Those looking to get their caffeine fix in a fun and lively environment in historic Lahaina town should check out the new espresso bar at Sir Wilfred's.
Located at 707 Front St., with its trademark sculpture of a cowboy holding a rope out front, Sir Wilfred's has hired a bunch of baristas to make vanilla, caramel and hazelnut lattes along with cappuccinos, espressos, Chai teas, hot chocolates and cafe au laits.
The sculpture is reason enough to check out this coffee and tobacco shop. It's fashioned after Ikua Purdy, the 1908 world roping champion from upcountry, sculpted by the late, great Reems Mitchell.
Article Photos
Sir Wilfred’s General Manager Ron Metoyer (left) and owner Bill Burton take a break in the new espresso bar with their 100-percent Hawaiian grown coffees and cigars in hand.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
But now, you may relax over a cuppa and even sit down and play some chess.
"As far as the new espresso bar goes, it's all monkeypod from upcountry Makawao," says the shop's owner Wilfred "Bill" Burton.
"We have been looking forward to bringing the coffee bar back to Sir Wilfred's as we've been without one for two and a half years now. People have been asking us everyday. Now, it's finally manifested."
Sir Wilfred's boasts one of the widest selections of 100 percent Kona and Hawaiian coffees on the island and you may buy bags to go and to ship.
Burton and his wife, Cathy, also sell Swiss Army knives, T-shirts, coffee mugs, candles, pipes, salt and pepper shakers and Hawaii's largest selection of cigars from around the world in multiple humidors, including their own signature brand, Big Kahuna.
On July 13, which is Lahaina's monthly Third Friday Town Party, Sir Wilfred's will celebrate its new espresso bar with live music by Howard Ahia from 5 to 8 p.m. Hawaii residents with valid ID will also get to enjoy the buy one cappuccino and get one free that day. Store hours are 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
"My friend, Tom Milner, who built KAOI Radio, has done the sound here," says Burton, who is president as well as founder of the Maui Jazz Society. "He's got a library of like, 10,000 songs, and now we're dialed in and you may listen at the espresso bar."
Sir Wilfred's General Manager Ron Metoyer is a popular Maui musician. The two put together the 2nd annual Front Street Jazz & Blues Walk, which filled seats at numerous restaurants in historic Lahaina, over Easter. They are already planning next year's event.
"Ron delivers all of the talent and I'm the organizer," says Burton. "You have a pupu here, a drink there, and listen to some great tunes."
Last, but certainly not least, the Burtons are community minded and have been in the coffee business for 35 years now, starting at the Maui Mall in Kahului.
"So we're doing a fund raiser for Fulton Tashombe, who is a musician on Maui. It's for his medical expenses. It will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku."
All of the food will be donated and non-alcoholic drinks will be served. Musicians will drop by to play at the benefit, including jazz great Emil Richards, who's been on the "Tonight Show." Cost is $20. Tickets are available at Sir Wilfred's, Main St. Bistro and at the door.
Call 661-0202; or visit www.sirwilfreds.com.
