Sunrise Cafe — Restaurant in Maui

If I could give it no stars I would! I want to preface this by saying that we are mainly plant-based, dairy free eaters, but we can find something anywhere especially when we travel and are usually able to just ask for things cooked in oil rather than butter. (We actually live on Oahu and have never had a problem) We have been following this Lifestyle for about two years due to my health diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and by adjusting my diet, it’s kept me off of medication and my MS at bay... so this isn’t an ethical stance. Normally restaurants are more than happy to accommodate however, this one was an enormous fail and for the first time in our lives experiencing guilt for leading a healthy lifestyle in such an upsetting situation. The Minute we walked in and found sitting in the back (which was extremely hot by the way), they informed us that they only had one cook and it would be about a 30 to 45 minute wait. No big deal! Kids were happy and we were settled in. After sitting down and looking at the menu we found a few items that we could ask for and potentially see if they could be modified. Silly us. The waitress started out with “well can you at least eat fruit?” I mentioned I would rather have a little more than fruit and asked if I could get the home Fries, asking how they’re cooked. Looking very annoyed with us, she then went on to inform us that everything is cooked with butter and ripped the menu off the table stating as she walked out the door “you should just cook at home!” And walked away from us. I have never in my life experienced this and my kids were crushed and so upset. “Mama, why are people mean and why can’t they just cook a little healthier for you?” My husband went to ask to speak to a manager or owner and the waitress informed us that she was both (obviously didn’t want to allow us the option to complain going onto state we “suck” as we walked away to “Down the Hatch” who was Super accommodating and even offered to wipe the griddle, even though not necessary For us, to cook her food and oil instead of butter. Moral of the story, some people are just ignorant and mean when they’re in contact with other lifestyle choices that don’t fit with their’s and plant-based lifestyles/people in general that need any accommodations of any sorts—-should not eat here. Go down the block to “Down the Hatch” much nicer staff and...

Beware: for those who cannot take a joke or are easily offended, stay away but you will be missing out on a hidden gem. This is a hole in the wall. The folks who run this place have a rough sense of humor. Go in there with an open mind and very thick skin. Their sense of humor consists of sarcasm but I honestly believe they don’t mean any harm by it. They simply speak their mind. I’d rather go to a place that speaks their mind instead of the majority of snobby conceited Maui restaurant workers elsewhere on Maui. They look more native then the typical possible transplants that want to call themselves natives. People who move to Hawaii from the mainland bring their snobby ideas and attitudes with them to Hawaii and therefore sometimes ruin what Hawaii is known for. Hawaii is known for ALOHA. Research the real meaning of aloha to understand what I’m talking about. That being said, I think the folks at the Sunrise Cafe are genuine. The food was delicious for being simple. As a matter of fact, we got there a couple of minutes before they opened and people were already waiting in line outside waiting for the Cafe to open. That should tell you something. Like I mentioned before, it’s basically a hole in the wall. It has no fancy decor or anything else to catch your attention but it is a hidden gem. The only reason I couldn’t bring myself to give them the full 5 stars, is the fact that they only accept cash. I asked the waiter where’s the closest ATM and he said it was what seemed like several blocks away. I had just enough cash to pay for the food but it really bothered me that I wasn’t able to leave much of a tip. That made me feel terrible but that’s what they get for only accepting cash. Other that that, I highly recommend the Sunrise Cafe. Just be sure...

Best Loco Moco in Maui. After looking around for a place for breakfast we ended up at Sunrise Cafe. We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door (after ducking the overhead beam myself and my buddy are 6’3 and 6’5) we were directed down to a seating area with an amazing view. Our group of 7 sat down and were waited on hand and foot. We asked the guy waiting our table what he recommended and he said you’re in Hawaii you have to go with the Loco Moco. It’s not something I typically would order but hey I’m in Hawaii. We ordered and I asked him what he recommended to drink without hesitation he said pineapple juice. We took his advice and ordered. Our group order a plethora of what they had on the menu myself taking the waiters advice. All I can say is when our food arrived you couldn’t beR a word at our table except can I try that. By far the best pineapple juice I’ve ever tasted, the Loco Moco was to die for. I tried it a couple more times on our trip and nothing compared. Our waiter was a local who had a sense of humor. We went back and forth with him our entire meal exchanging one liners. Between the staff and the quality of food I would say hands down the best breakfast place on Maui ( or at least...