!... Eversince then - I have been feeling very uncomfortable to go to vitamin section now whenever I see her working there :( ... The other day I didn't see her around, went to vitamin section and we had a "run-in" again... Nobody has ever had a problem with me in store for all these years I have been a customer, I have never had a problem with anyone working there, some people have even been super extra nice and it's a bummer that I cant give 5 stars because...

Ok I must say that this market is highly over priced.. Two mangoes I wanted to buy .... Almost $11 !!!! That's ridiculous!!! For just 2 mangos? I've bought organic before especially mangos&never not once have I ever seen mangos go for so much. Even when I was living in Cali. I feel that was the biggest let down is how much they charge for food when they are hiring new employees starting at minimum wage!!!! Yes it's one thing to help the farms awesome I'm all about sustainability, but when greed comes around it tends to look very ugly!!! This store is$$$$ hungry & it's truly sad... Great variety of food to choose from, that is if your packing lots of ca$h & looking to spend it all in one day on your visit. To know they've been open since 77? & over pricing makes me wonder where does all this$$ go. Are they giving back? Are they contributing to helping the planet shift in a new better direction? If you ask me it doesn't seem this way only because since 77? It's been running. Health is wealth & the greedy shouldn't be in charge&to say what we can eat or not.. I spent almost 30 for just 2 mangos & a plate of food. The price kills...