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The 50 best places for drinks in Kauai
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The 50 best places for drinks in Kauai

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedJun 30, 2025
Are you looking for the best drinks in Kauai? You’re not alone! Many of us love traveling on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to find the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. We’ve looked through different sources to find the best options, including favorites like Tahiti Nui, Tiki Iniki, and Bar Acuda.
Why trust us
We scoured through the internet and read through 22 reputable sites and blogs like Lonely Planet and Wanderly. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place like these:
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1Tahiti Nui

4.4
(2446)
•
4.1
(2076)
•
Mentioned on 
+10 other lists 
$$$$affordable
Hawaiian restaurant
Live music bar
Restaurant
Tahiti Nui is a laid-back restaurant and bar in Hanalei, offering a warm and friendly atmosphere with live Hawaiian music. Since its establishment in 1963, this family-run spot has maintained its casual and romantic vibe. The menu features locally sourced organic salads, signature pizzas, poke bowls, baby back ribs, aged ribeye, fresh island fish, braised pork, and daily pasta specials.
What a gem - we've been fortunate enough to eat here a few times. For any friends that we know are staying on the north side, we always suggest this for a dining option. Atmosphere is super cute, drinks are delicious, food is tasty, and service is always top-notch. We hope to make it back again in the future!
Chris B — Google review
Great, local eatery and bar. Came for the happy hour from 12-5P. Service was tight because they were waiting on servers, but all super friendly. We ordered via their QR code in the Toast app to expedite. We got the Mai tai, a guava margarita, the happy hour chicken sliders trio, and the tofu poke bowl. Wish the lunch tofu poke bowl came with a grain feature. Pricey for what they gave us. The sliders were decent.
Hemang — Google review
We drove an hour plus to go have a world famous mai tai. Granted it was very good. We were seated quickly at the bar. We ordered 2full dinners at Market Price and dessert and drinks. Food was very good and fresh. However the service left a lot to be desired. Waitress was not very attentive to our needs. I felt overlooked and ignored. I know we were just tourists but we also would have tipped on the whole bill. Disappointed
Dee — Google review
Fun place and excellent pizza. I went after my hike to Hanakapiai Falls! Much needed after the 6 hours on foot😂. Great drinks and service too. I made a reservation for one for my bday and they made me a card ☺️.
Olivia W — Google review
Everyone enjoyed the food. We ordered to go for 5 adults and 1 toddler. Unfortunately my Tikiman pizza was missing ingredients (no cilantro and no Smokey BBQ sauce). My pizza had 1 piece of kalua pig. I would still recommend this restaurant. The pizza sauce was delicious. Sorry but I had to take 1 star off because of the poor execution on the Tikiman pizza. I would eat here again.
Robert K — Google review
Amazing food and atmosphere! I had reserved a table for dinner and they seated us right away. The porch area blocked to the view to the live music but overall the vibe was good. If I went again, I would get seated inside to see the band or in the garden for fresh air. Ordered the Ahi carpaccio (110% recommend), oh so Ono and the Tilkiman pizza. The mai tai is #1 for a reason. You can’t go wrong with any of the orders. The waitress (Ayden) was incredibly welcoming and easy to talk to. Our appetizer delayed a bit but she made sure we got the order in the end - very mindful! Overall, a must try if you are in Hanalei/Princeville!
Karen J — Google review
Great food and service. Menu isn't big but they have great options. Live music during happy hour. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Cale B — Google review
Vegan options! But disappointed about a few things. Staff was great and it’s a chill spot for a meal. We got the veggie lovers pizza with vegan cheese, it’s disappointing that it’s an extra $4 for vegan cheese (a bit exorbitant if you ask me) but they did willingly swap the tomato’s for pineapple which was nice of them. It taste good but the pizza slice was a bit soggy at the ends and the crust wasn’t as thick as it looked in some other photos I saw. We also got the tofu poke which was really yummy - aioli on the side for my bf who isn’t vegan. I was disappointed that the veggie burger didn’t have a vegan burger bun option - one bun had dairy and the focaccia has honey in it. Was really looking forward to trying it but didn’t want to eat it plain. They also listed a vegan lilikoi cheesecake on their menu but the server said that they no longer served it and it had been a while since they carried it. The food we got was good but I don’t know if I’d come back knowing of these misses.
Isabella T — Google review
5122 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•http://www.thenui.com/•(808) 826-6277•Tips and more reviews for Tahiti Nui

2Tiki Iniki

4.0
(1435)
•
3.9
(1085)
•
Mentioned on 
+7 other lists 
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Bar & grill
Tiki Iniki is a vibrant bar and grill located in Princeville, Kauai. The restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with tiki-themed decor and serves up delicious Hawaiian cuisine along with a variety of cocktails. Visitors can also take advantage of happy-hour deals while enjoying the playful ambiance. Owned by Michele Rundgren and her husband Todd, Tiki Iniki provides an exciting dining experience for both locals and tourists alike.
The best dive bar I’ve ever visited. We were vacationing on Kaui and were checking out a shopping center that had a mini food court in back. We saw the bar and checked it out. Lots of bamboo and tiki hut decor. This one just happened to have a bartender with a pirate eye patch( did not check if there was a peg leg as well) . Tried a Painkiller(should have called it Sneaky Bastard, because it tasted great and was pretty strong. Don’t know if it was the fruit juice or the nutmeg they put in it, but the alcohol was covered nicely. Then we noticed a stack of empty Spam cans behind the bar. When we asked , they were for their brown sugar bourbon drink, also very tasty. After talking to our server, who brought us a fish plank appetizer as well as wings(also very tasty) we found out the bar was owned by the wife of the 70s rock star Todd Rundgren, one of my oldies favorites. All in all , great bar ambience, well made drinks and fabulous appetizers.
Gregg M — Google review
Came for a bite and they were only serving drinks, we waiting for happy hour to get some food. The drinks were great a decent deal on happy hour vs regular menu price. The Kauai punch (I think) was quite good. Food was so-so but needed it given the drinks. Worth a stop if youre nearby and shopping.
Kera A — Google review
This place was awesome! Best night out on the island by far. The drinks were amazing (IMHO best classic Mai Tai on the island!) We ordered a bunch of drinks from both the Classic and Twisted Tiki menu and nothing disappointed. Staff was so much fun and the bar was lively with mingling vacationers like us (on a Thursday). My only regret was not planning a second night out to try all the drinks! Will recommend to all our friends as a must stop! Did not look at the food menu. Make sure you have a designated driver if you get the Navy Grog, it will sneak up on you. Mahalo!
Eric H — Google review
Fantastic! The staff is wonderful, friendly and fun. On point drinks, nice tropical fun atmosphere, bubbles. Food was very yummy. Met at the door with a big smile and someone will be right with you (turns out it was the owner) she was right.
David W — Google review
The vibes are excellent. Loved the brown sugar bourbon drink (comes in a Spam can), the zombie on fire (make sure to squeeze in the orange slice), and the navy grog. Drinks were $14-20 normally, $12-16 on happy hour.
Becky O — Google review
Beautiful, authentic TIKI Bar. The service and the drinks were amazing. The atmosphere is inviting and yes, I bought a tiki mug while I was there. They have a daily happy hour from 3-4pm which was a pleasant surprise and the food was actually really good!
Arik T — Google review
Fun atmosphere, typical tiki bar with cheap drafts during their happy hour~ staff is nice, chatty and the tempura zucchini was awesome. Definitely has the Hawaii vibe.
Jane F — Google review
This bar was only a 5 minutes walk from where we stayed in Paniolo, in Princeville. It's location is perfect and comfortable. The staff is so kind and inviting! We even met the owner, Meshelle, who was a very fun woman! The pork sliders you have to try and the fried musubi was awesome! Even if this place is out of your way, I highly recommend it. The community there is a warm place to hangout and both nights we were there, they had live music right outside the bar! A must, to add to your buck list next time you visit!
Ashley J — Google review
5-4280 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722, USA•http://www.tikiiniki.com/•(808) 431-4242•Tips and more reviews for Tiki Iniki
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3Bar Acuda

4.5
(1059)
•
4.4
(1916)
•
Mentioned on 
7 lists 
$$$$affordable
Tapas restaurant
Bar
Bar Acuda is a top pick for the best restaurant in Hanalei, offering an upscale dining experience with a focus on tapas-style small plates. Located in an urban chic setting, this eatery serves innovative dishes such as polenta and scallops that steal the show. The riverside location at Hanalei's eastern end provides a lovely setting for lunch or sunset dinner, featuring fresh fish prepared cooked or as sushi, along with steak options.
Pricey but worth it for the unique dishes and food quality. We didn’t get a reso, so we got there at about 5:10 and got a seat at the bar pretty easily (but definitely recommend arriving early- there was a big line by 5:30!!). The cucumber avocado salad was very good. We also had the lamb and seared ahi and they happily offered alternatives for my lactose intolerance. The papas ajo was also a great side dish. Highly recommend for a fun date one night if you can swing it!!
Shannon N — Google review
Don't read the bad reviews, they don't represent what truly goes on here. Mad about long wait time as a walk in? Yeah it's a very busy and popular restaurant. We got out reservation and we're seated as soon as they opened with no issues. The food quality was excellent! Some plates were simple, but that's the beauty of it. Why over do it and get lost in the flavors? Locally sourced ingredients and house made. Miguel our server was exceptional. Great personality, great recommendations. We had a great time sitting outside! Cool rain breeze broke up the hot sun. It was perfect. Loved every dish, took the time to taste each thing and enjoy it for what it is, good food. My partner and I would totally come back if we ever visit this little island again.
Alex G — Google review
One of the best dining experiences on the island! The lamb chops were absolutely exquisite, and the broccoli was incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked. The service was warm and attentive, and the atmosphere made the meal even better.
Tejas — Google review
BEST DINING IN KAUA’I! My partner and I arrived as the restaurant was opening at 5:30pm with no reservation on a Saturday night. We got a spot at the bar (all tables were reserved) and were treated amazingly well by bartender Louie! The food was absolutely spectacular, and the service was exceptional. It’s all small plates, which made the experience more fun. We especially loved the cheese and honeycomb plate but everything we got was perfect - the freshly caught tuna, the filet mignon, the brioche, the drinks, and the coffee pot de creme. It was easily the best meal we had the entire vacation. Would definitely return!
Phillip H — Google review
Wonderful experience. Food was delicious and the service was excellent as well. Reservations are required and become available a month in advance however, walk-ins are allowed and seated in the bar area. Walk-ins cue up an hour before they open.
Aaron C — Google review
Excellent food and service. The portion is bigger than a typical tapas, but I'm not complaining :). The highlight was the chili crisp prawns.
Chi V — Google review
This could be the best food on the island. Everything was fantastic, excellent cocktails, great food, awesome service. Our server Chris was very professional, had amazing knowledge, and was very attentive. We feel lucky we were able to get in, the word is out, make your reservations early.
Andrew E — Google review
100 out of 100 – A Must-Visit in Hanalei! Bar Acuda absolutely blew us away. Our first dinner was so phenomenal that we immediately booked reservations for the following night — it’s that good. The stars of the show were the cucumber, avocado, feta, and chickpea salad (fresh, bright, and balanced), followed by the roasted broccolini, the melt-in-your-mouth lamb riblets, and the perfectly cooked filet mignon. Honestly, every single dish was spot-on — flavorful, beautifully presented, and perfectly executed. The service was just as impressive. Dylan and Julie behind the bar were awesome, and Bree, our server, was warm, attentive, and on point both nights. The vibe of the restaurant is exactly what you hope for in Hanalei — relaxed, lively, and full of good energy. Trust me when I say this: if you’re anywhere near Hanalei, you need to eat at Bar Acuda. Incredible food, amazing staff, great atmosphere — an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Nick R — Google review
5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•https://www.cudahanalei.com/•(808) 826-7081•Tips and more reviews for Bar Acuda

4Keoki's Paradise

4.4
(4417)
•
4.3
(6066)
•
Mentioned on 
5 lists 
$$$$affordable
Hawaiian restaurant
Bar
Seafood restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Poipu Shopping Village, Keoki's Paradise is a delightful family-friendly restaurant that captures the essence of island dining. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, serene fishponds, and charming waterfalls, this eatery offers a picturesque ambiance perfect for any occasion. The menu features thoughtfully sourced dishes inspired by local flavors, including an array of fresh island fish and hearty steak options that cater to both adults and children alike.
I had a fantastic experience at Keokis with Kim on Tuesday! I came with my husband and two friends for dinner. We had a reservation and got seated right away. The atmosphere is lovely, with beautiful landscaping, calm live music, and a very attentive and friendly staff. My husband ordered wine, we shared a few appetizers and the catch of the day plate. This was the BEST fish I’ve ever eaten in my life! Truly culinary masterpiece. Unfortunately I am severely lactose intolerant and could not eat the desert ice cream pie everyone raves about. I saw other tables order it and was sad over my lack of dairy, but we got the non dairy dessert and it was good. I thought it actually was a little too sweet but to satisfied the sweet tooth without upsetting my belly. Oh and the coconut shrimp was perfectly crusted and fried. Loved our time there and we appreciate Kim and staff taking good care of us!
Vanessa M — Google review
Yep this is a great place for dinner. Doesn't look like much from the outside but you step into a little oasis with food that's as good as the scenery. Came back twice and would keep coming if we stayed longer. Would recommend to all!
Tom — Google review
I love this place.I always go here.The coconut shrimp are really good and quite big. The cocktails are also really good. But the best part about it is the atmosphere and the service. I would definitely recommend going to this restaurant. Ruby is a excellent server. Thank you ruby.
Ann ( — Google review
Made reservations in advance for a party of 16 and seated at 2 8-person tables next to one another... right next to the live musician who was fantastic! Restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and surrounded completely by lush greenery and flowers... but this also makes it extra humid, so dress accordingly! Service was very friendly and attentive - Carly was awesome! -Nacho Appetizer -Kale Salad -Spinach & Mushroom Ravioli -Keoki Style Fish -Pina Colada with Strawberry -Cilantro Mango Heat Cocktail Everything was absolutely delicious, and priced as expected for a nice restaurant. Would highly recommend for any group size and special occasion!
Jamie O — Google review
Small menu, pricey, opulent. Didn't eat but had a drink... Then moved on. Beautiful place, water falls, nice art, bunch of chickens scurrying around. Food looks good. I was happy to go a few miles and get a burger from Kenji!
Al H — Google review
This place is a hidden gem of a restaurant. It is near Poipu Road but you can't tell when you are in the place. Is features split level dining with a great view of ponds and banyan trees. Food was excellent and at a fair price for Hawaii. Lo
Herb D — Google review
We had Bree last night and she was quite literally the BEST server I have ever had. She was not only so kind and funny, she also gave us amazing recommendations, filled our waters before they were empty and remembered everything. Genuinely can’t recommend her enough!! As for the food…. 10/10!! I got the rib appetizer and fish & chips they were so good! Other people at my table got the burger, risotto, nachos, Mac crusted fish, and kioki style fish and they all were raving over their meals. We ended the night with the hula pie and it was so good! The atmosphere was 10/10 I just can’t recommend this place and Bree enough!
Claire O — Google review
Very very good meal! Try the Sweet Taro and Pineapple Carrot breads as an appetizer! Great service and an AMAZING outdoor feel atmosphere! Best restaurant on the Island!
John P — Google review
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•https://www.keokisparadise.com/•(808) 742-7534•Tips and more reviews for Keoki's Paradise

5Brennecke's Beach Broiler

4.3
(3303)
•
4.1
(4655)
•
Mentioned on 
5 lists 
$$$$affordable
Seafood restaurant
Bar
Restaurant
Brennecke's Beach Broiler is a casual beachfront restaurant located on the beautiful Poipu Beach, offering stunning ocean views. During Christmas, they offer a special dinner menu featuring dishes like organic Kauai-grown arugula salad and panko-crusted double Colorado lamb chops. The restaurant also serves a variety of signature cocktails, including the popular Brennecke's Mai Tai and Mango Madness.
We visited Brennecke’s on our visit to Kauai in February (just ran across the receipt which reminded me to do review). We enjoyed Happy Hour drinks and appetizers as well as dinner. We stayed for dinner which was delicious! The Prime Rib and Mac Nut Fresh Catch were delicious! We finished the meal sharing a Mochi Brownie Sundae. The service was outstanding with everyone working together to make the experience great. We sat on the ocean side and felt the nice breeze. I highly recommend this establishment!
Denise B — Google review
Interesting stop, but not worth a wait if you have to wait. 1. Got the Wagyu burger. Tasted like any other premade burger. And kinda dry.. unlike what you’d expect for Wagyu. Fries were good. 2. Also go the Fish n Chips special. 1 Ono beer battered filet, 3 coconut shrimp, 2 beer battered shrimp. The Ono was so dry as well. Expected juicy and flakey. The saving grace was the coconut shrimp. Such a nice coconut flavor. The pineapple slaw was ok. 3. Ice Cream Cake. Tasted freezer burned. Like they make it and keep it uncovered in the freezer for days at a time? Not worth $15 for sure. Also was there for an entire hour. Not terrible but literally only because we had to keep asking for service. Repeatedly flagging down our server. VIEW and breeze were amazing. Not worth $90 lunch though. Wouldn’t go back. Try a different place in town.
April P — Google review
Made reservations in advance for a party of 16 on a Thursday evening. Very nice location with ocean views. Service was friendly and most attentive - definitely on Hawaiian time, no rush. Lava Flow cocktails were delicious! Also loved the Old Fashioned. Would not recommend the Mai Tai (one of the worst I've had, but could've been a one-off). Loved the Pad Thai (vegetarian), Loco Moco, and Wasabi Seared Ahi. Would definitely recommend for a nice Hawaiian meal with a large group + great views!
Jamie O — Google review
This is a fun, lively, very popular restaurant and bar right across the street from Poipu Beach Park. Make reservations to be sure you have a spot. Local beers on tap, wine, and cocktails are available. There’s a good though early happy hour from 3 - 5. We enjoyed our Coconut Shrimp, Caesar Salad, and drinks, though the Pineapple Upside Down Cake was a disappointment.
Marsha R — Google review
My sister and I ordered the chicken Caesar salad, Asian noodle salad, and chicken fingers (to go). They served us rotten chicken on our Caesar salad. The chicken was grey, and it smelled like rotted fish and soiled milk. It was inedible. We didn't eat the chicken, but had a few of the Caesar salad lettuce pieces, and we were still sick for the rest of the night. The noodle salad tasted bland and underwhelming. The chicken fingers were also underwhelming and they gave us three nugget sized pieces. I'm really disappointed with Brenneckes and still feel sick from the chicken.
Charlotte C — Google review
We went here after seeing the turtles across the street and it was simply amazing. The ahi tacos were INSANE literally the best tacos I’ve ever had. Everyone else got various things, and everyone said each of their items was crazy good. Atmosphere is incredible as well, servers were so nice and the wait honestly wasn’t very long right at dinner time.
Ann H — Google review
This is a popular place fo dinner with good sunset views. Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups. We had an amazing experience from start to finish, the service was fast and friendly and the food was fresh and delicious. Personally recommending the poke bowl and the loco moco 😋😛😛😛
Amber S — Google review
The Ahi sandwich was great. Really liked the Ahi medium rare with Togarashi, it was done perfectly. Definitely recommend people visiting to have a meal especially since the view of the ocean is nice since you are on the second floor and a park is across the street. Didn’t have a reservation and originally they said an hour wait but ended up being 20 minutes.
Zane Z — Google review
2100 Hoone Rd, Poipu, HI 96756, USA•http://www.brenneckes.com/•(808) 742-7588•Tips and more reviews for Brennecke's Beach Broiler
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6Oasis on the Beach

4.4
(1109)
•
4.2
(1378)
•
Mentioned on 
5 lists 
$$$$expensive
Hawaiian restaurant
American restaurant
Bar
Oasis on the Beach is a charming open-air, waterfront restaurant in Kapaa, Hawaii. It offers a fine dining experience with locally sourced Hawaiian cuisine. Situated near The Outrigger Waipouli Beach, this independently owned establishment boasts a tropical and friendly atmosphere. Guests can savor delicious meals made from over 90% locally-sourced ingredients while enjoying mesmerizing Kauai sunsets and ocean views.
We got the poke for app and wedge salad with half of a short rib and the seared catch (ahi tuna) for entres. All of them were really good! Poke sauce was creamy and delicious. They were very generous with the sweet potato that came with the seared catch. The wedge salad wasn't anything crazy, but I did enjoy the bacon bits and tenderness of the short rib. For dessert we also got the ube lavender gelato which was yum! Our server was great and always checked in on us!
Elaine — Google review
Great ambience, views, and service. Cody, who took care of us, was so sweet and provided a great service. Veg options were very limited, but the one option they had - Thai curry - tasted good. I wish they had some protein on their like tofu instead of just veggies. My husband got the fresh catch which he rated 4/5 as well. For dessert we got their apple banana spring rolls which honestly was a little bit of a let down. Overall - food was okay, ambience was wonderful!
Anusha D — Google review
Amazing ambiance right on the water. They had Hawaiian ukulele music which made the experience even more unforgettable. The food was amazing, just wish we would have gone here from the very beginning instead of making it our last stop!
Derrick D — Google review
Experience here was great! A few items caused me to give 4 stars instead of 5. Pros: short rib was phenomenal in flavor. Market lobster was amazing! View was great, right on the ocean. We didn’t have a reservation but got sat in less than 10min. Our server was a total sweet heart and we really enjoyed her. Cons: hostess was not welcoming at all. With that being the first greeting into the restaurant usually they should be more friendly with less attitude. The sauce on the gnocchi with my market lobster was not to my liking but I think that’s more personal preference.
Abbi B — Google review
My husband and I came here while on our honeymoon, and Ryan, the manager, went out of his way to make sure we had the most amazing experience and felt celebrated. From the complimentary toast and dessert to his thoughtful storytelling about each dish, every detail felt special. We loved it so much we came back twice in the same week! The food was not only fresh and delicious but presented beautifully, with picturesque views that added to the magic. This place truly feels like an oasis — the perfect setting for a unique and memorable dining experience. Since they are only open for dinner, I’d recommend making this a special treat for you and your group. We cannot recommend it highly enough!
Megan C — Google review
There is less beach dinning on the island than you'd think. This restaurant is situated right beside the beach. View of the ocean is perfect as is the breeze. Food was pretty good. It won't knock your socks off but it's also very solid. Cocktails were good, especially in the context of the island. Service was particularly friendly as it always is in Hawaii. Worth a spin of you're not budget conscious.
Ryley T — Google review
If you read one review for this restaurant, let it be this one (I run restaurants for a living). The view here is excellent. The service was even better. We had Cody as our waiter and he had some of the best service we’ve ever seen in the Americas. The food: Short rib- 9/10 Grilled catch of the day Marlin- 8/10 Cold water lobster-7/10 (good flavor, overcooked) Clams-8.5/10 Banana spring roll dessert- 9.5/10 The food here is not extremely fast, but it was worth the wait. This is inside of a hotel but at the back end by the beach. Everything was extremely fresh. They source all their ingredients from the island.
Andrew J — Google review
We arrived 5 minutes early and the greeting was sadly surly. Mai Tais were short and they added some amaretto to it... :-( The wontons were skinny and sauce watery. We had so looked forward to repeating our wonderful experience from the last trip, however.... Loud hip hop music was hardly an island feel, so we left.
Caria T — Google review
4 820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•https://oasiskauai.com/•(808) 822-9332•Tips and more reviews for Oasis on the Beach

7Kalapaki Joe's Poipu

4.0
(1401)
•
3.6
(1155)
•
Mentioned on 
5 lists 
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Family restaurant
Live music bar
Sports bar
Kalapaki Joe's in Poipu is a popular spot for hearty breakfasts, offering dishes like the Longboard Breakfast and BANANAS FOSTER PANCAKES. It's also known for its vibrant atmosphere and carefully curated menu of drink specials during happy hour. The sports bar boasts the best happy hour on the island with $0.25 wings and $5 cocktails daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., making it a favorite among locals.
We liked our meal so much the first night we came back another! The daily happy hour is from 3-6, and the $6.99 cocktails (only those listed on the happy hour menu) were a real draw. Be aware There’s a 2-drink minimum during happy hour. We loved the Coconut Shrimp — much better than the ones at Brennecke’s — and during Happy Hour, they are $2 each. Fish tacos are $5 each. Our table was right by the open window and lovely views of the nearby mountains and coastline. Cici was our most excellent server.
Marsha R — Google review
Total local gem! Go in and enjoy a divey bar with a great happy hour menu. There’s open air with all their open windows, plenty of seating, and one of the best happy hour menus in Poipu. They also do Taco Tuesday which is always a good idea 🌮. The food okay HOWEVER it’s still worth it for the happy hour, and the servers are always friendly and chill! Perfect casual spot to grab drinks or light bites.
Diana K — Google review
Kalapaki Joe’s Poipu knows exactly what it is—and it delivers. With the motto “No fancy words. Generous portions. Good vibes,” this spot hits the trifecta ✅ The vibe? Chill and lively 🎸, with live music setting the tone for an easygoing island night 🌙. The food? Let’s just say generous portions isn’t just marketing—these dishes come ready to satisfy 🍛🍤. It's casual dining done right, overlooking the Poipu Kai tennis courts 🎾, which adds a unique, open-air energy to the meal. Whether you're winding down after a beach day 🏖️ or catching the tunes with friends 🥂, Kalapaki Joe’s is a place you’ll want to linger. No fuss, just flavor and fun 🌺🍹
Jordi F — Google review
This place was recommended to us by locals, and they were definitely not wrong. We made it just in time for happy hour for great food and drink at a better price! It was all good, but that pork belly was super tasty.
Pineapple R — Google review
We showed up as a group of 9, and our service was excellent!! This was by far the best service we have had on the island so far! The prices were incredibly reasonable, the food was great! Happy hour is a must see. But it was really the service that really shined!
J L — Google review
Wonderful view of the grounds with beautiful trees and the ocean in the background. Breakfast was quiet and our waitress was personable. We ate there twice, once in the evening where there was live music and once for breakfast. The food was mediocre but was within walking distance of our townhome.
Linda Z — Google review
Great service of food and drinks. My bar tender, Ocean, was awesome! She hustled with precision and stamina and able to keep the other new hosts covered, all the while making sure everyone at the bar and each table was well attended too. Thank you Ocean! The fish sandwich of the day was Marlin. It was freshly caught and served right up. Excellent! The accompanying onion rings were also cooked to perfection. Compliments to the chefs. A nice addition was preseason football playing on the TVs there. I will definitely be returning.
Liveontomorrow B — Google review
The place was very quiet in the morning but they were open early and were surprised with their food! Pretty decent portions.
Austin — Google review
1941 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•http://kalapakijoes.com/•(808) 742-6366•Tips and more reviews for Kalapaki Joe's Poipu

8Duke's Kauai

4.4
(4688)
•
4.3
(6018)
•
Mentioned on 
4 lists 
$$$$expensive
Hawaiian restaurant
American restaurant
Bar
Duke's Kauai is a beachfront restaurant and bar located on Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, Hawaii. Named after the surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this eatery offers global cuisine and features two-tiered outdoor seating with stunning ocean views. The Barefoot Bar on the main level provides a casual dining experience just steps away from the beach, serving daily specials and popular dishes like Korean steak street tacos and fresh seafood.
A great spot to enjoy lunch or dinner with beautiful ocean views and a true Hawaiian vibe. It can get busy, so the service may not always feel perfect, but the staff are kind and do their best to take care of you. The food is reasonably priced and portions are decent, though they might feel a bit small for a hungry adult male. Overall, a satisfying experience.
Hana C — Google review
Visited on a Monday afternoon with 8 guests and waited about 25 minutes for a table. Nearby beach was also busy. Pretty outdoor atmosphere/seating. End of September, so quite humid and a little hot. Ordered the Ribs/Chicken Plate with Mac Salad and Rice - very tasty. Prices as to be expected for area. Service was friendly and attentive. We were seated by the live music, and the speaker was quite loud - we could hardly hear one another while it was playing. Other than that and the chicken flying onto our table, we'd recommend.
Jamie O — Google review
The best of Kauai both food, service, atmosphere. We both had the Mac Nut Herb Crusted Fish Monchong or Mukau, By Native Hawaiians. how ever it was spelled as that was the nearest pronunciation I can give. It came with the lemon butter burre blanc with capers. A rice pilaf that was light and tender with roasted carrots vert. Extra burr blanc sauce was nice and recommend by Courtney. I also ran the awesome salad bar that had cold lettuce, dressings, with many different salad offerings plus the best sweetest melons and pineapple. The pineapple was the best I had in two weeks on the Island.
William C — Google review
Beautiful Atmosphere inside and outside, both downstairs and upstairs. Lots of tables overlooking the ocean, seeing the surfers in the daytime. The staff are wonderful and the food is delicious. Our server Keenan was an AMAZING EXCELLENT Server. He was on point with everything. Very attentive. The Prime Rib was wonderful. Every dish my party had was wonderful. Coconut shrimp was cooked to perfection and everything was served hot. The Hula pie is enough to share. The Live Music was enjoyable. The specialty drinks were good as well, but should have had more liquor in it.
Wendy S — Google review
We came for Sunday brunch. The food was amazing. My husband raved about the fish especially. The fried rice was delicious, more of a "dry" fried rice rather than sticky, which is my preference. The eggs benedict was really good, I was surprised that the yolks were still runny despite being a buffet setting. The waitress was very attentive, which again, I didn't expect for a buffet. My water glass was never empty, and I go through water quickly. There was also live music, which was really lovely. And they have a complimentary valet. We had reservations, but I don't think they were necessary. Probably during the summer months it would be.
Sarah M — Google review
The service wasn't the best. We had requested a table with a view during booking our reservation. It felt like the young girl seated us as far away as possible. When my husband asked if we could move to another table, he was told no. The tables sat empty during our entire dining experience. The food was good. It was more about the atmosphere. If they improve their customer service, they could be great.
Angela W — Google review
It's a typical resort restaurant. The atmosphere is fun for kids. I had ravioli and friends ordered the salad and seafood. The quality was good though not exceptional. It's probably not a bad place to have a meal. The choices in the area are limited.
Mehran M — Google review
The setting is absolutely beautiful. We were very much looking forward to enjoying dinner with a stunning view!! Staff was very attentive but when it comes to the food .... I was truly disappointed. The baked fish was fine.... flakey and well prepared...the sauce was okay ..... but barely there. The sides however were just horrible. The rice was cooked to mush.... and as a veggie side I got 1 uncooked brussels sprout...cut up into 4 pieces.
C L — Google review
3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•http://www.dukeskauai.com/•(808) 246-9599•Tips and more reviews for Duke's Kauai

9Da Crack Mexican Grinds

4.5
(2407)
•
4.5
(1886)
•
Mentioned on 
4 lists 
$$$$cheap
Mexican restaurant
Fast food restaurant
Latin American restaurant
Da Crack Mexican Grinds is a laid-back Mexican eatery located in Kukuiula Market in Koloa near Kauai's South Shore. The restaurant offers a casual menu featuring burritos, tacos, and sides. It's part of a vibrant hub of hip businesses that includes Cortado Coffee, Makai Sushi, Anakes Juice Bar, and The Fresh Shave.
A great value deal! Burritos are MASSIVE and such a great price. We brought ours to the beach for a picnic and would highly recommend. Super flavorful food for a great price. Would absolutely come back next time we’re on Kauai
Amanda K — Google review
Great walk up window street food. My wife and I both got the bowls, customized to our preference. We were surprised by the portions! Great, filling lunch. I got the fresh fish, which was ono today (pictured) - a few bucks more than the other options but well worth it. My wife had the pork which was tender, shredded and delicious too.
William H — Google review
Not sure what everyone loves about this place. Its ok. There is another Mexican food trucks about a half mile away that's way better and cheaper. Not much charm. We had carne asada. Cheese quesadilla and shrimp tacos. The carne asada was the best they had. The shrimp tacos were below average. Don't bother adding rice or beans for an extra $4. Get it ala carte. Staff was nice enough but no seating so get ready to take it on the go.
Milan S — Google review
Great tacos with fresh local ingredients. Loved the grilled fish tacos as a healthy dinner! Excellent service. I’m from AZ and these are not authentic tacos (you can typically only get truly authentic tacos in or near Mexico), but they were fresh and delicious! We will definitely be back. Note that there is only outdoor bench seating. This a quick stop on your way to Poipu beach.
Melissa H — Google review
Had the Ahi fish tacos with fire sauce and burrito bowl. Food was good but didn’t have the “WOW”factor. Would try again though.
Beryl R — Google review
OMGosh, now I know why the lines at this place during peak times are long! Incredible and affordable Mexican food. My wife had the fish tacos (ahi was the fresh catch of the day) and I had a chicken burrito. Both dishes were very flavorful. We ordered online and didn’t have to wait to pick up. So amazing!!! Stop here for lunch and/or dinner while on da South Island
Steve T — Google review
Overall the crack is delicious Mexican food in kauai. Fish tacos are where it's at. Love the addition of fajitas peppers and onions to their menu. I had both the fish tacos and a carne asada burrito both were delicious. I highly recommend you load them with everything to make them extra good!! Pro tip it's a walk-up only window no seating so take it to go.
Bud C — Google review
Da Crack in Poipu is the kind of spot you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve left the island. 🏝️ Their shrimp bowl 🍤 was absolutely loaded—bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, perfectly cooked shrimp, and just the right ratio of rice, beans, and toppings. Quick service ⚡ and generous portions seal the deal. 🐟 A standout on the menu? The fish bowl featuring the catch of the day—grilled to tender perfection. It’s fresh, local, and tastes like a bite of the ocean 🌊. Paired with your choice of sides, it's clean, satisfying, and seriously ono. 🤙 💳 Just a heads-up: there’s a nearly 4% surcharge for using a credit card. Not a deal-breaker, but good to know—cash 💵 will save you a few extra cents (and surprises). Whether you're a carnivore 🥩, pescatarian 🐠, or plant-based 🌱 foodie, Da Crack delivers casual island eats that totally hit the spot. I’ll be back—with more cash and an even bigger appetite. 😋🌺
Jordi F — Google review
2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•http://www.dacrackkauai.com/•(808) 742-9505•Tips and more reviews for Da Crack Mexican Grinds

10Duke's Canoe Club Barefoot Bar and Restaurant

4.4
(207)
•
Mentioned on 
4 lists 
Hawaiian restaurant
Duke's Canoe Club Barefoot Bar and Restaurant, located in Kauai, is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and hospitality. Named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, the restaurant offers a dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and mesmerizing views of Nawiliwili Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains. The open-air ambiance and beachside location provide a local feel, especially on weekends when local artists perform Hawaiian tunes.
🍹GOOD OLE DUKES! My wife and I have enjoyed Duke's in Oahu and this Kaua'i location did not disappoint. Located by the a beach it's a really nice atmosphere. The prices are typical for a resort. There are better places for mai tais on Kauai but Duke's Mai tai isn't bad. Their drinks are good and strong. The food is good. This is a much better choice for cocktails and food versus the restaurant / bar at the Royal Sonesta or Marriott Beach Club.
Brad G — Google review
Fun atmosphere right on the beach. Very small food menu. The nachos were excellent! The pulled pork sandwich was pretty good. burger was pretty basic. The ice cream hula pie was yum.
Cristi P — Google review
Atmosphere down stairs is great especially for kids. Our fish tacos were great but ever seemed like small portions including kids menu sides. Great service. We only waited 20 minutes without a reservation to eat downstairs. Nice ambiance down three as well. We parked across the street by the food carts so we wouldn’t have to wait for valet. Gotta get the hula pie! I would like to mention the restrooms are very small downstairs and always had a line. My wife said they were VERY dirty in hopes that someone would clean.
Spencer T — Google review
We took a free shuttle from the NCL cruise Ship to this location which took about 5 minutes and another 5 minutes to walk to Kalapaki Beach. Had lunch at Dukes Canoe Club Barefoot Bar while enjoying the breath-taking views of Nawiliwili Kaui. We had the Fish & Chips for lunch. Food and Service was very good. The fish used for the fish and chips is not what were used to but was still good. Not the restaurants' fault. They cook a different fish that is dry and tastes more like chicken than what most Irish Pubs will serve back in the mainland. The Dukes Blonde from Kona Brewing Co. was super delicious.
Scott F — Google review
Great location. Good service. The food came out cold and underwhelmed. The drinks were under poured.
Ryan W — Google review
Great location and variety on the menu. Had the poke tacos and calamari. So good!
Shane S — Google review
I ordered the Fish and Chips from Dukes and it was incredible. I’m not a huge seafood fan, but since on vacation in Hawaii, I gave it a shot and was not disappointed. I also had a bite of my cousin’s Swordfish meal that was recommended by our waitress, & that was beyond fantastic. We also ordered their famous pie. With how big it was, I was not expecting to be able to eat it all. But we are the entire thing. Our waitress was fantastic and the vibes of the restaurant were so nice!
James D — Google review
The food here is alright but generally overhyped. Pricing is much more reasonable than the resort restaurant but there are other restaurants nearby that are going to give you better food. Seems like most of the wait was for dinners, but going for lunches we generally were able to be seated immediately.
Travis H — Google review
3481 Ho'Olaulea Wy, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•http://www.dukeskauai.com/•(808) 246-9599•Tips and more reviews for Duke's Canoe Club Barefoot Bar and Restaurant
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11Beach House Restaurant - Kauai

4.4
(3783)
•
4.2
(6477)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$expensive
Fine dining restaurant
Bar
Seafood restaurant
The Beach House Restaurant in Kauai is a beloved beachfront eatery known for its Pacific Rim cuisine and cocktails, offering breathtaking views especially during sunset. Situated along Lawa Beach in Poipu on the south shore, this restaurant provides a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere with stunning ocean vistas. Co-owned by Peter Merriman and William Terry, it embodies classic Hawaiian hospitality.
Set your reservations early and get ready to have the most serene experience! Also, you need to ask for Rose to be your server. She was absolutely delightful and appropriately attentive as she made our visit feel very special for the last evening of our 35th wedding anniversary trip. Beach House is located near the coast with a beautifully manicured lawn. We watched surfers enjoying the evening wave action as we enjoyed our meal. It was a treat to experience the flavorful venison harvested from Maui. This dish is a must-try! We really enjoyed the unique salad offerings as well. All of the food was super fresh and packed with flavor. Thank you to the entire Beach House staff. You all get 5 stars for bringing the entire experience together!
Hans K — Google review
We’ve come here many times over the years but first time back since pandemic We came for dinner at 5:15 Drinks -5/5 We all got mai tais and they were delicious! (Merrimans was slightly better) decent wines but wish they had more options by the glass. Food- ahi poke tostada (special) 5/5 Pork potstickers 3/5 kind of dry and the sauce was too creamy and spicy so asked for soy sauce Got the filet and it was perfectly cooked (rare) Amazing views as always Decent service- she was super helpful with timing our food around sunset so we could go take photos
Tamlyn L — Google review
Booked a reservation ahead of time so that we could snag a coveted sunset table! Everyone was unbelievably kind from the moment we arrived. We were celebrating our anniversary and gifted a champagne toast, while being showered with congratulations from everyone that passed. The lobster bisque is unmatched, the ahi tuna was exceptional, and the veggie pot pie still has my mouth watering the next day. We are so grateful to the wonderful service Rainey provided. If you want an incredible meal during your Kauai vacation, this is it!
Kelsey M — Google review
We ate here to celebrate our 40th anniversary. The food was amazing and the view was spectacular! Kristy took great care of us and brought us a complimentary champagne to help us celebrate. The filet was so tender, you could cut it with a crayon. Incredible!
Sean — Google review
We went to the Beach House to celebrate our Honeymoon this past Thursday. We had Richie as our server, and he was absolutely amazing. He gave excellent recommendations and ensured that our visit was enjoyable. The view was gorgeous and you could walk onto the sand after eating. We ordered the coconut shrimp (half eaten in the picture, oops) and crab cakes as starters. We had the filet and diver scallops for our mains (both recommended by Richie). Everything was absolutely phenomenal.
Stephanie — Google review
I highly recommend visiting the Beach House if you are visiting the south shore of Kauai. The open atmosphere is great, very good view of the ocean, and tables were comfortably spaced apart. Book ahead of time. It is on the pricier side of other local restaurants and well worth it. I had the fish & lobster pasta. The only way I can describe it is how Tom Hanks acted in Castaway when he finally made fire and cooked lobster. I would have it again & again. Shout out to our server Kevin who was amazing.
Kyle H — Google review
Came into this dinner not knowing what to expect. Menu looked great but after a few underwhelming restaurants where you pay for the views I half expected that here. Place was awesome! Started with Mai tais, which were excellent with the foam. Warning though it is pretty sweet so if that’s not your thing maybe opt for something else. Appetizers we got the crab cakes. I’m not a huge crab cake guy but these were excellent, although very very small. For entrees she got the lobster seafood pasta which was amazing. I got the ahi which was an 8/10. We added a side of green beans which were very flavorful. Finished with the chocolate cake with raspberry and coconut which was also very good. All in all one of our best dining experiences in Hawaii!
Greg S — Google review
Beach House : Unbeatable Sunsets and Impeccable Service. This was our first time at the Beach House Restaurant, and it was an absolutely magical evening. The reputation for having the best sunset view on the island is well-deserved. From our table, we had a front-row seat to a spectacular display of colors as the sun dipped below the horizon, with palm trees silhouetted against the sky. The sound of the waves and the string lights created a perfect, romantic atmosphere that you just can't beat. Five stars for the ambience, without a doubt. The service was just as impressive as the view. Every staff member we interacted with was incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive. Our server (Hi'ilea) was fantastic—making great recommendations and ensuring our glasses were never empty. They truly made us feel welcome and catered to, elevating the entire experience. A clear five stars for service. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The mocktails were refreshing, the sides were cooked to perfection, and the tiramisu for dessert was a wonderful end to the meal. Everything was fresh and full of flavor. The only reason I'm giving the food four stars instead of five is the limited number of vegetarian options on the menu. While the dishes they did have were great, a bit more variety for non-meat eaters would make this place an absolute home run. Overall, I highly recommend the Beach House for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. It’s an unforgettable experience that is worth every penny for the incredible views and flawless service.
Randeep T — Google review
5022 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•http://www.the-beach-house.com/•(808) 742-1424•Tips and more reviews for Beach House Restaurant - Kauai

12Kalypso Island Bar & Grill

4.4
(3103)
•
4.1
(2870)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$affordable
Hawaiian restaurant
Bar
Kalypso Island Bar & Grill is a laid-back tavern featuring a charming bamboo bar and outdoor seating, offering a menu inspired by Hawaiian cuisine and tropical drinks. Located in Hanalei, it provides a riverside setting for lunch or sunset dinner with options like fresh fish prepared in various ways and steak. The restaurant is known for its poke with fried calamari lettuce wraps and offers a casual dining experience with an island vibe.
Awesome place. Good vibes, good beer selection, attentive service. We did not try the Cocktails though. Food (more on the pub food side) was delicious! We had the coconut shrimps(wow!) and the BBQ wings (fingerlickin) for starters - and that would have been enough, had we known the size of the portions. Mains were Fish&Chips and a Burrito. Both very good.
Joerg B — Google review
This was our favorite restaurant during our stay in Kauai. Good drink selection and huge beers! We got the Kalua pork nachos which were delicious and the coconut shrimp which my wife and I agreed was probably the best coconut shrimp we ever had. Definitely recommend and wish we would have went back for another meal!
Michael R — Google review
Great spot for a dinner after the beach! They keep their beers on tap fairly chilly which is absolutely refreshing. Great options for seafood! The pasta is quite delicious. Beware of chickens prancing around the restaurant, fairly harmless and quirky. Peak hours will come with a wait but they’re true to their estimation.
Caroline F — Google review
8/10 - garlic butter shrimp pasta 8/10: solid, but nothing special. creamy marinara sauce with melty cheese - pretty good. shrimp was well cooked, good portions. garlic bread mid but tasted good dipped in the sauce! - fish & fries 7/10: first bite was an 8 then got sick of it. fish was moist, a bit sweet. batter was not seasoned enough. fries were good and hot! tartar sauce was very mid
Nicole L — Google review
After a disappointing meal at Opakapaka the night before, we decided to give Kalypso in Hanalei a try. We kept our expectations low, ordering the seafood pasta and the tropical Waldorf salad for our early dinner. To our surprise, both dishes exceeded expectations. The seafood pasta was impressive—plump mussels, jumbo shrimp, and generous portions of mahi-mahi and calamari. The flavors leaned mild, but a touch of salt and pepper easily brought everything together. The tropical Waldorf salad was just as memorable, with fresh pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, and crumbles of blue cheese creating a refreshing balance of sweet and savory. Both plates were hearty enough to share, making them perfect for two. Kalypso turned out to be a delightful find in Hanalei—I’d definitely recommend it.
Ces A — Google review
We had a wonderful dinner and drinks at Kalypso Island Bar & Grill in Hanalei. The Mai Tai's were strong and tasty—definitely worth enjoying, but sip carefully! I ordered the blackened fish and shrimp, which was beautifully crafted and absolutely delicious with the passion cilantro sauce. Our nephew enjoyed the Pipikaula taco trio, another fantastic plate. Great food, good drinks, enjoyable service and a fun Hanalei atmosphere.
Craig H — Google review
Great restaurant in Hanalei. Everything on the menu sounded delicious and everyone in our party had a tough time deciding what to try. All of the food was amazing, especially the blackened ahi tuna, fish and fries, shrimp ceviche, and stuffed katsu chicken. Our server was attentive and friendly.
Jen H — Google review
This place had very tasty food! We went 2 times on our stay in Kauai. First picture is the BBQ pulled pork sandwich that I had on one night. Also in that same picture across from my sandwich is the pulled pork Quesadilla that I also had on another night. The second picture is a flight of beers I had. It’s the first place I’ve had a flight where they are 8 ounce glasses, so you’re getting 32 ounces total! We definitely will go again when visiting Kauai.
Mike S — Google review
5-5156, Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•http://www.kalypsokauai.com/•(808) 826-9700•Tips and more reviews for Kalypso Island Bar & Grill

13Merriman's Kauai

4.4
(1202)
•
4.1
(2400)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$expensive
Seafood restaurant
Cocktail bar
Steak house
Wine bar
Merriman's Kauai is a sophisticated, multi-level restaurant in Poipu that offers locally sourced, regional Hawaiian dinners. Owner-Chef Peter Merriman has been a pioneer of sustainable and locally-sourced cuisine since opening the original Waimea location in 1988. The Poipu location continues this tradition with over 90% of its ingredients being locally grown or sustainably caught.
One of the best meals we had on the island. We celebrated our engagement and the service was impeccable! Food was absolutely incredible and so delicious. Highly highly recommend. We are coming back tomorrow night for dinner ♥️
Mikaela M — Google review
It was ok. Crusted Mahi Mahi was good. Seared ahi was good as well. Drinks were pricey but well made. Small portions so you'll need plenty of apps if you are hungry. Pricey but it's the views you go for. Live local music was also nice.
Richard W — Google review
We had gone to the Merriman's on the Big Island before and were excited to go here. Well, we ended up eating here twice on this trip because it is so good. Service is casual, attentive, and knowledgeable. The restaurant is simple in decor, but clean and attractive. The views are quite nice being on the second floor helps. The food is seasonal and the specials were worth trying. Everything was delicious. One of our steaks came out overcooked and they were eager to fix it. We will certainly be back. Reservations recommended.
Justin V — Google review
Merriman’s is a classic Kaua’i dining experience - definitely a little bougie, a lot delicious, and great vibes. The upstairs location in Kukui’ula Shopping Village overlooks the ocean (pro tip, com here during sunset because it’s pure magic 🌅). I got their famous mai tai with lilikoi foam 🍹If you haven’t tried it, it’s a non-negotiable! My friend had the Hanalei Taro Falafel, and I went with the garlic roasted wild shrimp + bok choy. Both tasty, portions on the smaller side, and definitely a splurge! Do you have food allergies? We’ll know that Merrimans’s is great about double checking ingredients! Last note, we grabbed bar seats with no wait, but I’d recommend reservations if you want a table!
Diana K — Google review
Merriman’s Kauai, located in Koloa, offers a casual yet elegant dining experience in a setting that reflects the charm of an Old Hawaii Plantation, with Chef-Owner Peter Merriman leading the way as a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Staying true to his farm-to-table philosophy, over 90% of the menu features locally grown or caught ingredients prepared with sustainability at the forefront. We began with a beautifully balanced cocktail, the *Kokua Kunia*, made with Kohana Kea Agricole Rum, banana liqueur, simple syrup, and lime, which set the tone for the evening. For starters, the fresh oysters and warm buttermilk biscuits were outstanding, followed by two exceptional entrées: *Merriman’s Original Wok Charred Ahi*, paired with Won Bok slaw and a wasabi soy sauce, and the *Onaga Poisson Cru*, a refreshing combination of cucumber, tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and coconut lime vinaigrette, served with sweet potato chips. If you’re on the south side of Kauai, Merriman’s is a must-visit for a refined yet approachable showcase of island flavors.
Edward D — Google review
We had an incredible experience at Merriman’s Poipu! From start to finish, the service was outstanding. Our server, Eric, went above and beyond—he gave us thoughtful, honest recommendations from the menu and even shared great suggestions for other restaurants in the area. Every dish we tried was absolutely delicious, and you could tell how much care goes into the food here. The host also made us feel so welcome, acknowledging our anniversary right away, which added such a special touch to the evening. Between the warm hospitality and fantastic flavors, this was the perfect spot for our celebration. Merriman’s is truly a 5-star restaurant, and we’ll definitely be coming back!
Jordan F — Google review
This was probably one of the best meals we had while in Kauai! My husband and I stopped by without reservations and we were seated within 5 minutes. We told the hostess that we were on our honeymoon and they pulled out all the stops! The server Ashlyn was fantastic and so attentive the whole evening. She brought us a complimentary champagne toast to start us off. My husband ordered the pork and was absolutely thrilled at how tender and flavorful it was. I order the macadamia crusted fish which was also incredible. For dessert we were brought the Lilikoi Mousse which was divine! Not to mention the atmosphere was amazing, with a perfect view of the ocean and sunset. Highly recommend!
Amanda B — Google review
Consistently Perfect – A Must-Visit in Hawaii We had a fabulous dinner at Merriman’s Poipu on our last night in Kauai, and it was the perfect way to end our trip. Every time I visit a Merriman’s, the experience is flawless, and Poipu was no exception. We started with the ceviche appetizer, which was out of this world—incredibly fresh, bright, and bursting with flavor. The shrimp appetizer was also delicious, perfectly cooked and packed with island-inspired goodness. For my entrée, I had the steak and fish combo, and it was absolute perfection—expertly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully presented. It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop and savor every bite. Beyond the phenomenal food, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was elegant yet relaxed, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Merriman’s is consistently one of the best restaurants in Hawaii, and that’s why I always make sure to visit whenever I’m here. If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal on Kauai, Merriman’s Poipu is an absolute must.
Jeanne K — Google review
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/location/kauai/•(808) 742-8385•Tips and more reviews for Merriman's Kauai

14Lava Lava Beach Club

4.4
(4157)
•
4.1
(1940)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Hawaiian restaurant
Lava Lava Beach Club is a beachfront venue located in Kauai, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy mixed drinks and late lunches with ocean views. The club provides plenty of outdoor seating for guests to soak up the sunshine from happy hour into the evening. Their menu includes a variety of food options such as fish tacos, poke nachos, pizzas, and vegetarian choices.
This place is awesome! Danny and Diane with FALLING DOWN ROMANCE are amazing musicians and entertainers. They made the evening fun and exciting! The food was beautiful and delicious, the service - top notch! The outdoor seating overlooks the ocean so the ambiance is incredible! You just can't beat the sound of ocean waves, incredible! We had fun eating, dancing, listening to the beautiful music. I'd definitely stop in again next visit!! 💯
Sarah S — Google review
Happy hour was the bomb! The Mai Tai’s were fabulous and the service was great. We loved the toes in the sand and the ocean view.”  The best craft cocktails I had on the island were at Lava Lava Beach Club. We had a ‘Lava Lava Flow’ by far the best one we had while we were there. Lava Lava Beach Club was a fun setting with live music. We actually went twice during our stay and loved everything we ordered.
Ronil ( — Google review
I ordered the New York strip steak with potatoes and veggies, and it was cooked perfectly—tender, juicy, and full of flavor. (Wish I would have remembered to take a photo I was starving after a long day of travel to the island.). The sides were fresh and complemented the steak beautifully. For dessert, I had the chocolate lava cake, and it was the perfect sweet ending, so delicious! Combine that with the beautiful beachside atmosphere along with live entertainment, it made for such a memorable dining experience. Highly recommend!
Ashley R — Google review
Been here a couple times when visiting Kauai. This past time we got the poke nachos, pineapple fried rice with coconut shrimp, teri steak, ice cream, cheesecake and a ube limeade. I think this was actually my second time getting the fried rice because I normally love it, but I guess just not here. It needed a little more something. I added the juice from the steak and it was much better. The shrimp was great and the nachos really hit the spot. The highlights for me though were the ube limeade mocktail recommended by our awesome server David and also the cheesecake. I would make a stop here every time I'm on island for those two things. Atmosphere is fun and the service is great. Would recommend as a nice chill vibe.
Kira C — Google review
Awesome place on the beach. The combo appetizer was excellent with 4 jumbo coconut shrimp, tiniest tender deep fried calamari with deep fried artichoke, sweet sashimi ahi tuna cubes over taro chips and seaweed. Great dipping sauces of aioli and a ginger guava sweetness. Also had the sizzling garlic shrimp scampi in butter in cast iron skillet. A little side of pineapple fried rice. An excellent Huggo's Mai Tai. Completed with a tiny tasty key lime pie... Service was excellent on a really busy evening with a perfect breeze at sunset and after.
William C — Google review
We had a wonderful time at Lava Lava Beach Club! The atmosphere was perfect, the food was delicious, and the views were just stunning. A very special thank you to our waitress, Nadia, who made the lunch extra memorable with her friendly smile, attentive service, and genuine warmth. She truly went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Mahalo, Lava Lava team, and especially Nadia we’ll definitely be back! Visitors : Enjoy delicious food and lovely ocean location !
Alper O — Google review
Great place to eat by the ocean, listen to live music and enjoy the atmosphere of a tiki bar. The food was delicious and the waitress worked with you to create an allergy free entree. The staff were friendly and very attentive. Loved having a specialty drink, listening to a man sing, sampling delicious foods sitting by the ocean. The specialty drinks are created by one of the best bar tenders in Kauai! On our visit to Hawaii, we went twice to enjoy the atmosphere!
B L — Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lava Lava Beach Club was incredible! The swordfish I ordered was perfectly cooked and full of fresh flavor, honestly the best I’ve ever had. My wife’s teriyaki steak was tender, juicy, and packed with amazing flavor. Great food, ocean views, lovely live music and friendly service—definitely a must-visit!
Juan S — Google review
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•http://lavalavabeachclub.com/kauai•(808) 241-5282•Tips and more reviews for Lava Lava Beach Club

15RumFire Poipu Beach

4.4
(598)
•
4.0
(961)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$expensive
Seafood restaurant
Fine dining restaurant
Restaurant
RumFire Poipu Beach, located within the Sheraton Kauai Resort, offers a modern dining experience with stunning ocean views. The restaurant features locally sourced cuisine with global influences and an extensive selection of rums from around the world. Guests can enjoy 180-degree ocean views while savoring seafood classics with a Hawaiian twist and witnessing breathtaking sunsets over Poipu Beach.
Did dinner at Rumfire at Poipu. Although we were staying in Lihue (Marriott) next to Dukes (also a great restaurant) we made the pilgrimage to Rimfire at the Sheraton Poipu. It’s a pretty typical upscale resort style restaurant with the normalized feel of a Sheraton , Marriott, Westin or Hilton resort. Prices are up there for sure. This is Hawaii. Everything is more expensive. And Rumfire doesn’t disappoint in that area. But let’s get to brass tacks. The service was exceptional. Our server (Taylor) was off the chain great. She did an exceptional job with us — and was so accommodating to our dietary needs. Big” hand hugs” to you Taylor. Rumfire is soooo lucky to have you. You did an exceptional job job for us and that should be noted to all!! The food was also off the chain delicious - as were the drinks. We had a few - and everyone liked them. The goat cheese on pita chip fondue was also wonderful as a starter. We did the butter fish - fantastic And the crab crusted fish. Again… a winner. Great time. Nice ambiance. About 5 degrees to cold inside. Which we could have opened the windows to the ocean. It’s right there and you are stuck behind glass looking at a reflection rather than seeing / smelling the ocean just 10 yards in front of you. That would be my only stated disappointment. You come to a place like this to experience the waves just next to you and I stead you are sealed Ina hermetically AC’ed restaurant freezing to death because you wore comfortable outside appropriate wear but end up in 65 degrees. I get it… it’s a balance. But if that’s my only complaint, life ain’t that bad.
Mike R — Google review
It’s a great restaurant—forget that it’s part of a resort, the food is delicious and it’s a fun place to be. One of the best high-end meals we’ve had on the island, we loved the ability to choose four smaller-portioned entrees for two people, it’s a good menu and clever idea to allow people to taste more of it in one sitting. You can also choose two entrees for one person if you’re stuck between two options. The mango basil mojito was 100% best frozen drink we’ve experienced, we went back again to get more
Taylor B — Google review
Good restaurant, good food, good view of the ocean, and great service. Our server, she not only remembers all the orders, knows the details of the foods too and does not forget to explain it. Food is above the average in that area and the portions are just right.
Sankha H — Google review
Well... This is one of the best meals I've ever had! Staff was incredibly friendly, food is to die for, and the views are next level. Yes it is pricey but you're in Hawaii, live a little and try this once in a lifetime meal!
Tom — Google review
A Perfect Five-Star Experience at RumFire! Our recent dinner at RumFire Poipu Beach was, without a doubt, a five-star experience from beginning to end. If you're looking for a place that perfectly combines breathtaking ambiance, exceptional service, and absolutely delicious food, this is it. Ambiance: 5/5 We were seated with a stunning, unobstructed view of the ocean just as the sun began to set. The vibrant colors of the sky, framed by palm trees, were absolutely magical. The restaurant's modern, chic decor and the namesake fire pits flickering outside created an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and incredibly romantic. It is the perfect setting for a memorable evening in Poipu. Service: 5/5 The service was impeccable. Our server was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making excellent recommendations and ensuring our glasses were never empty. Every staff member we encountered was warm and welcoming, which truly elevated our dining experience. Food: 5/5 Every single dish we ordered was a home run. We started with the Goat Cheese Fondue, which was creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive, served with warm, soft bread for dipping. For our main, the Grilled Tofu was cooked to perfection, with a wonderful texture and a savory flavor that paired beautifully with the fresh sides of Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus. The potatoes were rich and creamy, and the asparagus had the perfect crispness. The drinks were just as impressive. The Virgin Mango Mojito was a refreshing tropical delight, while the Lychee Martini was expertly crafted, elegant, and delicious. Overall, our dinner at RumFire was an unforgettable experience. It's the ideal spot for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself to one of the best dining experiences on the island. We are already looking forward to our next visit!
Randeep T — Google review
We had a very nice meal here and I would otherwise rate it highly. However, we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, which was clearly marked on the reservation. The hostess who greeted us wished us a happy anniversary, so it was correctly listed on the reservation, but that was it. The waiter, who was otherwise very good, clearly did not get the memo that it was our anniversary. Nothing notable or special, not even wishing us a happy anniversary. So do not come here for a special event. You will be underwhelmed. One other negative is that they served some sort of popcorn and pretzel mix instead of a bread basket when seated. That gives a real sports bar feel instead of a fine dining establishment. Bad vibes on that one. Whoever came up with that idea, it doesn't work for fine dining. Pic attached. That said, the view is awesome if you arrive early (5p) to get one of the ocean view tables and the mains and dessert were very good.
Brian K — Google review
We noticed all the details put into making our dining experience excellent. Our food was very good, but the atmosphere, location, beauty of this establishment is top notch. The service was over the top as well. I wish I could remember the names but from the hostess seating us in an excellent spot to the server who paid attention to every detail, to the chef both serving us our appetizer and coming out to check on our entre. All very impressive! More than 5 stars!
Clare 8 — Google review
We went for dinner and had a lovely experience. Our server was Greg, he is funny and knowledgeable and friendly. Our table had a view of the ocean, so we could see the changing colors of the evening sky. We ordered Brussels sprouts for the appetizer, and they were excellent, super delicious. My husband got filet mignon and I got butterfish for the main course, both were amazing, but after that we had no room for dessert. Highly recommend this restaurant for the ambiance and food and service quality.
Marina M — Google review
2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•https://www.rumfirekauai.com/amp•(808) 742-4786•Tips and more reviews for RumFire Poipu Beach
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16Sam's Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai

4.5
(1250)
•
4.5
(814)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
Permanently Closed
$$$$affordable
American restaurant
Bar
Restaurant
Sams Ocean View Restaurant in Kapaa, Kauai is a popular dining spot known for its relaxed bistro atmosphere, delectable American cuisine, and refreshing cocktails. The restaurant offers stunning ocean views and features artsy decor that adds to its charm. Owned by Samantha Reynolds, the restaurant provides an open front layout that seamlessly integrates the outdoor beauty of Kapaa's coast with indoor dining.
The positive reviews are not misplaced, this was one of my favorite places I ate for my entire stay in Hawaii. The view and fantastic food make for a really special combo. My large family tried a wide variety of dishes and we all loved it!
Kyle G — Google review
Overall, 5 stars but the late night parking situation was inconvenient. There's a TINY lot in the back (go under the restaurant), and the lot across the street says no parking after 6pm. Thankfully, found a street spot not too far, but still far from a cross walk (if jaywalking isn't your thing). STRONGLY recommend making recommendations because it was packed. Service was really great, and the food was REALLY good. Wagyu steak was so good, and the nachos were delicious too. Drink selection was solid as well. Can only imagine what the view is like during the day.
Sway A — Google review
What a great spot. We are bummed we just learned about it & they are closing 2/26. Such a fun environment, excellent service, and delicious food! I'm glad we got to enjoy appetizers there 1 night, then get a reservation & return for dinner the following night, which was also our last night before flying back to Oakland. Best wishes to all the wonderful servers and staff!
Cindy S — Google review
Torn with this rating. The food was great but the service was abysmal. We were seated at the ledge, which is considered the bar area? Took forever to get any type of acknowledgement from our waiter. We saw at least 4-5 other tables that sat down after us and get their food before we did. Restaurant had great views of the ocean, albeit we were there at 8:15. Luckily the moon was out and lit up the ocean.
Philip P — Google review
Went here based on a recommendation from our Airbnb owner and I’m sure glad we did. Super fun small little restaurant right on the coast with absolute amazing views of the ocean. Open air and fantastic island vibe. The staff was friendly and efficient. We did small plates splitting the Wagyu sliders, Mediterranean toast and grilled cheese. I must say the grilled cheese was one of the best things I’ve had to eat in a long time, but you can’t go wrong with any of these dishes!!!
Randle L — Google review
Had a great dinner at Sam's with a perfect view of the beach during sunset. Pretty much all of the seats have a great view of the ocean. The restaurant faces East, so you don't see the actual setting of the sun, but the view is still georgous as the clouds and ocean turn colors during sunset. And if you are lucky or time it right, you can catch a spectacular moonrise! The sea lights up like a bed of diamonds with the moonbeams glistening on the waves. For dinner, my wife had a chimichurri wagyu steak that was simply fantastic. One of the best dishes we had on our entire trip and definitely the best steak. I had the ahi tuna special which had a wasabi ginger preparation over an avacado cucumber salad- also delicious. Definitely plan a visit to Sam's if you come to Kauai- reservations are a must if you want a sunset or moonrise timeslot.
M B — Google review
Really enjoyed our meal here. Drinks were yummy and super strong. Like really strong. Parking can be a drag but the food was delicious and our server Abby was a great. Ahi nachos a must and the boar sausage was such a great dish. Would definitely come again when I'm back on the island
Eric S — Google review
This came highly recommended from our Airbnb hostess and she did not steer us wrong! The restaurant is smaller and parking can be difficult so reservations may be required, we were able to get in as a couple on a Saturday night. The ocean front view is really spectacular. If it’s windy you may want to bring a light jacket because it can get a bit chilly. We ordered the fried cauliflower appetizer on the recommendation of our server and it was phenomenal! They add capers and Parmesan with lemon to really make a great app. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips and really liked it, especially the fries. I had the special (I wish I could remember the name of the fish) and it was phenomenal. Seriously some of the best fish I’ve ever had in my life. It was cooked just right and was so buttery it melted in my mouth! The service was excellent and even the table water tasted good! Definitely will be back again during our time in Kauai!
Amanda M — Google review
4-1546 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•http://samsoceanview.com/•(808) 822-7887•Tips and more reviews for Sam's Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai

17Lava’s on Poipu Beach

4.2
(1001)
•
3.7
(604)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$affordable
Bar & grill
Restaurant
Lava’s on Poipu Beach is a popular ocean-view eatery located at Sheraton Kauai Resort. It offers all-day American dishes, making it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The lunch menu features delicious burgers like the Paniolo Burger with wagyu beef and special sauce. With beautiful beach views during the day and evening, it's perfect for a light lunch or family dinner.
We tried Lava's for breakfast and I appreciated the recommendations of the wait staff. Very good food and the guava juice was delicious!!! They have a lovely beach view.
Jessica A — Google review
Stayed in Sheraton Kauai Resort, had breakfast in this restaurant every morning of my family stay. The restaurant is sitting on a beautiful beach. The French toast and American breakfast are all very good. However, my server Amado on the first morning was terrible. He rushed us to order, and when asked about the ingredients of the food (allergy issues), he was very impatient and wondered why I asked. He never offered juice, only coffee or water, until my family asked him if juices were available. He has never came back to my table and provided the routine check if we need anything else, or provided refill my water or juice. The very next time he shown up was to put the bill on the table, which he had also provided to another couple who were still eating. Amado is the worst restaurant server I have ever met in my visits to 4 Hawai’i islands and not sure if he really hates his job. For the subsequent morning breakfasts, I made sure to tell the front receptionist not to get me a table served by Amado. All the other servers however, were very friendly and attentive, in particular, John is exceptional. They (and the food) made my start of the day wonderful on Kauai.
Thomas C — Google review
The food and drinks are excellent! Ahi nachos were sooo good! Had the macadamia crusted mahi and it was very tasty but too salty. My friend’s food was good too! One had the mushroom pasta and added grilled ahi, the other had the grill shrimp which were both yummy! The portions are pretty big so it will satisfy.
Marilyn A — Google review
Came here for lunch after lounging on the beach. Ordered the poke bowl and the mahi tacos. Honestly, both left a lot to be desired. Maybe because we had similar dishes elsewhere on the island this week. The service was good, our server was attentive and kind. Easy location if you’re lounging on the beach, but really the island has a lot of to offer and you should seize the opportunity to explore. Check out Fish Express in Lihue for amazing poke and Japanese Grandma in Hanapepe for amazing fish tacos (and other amazing food.
Larry — Google review
Typical bar food restaurant. The fish sandwich was good on the taro bun and the fish tacos were yummy too. The view of the beach was pretty amazing!
Kimberly K — Google review
I had the crispy chicken tenders. I was very disappointed in this appetizer. Tasted like it came from the freezer, precooked and then heated up. They weren’t all that crispy either. A total disappointment. Probably should have sent it back. Service was good. Restaurant was busy. Nice ocean views. I think you’re paying for the view, definitely not for the food.
Mike M — Google review
The best thing about this restaurant is the friendly and professional service! Also the ocean view is beautiful. Food is tasty, and portions are a good value for the money.
Andrés R — Google review
The service was good and the restaurant has nice ambiance in a convenient location with good views. Unfortunately, the food was a huge disappointment. Honestly, the worst dinner we’ve had in a very long time. We had the roasted Huli Huli chicken and it was inedible. The emaciated chicken was dry, cold and tasteless. It was also a challenge to get any meat off the chicken bones. It came with a scoop of white rice (basic) and a side of slimy Brussels sprouts. We rarely ever complain to a restaurant about a meal but diners should have a reasonable expectation of getting a fresh, flavorful and hearty meal when they go out to dinner in a truly beautiful hotel. The RumFire restaurant next door is excellent so I’d recommend that you skip Lava’s all together for a much better dinging experience at RumFire.
The R — Google review
2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•https://lavasonpoipubeach.com/•(808) 742-1661•Tips and more reviews for Lava’s on Poipu Beach

18Jojo's Shave Ice

4.6
(884)
•
4.6
(545)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$cheap
Ice cream shop
Dessert shop
Hawaiian restaurant
Jojo's Shave Ice is a must-visit Hawaiian treat with two locations in Hanalei and Waimea. This popular spot offers an array of 34 unique flavors, including Blue Hawaii and Ha Coffee Bar. Customers can enjoy generous serving sizes with options like the Da Kine (28 oz.) or the Big Kahuna (40 oz.).
JoJo's Shave ice is a happening spot for good reason. The shave ice is great and they have plenty of options. The area has a cool vibe and JoJo's has friendly service. We ordered the Locals South Shore (pineapple and coconut with macadamia nut ice cream & haupia cream topping) and a Lilo and Stitch (blue and red raspberry with vanilla ice cream). We found a shady spot and enjoyed this stop very much. Other things to note: this place is popular, but worth it - there may be a line. This is not the first shave ice you get to when you arrive in Hanalei. We went to the other one first, but they closed in our face while we were in line and were not very nice about it. Next time, we will drive straight past it to JoJo's. There is a small parking lot behind the market and you may be lucky to find a space there. The bathrooms are a short walk away so you can wash your hands after shave ice.
David S — Google review
Magical. A bouquet of flavor. The best shave ice I've ever eaten. Hand made syrup from real fruit and fresh macadamia ice cream makes thus ice unbeatable. PROFITS SUPPORT MAKANALANI FARMS, a youth camp the provides wholesome experiences free of charge. Chicken In A Barrel next door also do area profits so, so get chicken as well.
Michael C — Google review
The shave ice is okay because I've tasted better ones in Kauai. Other than that its not bad it just taste like a regular shave ice or snow cone.
Ying L — Google review
The shaved ice is SO GOOD!! The cream on top? To die for. I didn’t love the ice cream. I tried the Mac nut and I didn’t like it, so I got another one the next day with vanilla and it was a bit better but not to die for. But the ice with the cream on top? To die for!!!
Claire O — Google review
Loved the Local North Shore (Lychee was a unique flavor and tasted delicious). I also loved the haupia cream. Line always moved quick if there was one. We went several times during our trip
Alice S — Google review
In the competitive shave-ice landscape, there's no better stop than Jojos. Some places might be more internet-famous, but you'll never have more fun with the best shave ice than you will with this crew. The also crank them out with enthusiasm, so even a long line moves quickly here.
Simon P — Google review
Literally one of the best shaved ices I’ve ever had. Two of us shared a ‘berry berry’ and added coconut and it was incredible right after the beach. The macadamia ice cream was pretty good too
Michael E — Google review
In my friend’s recommendations for Kauai he had in parentheses next to Jojo’s (always, anytime, never skip) and my review is just that! Always. Anytime. Never skip! Shave ice is to Hawaii as gelato is to Italy. It is always a must and should be partaken of at minimum once a day! I was a sucker for the coconut and the tropical breeze flavors as both have the macadamia nut ice cream and the Haupia cream which is quite simply the best! 🥥
Carine S — Google review
5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•http://jojosshaveice.com/•(808) 378-4612•Tips and more reviews for Jojo's Shave Ice

19Hanalei Bread Company

4.4
(1069)
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4.5
(459)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$affordable
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Hanalei Bread Company is a popular breakfast spot in Hanalei, Kauai, known for its delicious coffee, smoothies, and breakfast options. It's highly recommended by travelers and locals alike. The restaurant offers a variety of healthy food options with an incredible view of Hanalei Bay. Nourish Hanalei is another healthy food stand that provides Acai bowls, veggie bowls, and wraps while offering a stunning view of the bay as well.
Hanalei Bread Company has such a great atmosphere — relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for enjoying a meal on the North Shore. Ordering at the counter was quick and easy, and the food came out fast. I had the grilled cheese, which was huge and absolutely delicious. The menu had so many tempting breakfast and lunch options that it was honestly hard to decide what to get. Definitely a spot I’d come back to again and again!
Katie M — Google review
Definitely a good spot to grab breakfast when in town. Just keep in mind during morning rush hours be prepared to wait in line. But the food is worth the wait. Absolutely recommend trying it out.
Anuja V — Google review
I stumbled upon this beautiful cafe during my trip to Hanalei, and it has an amazing menu. The only downside is that the kitchen closes really early, by 12:30 PM it was already shut. Still, they let us order an açai bowl, a yogurt, and a Danish with ham and cheese. Everything was super delicious, and the place itself is very cozy. Also the stuff is really nice. I would have loved to try their sandwiches and toasts. Highly recommended!
Marina V — Google review
The Hanalei Bread Company was the best food on the island by far!!!!! We tried so many different places from fancy to fast fare for a week and nothing compared to everything we tried here. It doesn’t matter what you get, it’s all amazing and perfect. If they were open for dinner we would have made it there for 3 meals a day.
M M — Google review
Delicious menus. Excellent atmosphere and fabulous drinks. This cozy restaurant was one of the highlights of our food experiences in Kauai. It is open only for 5 hours and still they ran out of bread by 10 AM on a Tuesday, AFTER the memorial Day long weekend! That's how crazy the demand is! We tried the Immune Booster smoothie, Avocado Toast and Hot Pastrami Sandwich. We also bought banana bread and mango bread. Simply awesome! If you visit Hanalei, this restaurant is a must try
Abu A — Google review
This place was always busy, and for a good reason. Really fresh ingredients, good proportions, and friendly staff. I had the breakfast burrito, and my wife had the avocado toast. On another visit I had the Açaí bowl, and all this food was excellent!
Mike S — Google review
had breakfast here and got the burrito and a carrot cake cupcake. the carrot cake was great, but the burrito was very very bland and also like 85% potato. the food is by all means fine, but it’s not worth waiting in the 10-20 min line that is always there
John B — Google review
I love this place so so much!!! The muffins (especially the carrot cake one), the açaí bowls, the cinnamon rolls??? Omg it’s so good. The staff are absolutely lovely. Very helpful and very kind. The food is so delightful. And how is the atmosphere in Hanalei going to be subpar? It just isn’t!! It’s gorgeous all around. But I love this place. Always draws a crowd and u love that for them. May they always find success!! 💜💜 so worth the visit!
Aly D — Google review
5-5161 Kuhio Hwy #4, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•http://hanaleibreadco.com/•(808) 826-6717•Tips and more reviews for Hanalei Bread Company

20Rob's Good Times Grill

4.5
(1947)
•
4.3
(444)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
American restaurant
Bar & grill
Rob's Good Times Grill is a vibrant spot that offers a mix of sports viewing, live music, dancing, karaoke, and Hawaiian-American pub food. Located in the Rice Shopping Center in Lihue, it serves as a sports bar, family restaurant, and nightclub all in one. The venue hosts live music throughout the week and features DJ-led club dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Rob was awesome! He made us feel welcomed and was great at suggesting things for us. I got the chili pepper chicken and to spice it up he suggested dipping in the sauce and then into buffalo sauce. *perfection* to give it a bit of a kick! Husband got the Hawaiian Plate with the salad and all I sauce Rob suggested. Another hole in one! Then the Furikake fries were a great starter! We’ll be back the next trip to the island! ❤️
April P — Google review
Just landed here and this was our first stop. The calamari was THE BEST cooked calamari I have had. It's thicker than what I am used to, but the texture was amazing. Plenty of ahi on the nachos. Big enough to share and still feel satisfied. The waiter was attentive and a pleasure to talk to. So close to the airport as well was definitely a plus. I would definitely be willing to get both again as well as try something new. The waiter recommended the French dip, fish and chips and chili pepper chicken.
Alexander C — Google review
Rob's never disappoints. The food is consistently good and the drinks are relatively affordable. I've never had something I didn't like. Pictured are the poke nachos, turkey club, kale salad, and the BBQ platter combo. The misoyaki salmon salad and chili pepper chicken are two favorites as well.
Carlyssa S — Google review
A real gem for Kauai locals! It’s comfortable and welcoming, yet offers special experiences from time to time. You can enjoy a casual sports bar vibe or a more atmospheric night with live music and great food. Prices are fair and the service is always excellent.
Hana C — Google review
Burgers had local Kauai beef and we're extra tasty! The staff were friendly and very accommodating. Would definitely come back!
Dandy C — Google review
Stopped here after landing on the island and was so pleasantly surprised! Great sports bar atmosphere with plenty of TVs evenly spaced throughout for seating, large drink and food selection, and awesome live music. The poke bowl was enough for two and the house vinaigrette was super tasty.
Christy D — Google review
Great place to catch the game and some pretty good food. Loved the atmosphere and all the happy locals laughing and having a great time!
Ed M — Google review
Pictures of the food is some what outdated. Can’t find a fried Snapper on the island. This place certainly doesn’t offer it anymore and the turn around on staff must reflect it because no one knew what I was talking about. Only place I visited more than once but was in hopes of a whole fried fish. The Ahi Nachos is a solid tourist favoritte, Delicious! Looks like presentation got watered down after some time. Still better than some the tourists traps nearby. It’s a local spot fo sho, good sign. Do recommend to the basic traveler. Namaste.
Eddie — Google review
4303 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•https://www.kauaisportsbarandgrill.com/?utm_source=google&utm_me…•(808) 246-0311•Tips and more reviews for Rob's Good Times Grill
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21Little Fish Coffee Poipu

4.3
(1522)
•
4.5
(442)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$affordable
Coffee shop
Cafe
Little Fish Coffee in Poipu is a vibrant and inviting outdoor coffee shop that offers a variety of beverages and food options. The colorful counter and outdoor seating area provide the perfect setting to enjoy their delicious coffee, acai bowls, sandwiches, smoothies, homemade chai, fresh iced tea, flavored Italian sodas, and rich hot chocolate.
One of my favorite spots on my trip. The garden sandwich (on an everything bagel) was absolutely delicious. Plenty of parking, they have a small lot but there's a big area for public parking near the road. Lots of picnic tables to sit and eat. Be prepared to wait in line, it's a popular spot. We got there 5 min after they opened and waited in line 30+ minutes on a Tuesday. Once we ordered, we got our food and drinks almost immediately.
Becky O — Google review
Good food, lots of seating most of it is not covered, the bathrooms are a portapotty in the back, I have no idea if it's public or not. The line is very long it starts before it opens, highly recommend ordering online. Overall 9 out of 10
Levi S — Google review
Little Fish Coffee Company is one of those spots we almost always go to when we are staying at the Marriott across the street. It is a popular breakfast spot and the line is always long, usually a 20 to 30 minute wait just to place your order. It looks daunting at first but they move fast once you order and food usually comes out in about 5 to 10 minutes which is impressive given how busy they always are. This time I ordered a bagel with their sun dried tomato spread and it was excellent. The spread had great flavor and the bagel itself was toasted perfectly with a nice crunch. Bagels with their homemade spreads are always a go to for me here. I also ordered the Spartan smoothie which was packed with protein and spinach and still had an awesome flavor that I was really happy with. My sister in law got the banana colada smoothie and added strawberries which made it sweeter and a nice balance with the pineapple. We both also had their matcha lattes and those were great too. Smooth, not bitter, and a really good balance of matcha and milk. The food and drinks here are consistently solid and one of the reasons we keep coming back every year. The one downside, and really the reason I cannot rate it higher, is the staff. Almost every time we go the people at the register or handing out the orders seem rushed, abrupt, or even uninterested in customers. I understand they are busy and only open in the mornings until about midday, but sometimes it comes across as unkind or dismissive. We have seen a few altercations with other customers over incorrect orders and it has even happened to us in the past which is frustrating. Overall though, it is still a great breakfast spot for bagels, smoothies, and matcha and I hope that the service improves because the food really is worth it.
Mitchell N — Google review
I can see why the line is long. It is well worth the wait! The line did move fast though. The coffee was great! We also got an açaí bowl and the turkey bagel. The pesto schmear was delicious. We will be back.
Brittany P — Google review
Long lines so get there early! Service was extremely quick, probably less than 5mins after we ordered we got our coffee & food! We had the clubzilla sandwich and the turkey bagel! They didn’t add the pesto to my wife’s sandwich which was a bummer but my wife still enjoyed the sandwich, the turkey bagel was great & I added extra turkey and it tasted great! We got the expresso with 5 shots, it’s very strong and it’s only expresso on ice with condensed milk, so if you’re going to try that, I suggest adding milk and extra condensed milk and I promise you won’t regret it!
Angel — Google review
We ate a little fish three times during our stay in Kauai! We loved the Breakfast Bagel and the original açaí bowl! We can’t stop raving about both. If you want to enjoy I would definitely recommend arriving a little before opening and there will likely be a line. Waiting in line to order takes a bit and there are chickens everywhere, but service afterwards was fast and the food was fresh!
Aaliyah R — Google review
When we visited, the line was pretty long, but to our surprise, once we placed our order the food and drinks came out quickly. We tried the veggie bagel, garden sando, classic açai bowl, and the nutmeg honey latte — everything was fresh, flavorful, and worth the wait. The açai bowl was refreshing, the bagel and sando were hearty and delicious, and the nutmeg honey latte was a perfect cozy touch. Definitely recommend if you’re in the Poipu!
Simran P — Google review
The line can be long but well worth the wait! We have waited in line 2 mornings in a row! The line truly does go by really quickly! The acai bowls are delightful. Their smoothies are delicious too! Also you can't go wrong with their coffee and chai tea lattes as well as their breakfast bagel sandwiches. So yummy!! Thank you Little Fish! We will be back soon on our next trip to Kauai!
Stacy Y — Google review
2294 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•http://little-fish-coffee.square.site/•(808) 742-2113•Tips and more reviews for Little Fish Coffee Poipu

22AMA Restaurant

4.2
(711)
•
4.4
(272)
•
Mentioned on 
3 lists 
$$$$affordable
Ramen restaurant
Cold noodle restaurant
Noodle shop
Nestled in the heart of Hanalei, AMA Restaurant is a cozy wooden-clad eatery known for its delectable bowls of ramen noodles, steamed buns, and refreshing cocktails. The restaurant offers a tropical outdoor setting with a patio where guests can savor Kauai's best ramen and noodles, poke, or ceviche.
Fantastic jewel in Hanalei. Not a huge menu, but everything on it is fantastic. I had the Ahi Donburi, and the Ahi was absolutely perfect. So was the Mai Tai. If they are still serving the donuts (beignets) for dessert, SAVE ROOM. Staff are extremely friendly and attentive, and the view is marvelous.
Todd G — Google review
The view is absolutely stunning - definitely a 10/10. The service was great. The staff was friendly and gave helpful recommendations about the food. As for the food itself, it was decent but not exceptional. I had a poke bowl - the fish was fresh, but I’ve had better. The same goes for the ramen: well-presented, but the flavor didn’t stand out. Overall, a nice experience, especially for the atmosphere, but the food could be more impressive.
Irina I — Google review
We made online reservations and were able to be seated right away. I believe there was a decent wait (Tuesday night) without reservations. The menu is simple: ramen or rice bowl, with a few variations for each. The ramen was very good, high quality noodle and vegetables. Broth was rich. The rice bowl was fine. The chicken was tasty. Overall, the prices were steep for what you were getting. Bowls are just under $30. Cocktails are $19. But the food is good and the views are wonderful as well.
Wes T — Google review
We had a wonderful dinner with a beautiful view! We had a delicious Mai Tai around the fire pit before we were seated in the open air dining room! The Ramen was very fresh & delicious! This is a must visit while in Kanalei!!!
Melissa I — Google review
The atmosphere is what you are here for. The view & outdoor seating is really a lovely venue for dinner. We ordered the papaya salad, ahi rice bowl and the pork belly ramen. The papaya salad was by far the highlight of the meal and a very generous portion for two people. The ahi bowl was just okay. The tuna was fresh but the flavor of the overall bowl was lacking. The pork belly ramen was good but again I’ve had better ramen as random spots in many other places and I’ve had worse ramen. I’d say come here knowing this meal won’t blow your hair back but it’s fine and you’ll leave on a good note. The view is why you are here and to enjoy looking at the gorgeousness that is Kauai. We made a reservation for 8pm since that’s all we could get online and but I called same day around 415pm they let us move it to 5pm which was amazing! So kudos to them on that. There also seemed to be a fair amount of walk in seating readily available for the people who were there before 5pm and wanted dinner. Perhaps just the time of year but if you are dying to go here and can’t get a reservation, arrive early for a walk in at 5pm and dinner seems very likely with that strategy. Drinks were great as well. I had the Franciscan and asked to have the mezcal not included and the drink was great still! Service was lovely and they were very quick with food for this first part of the evening.
Kimberly M — Google review
Breathtaking views and delicious flavors. We spent full dinner prices ($250 for a family of four) and we were all still hungry afterwards. My noodle bowl "protein" was three tiny bites of chicken on a skewer. Not even chunks of chicken. It was unacceptable!
E B — Google review
Incredible view of mountains and food. Lived the pork bao bun, curry satay bowl, tuna bowl and Dan Dan noodles. Outstanding taste without being spicy hot Same chef and building as Bar Acuda. $60 per person including beer and wine. Best view from high bar tables facing garden, flowering trees and mountains.
Jim O — Google review
Not a fan of the food. The appetizer boa buns was too sweet and needed some spice. Hard to chew. The presentation was good but the taste of the meals were really blah. I needed some sort of flavoring. I added the spicy black garlic but you couldn't taste it. I'm willing to pay for good food but way too overpriced for mediocre noodles and rice meals. No flavor!! The drinks were good though.
Brittany — Google review
5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•https://www.amahanalei.com/•(808) 826-9452•Tips and more reviews for AMA Restaurant

23Aloha Juice Bar

4.2
(259)
•
4.3
(143)
•
Mentioned on 
+2 other lists 
$$$$cheap
Juice shop
Located in Hanalei, HI, Aloha Juice Bar is a popular spot on Kauai's North Shore for a refreshing midday snack or light lunch. The menu features an array of options including fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and Dole Whip. Visitors rave about the Reefer Smoothie and recommend trying the Acai Bowl. The bar also offers chocolate dipped bananas and an assortment of fresh local fruits to grab for later.
I have ordered a tropical smoothie: passion fruit, mango, coconut, pineapple. Feels refreshing and light. A lot of choices for a tropical drinks and snacks, fresh fruits (I saw only two types of papayas: bigger one for $8 and smaller one for $4).
Oksana Z — Google review
We set a goal on our trip to find best açaí on the island! This one was #4! Overall delicious and refreshing but the base wasn’t anything to write home about and the cups are very deep so toppings were just the first few bites! I will say the dole whip and macadamia nut cookie was super yummy!
Morgan L — Google review
This is a great juice and coffee stand! They offer a wide variety of both juices and coffee options. I especially loved their Dole Whip – it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended!
Shahbaz S — Google review
8/10 - good service and good vibes brought it up from a 7.5 - acai bowl with mango 7/10: acai was all melty, not very many toppings. it's mixed with apple juice so kinda just tasted like apple juice... nothing special - dole whip swirl 8.5/10: kinda fire. some bites were too much cream to pineapple ratio but the parts with more pineapple were perfection!
Nicole L — Google review
Looking for the best Acai bowls and fruit smoothies in Kauai? Although my personal favorite place is actually located in Maui, I've tried many spots. Unfortunately, most of them have a fake taste, too much sugar, or could simply be better. However, Aloha Juice bar is my new favorite spot, exceeded my expectations. The taste is absolutely delicious, fresh, and the honey adds a sweet and pleasant flavor without being overwhelming. I was so pleased with my first experience that I returned later the same day to order a larger bowl – I just couldn't get enough!
Alejandra G — Google review
I had their delicious acai bowl. Fast service, huge size,very satisfying.
Zsuzsanna S — Google review
I was really excited to have an açaí / smoothie bowl in Kauai. Unfortunately the smoothie bowl I ordered here was not good. It was like juice water, and two cups of granola with 4 pieces of banana. On top of that, the employee that helped me was not very friendly. I'm sure they see a ton of tourists but it turned me off. Try another spot.
Cassidy B — Google review
We end up getting a bunch of Dole whips, some smoothies along with some other miscellaneous items. They were having some issues with their Dole whip machine but they worked at it until we got all of them. Super great service and tasted awesome.
Matthew C — Google review
5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•Tips and more reviews for Aloha Juice Bar

24Hukilau Lanai

4.7
(1350)
•
4.6
(3107)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$expensive
Restaurant
Hukilau Lanai, located inside the Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy, offers inventive island flavors and a unique wine list. The restaurant features fresh local seafood and hosts nightly entertainment with top musicians playing Hawaiian, jazz, country, and blues from Tuesday through Sunday. Guests can enjoy a gluten-free prix-fixe 5-course meal that has received rave reviews for its quality and value.
This was our absolute favorite meal of our trip. From the STELLAR service, to the perfectly cooked food, to the epic view, the experience was exceptional. We didn't get any appetizers, but our meals came with a fantastic house salad. I would highly recommend getting whatever fish trio special they offer. I'll actually dream of this meal for the rest of my life. The sauce for the fish was a curried cream that was luscious and the fish was seared, yet moist, and very mild in flavor. The dessert menu was so appealing that we ordered 3 options and managed to devour all of them. 10/10!
Sarah S — Google review
My wife and I came here for our anniversary and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Almost everything was absolutely amazing and even the dishes that didn’t absolutely blow our minds were still good and we are still glad we tried them. To start we had the BBQ ribs, this was a good dish because of the unique flavors on the ribs, but not something we are dying to eat again. The remaining dishes were great. The bread was good! We had the different salads, mix greens with mac nuts, beets, tomatoes, basil vinaigrette & the Caesar, both were excellent. For mains we got the meatloaf and the pasta bolognese, both were amazing, very generous portions and we both left with a ton to take home. Lastly was dessert, we ordered the coconut cheesecake which was good but not GREAT. We are thinking we shouldn’t ordered the macadamia nut tart! Will do next time! Love music was nice and good background noise as we were outside, overall, gorgeous and a great experience! Also shoutout to our server Michelle! She was great!
Lincoln W — Google review
We did this as our big meal on our trip and it was amazing. From sitting on patio to every detail it was worth it. Drinks were great food was excellent. We did the sweet potato ravioli and i think i no longer like cheese ravioli! The Wontons were good and the sauces excellent we both did fresh fish and it did not disappoint! Cheese cake for dessert was perfect not too sweet but great island flavors!
Stephanie S — Google review
My husband and I enjoyed an absolutely amazing dinner last night at the Hukilau Lanai in Kapaa. We were early so we sat in the lounge, where I had a very nice mai tai. For starters I had a lovely, fresh salad with a papya vinaigrette and my husband had a pork tomato soup. Very unique and delicious. For entrees I had the filet mignon in a red wine reduction and my husband had beef medallions served with a crown Royal demi glace. Both were cooked perfectly. Tender, but not mushy and with amazing flavor. I have eaten a lot of steak in my life at a number of very high end steak houses here and abroad but this steak topped them all. This is the only steak where first of all, I did not add salt; secondly I did not even touch my potato until I ate all my steak, which was accompanied by a very nice 2021 shiraz from a winery in Morocco. At the end of the meal we were given a sample of their housemade, fabulous mango ice cream. The grounds were lovely, we had a great table and excellent service provided by the lovely Sheyla. It was worth the drive and every penny.
Sandra C — Google review
We liked it so much, we went back for a second time within our week stay nearby. Excellent selection of local food made in interesting and beautiful ways. Separate gluten-free menu with homemade gluten-free rosemary focaccia rolls that they bake to order. AMAZING. Also homemade focaccia for gluten eaters. Chef makes different soups daily and is great about allergen requests. Excellent entrees and homemade desserts too. Great location with a lovely view of the ocean through the resort.
Jenne A — Google review
What a wonderful place! I had heard it was and my expectations were met and went way above! It is beautiful, the food was wonderful, the servers and waitress were amazing and helpful. I have Celiac's Disease so no gluten yet had the absolute best meal!
Diane K — Google review
We had a wonderful dining experience. The food was excellent, especially the fish. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel very welcome throughout our visit. The restaurant has a nice and relaxing atmosphere. Overall, a truly enjoyable experience that we would highly recommend.
Andrea F — Google review
We loved eating at Hukilau Lanai. It’s an upscale location in front of the beach. I have never eaten a fish and this was my first time devouring three fishes in their entree. The fish were so fresh that you can’t tell that we are eating fish. My wife loved her mahi mahi as well. Desert and drinks were delicious too! But an appetizer and entree were the show stopper for us! Staff/servers were polite, prompt, and checked on us throughout out our experience. Highly recommend this spot!
Anime N — Google review
520 Aleka Loop, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•http://www.hukilaukauai.com/•(808) 822-0600•Tips and more reviews for Hukilau Lanai

25The Hanalei Gourmet

4.2
(729)
•
4.1
(1207)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Lounge
Sandwich shop
The Hanalei Gourmet is a laid-back restaurant and bar in Hanalei, offering a blend of Hawaiian-inspired cafe dishes and live music. The establishment also features a gourmet deli for those looking to grab some high-quality provisions. It's known for its relaxed atmosphere and frequent live entertainment, making it a great spot to enjoy delicious food while taking in the local music scene.
Great place to stop for dinner, we got the fish tacos, burger, hotdog, Reuben, vegetarian burger. Our waiter was great, the food came out pretty fast for a party of 14. The only thing I didn’t like was the limeade, which had no sugar in it.
Amy T — Google review
We had two drinks, the cream of artichoke soup, and a fish taco. We initially ordered a half-pound shrimp boil with the rest, but 20 minutes after taking our order, they came back and told us they had run out of shrimp. They asked if we wanted to order something else, so we decided to get a burger instead. After waiting at least another 20 minutes, we gave up, canceled the burger, and asked for the check. And the fish taco… it was $16 and very small for its price (see the pictures attached). I’ve had fish tacos at a neighboring restaurant (Hanalei Colony Resort) where they charge around $19 for a portion twice the size and much tastier. I don’t know how to run a restaurant business, but even in NYC, you wouldn’t pay $16 for a single taco and I've had many tacos. On top of that, the taco was just *not bad* at best, but definitely not worth the price. To be fair, the soup was ok, and the server was nice, so I’m giving 2 stars.
A M — Google review
Cute historical place. Service was great! My daughter & I shared the Calamari which was awesome. For entree's she ordered a Po' boy which she that would be shrimp, instead it was beer battered catch of the day. She didn't particularly care for. The fries were yummy. I ordered the catch of the day, it was almost like the texture of chicken "beer battered" as well. Overall, it was a nice restaurant. I just wish we ordered something else for $90
Angela — Google review
Love Hanalei Gourmet visit every time we come to the island. Best fish & chips, great burgers & salads. I don't think there's ever been anything we did not like. For dessert get the Kauai Pie, it's an ice cream delight. It's has macadamia nuts & coconut in it. But it's delicious & should be shared so you don't over stuff yourself. Aloha Enjoy!
BLR ( — Google review
This is a little hidden gem in Hanalei. We had the best food here on a mid afternoon stop. The Pin̈a colada rum float with local Hanalei rum was fantastic. The fish sandwich was a huge hit with my wife and I had fish and chips which was some of the best I've ever had. The fresh catch for today was marlin. Make the stop at Hanalei Gourmet, you won't be disappointed! And do not pass on the Kauai pie!!
Brian A — Google review
If you're looking for the best fish and chips on the island, look no further than The Hanalei Gourmet. It's a laid back atmosphere, with a great bar, lovely service, and super fresh food. It's one of my favorite spots on the North Shore. Don't walk past this one, it's definitely worth a stop! And don't miss Happy Hour from 5-7 pm!
Amber F — Google review
Great food and service! I took my family here on a whim because my grandma wanted a fish sandwich for lunch. We waited half an hour and it was well worth it. Our waitress was delightfully conversational, and even appeared to be proud of the food. The fish and veggies taste fresh, and the fries are the crispy breaded kind. We later came to find out that our waitress is the daughter of the owner. Well, this is a great family establishment that we are looking forward to coming back to!
Rachel K — Google review
An overpriced fish taco and a scattered server. Not a good dining experience. But the bar had a cool vibe.
Cheryl F — Google review
5-5161 Kuhio Hwy space 5, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•http://www.hanaleigourmet.com/•(808) 826-2524•Tips and more reviews for The Hanalei Gourmet
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26The Shrimp Station

4.3
(1179)
•
4.1
(1165)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$affordable
Seafood restaurant
Fast food restaurant
Restaurant
The Shrimp Station is a charming seafood shack located near the entrance of Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. This modest eatery offers a variety of shrimp-based dishes served on paper plates at outdoor picnic tables. The menu features delectable options such as coconut shrimp and sweet chili garlic shrimp, prepared with care and served in generous portions. Whether you prefer your shrimp peeled or not, The Shrimp Station has something for everyone.
If you're in Waimea, The Shrimp Station is a must-visit! The food here is absolutely amazing—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. I tried the garlic shrimp plate, and the shrimp were perfectly seasoned and juicy. The portions are generous, and the sides, especially the rice, complement the shrimp beautifully. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a laid-back meal, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. I also loved the variety of sauces they offer, so there’s something for every taste. Highly recommend it if you're craving delicious seafood! Will definitely be back.
Aaron B — Google review
Had the best plate of food here - ordered the garlic shrimp and coconut shrimp. Portion was great and the sauce with the rice was unbelievably tasty.
Vanessa G — Google review
decent, not bad. generous portion besides shrimp, had the coconut shrimp along with the Sweet chili garlic shrimp on tick tock recommendation and was definitely filling but wasn't. the most fresh shrimp I've ever gotten were just huge
Michael C — Google review
We had the garlic shrimp and shrimp cocktail—both were fresh, juicy, and full of flavor. The garlic sauce with rice was amazing. Nice casual spot, great for a quick and delicious meal.
Mikan — Google review
First time here! Parking was easy and free. Outdoor dinning. Easy to order and had a variety of choice of shrimp. Everything was tasty. Recommended for island vibe food. 😍
Theresa_ S — Google review
We have been here in years past and we're excited to visit again. Unfortunately the food quality has drastically declined. Ordered the coconut shrimp plate. The French fries were the best part of the meal. There are no bathrooms but they do have a sink for washing your hands. People were very friendly and the service was very quick. There was no other customers when we arrived. Not sure if quality of food could be the reason for no other customers. Atmosphere is great here but had to go with four stars due the all the over aggressive birds and chickens trying to get food.
Brian R — Google review
Yummy little shrimp shack on the coast of Waimea. We appreciated the quick service, good food and friendly employees. We enjoyed the Coconut Shrimp, Cajun Shrimp, Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp and the Shrimp Cocktail.
M G — Google review
Loved the food! So yummy! My favorite was the coconut shrimp because I hate peeling shrimp, but my family and I tried all the varieties and the garlic plate was a very close 2nd. If I ever go back I'll ask if they can put the garlic sauce on the french fries! 😋 I only gave 4 stars for atmosphere because there were a bunch of flies while we ate at the picnic benches (outdoor seating only) but that wasn't the owners fault. Just a pain to deal with when your hands are covered in sauce and shrimp. 😉
April M — Google review
9652 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796, USA•https://theshrimpstation.net/•(808) 338-1242•Tips and more reviews for The Shrimp Station

27Kauai Island Brewing Company

4.4
(2153)
•
4.1
(856)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$affordable
Brewpub
Pizza restaurant
Pizza Takeout
Restaurant
Kauai Island Brewing Company is a lively brewpub that offers a wide selection of housemade beers and Hawaiian bar food. With 10 house beers on tap and rotating guest beers, it's a great spot for beer enthusiasts. The pub-fare menu includes pupus, salads, burgers, fresh fish, and other enticing entrees. Additionally, they offer a keiki menu for kids.
I hands down think that Kauai Island Brewing Company was the best place I ate at during my time on Kauai. We were heading out of Waimea Canyon State park and got hungry for lunch so we decided to stop here on our way back. Came at around 1 PM on Christmas Eve and they were a little busy and there was about a 10 minute wait for a table. We were seated in about that time. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive to our table. I started out with a basket of fries and Calamari as an appetizer. Oh my word, the fries were out of this world. They’re hand-cut which was a huge surprise, they were fried to perfection and seasoned perfectly. The calamari was also good. I then got the 2 beef sliders as my meal (with more fries lol). Overall, they were good! The meat was cooked well, the buns were soft and tasted good. And again, fries, mouth watering. Overall, this was easily my favorite spot we ate at on Kauai. If you’re passing through Eleele looking for a cool lunch spot, Kauai Island brewing is a winner! I will easily come back.
The F — Google review
Great brews and really good pizza. We are Oregon beer snobs and we enjoyed both the superfluous mistress pastry stout and the pillow talk hazy. The pizza had lots of nicely seasoned chicken. Service was efficient and friendly.
Susan R — Google review
Came here for lunch as we were waiting for our snorkel tour to take place. Convenient location and staff was friendly. They have both inside and patio seating. Menu has decent amount of options and a large selection of beers on tap. Food was okay, nothing exciting. 1 of the sliders we ordered ended up having part of the cheese wrapper cooked into the burger so we didnt eat it. Rest or meal was good. If your in the area and waiting it's worth a visit.
Kera A — Google review
Awesome Brewery located in Kauai. Was in Kauai for a business trip and stopped by this place on our way back to the airport. The food was pretty good. I ordered the Kalua Nachos and the loco moco. The nachos were good with a good amount of pork. Their loco moco was great as well and was very tasty! The gravy was not as salty as other places I have had loco moco berore at. Service was good as well, where our server was attentive and checked up on us often. Would recommend this to those that are traveling to kauai to check it out for good food and vibes.
Don O — Google review
Had fish tacos and Lupia. The Lupia was good but fish tacos were amazing! Did one battered and one grilled and both were fantastic! Been to island many times and this was our first time eating here. Will absolutely be back on our next trip.
Beryl R — Google review
Great salad for those that are gluten-free and vegan. Family got the pizza and said it was delicious!
Honest R — Google review
Good alcohol, atmosphere, and service, but terrible food that tasted like it had been sitting around a long time. Especially the fries that were limp and rubbery.
Temperance R — Google review
We went in to have their crab rolls. They were about the size of a golf ball and totally stuffed with crab meat sitting on a swirl of berry and hot mustard sauce. They were $16 for 2 and we paid $3 each more for a small bowl of sticky rice. My husband ordered a diet Coke and got a refill. The service was good. Waitresses were young girls. We sat outdoors with the geckos watching the waves wash against the wall down the street. We ended up with a $50 + bill. I guess rustic would describe it.
Valerie K — Google review
4350 Waialo Rd, Eleele, HI 96705, USA•http://www.kauaiislandbrewing.com/•(808) 335-0006•Tips and more reviews for Kauai Island Brewing Company

28Happy Talk Lounge - Restaurant & Bar

4.3
(1240)
•
4.0
(785)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$affordable
Bar & grill
Live music venue
Restaurant
Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant & Bar is a laid-back open-plan eatery offering stunning bay views. This family-friendly establishment serves up a delectable menu featuring burgers, wings, and ribs alongside refreshing chilled beers. Whether you're looking to dine in or grab takeout, this spot has got you covered seven days a week. With its prime location and relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some delicious food with a view.
Kauai favorite for us. Overlooking Hanalei Bay Resorts amazing swimming pools etc. Excellent service both visits. Mahalo Val and Brittney! Food is awesome too. We go a little early and avoid the wait. Beautiful sunsets as well.
Mike T — Google review
Aloha! This is … If not the best, one of the best spots in the island for happy hours. The open concept with cross breeze keeps the temps comfy. The sunset view, depending on where you sit will be the golden hour! Let’s not get things mixed up - my review is heavily weighted on the bar and service, less so on food side. It’s a popular place and gets busy, so grabbing a spot at the bar can be a challenge. They accept reservations for the dining room and I recommend you do it if you are going at a busy time. Cocktails and wine menu is extensive - they are made well. Chili mangorita did light up our night. Longboard for beer, Negronis, rosé kept flowing. Service is fairly prompt, you won’t be waiting long before they tend to you. One of the best and most surprising things we had from the food menu was the Teriyaki fries or as I call them the ‘naughty fries’ - they get 5 stars for the ingenuity of the concoction and flavors. You can’t go wrong with the other items on the menu either. It is def a notch up from “just” bar food. The place is located at lobby of a hotel and has one of the best sunsets. For bathrooms you go out and down the stairs, passing the lovely fish pond and use the pool bathrooms. They are super clean and have plenty of stalls. We went there almost everyday for happy hour; so I extend my gratitude to all the staff that welcomed us and made us feel the fun. Enjoyed getting to know them and their unique personalities. They are pros and you are in good hands with this crew! Mahalo 🙏 till next time!
Barbara G — Google review
Celebrating our 42nd Anniversary and stopped in to hear the music. Got the fish & chips and it did not disappoint! So flaky, Best I ever had! The music was just what we came for and that hula lady was natural, expressive and fun. Jenna (wait staff) was on top of her game! Highly recommend!!!
Kathy L — Google review
Best place we ate during our week on Kauai! Atmosphere is perfect. Service was exceptional. Food delicious. They have a great happy hour. Easy to find parking. Highly recommend adding it to your itinerary!
Jess H — Google review
What a lovely spot. Beautiful view, great seating and bar area. The bar staff is the absolute best. Food was great, music was amazing and plenty of drink options along with ice cold beer!
Jane F — Google review
The vibes were so great! Live music and great service. First the hibiscus margarita was delicious. Then the food was amazing! Really hit the spot and made you feel the good Hawaiian vibes.
Sara M — Google review
I have been to Kauai a few times for vacation and I always return to Happy Talk. It is my opinion that they have the best Lava Flows and Coconut shrimp on the island. Let’s also mention the view, which is one of my favorites on the island. It’s always a must for me to go here when I visit 🩷
Lopez F — Google review
Been in Kauai for about a week now and though the island is paradise, my husband and I have had a hard time finding decent food (other than foodland poke bowl) because what we’ve gotten has been overpriced and low quality in local restaurants. We discovered Happy Talk unfortunately on our last couple nights- I wish we found it sooner. BEAUTIFUL views, super nice staff, good music, fair prices, and most importantly really good and quality food. We tried the calamari, pulled pork quesadilla, caeser salad, kale salad, volcano poke bowl, wagyu burger and everything was at least 8/10. To top it off- the draft beer boasts being the coldest on the north shore and you can feel the difference. So refreshing and ice cold like beer should be. My only complaint is that we didn’t find it our first night- they wouldve gotten really sick of us 😅
Hugh J — Google review
5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, USA•http://www.happytalklounge.com/•(808) 431-4084•Tips and more reviews for Happy Talk Lounge - Restaurant & Bar

29Sleeping Giant Grill

4.7
(983)
•
4.5
(612)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$affordable
Seafood restaurant
Located in Kapaa, Hawaii, Sleeping Giant Grill is a laid-back eatery that offers a variety of dishes such as bowls, fish tacos, and burritos. The restaurant provides a relaxed setting for late lunch or dinner and also features outdoor dining. It's known for its salad with grilled fish, Ahi or chicken burrito, and Ono Fish Tacos.
We ate 2 tacos fish and grilled chicken plate. The fish was fresh and seasoned well, so was the chicken. Quick service and friendly staff as well. Highly recommended spot!!
Anime N — Google review
The fried fish was amazing. Carne asada was ok, it had cabbages instead of just onions and cilantro, the meat was good. Small place
Pedro V — Google review
This place is near to my airbnb by short walk, and it suggested by my tour guide. I had green tea matcha with coconut milk, and my husband had capuchino. With banana bread, and mochi donut. It's delicious & good choices!
Thao P — Google review
Sleeping Giant Grill - plate lunch so delicious, it will have you coming back for more! I looked up places with the best plate lunch before we arrived to Kauai and Sleeping Giant Grill seemed to be very well rated and highly recommended. The restaurant is on the smaller side and tucked away in a smaller stripe mall behind the Coconut Marketplace. There is limited outdoor seating, and also a larger indoor seating area found at the back of the restaurant. My husband ordered the Teriyaki Chicken and I got the Habanero Chicken - both ordered with the mac salad and rice. The portions were fairly large, although I would have loved even more mac salad because I love to have all components of the plate in every bite and ran out of mac salad quickly. This is the first time I've had a mac salad with potatoes in it, and although I'm not usually an enjoyer of potato salad, this was delicious!! If I can recommend one item off of this menu, it would be the Habanero Chicken. It was cooked to perfection - the breading was perfectly crispy and the heat level was decently spicy. The flavor was so delicious, I bought an extra side of the sauce to drizzle over the chicken. Although they offer a wide variety of items on their menu, I ordered the same thing on two different occasions because it was THAT good. This was our first meal upon arriving to the island and it truly set the bar so high! I absolutely devoured everything on my plate and the second I finished eating, I had one of those moments where I thought, "I will be very bummed if we don't return here again before the end of our trip." Don't worry - we did return!
Erin W — Google review
Small spot better for take out than eating in. The fried chicken plate was Bomb, I would have that again …the steak plate was ok, wouldn’t have that again. Prices were a little higher than expected $48 for two plates… They were out of poke unfortunately so couldn’t try that and parking was very limited so there was a long walk.
Ashley S — Google review
The food is amazing. Don't let the 2 tacos fool you, they are massive and pack a ton of flavor. The Mahi fish plate was delicious and cooked perfectly. The ahi tacos, raw, were spectacular and very shasharableA must when youare in Kauai.
Toby — Google review
This place has the best food I ate in a while. We went there for a quick dinner and I said to my wife that we should go back to try the other plates. She said she wanted to go to different places but we always come back here thanks to the food being so good, for the third night in a row. We got the Ahi and Mahi plates, the Chicken tacos and the Shrimp plate, all very tasty and fresh. I'm sure we will end up back here for our last dinner on Kauai tomorrow.
Pierre H — Google review
This is quite the hidden gem! We got the Ono Fish Tacos and Korean BBQ Chicken Plate and loved every bite! The salad and dressing were delicious, the cilantro cream on the fish was awesome, and the chicken was cooked perfectly! They have indoor and outdoor seating, free water, and the cook came out to ask us how we were doing. He told us he’d been to culinary school, and it definitely shows. Best lunch we’ve had on the island, and we’ll for sure be back.
Maddie D — Google review
440 Aleka Pl, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•https://www.instagram.com/sleeping_giant_grill•(808) 822-3474•Tips and more reviews for Sleeping Giant Grill

30Mark's Place

4.6
(1078)
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4.5
(557)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$cheap
Hawaiian restaurant
Mark's Place is a popular counter-serve restaurant located in Puhi Industrial Park at 1610 Haleukana St., Lihue. The restaurant offers a variety of Hawaiian fare, from plate lunches to bento boxes. It features daily salad and entree specials with a healthy twist, such as shrimp and grilled-vegetable quinoa salad and cornmeal-crusted mahi with chipotle aioli.
Specials take a while, so don’t come if you’re in a hurry. You come in, you order, get a beeper and get out to sit outside. No bathrooms so be warned beforehand. The food is good, no fuss, some of the best Mac salad I’ve ever had on Kauai, the potatoes were such a good addition. Outside is cute because we ate with chickens wandering around our feet, but that is the norm after all haha. I got the loco moco, my husband got their specialty mix lunch plate. It was a lot of food! Unless you’re sharing, I’d recommend getting the mini.
Rasheeda E — Google review
I like to eat at the local places and Marks is as local as they come. Counter service and camp tables with umbrellas. Lots of places to sit but it's all outside. Parking is terrible at lunch time. Ne prepared to wait for a spot, and no street parking. The food is great and you get a lot for the money. I like the potato Mac salad, nice change from Mac only. They also sell cookies which were also excellent. Love this place and have come by many times. Keep it up!
Brad B — Google review
Really enjoyed the plate lunch here. The Mac salad is perfect — not too sweet or saucy. Ahi katsu special was substantial and very crispy. The beef stew tastes just like home made (in a good way). The beef teriyaki was a bit dry but had nice flavor. Overall, really fantastic food. Loved eating outside too.
Mat L — Google review
(Late review - July 2024) This place was recommended by a friend since it was the hubby and my first time in Kauai. Only outside seating is available. Portion size are large. Decent price for the portion. Flavors were pretty good. Service was quick. Bottom line: Easy and quick fix for some local Hawaiian food.
An K — Google review
Food are decent and portion is small for the price. Service is so so. I got three small pieces of beef in my meat stew plate (14$), and 7-8 medium size shrimps in the shrimp rice plate (22-23$). I got charged 3% for credit card as well. We tried two other local spots and their food were better with better price.
Ann D — Google review
The BEST food we had on the island hands down. We were told about this spot on the shuttle to hike the Na Pali coast. We went prior to departing the island because it's near the airport. We wish we went earlier to eat there twice. Everything was so flavorful, huge portion size and great price. Chili chicken and the sampler plate!
Cassidy B — Google review
This is probably the best food I've ever had on any island & probably even overall. I don't regret coming here at all. The portions were the best and the flavor was THE BOMB. The price was good too. I highly recommend the loco moco! The teriyaki beef and chicken was good too. Overall 10/10. Must come if you're in Kauai 🌺 please don't change anything!
Marleen — Google review
WOW! Hands down the best Plate Lunch around! The staff were friendlier than most on the island. The food was amazing. From the white rice to the noodles under my Korean beef I was thrilled. The macaroni salad was without a doubt the best on Kauai! (Yes better even than the Luau Mac) I loved having some leftovers too. There is something for everyone here. Local workers seemed to frequent this spot and that tells you its the perfect price, tastes great, and is pretty quick depending on what you order. I will always have a smile thinking back to my family & I trying this little gem <3
Alyssa Y — Google review
1610 Haleukana St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•http://marksplacekauai.com/•(808) 245-2522•Tips and more reviews for Mark's Place
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31Pono Market

4.7
(1008)
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4.6
(533)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Market
Restaurant
Pono Market is a locally owned and operated eatery and convenience store in Kapaa, serving up delicious Hawaiian plate lunches with options like spicy poke, lomilomi salad, and chicken laulau. They also offer a variety of musubi flavors and meats, including teriyaki beef or chicken, as well as classic Spam. The market has been a favorite among locals for over three generations due to its fantastic prices on poke, kim chee, and fresh manju.
If you're looking to experience authentic local breakfast and food, this is the spot! They serve up delicious local dishes with generous portions at reasonable prices. Just a heads up – there's no seating available, so it's a grab-and-go kind of place.
Shahbaz S — Google review
The spicy ahi was tasty and fresh, and the kimchi had a great, fresh flavor. The shrimp was delicious—large, well-cooked, and coated in a flavorful spicy sauce. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. They even asked which utensil I preferred, a fork or a spoon for the coconut taro cake. Great customer service!
Lila C — Google review
Best recommendation I got for local food in Kauai. This is a small family hole in the wall restaurant with delicious food. We were the only open for morning to 3 PM. So better get it while it’s hot. I came here and was recommended to try the pork lau lau and the Poké bowl. My mouth is still salivating and craving this as I’m speaking here in the mainland. Besides that they also have cookies and other grab and items to go. Definitely recommend eating here if you really want to eat like the locals. The staff is friendly so if you have a question, just ask.
Michelle M — Google review
Loved this Poke! I ordered the sesame poke bowl and It was simple, delicious, and perfectly seasoned! Even the rice was amazing, melt in your mouth goodness!! Highly recommend on your trip to Kapaa!
Christina R — Google review
We got the spicy ahi poke bowls, which were delicious! The employees were friendly and kind. It is take out only, so plan to have somewhere you can go to eat it.
Amanda P — Google review
My husband and I both had the #5 with fried chicken. It was delicious! The chicken by the way is more of a mafa chicken flavor not just plain fried chicken. Very very good and would definitely go back!
Kelly V — Google review
The poke was very good but it was the mac salad that made me go back. The poke was fresh and seasoned. Potatoes and noodles were added to the mac salad to make it extra yummy. Location is right off the main strip in Kapa'a with plenty of parking. No dining area, but the beach/park is just down the block.
Wil K — Google review
Best plate lunches we found! Excellent kalua pork and poke. We accidentally ordered shoyu chicken and it was the best. Grab it and take it to a beach to eat!
Sarah S — Google review
4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•https://www.ponomarketkauai.com/•(808) 822-4581•Tips and more reviews for Pono Market

32Holoholo Grill

4.3
(765)
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4.1
(334)
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Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$affordable
Grill
Restaurant
Holoholo Grill is a stylish restaurant located at Koloa Landing Resort in Kauai, offering a blend of indoor and outdoor dining. The menu features local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a selection of cocktails. Renowned chef Sam Choy has curated the burger selection using high-quality ingredients, such as wagyu beef and tomato jam on toasted brioche buns.
This grill within the resort has some of the best breakfast dishes? Hit this place the first day we were there and will definitely be back. The avocado toast is to die for!!!
Philip F — Google review
Such a nice place for breakfast for the entire family; although you cannot make a reservation, get there a little earlier than you want breakfast and get on the list. You can wait close by and watch people enjoy the fabulous swimming pool. Once seated it has been our experience that food to the table takes longer than expected, for us over the years that has ranged from 20 to 45 minutes. The menu is very good and the server and those filling water glasses and coffee cups are friendly. It is worth the wait for a wonderful breakfast. Because of the usual wait, plan on entertaining young children. Enjoy!
Ron M — Google review
Stayed at Koloa Landing for the week...had breakfast here before we left as the banana macadamia pancakes I saw posted were so enticing! Good service...Banana mac nut pancakes were ONO! The Koloa omelet was also good as well as the burrito. Another party near us had the French toast which looked amazing but we had too much food to begin with so we'll try that next year when we return. Service was good, no wait when we went.
R ( — Google review
The French toast is very different and absolutely delicious. All the food looks good here. Everybody around me had something different and said it was fantastic. All servings are huge. You could share and still be full.
Lucinda D — Google review
My wife and I were pleasantly surprised at how good this restaurant was. We didn't know what to expect since it's within the resort, but the food is actually really delicious, tasted very fresh, and was big portions. Prices are also fair compared to the rest of Kauai (overall much all food is more expensive than the Continental US). It's open to people not staying at the resort so we highly recommend to anyone staying in the Poipu Beach area!
Amit N — Google review
We have been back a few times and on occasion the service has been a little slow but good. The food has been consistent and done nicely. It is poolside so the ambiance isn’t really great but is clean and relatively spacious. The breakfast menu has something for everyone but we all decided to have avocado toast. It was pretty good except the toast wasn’t that toasty. Pancakes were fluffy and a good amount of macadamia nuts. The kale and arugula salad rocked.
Turtlekeeper D — Google review
Went here to try the pancakes for breakfast, but the menu was so awesome we had to try some other dishes. We were not disappointed!! The French toast was delectable!! The savory dishes were also delicious. I was most surprised by the portion sizes. Every meal could have fed two. But we were on vacation so instead of splitting, we both ordered our own meal and swapped half of each! I've been back home 2 weeks and I think daily of the breakfasts we had there. We did have to go back for pancakes too!
Crystal S — Google review
Really liked it. Finally a proper sit down yet casual restaurant tht was serving fresh ahi poke bowl (see pic)... unbelievable, but I really struggled to find it in Kauai. Local brews on tap. Knowledgeable and courteous staff. Recommended!!
Anna K — Google review
8581, 2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•http://holohologrill.com/•(808) 742-2538•Tips and more reviews for Holoholo Grill

33Hanalei Taro

4.5
(142)
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4.5
(274)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$cheap
Restaurant
Juice shop
When exploring the charming town of Hanalei, a must-visit spot for lunch is the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. This delightful food truck embodies the essence of Kauai's agricultural heritage, proudly serving dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. With a menu featuring traditional Hawaiian fare like kalua pork—slow-cooked in an underground oven—and poi made from their own taro plantation, this eatery offers a casual yet authentic dining experience.
Loved the Kalua pork here. Very fast service. There are a few covered picnic tables to eat at right next to the truck. Potato salad has pieces of taro! I tried the poi. It was very good for poi, and the portion was very large. Definitely would go back.
Robyn J — Google review
Nice seating within walking distance of many cute stores. I got the #4 to try poi with to Kalua Pork. Wonderful food!
Rachel B — Google review
Incredible fresh poi! Finally! It wasn’t sour at all. We got the Lau Lau and Kalua pork plate and it was a big portion and SO TASTY. I had high hopes and this place exceeded my expectations. Thank you for a great authentic Hawaiian plate lunch!
Courtney B — Google review
Nice choice of foods. Tried their taro sweets and smoothies. Definitely worth visiting. They are open only from Friday to Sunday.
Sundaram D — Google review
Great place to get local fresh food. The food was awesome and the service was fantastic!
Lucinda D — Google review
We were positively surprised. First try of taro. Also, ginger lemonade was awesome ❤️
Aleksandra R — Google review
I love taro! They had a couple cool taro dishes available like a taro burger. However, I wanted to try some Kauai pork and got the sandwich, #6. We had 5 people order various items and there was a rush that came after us so I understand the confusion, but they got my order wrong. Fortunately they fixed it right away and the food waa AMAZING, I really love that sandwich! It was a perfect lunch right before we went kayaking. :) I packed half the sandwich for later and then forgot to take it after kayaking so that part is really sad. All that means is I'll have to come back to eat another sandwich from here again!
Quinn L — Google review
The Lau Lau was good. That’s pork and seaweed wrapped in banana leaf. I liked this much better than regular Kalua pork and cabbage. This has much more flavor. I guess $14 is within reason. It came with mac salad which had too much mayonnaise. It also came with a yummy taro desert. Also had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Not very much pork but it tasted good. Comes on a hamburger type bun. Very bready. It was small, but it was only 8 bucks. But the disappointment was the mango tango smoothie. It was mostly ice and couldn’t taste much of any of these juices: banana, mango, strawberry, guava, or taro.
G L — Google review
5-5070 Kuhio Hwy # B, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•https://hanaleitaro.com/•(808) 826-1059•Tips and more reviews for Hanalei Taro

34Gina's Anykine Grinds Cafe

4.8
(383)
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4.5
(78)
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Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$cheap
Brunch restaurant
Breakfast restaurant
Restaurant
Gina's Anykine Grinds Cafe is a cozy spot located next to the Waimea Theater, offering hearty breakfast specials and local plate lunches. The cafe is known for its friendly service and quick smiles, serving up delicious breakfast favorites like omelets, bacon, and coffee. Visitors can also indulge in the famous burgers that this mom-and-pop restaurant is renowned for.
The best breakfast on the island, maybe even country. Loco moco hit every spot, egg omelette was delicious and the banana chocolate bread was perfection. Best way to enjoy the local side of the west. And the juice bar is 2 doors down if you want something more!
Taylor B — Google review
Very cool local spot to check out. The loco moco with roast pork was the best we had on island!! Go check it out and support local on your way to or from exploring the island. And the chocolate banana bread was AMAZING!
Andrew K — Google review
Only take out after 1:30, but we got the loco moco with mushroom and onion and it was AMAZING! Best we’ve had so far. Nice couple too.
Rachel N — Google review
Very friendly and wonderful service. We arrived a few minutes after they opened and there were already others ahead of us. Good sign. Loco moco was maybe one of the best I've had. Gravy and patty was flavorful! They offer onions and mushrooms but I like my loco moco as is. French toast was divine and practically melted in my mouth. Great portion! Breakfast sandwich with spam was on point, too. There are a few 2-person tables outside, but we were on our way to an appointment. Plenty of parking spots in front, but difficult to exit since you back out into main traffic.
Diana W — Google review
Katsu moco (definitely add the mushrooms & onion) and chocolate chip banana bread we’re both so delicious 🤤 so good we’re back again to eat the same thing a second day in a row!
Laura J — Google review
Loco moco with pork, banana bread, even the classic sunrise sandwich, all 5 stars! Stop here on your way to/from Waimea Canyon and you won't be disappointed. Can't wait to come back!
Cody S — Google review
Great food and service at an amazing price! Stopped here a few hours before our boat tour out of the harbor. Food—we got the katsu and the full size ($14) was more than enough for two people. They have a ‘mini’ option too ($7) that is plenty for one person. The banana nut bread is also a great treat.
Olivia H — Google review
We had the chicken katsu and banana bread. Excellent and, by the way, you really get a big serving. I gave a 3 for atmosphere because the only seating were tables on the sidewalk. 5 stars for quality, taste, and service :-).
Paul H — Google review
9691 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796, USA•(808) 338-1731•Tips and more reviews for Gina's Anykine Grinds Cafe

35Mamahune's

4.3
(287)
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4.2
(39)
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Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$affordable
Bar
Mamahune's is Kauai's newest tiki bar, offering handcrafted cocktails and a retro aloha spirit with panoramic ocean views. Located in Kapaa, about 15 minutes north of Lihue airport, it provides an ideal spot to enjoy live music and island drinks while overlooking beautiful Wailua Bay. The second-story location allows for great people-watching, and the friendly staff ensures prompt service even during busy times.
Unassuming lunch or drink spot. Overlooks Lydgate Beach Park right next to the Hilton Garden Inn. Hard to beat the view and the food is delicious and fresh.
Karen T — Google review
Cute bar overlooking the beach, but our nachos were so gross… see picture for how oily/soupy the bottom was. Nachos should not be swimming like that, especially not nachos I spent $30 on. The menu online isn’t accurate, nachos were about $22 without the pork and guacamole, I added both of those at an extra cost and it was about $30.
Lili R — Google review
Food surprisingly good and really huge portions. On our first day there I ordered 3 appetizers to kind of be a snack between 4 people. They were huge and we were all stuffed. All delicious! Menu is really limited, but can't beat the scenery overlooking the ocean. Highly recommend
Gillian S — Google review
Best unknown tiki bar on island! Amazing view, decent prices on drinks, great, but limited, food & staff is incredible
Anita * — Google review
Very disappointed in menu's as whats posted online is not available in practice. The mai tai was terrible. We had tacos one was fish and the other chicken. They cover with tortilla chips and a little 3 tablespoons of salsa. Nothings to get excited about. My fish taco had so much pickled red cabbage it was drowning in liquid it was wetting the second tortilla to be unusable and only good enough to mop up the forked fish and vegetables. Fish needed something as it was dry strips it the mess. The la crema was a wisp. The chicken was same but drier. Sad as this place has so much potential in atmosphere. I should have ordered the burger as that was the only thing that made sense possibly. The pulled pork also was massive but again it was missing flavor of seasoning. The bartender seemed a grumpy bit and acted like she did not want to be there. Only a few at the bar ordered one drink and left only the beer drinkers ordered seconds.
William C — Google review
Great drinks! Great Food! Friendly staff! Great view! I recommend the fish tacos and the OG Mai Tais!
Ryan W — Google review
Hidden gem in plain sight - casual and fun outdoor location with a great cocktail menu and surprisingly good food. I tend to be skeptical of hotel restaurants but this one was awesome. Went back more than once for Poke Nachos and their salad was awesome. Relaxed outdoor seating with an amazing view of the ocean. Friendly staff.
Emily M — Google review
Great location to people watch from the second story. The staff were very friendly and even offered to take several family pictures for us. The drinks were boozy enough to get us a little tipsy to do more shopping and the food was seasoned well and tasted amazing. There was a cruise ship tendered nearby so it was busy-busy, but the wait staff doubled down on customer service and we never waiting too long for food or drinks to be delivered. Definitely worth a second visit next time we are in Kona.
Eugene I — Google review
3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•https://mamahunes.com/•(808) 823-6000•Tips and more reviews for Mamahune's
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36The Fresh Shave

4.7
(622)
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4.5
(20)
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Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$cheap
Ice cream shop
Restaurant
The Fresh Shave is a popular shave ice truck located near Kukuiula Market in Koloa, close to Kauai's South Shore. The truck offers all-natural shave ice, a healthier alternative to the typical sugary-sweet version found across the islands. The treats are served from a charming vintage trailer and are named after mustaches, making them perfect for Instagram photos. The menu features options that do not contain high-fructose corn syrup or artificial colorings.
The Fresh Shave, Shave Ice in Koloa ~ easy to find in Koloa, behind the “Crazy Shirt” shop. Several different options to choose from! You can get some cute stickers and pins also! This shave ice is delicious, not like the rest. It doesn’t taste like sugary syrup like many others. It’s a delicious smooth flavor! We tried these flavors: -The Handle Bar: Coconut ~ Topped w/ Fresh pineapple & Shredded Coconut And the -The Professar: Berries & Acai ~ Topped w/Local Honey, Bananas, & Shredded Coconut Definitely the best Shave ice on Kauai. Great seating area outside to relax and enjoy it, too!!
Amy — Google review
Shave ice was great! Natural flavors and unique combinations. They were sold out of a couple flavors since we showed up an hour or so before they closed. The two people working were friendly and helpful. Give it a try. You'll be happy you did!
L. I — Google review
Went two days in a row, absolutely delicious. The bowls are $10 and taste very nice. The coconut flavor was my favorite, and the liquid on the bottom is very tasty.
Christian G — Google review
We had The Fresh Shave Kauai serve shave ice at my friend’s wedding in Princeville, and it was a total crowd-pleaser! The kids couldn’t get enough of it, and the adults were just as delighted. The service was professional and friendly, and the shave ice was absolutely delicious—light, flavorful, and super refreshing. It was the perfect touch for a Hawaiian wedding celebration. Highly recommend them for any event on the island!
Yi J — Google review
Best on the island! Not as many syrups as other places but the shaved ice is like a craft here. We only tried the handlebar but it was so delicious!
Rachel N — Google review
One of the better shaved ice spots as they have generous portions, fresh ingredients (rather than relying on artificial tasting syrups) and they only place we found with coffee flavor.
Mark M — Google review
My wife and I got shave ice here and it was not very good compared to every other shave ice place we had encountered and eaten at in Kauai. The ice isn't very soft, the flavors of the syrup not strong, and there's not really much customization you can have. They only sell about 10 different combos which are more expensive than most shave ice places. The fresh fruit is nice, but doesn't make up for the downsides.
Amit N — Google review
We had the lime and mint shaved ice creamit was simple but really good! The portion is big enough to share, and we paid $10 for it. Service was fast and friendly.
Sara V — Google review
5356 Koloa Rd Suite C, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•http://www.thefreshshave.com/•(808) 658-5898•Tips and more reviews for The Fresh Shave

37Stevenson's Library

4.4
(465)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
$$$$expensive
Lounge
Bar
Sushi restaurant
Stevenson's Library, located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, exudes an old-world charm reminiscent of a Victorian gentlemen's club. Named after the renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson, this upscale bar features a 27-foot koa wood bar, elegant decor, dark wooden finishes, parlor games, billiard tables, and live piano music.
A Perfect Sushi Date Night at Stevenson’s Library – A Hidden Gem at Our Hotel! If you’re looking for an upscale yet cozy sushi experience in Kauai, Stevenson’s Library is a must-visit! We had an incredible date night here, indulging in some of the freshest and most beautifully crafted sushi we’ve ever had. From the moment we sat down at the elegant bar, we knew we were in for a treat. The sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth fresh, beautifully plated with delicate edible flowers and citrus accents. The signature sushi rolls were an absolute highlight—each bite was packed with bold flavors, fresh fish, and creative toppings like jalapeños, tobiko, and spicy aioli. The ambiance was perfect for a romantic night out, with dim lighting, a refined bar selection, and an intimate setting that made us feel like we had stumbled upon a hidden gem. Pairing our meal with a warm carafe of sake only elevated the experience. Service was fantastic, and the staff was attentive and knowledgeable, helping us select the perfect rolls for our tastes. If you’re staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, make sure to book a table in advance—this spot is well worth it. ⭐ Must-Try Items: Sashimi platter – unbelievably fresh! Specialty sushi rolls – every single one was a hit. Sake selection – warm or chilled, both pair perfectly with sushi. Overall, Stevenson’s Library delivered a memorable and delicious date night that we won’t forget. Highly recommend for sushi lovers looking for a top-tier dining experience in Kauai! 🔥 Rating: 5/5 – A perfect blend of elegance, quality, and flavor.
Ryan R — Google review
Super cool layout. Really feels like you're dining in a library. Loved the Lobster Dynamite! Just wow - unique/fun presentation and delicious! Stevenson's Library didn't skimp on the portion of lobster either. Plenty of juicy meat to enjoy within the shell! The Hawaiian Banana Split Mocktail was a lot of fun too. Blows my mind that I was drinking a banana split. Like each slurp had that taste of banana, strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. I've reviewed the list of ingredients but I'm still amazed they pulled this off. Highly you give it a go if you love the classic dessert! My husband and I also had Miso Soup, Sushi Pizza, Misoyaki Black Cod, Shrimp Tempura, Matcha Tiramisushi, and the Mango Panna Cotta. But the BIG stand outs were the Lobster Dynamite and Hawaiian Banana Split Mocktail. We even stopped by our last night at Grand Hyatt Kauai to have another go at the Banana Split. Amazing the second time as well!
Sade O — Google review
This is the first time I’ve ever felt the need to leave a review for a restaurant. It was that good! My wife and I live on Kauai and will now be making this our go to for special occasions. Everything we had was amazing! The lobster dynamite blew our minds right off the bat. We followed it up with some sashimi, chefs choice nigiri, and a cut roll. My wife doesn’t typically like sashimi, but she loved it here! Top quality fish and preparation. Beautiful atmosphere and great service as well. We will be back many times!
Jonathan H — Google review
We’ve been to Stevenson’s Library at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai many times, probably our 20th visit, and it never disappoints. This time we started with the takosu sunomono which was okay, nothing special, and the edamame with Hawaiian chili which was awesome, perfect level of salt and just the right kick without needing any soy sauce. The miso soup was incredible, real miso broth with just the right amount of tofu, seaweed, and kombu. The star of the night was the Stevenson’s Lobster Dynamite. The presentation caught us off guard, it was beautiful and packed with food, definitely worth the price. The mix of scallops, crab, dynamite sauce, and eel sauce had that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and salty, so good we immediately ordered a second one. The black cod was tasty but not something I would rush to get again compared to the dynamite. For rolls we had tekka, kappa, spicy tuna, kai, kazan, and kawa. All were fresh and generously filled, but the kazan (volcano roll) was the clear favorite and we ended up ordering three of those. Great kick from the jalapeno and spicy tuna, balanced perfectly by the dynamite sauce. We finished with otoro and uni sashimi. The otoro was buttery and melted in my mouth, and the uni had that perfect ocean flavor and richness. Drinks were a mix. The Sunburst and Strawberry Twist mocktails tasted like watered down soda with a splash of syrup and I would not recommend them, but the Hawaiian Banana Split mocktail was decadent, thick, and exactly what you would hope for. Service overall was good. The hostess and bar staff were warm and friendly, though our main server seemed a bit rushed or maybe just busy with a big party. Still, everything came out timely and the vibe stayed welcoming. Every trip to Kauai we make sure to eat here and this visit reminded me why. Great sushi, huge rolls, and that Lobster Dynamite alone makes it a must every time.
Mitchell N — Google review
Amazing food, shocking bad service. We were fairly floored over our experience here because the drinks and the sushi was just incredible. We had the omakase and some other nigiri. The otoro was one of the best things we have ever tasted. Kawa Roll was also very good. But for a 100-200 a head type dinner; not clearing old drinks, never refilling water, it taking awhile to pay etc, is a bit unacceptable. I think maybe we just got unlucky on that front. Also the chairs to be were a bit strange. Fine for me but id steer clear if youre plus sized.
Shaun R — Google review
The staff really allows you to enjoy dining, nothing is hurried. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. Drinks were great as well. Stevenson's Lobster Dynamite truly is just that.
Darrel B — Google review
Sushi was excellent. The tempura also delicious. We got seated in 5 minutes and our waiter was very nice. I recommend going here.
Leon M — Google review
Located inside the Grand Hyatt Poipu. Handcrafted cocktails, delicious dining options and friendly, attentive service. All at a very good price point.
Michael C — Google review
1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/grand-hyatt-kauai-resor…•(808) 742-1234•Tips and more reviews for Stevenson's Library

38Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market

4.5
(287)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Seafood market
Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market is a seafood restaurant located next to a fish market, ensuring impeccably fresh seafood as its specialty. Diners can enjoy various preparations of baked shrimp, ceviche, crab, and perfectly cooked fish. The restaurant offers lovely seating by the river and is an ideal spot for enjoying fresh sushi while watching the sunset. The warm artichoke appetizer is highly recommended.
Great quality and super delicious poke. It’s a bit pricy compared to other poke shops in Kauai but the quality of the fish and their flavor combos is well done. Not too far from the beach so a very nice picnic meal to enjoy by Hanalei bay.
Omar G — Google review
Easy place to pick up poke. The fish is fresh! But im not the biggest onion fan and the poke we picked tasted strongly of onions so I had a hard time.
Tina C — Google review
The freshest fish on the North Shore. Pricey, but worth it. The sashimi grade ahi is probably the best deal at $30/lb. They also make sushi rolls (about $20-$22 each) and poke bowls (about $25 each). Assorted other sundries that you can buy cheaper at the grocery store in town. Come here for the fresh fish.
Brian K — Google review
What a pleasant surprise to find sushi hand rolls in addition to the very fresh fish at this jewel of a fish market. Today, we are enjoying a spicy scallop roll and a spicy ahi tuna and crab roll. They were so good the other day, we had to go back for more. We also broiled a serving of kono kanpachi. It was delicious, moist, white and flaky with only salt and pepper and a drizzle of lime juice. Don't miss the experience if you are in Hanalei Kuaui.
Jeanne S — Google review
While this is absolutely, without a doubt, a five freakin star review.... I urge you to approach with caution if you are a fan of poke. Maybe you have a favorite local spot back home? Or you had it at another restaurant that was also highly rated as the best? Because what you think you know is a lie... The poke at Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market will change your perception of what poke really is. All other poke will cower in its presence. What you previously regarded as amazing poke, will simply take its place in line next to the Kraft macaroni and cheese box. Don't belive me? Simply ask them to show you how fresh the fish is. And they will guide you to view your next meals cousin. Or maybe even the other half of what will soon be the life changing poke you are about to consume. The same poke you'll dream of the next time you sleep. Causing you to return for breakfast the very next day (they open at 10am 😉 ). *while some of these statements may seem like exaggerations. I also confirm that all above remarks are statements of fact. PS. To the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market, see you in the morning for breakfast.
Jason V — Google review
This is the freshest fish I have ever tasted. We went to many other poke places on the island, but none were as good as this. A bit pricey, but definitely worth it. Thank you so much for the memorable food!
Greg — Google review
We enjoyed a fantastic spicy poke here today. Nice to sit in the shade and eat by the water. The place is small but they had a great selection of poke, sandwiches and chowder and the service was fast. If we lived there, we would be regulars!!
Kim R — Google review
4 stars for the food, The poke is grocery store quality for resort prices. They take full advantage of their location. By no means is the food bad. Just significantly money more than a local spot or truck.
Andrew — Google review
5-5016 Kuhio Hwy C, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA•https://hanaleidolphin.com/index.php/fish-market/•(808) 826-6113•Tips and more reviews for Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market

39Nawiliwili Tavern

4.2
(242)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Permanently Closed
$$$$cheap
Bar
Nawiliwili Tavern is a classic dive bar located at the center of the beach in Lihue, Kauai. It offers a range of entertainment including karaoke, pool tables, darts, dancing, and video games. The tavern is popular among locals and tourists alike due to its friendly atmosphere and strong cocktails. Situated close to many hotels in the area, it's an easy spot for visitors to enjoy some late-night fun.
We were here in August 2021 and weren’t sure much would be open. Stayed at the Marriott Beach Resort and wandered by this place on a walk . Sooo happy we stopped in!! Amazing wings and great flatbread pizza (I have a hard time with gluten so thin crust is good)! Highly recommend!!
Mary V — Google review
This place doesn't serve food. They only serve drinks. The pool tables are outdated, and have duck tape on them. You can place for free. The decor is outdated as well. The outside of the building looks old. There was no karaoke offered. The bartender was nice. Also they opened up at 6:00 p.m. when we went on a Friday. Google has it opens at 5:00 p.m.
Lala F — Google review
HONEST REVIEW. I really wanted to like this place, so much we went twice. The first time was cool. It's a dive bar, pool tables, good music, decent atmosphere. Our server was nice. The worst part of this first experience was paying 26 dollars for the worst pizza I've ever eaten. Went at 5 and they said kitchen doesn't serve food til 7, which was a lie because when we came back at 7 to order she said the cook was doing "paperwork" so it would be awhile. Waited 45 minutes after we ordered for a Crunchy, tasteless, woulda been better off with a lunchable pizza. Just go to dominos down the street. Went back a second time at night for drinks. Locals crowded the pool tables and we were the ONLY 2 people at the bar. Bartender came up seeming mad that we weren't from the island originally. Finished round one and would of loved a second round but we were ignored for 15 minutes. Empty glasses, in front of us, for 15 minutes! They didn't ask if we wanted another or how we were doing. Walked past us twice, even looked at us one of those times and kept walking. I really don't understand. We would of stayed all night and drank here, but we felt ignored and unappreciated. Really unfortunate. TIP FOR THE STAFF. Doesn't matter if your a local or a tourist, the money's all the same. And you won't make any unless you do your job.
Daniel H — Google review
Katelyn was great! Nice little spot with a great vibe and music. You have to try the pizza! I can easily say it's the best thin crust pizza I have ever had. Decent prices on beer as well and happy hour til 9pm is awesome!
Sandra S — Google review
This is a hybrid bar/resteraunt type place. They don’t accept take-out orders over the phone. There’s usually parking but it can get tricky when they are busy. I ordered the Neopolitan pizza (pictured). Here’s my assessment: Dough: on the thin side, but not super thin. Wood fired without getting black/burnt. (I prefer a slightly crispier dough but it was still good) Sauce: unique. The use of red sauce along with pesto lends to a unique flavor. Pretty good. Cheese: mozzarella was good, but the pizza was slightly cheese-heavy for my taste (I prefer classic Naples Margherita pizza). All in all, the pizza was good, and the atmosphere is nice, I’ll be back 🤙🏼
Shalom B — Google review
It's an old 'dive bar'. That said, we like dive bars. Not stuffy or fluffy. Wait staff is friendly. Beers are reasonably priced. Pool tables and music playing. Oh, and it might be the only place in town open past 10.
Patrick H — Google review
No dancing allowed!? What the #@&%?! Also... Upon entering the Tavern last Friday, I was hit by a wall of sound so loud it was literally painful. And not good sound either, just droning monotone karaoke backing music but turned up to 11. Couldn't stand it. Left after a few minutes. Wouldn't go back.
Stephen R — Google review
This place feels like home. We were there early on a Monday during COVID so no one else around but it was still fun, good drinks and a friendly bartender. I'd definitely go back.
Mark P — Google review
3488 Paena Loop, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•(808) 212-1538•Tips and more reviews for Nawiliwili Tavern

40Captain's Bar

4.2
(14)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Bar
Captain's Bar is a lively and unique spot located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, offering stunning views of Keoneloa Bay and the ocean. Positioned above a lagoon, it provides an amazing setting for enjoying beautiful sunsets. The bar offers a casual atmosphere with a vibrant feel, serving tropical drinks and a variety of food options including salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts. Guests can also enjoy children's specials.
Great spot overlooking the pools and views of the ocean. Tried the nachos, quesadilla, and poke and all was delicious! Service was outstanding as well and very friendly!
Kevin C — Google review
We had the poke and the nachos, both were very good. The nachos were huge, great for sharing. Good poolside food. Poke was pretty good
Patricia — Google review
Drank cocktails here while watching the afternoon NFL games. Was an amazing spot with a great view. You probably need to be staying at the resort but they also won't turn away someone with a credit card 🍻
Dan J — Google review
Excellent views and tasty drinks. However, they skimped out on the rum in our drinks because we couldn't taste or feel it at all. Ordered garlic fries which were cold and soggy.
J — Google review
The bartenders are not the smartest. They should try a little harder to be informed and give clear directions. One was misinformed on which pool was which and the other sent me on a wild goose chase. Oh, and had the closed sign out before 6:30pm! If you close before 6:30pm, you should update your hours. It is a huge pool open 24hrs.
Scott J — Google review
Great group of bartenders and servers. Multiple TVs with sports.. doesn't stay open late enough
Mel C — Google review
Great place to enjoy a drink and food in the middle of the Grand Hyatt pool area. Food from Hale Nalu restaurant (same menu).
Michael O — Google review
Excellent food and service
Meline M — Google review
1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/grand-hyatt-kauai-resor…•Tips and more reviews for Captain's Bar
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41Food trucks

5.0
(3)
•
Mentioned on 
2 lists 
Restaurant
Kauai is embracing the food truck trend, especially in Kapaa where a variety of these mobile eateries can be found. One popular spot is Kaua Beer Company's Truck Stop Thursday, where you can enjoy local beer and sample dishes from at least two food trucks parked outside the brewery. Noka Food Trucks offers something for everyone, making it a great choice when you're indecisive about what to eat.
1620 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•Tips and more reviews for Food trucks

42Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company

4.7
(1553)
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4.6
(1267)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$affordable
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Coffee shop
Nestled in the scenic upcountry of Kalaheo, Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company is a charming eatery that offers a delightful dining experience. This beloved local gem is renowned for its generous portions of omelets, sandwiches, and Hawaiian dinners made from fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch or dinner, this cozy spot has something for everyone.
Great place to grab a quick breakfast Great food great atmosphere great service Definitely a must try on the island You will not be disappointed You have to try the corn muffin. My wife and I go to the cafe every time we go to Kauai. They open early and get busy parking is easy
Czar F — Google review
Very good and a cute little shop. One of the restaurants with Great customer service. The employees are so friendly and nice. I ordered a veggie bowl as my main meal, but my favorite item was the papaya which would've been plenty by itself! My husband got the french toast which was huge and fresh and delicious!!
Adriana — Google review
I googled a breakfast restaurant not too far away from our hotel in Koloa and found this amazing cafe! Hubby and I loved our breakfasts so much on Mother’s Day (when it was majorly crowded) that we came back again a few days later. Our meals were absolutely delicious! My Cinnamon French Toast was the best ever!
Marlene W — Google review
If you can only get one thing here, make sure it's the French toast!! It was so very good. When you go in, you need to order at the counter first and then (and only then) you grab a table for your crew. We loved everything we got there, including the yummy cinnamon roll! We were so full after this great breakfast! Heads up: if you are going with a party of 5+ people, you may not all be able to be seated together. The staff will do their best to help, but all tables are first come, first served.
Niki M — Google review
Stopped by twice. Breakfast was delicious, vibe is cool and the coffee... fantastic. Wish I had more time to come again. Parking isn't the best when it gets busy but it's worth waiting for a spot. Highly suggest you stop if you are on the island.
Denielle C — Google review
Yes! These folks have the perfect, casual restaurant with friendly fast service and delicious menu items. I recommend the Portuguese sausage. My only regret was skipping the blueberry muffin, but next time I'll try one!
Jessica A — Google review
This restaurant offers a wide-ranging breakfast, lunch and diner menu, with food that's both fast and delicious. It's truly a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. They also boast a great variety of coffees and pastries. With convenient parking out front and restrooms available, I highly recommend them!
Shahbaz S — Google review
Recently stopped by for a quick coffee pickup. They've good a good selection of decaf and caf options. Also tried their pastries, knuckle was very sweet but good, macadamia brownie and cinnamon roll. All pastries were fresh and delicious.
Atifah S — Google review
2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741, USA•http://www.kalaheo.com/•(808) 332-5858•Tips and more reviews for Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company

43Lappert's Hawaii

4.5
(1165)
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4.6
(1265)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$cheap
Ice cream shop
Bakery
Coffee shop
Espresso bar
Lappert's Hawaii is a local chain known for its delicious coffee, homemade ice cream, and baked goods featuring macadamia nuts. The original Hanapepe location is where the magic happens, with small batches of premium ice cream and sorbet in various flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough and green tea. The handmade artisan ice cream, gelato, sorbets, cookies, pastries, and micro-roasted coffees are made fresh daily in small batches at Lappert's.
A great ice cream and coffee shop located in Poipu. We enjoyed a cup of coffee and a delicious ice cream while sitting outside and watching the chicken begging for food.
Walter R — Google review
Absolutely the best coconut ice cream in the world. We always have, at least, a couple cones every time we are in Kauai. The ice cream. Is worth the trip BTW itself.
Aly S — Google review
Yummm! Lappert’s is a local Kaua’i favorite and the ice cream is delicious. I got to chat with the chef and you can tell he pours love into creating really unique flavors. They’ve got multiple dairy free options that are surprisingly creamy and so good! Definitely stop here for a scoop or two when you’re on island 🍦
Diana K — Google review
Plenty of unique island flavors to choose from. Favorites were the Pineapple Upside down cake, Toffe Crunch, and Ne Ne Tracks. We arrived around 4 pm on a Friday and there was no wait. On various other days we skipped stopping by because the wait was out the door and not moving. This was anytime after 5 pm weekdays or weekends. Seating outside is more than what’s available inside. Overall, the flavors are great and service was quick and nice.
Eddie W — Google review
Lappert's in the Kukui'ula Village is top-notch. I had their single scoop in a cup with whip cream and a cherry. Enjoyed the Hawaiian coconut and it was delicious. Beautiful location as well and plenty of parking.
Mateo — Google review
Ice cream was tasty. We ordered 4 different flavors and all were good. The sizing is small for the price. The young man helping us could have been more helpful but maybe he was enjoying it being only our family before the huge after dinner rush. Tables outside should be cleaned between guests. They were pretty dirty outside.
Amanda L — Google review
Our family has been coming for 7 years & the ice cream is delicious. The service is also great. Our disappointment is that they are single-handedly, putting a single use plastic spoon, whether someone wants it or not in EVERY ice cream cone that is ordered (Not just the ones in cups). That adds up quickly here. We find this completely unnecessary & wasteful - just pollution that either fills up the limited landfill space or worse ends up in the ocean, rivers and community. We don’t doubt that Lapperts in doing their part for Kauai & the 🌏 in other ways AND we would love to see Lapperts work towards also being an ocean friendly food venue in Kauai. 🌺 🌊 mālama ʻāina ❤️
Paola S — Google review
When your online google account says you close at 9 PM, but your door says 8 PM, that’s just a rude way to handle customers and mislead them. When trying to give feedback to the workers, they said they were based in Oahu..unsure what that means. But they weren’t kind about it. I would suggest adjusting your hours to when you’re actually open in order to allow folks to visit you during appropriate hours. Love your ice cream and come every year, but this definitely left a bad taste in my mouth.
Joshua L — Google review
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Poipu, HI 96756, USA•http://www.lappertshawaii.com/•(808) 742-1272•Tips and more reviews for Lappert's Hawaii

44Koloa Fish Market

4.6
(1407)
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4.6
(1055)
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Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$affordable
Seafood market
Koloa Fish Market is a family-owned counter-serve eatery that offers both Hawaiian and American plate lunches for takeout as well as party platters. The market is popular among sushi enthusiasts, with daily poke specials featuring fresh ahi mixed with island avocado, soy, wasabi, and green roe. Additionally, the nearby La Spezia restaurant provides an inviting atmosphere with wood floors and black-and-white photos of the owners' relatives.
Tucked away in charming Koloa town, Koloa Fish Market is a small gem that's earned a big reputation. It’s a must-visit stop for tourists seeking authentic island flavors. The menu is packed with Hawaiian classics—poke bowls 🥗, calamari 🦑, and kalua pig 🐖—all done right. The tuna poke bowl, in particular, is a standout: ultra-fresh, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. 🐟✨ Don’t be fooled by the size of the container—the poke portions are generous and filling. You’ll walk away full, happy, and possibly dreaming of your next visit. 😋 Interestingly, a visit here might just give you a new appreciation for the humble Costco tuna poke. While Koloa Fish Market sets a high bar, the warehouse version holds up surprisingly well for a quick fix—just a notch below, yet close in taste and quality. 🛒👍 🚫 Heads-up: there are no tables inside, so it’s mainly a grab-and-go spot. Perfect for picking up a plate and heading to a nearby beach or shaded park to dig in. 🌞🏖️ Be prepared for limited parking 🚗❗especially during peak hours—but the food makes the effort well worth it. If you're craving no-frills, top-notch Hawaiian eats, this little fish shop more than delivers. 🌊🌴
Jordi F — Google review
Great portion for the price - $25 for 3 types of poke and 3 sides. The fish taste super fresh. Wish the seasoning is a bit stronger. Crash only when we went.
Connie C — Google review
Our tour guide Sabrina recommended this place and she did not fail us. This place was so good. The poke was fresh and tasted really good. I normally don't eat poke because I worry about freshness.
Sonya R — Google review
Came in 30 mins prior to closing time and there were still plenty of options. Tried the kimchi poke and it was excellent! Def one of the best pokes I’ve tried in town. Everything tasted fresh including the toppings, which were also flavorful. The lady at the counter taking orders was kind of intimidating though and we felt rushed ordering when there weren’t really customers behind us. There are desserts available, which are also a must try! There’s a handwashing sink on the porch with some seating areas.
Izze — Google review
Koloa Fish Market in Koloa Town is a must every single time we come to Kauai. It has been a family staple for over 20 years and it never disappoints. There are plenty of spots around the island for poke but this one is the best. The locals rave about it for a reason and we always make sure to come back. The ahi poke is top notch. The tuna is always fresh, smooth, buttery, and melts in your mouth without being too fatty or chewy. The salmon poke is just as good with the same perfect consistency and flavor. We are big sushi and fish lovers and can immediately tell quality and this place is the real deal. The portions are generous too, whether you want a half pound, a pound, or more. Some of our favorites besides the classic ahi are the wasabi ahi poke and the Maui onion poke. Both are loaded with flavor and always prepared perfectly. The smoked marlin is another standout with amazing teriyaki flavor and makes a great addition to any order. The cucumber salad on the side is refreshing and rounds it all out. This is easily one of the best food spots on the island and something I recommend to anyone visiting Kauai. After 20 plus years of coming here it is still just as good as the first time and will always be part of our trips.
Mitchell N — Google review
10/10 - spicy ahi poke 10/10 HOLY BEST POKE OF MY LIFE got a poke bowl with ocean salad and cucumber namasu (sweet pickled cucumber). i panicked and picked those but they were good! for sauces i got sriracha aioli and wasabi cream. the wasabi cream made the whole bowl so creamy deliciouso! loved it. so good. they know what's up
Nicole L — Google review
I had someone from Koloa tell me that this place has the best fish on the island. I was thinking that he may be biased so I had to try it out myself. Growing up on O’ahu where I’ve had poke often. Yup I have to say that This place, The hype is real. They use fresh High quality Poke. I always kinda judge poke by the way businesses make their Limu (seaweed) poke (similar to this is their Maui onion and seaweed Poke). Usually a lot of Poke quality can be masked by spicy mayo or soy sauce/shoyu, which usually tastes the same. But their Maui Onion is “off the hook” by slang terms or “supa Ono” by local terms, or delicious if you want the English saying. Their spam Musubi made me feel nostalgic. Not all musubis taste the same btw. It was like it took me back when I eating Musubi growing up. Their service is efficient and quick to the point. I’ve had different poke bowls around the island and I’d say this place serves legit and delicious ones. I’d come back definitely. But hey, it’s just my opinion. To each his own.
Minion_Dave5-O — Google review
Loved the Ahi poke (both spicy and regular). Salmon poke tasted a metallic and tako poke was a bit tough. Great operation and service.
Mat L — Google review
3390 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA•https://koloafishmarket.com/•(808) 742-6199•Tips and more reviews for Koloa Fish Market

45Tiki Tacos

4.6
(2209)
•
4.4
(908)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$cheap
Taco restaurant
Mexican restaurant
Restaurant
Tiki Tacos is a casual taqueria that offers organic, vegetarian, and vegan Mexican dishes with a Hawaiian twist. The menu features hand-made corn tortillas and is entirely gluten-free. One must-try item is the fish taco, which promises to be a delightful choice. Visitors can also explore nearby souvenir shops or grab some poke bowls from local grocery stores for a relaxing evening overlooking the ocean.
This was the first place we went after landing at LIH and it was so good we returned later in the week. The tacos were juicy and flavorfull. Excellent ratio of meat to toppings and the homemade tortillas were great too. I got the Kahuna Fish (spicy fish taco) and my wife got the Kalua Pig Taco. Both were great. When we went back later in the week, we both got the Kalua Pig taco. Other things to know: The only drinks available are cans or bottles. Indoor seating is limited, but there is additional seating outside and the weather in Kauai is great for outdoor dining. There is an adjacent indoor space that is empty and seems like it could be used for additional seating. Note the parking lot is a decent size but take notice it is shared by several businesses. They seem to have signs indicating which parking spaces are for which places so make sure you park in a Tiki Taco spot. Overall: the food was great and the decorations / ambiance was great too.
David S — Google review
The food is so good. Very delicious combinations for every taste. We went there for two times after trying different other taco shops on the island. Also the 4 salsas you can add for free on the table give a really good twist. Super friendly staff which helps you finding the best choice!
Philipp G — Google review
God is Amazing! These were in line with the best tacos we’ve ever tasted….and we’ve tasted a lot of authentic tacos. The tortillas are thick and hand made daily. The tacos are packed with generous portions and delicious flavors. The staff are nice, helpful, and they explained the menu and homemade sauces. Try all of the homemade sauces…they give the tacos an extra kick…then you can decide which one(s) you like the best. We had The Kahuna Fish, The Surf & Turf, and The True ImuKalua Pig. All of them were delicious. We enjoyed going more than once during our trip, and we will be back for future trips.
Fliabea — Google review
BEST TACO OF MY LIFE!!!!! This truly was the greatest taco I’ve ever had. I had the Best Fish Taco and it did not disappoint. There was so much fish on the taco and it was cooked perfectly, paired with incredible and fresh toppings. The corn tortillas are homemade and gluten free. The taco was huge and very filling. My only regret is that I was hungry enough to have more tacos.
Jillian A — Google review
🌺100 stars! 🤩⭐️✨HUGE tacos! I tried the two that were suggested to me and I couldn’t be happier. My only complaint is I couldn’t eat more! They had 4 different hot sauces ranging from HOT to one being completely mild with zero heat and every one of them were amazing. I’m a sauce person and hot sauce is my thing. I tried buying the sauce but they don’t sell it 😢 The man at the front was extremely nice. Explained the menu, have suggestions and treated us like Ohana. Thank you for the amazing experience.
Kasi M — Google review
Sooo good! The homemade hand fried corn tortillas were our fav! They are bigger and thicker than typical corn tacos- like an arepa & Gordita. Everything on the menu is gluten free. We arrived during the lunch rush so we had to wait quite a while for the food…But it was totally worth it. Will be back for the asado steak quesadilla and shrimp taco.
Emily B — Google review
AMAZING!!! Bard is one of the most fun and informative order takers we've ever had! This dude is a HOOT! The tacos are either asada, fish (Ahi), shrimp, carnitas, fish and shrimp, veggie, kahlua pork nestled wth coleslaw AND if you want, sautéed onions. The 4 sauces are house made as are the maize corn tortillas (made by his wife, her recipe), what more can we say? They have various fruit drinks bottled AND Mexican coke too. This is pretty much their menu with no rice, beans, chips etc. but we can guarantee the BEST TACOS ANYWHERE and you get Bard's show! Try it you'll love it!
Frank B — Google review
This place is the real deal. Incredibly good I had to get a third taco. The cheese quesadilla was delicious. The pollo loco tacos hit the spot and definitely has a kick. The roasted vegetable taco also hit the spot. Marinated tofu is one my wife loved. Don’t miss out on this place in Kauai, it’s worth it. All the sauces were good especially the green one.
Tej N — Google review
4-971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA•https://tiki-tacos.shop/•(808) 823-8226•Tips and more reviews for Tiki Tacos
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46Kilauea Fish Market

4.4
(1171)
•
4.2
(714)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$affordable
Seafood restaurant
Fresh food market
Kilauea Fish Market is a cozy eatery and deli located in Kauai's north shore, offering a variety of gourmet plates and pupus like poke bowls, wraps, and tacos. The market is known for its daily catches, including the popular Sesame Ahi Poke served over rice. In addition to fresh fish, they also offer free-range and hormone-free beef and chicken from their deli.
Came for poke but ended up getting garlic shrimp and was not disappointed with the choice. The only mistake was that I didn’t dip the first shrimp I ate into the side sauce, which was insanely good. White rice and mac salad as sides and this was the perfect lunch.
Tucker S — Google review
Awesome value for the meal. We got ahi fish tacos and a daily catch blue marlin plate, both were delicious and well seasoned with very generous portions. Food came out quickly after ordering too.
Cameron L — Google review
had the ahi wrap along cooked with a light sear as suggested by the workers, and a poke Bowl with sesame ahi and initial impression was they were pretty fresh and the wrap was full of juicy flavor and the poke bowl was tasty and fresh but it wasn't the A game of Kauai
Michael C — Google review
Small, no frills fish market. Honestly, some of the best fish we have had in HI. Staff was friendly, seating is all outside. But it is a fantastic low key spot to grab some fresh fish!
Stephen C — Google review
One of my top three dining locations during my recent Kauai trip. Wow. What we got: Garlic grilled shrimp plate with jasmine rice and a salad & grilled chicken teriyaki plate with brown rice and a salad. Proper food portions, solid flavors, generous sauce portions - would happily pay $41ish for these two meals again. These ingredients were some of the freshest we had during our recent trip. Atmosphere: Tight ordering and pick up space, but they have a decently sized, covered, outdoor dining area for you to take advantage of the Hawaii weather. Service: Outstanding. The guy was very helpful and seamlessly taking care of the long line and take out orders - all with a smile and true Aloha spirit. We waited about 15-20 minutes for our food which is incredibly impressive with the amount of orders ahead of us.
Kacie D — Google review
A great spot to get some fresh and delicious food. If we make it back to Kauai, we'll definitely be stopping in here again.
Chris B — Google review
This is a great way to start a visit to the North Shore of Kauai. Please go hungry. Great bites of things you may not try, but absolutely should. Susan was a great guide with local knowledge and solid recommendations.
Terry L — Google review
Nothing fancy, not much room to sit, but the service was friendly and knowledgeable, and they offered a military discount. We had two fish plates. One was ahi and the other can't remember but both seared and delicious! Our group also had two very delicious fish tacos.
Crazy F — Google review
4270 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754, USA•http://kilaueafishmarket.com/•(808) 828-6244•Tips and more reviews for Kilauea Fish Market

47Garden Island Barbecue & Chinese Restaurant

4.2
(678)
•
4.0
(337)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$cheap
Barbecue restaurant
Chinese restaurant
Restaurant
Garden Island Barbecue & Chinese Restaurant is a casual eatery located on Rice Street, offering generous portions of BBQ and Chinese fare. The restaurant serves Chinese plate lunches, soups, noodle dishes, char siu (roasted pork), garlic shrimp, steamed white rice, macaroni salad, seafood platters with shrimp and fish, lemon chicken and chicken fried rice. The place is known for its friendly staff and reasonable prices.
I really enjoyed the food here - so tasty and generous portions. Also, very reasonably priced. A sign was that the place was filled with locals for dinner i.e not a tourist trap. I had to come back again before heading to the airport.
Subhasish B — Google review
Excellent service, delicious food, and quick service! I loved my pork cha sui fried rice and beef broccoli. We really enjoyed our dinner and hope to come back again soon!
Trinh N — Google review
Good comfort food place to get cooked veggie! I enjoyed the egg drop soup a lot. The garlic bok choy was good, although it was cut to too small pieces. The wonton soup and broccoli with scechuan sauce was ok.
Connie C — Google review
Service was superb!! Our server was amazing: brought food out blazing hot and freshly made, water glasses were always topped off and wait for food was reasonable. Now to the food. Lots of very flavorful good food. Price is very good for quantity and quality of food. Overall yes I’d eat here again and bonus. As we sat there we saw an older lady come to pick up a to go order and the servers carried everything out for her, now that’s service!
Dr C — Google review
The food was absolutely delicious. I had the teriyaki steak which was great and the fried Chicken combo meal with kimchi and rice. It was very good
MrRyan — Google review
Later lunch bit we both enjoyed clean plate club. The CHAR SUI was excellent above my last three tries at other restaurants. I would recommend this everytime. I paired it with Chicken Katsu and fried rice. This was a great find and I enjoyed this meal.
William C — Google review
Apparently, it is the best Chinese food in Kauai. It wasn't hard to believe. We kept it simple. Only ordered noodles and an appetizer. The food was decent, and the staff were friendly and approachable. Very resonable price. I will return again with a bigger appetite.
Tee K — Google review
I judge a place based on their beef chow fun. If it's done we'll, they got skills. Well, they got skills. Should be on your go-to list of places to eat in Lihue. Fast, hot, big portions. Chee hoo!
Three C — Google review
4252 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•http://gardenislandbarbecue.com/•(808) 245-8868•Tips and more reviews for Garden Island Barbecue & Chinese Restaurant

48Warehouse 3540

4.6
(473)
•
4.0
(17)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
Makerspace
Food & Drink
Art gallery
Artist
Nestled between Koloa and Kalaheo, Warehouse 3540 is a charming destination that captures the essence of Kauai's local culture. This rustic-industrial space, housed in a former pineapple canning factory, showcases an eclectic mix of pop-up boutiques offering unique gifts, jewelry, home decor, and art. Visitors can explore this vibrant hub filled with locally-owned businesses including a delightful coffee shop and food trucks serving up delicious bites.
One of the best finds on Kauai, this warehouse is a treasure trove of foodie finds, cool apparel, jewelry, gifts and more. Great place to get unique souvenirs for yourself and for family/friends back home. Didn’t get a chance to try the food trucks since we came early in the morning both times, but if we were staying on island longer we would have given them a try. You could easily spend the morning go or afternoon here, browsing all the boutiques or sipping coffee from the coffee truck or nibbling on amazing pastries from Sugar Skull. There’s also a sizable library of books you can purchase (on the honor system, leave what you think is a fair price), and the bathrooms are near and cleans. If you’re in south Kauai heading to a tourist attraction, this is well worth the stop. It’s right off the road, and there’s ample parking in the back if all the spots in front are taken.
Therese H — Google review
They have a bunch of really cute shops. Art, spices, bakery, coffee, and a place or 2 with food. AMAZING COFFEE and the ice cubes are coffee cubes, I love, love this for my iced coffee. Great avocado toast
Mo Q — Google review
Fun collection of local entrepreneurs. You may very well find some thing you love. Good coffee truck, food truck looks ok did not test. Interesting artist studio for type of genera hawaii painting. Sit down bar/food in back.
Garry H — Google review
One of my favorite places to go to cruise with friends or buy a gift for someone’s birthday! There are cutie little shops from clothing, to jewelry, to artwork, to pastries! There are many different options and there is a coffee trailer also located inside. Also, food trucks are outside of the warehouse so if you are look for some lunch, you have options. Parking is fairly easy to find and parking is free as well.
Sarah R — Google review
Our first afternoon on Kuaui, we stopped in for some drinks. Theonie was great, and took great care of us. Friendly and attentive. It got our vacation off to a great start! And my wife managed to find some cute things to buy inside.
Sean — Google review
This was an accidental find for me on my way back to my resort from an excursion. I loved wandering into the cute little shops and bought a few items! I didn’t get coffee but liked that there was seating and also a library of ‘pay what you feel’ books.
Katuschka R — Google review
Smelled shopping as I drove by and made a U-turn to check it out. What a great space! You can grab a coffee at the truck to enjoy while you mosey around the many booths full of local artisans. Whatever you're looking for you'll be likely to find it at Warehouse 3540. A great spot to buy gifts (even if for yourself!) whether you're local or a visitor. There are also several food trucks set-up out front as well so you won't leave hungry. Definitely make this a stop!
Perry H — Google review
What a wonderful discovery! Small artisan shops, eateries, paintings, crafts, and clothing all nestled into a large old warehouse. A fun find and easy enjoy. Parking and one restroom.
Lisa P — Google review
3540 Koloa Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741, USA•https://www.warehouse-3540.com/•(808) 635-6579•Tips and more reviews for Warehouse 3540

49Lu’au Kalamaku

4.5
(5355)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
$$$$very expensive
Dinner theater
Entertainment agency
Restaurant
Lu'au Kalamaku is a theatrical lu'au set in the lush 104-acre Kilohana Plantation, offering an immersive journey into ancient Hawaiian culture. The state-of-the-art media system and interactive stage design bring to life the story of Polynesians traveling to the Hawaiian archipelago, delving into Kauai mythology. This experience offers classic island cuisine, hula dancers, and local crafts on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
Everything was great! I was there with my 2 daughters. The show was amazing. Loved the vendors, actually bought a bunch of stuff. Food, drinks and location was great. we were surprised that it didn’t take long to get out of the parking lot, considering the amount of people that were there.
Barb — Google review
Great place to feel part of the Hawaiian Culture. The fire staff and poi show was incredible. The staff spinner was the fastest spinner that I have ever seen. The three women fire poi spinners performed in close proximity of each other and were impressive.The food was ok. The only reason I say Ok is because I couldn't sample only a few items. The rice and pork were delicious. Not that many allergy sensitive foods. Enjoyed the Lei and seeing the artisan market. The staff were friendly and helpful.
B L — Google review
It was a wonderful experience. The local vendors they had on site were well priced and comparable to anywhere on the island. It was well run and welcoming. It is worth the upgrade to have better seating for the show. Arrive early bc if you have a small group, the seat at a 10 top table are first come first serve. You are able to turn your chair around during the main show, it just is easier if you already are facing the direction of the stage. The storyline of the show was really well done and professional.
Krystle B — Google review
LOVED the show. The dancers and performers were amazing. So talented, especially with fire spinning. Enjoyed the atmosphere and proximity of our table to the stage and the layout of the theater being very immersive. It was hot and not very well ventilated inside the dining/showroom though and the service prior to the show seemed abrupt (plates being cleared while people were still eating, etc). The property is beautiful and we enjoyed walking around prior to the show. The food was alright - pork was one of the highlights, but overall the performance is what we loved the best and made the experience memorable.
Christina K — Google review
Great Experience, Great Food, Show was Beautiful! Only but is that the Bar closes before the Show Starts which I did Not realizar and just had the Chance to Drink one Cocktail as im very slow. When you realize you spend 240usd and you had no Option to have a second Cocktail.
Natalia — Google review
Wonderful experience! We did the train tour ahead of the luau - fun to see fruit on the trees that we normally only see in grocery stores like oranges, avocados, bananas, and others! Kids loved the stop when you get to feed the pigs and horses (Horace is the biggest pig, and will sit on command for one of the folks who work there!) Before the luau there are many local vendors, so many cool things (we got a bone carved necklace, glass art earrings, tropical fabric bag, and a collar for our cat at home). Live music was awesome too before the big show! Food was very good, love the Kaula pork! Highlight though is the theatrical luau, telling the story of the Polynesians who first arrived to Hawaii. My kids are theater kids and were spellbound! Though there were many younger kids and the grounds are available if you need to walk them around. It's a stage with circular seating, there are no bad seats, performers did a great job performing to the whole room. Open air but covered so no worries about passing showers. Can't wait to do it again!
Jennifer G — Google review
This was my second time here! So amazing every time! The food was amazing as always. The cast was bubbly and fun. Drinks were amazing. Everything from pick up to drop off was fun. There was a little rain but they were prepared for the rain. Definitely put on your to-do list!
Elizabeth B — Google review
Beautiful story told through dance and music also narrated throughout Friendly and welcoming staff. At home feel. Food was amazing. Not a bad seat on the area. If you’re looking for culture, laughter and making new friends this is your place. We will attend again and recommend highly to all.
Sarah B — Google review
3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•http://luaukalamaku.com/•(877) 622-1780•Tips and more reviews for Lu’au Kalamaku

50Kalapaki Beach Hut

4.5
(710)
•
Mentioned on 
1 list 
Permanently Closed
$$$$cheap
Hamburger restaurant
Dessert restaurant
Restaurant
Kalapaki Beach Hut is a charming tiki hut located near Kalapaki Beach and the Kauai Marriott Resort. It's known for serving up mouthwatering mile-high burgers, hearty breakfasts, and fresh fruit smoothies. The casual and friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax and savor delicious comfort food while enjoying remarkable views of the powdery soft sand and uncrowded beach.
We ate here for breakfast - reasonable prices ($9 and change for the omelette) and delicious food! I loved my bacon and tomato omelette. The breakfast potatoes were good, too. The workers were friendly and gave every customer a complimentary slice of pineapple! Plus you get to eat while looking right at the beach, on the outdoor patio seating area. Loved this place!
Danielle K — Google review
Great food! We came here for lunch and it wasn't too busy. The staff are super friendly and helpful. The Taro fries are really delicious too, even for people who don't like taro. A great little beach food shack to eat at when you don't want a full sit down meal with silverwear. The fish of the day is also really yummy, and the late breakfast is delicious.
Devin D — Google review
Great spot for burgers and fries. Outdoor seating made the meal even better. Burgers were fresh and cooked perfectly. The teriyaki burger was especially good with the pineapple slice. Fries were hot and crispy. I hear that the breakfast here is also excellent although I have not tied it myself. Close to Kalapaki Beach and an easy walk to get to and from there.
Ryan N — Google review
Absolutely love this place. Fantastic food reasonably priced. Went there every day while in Kauai. The Tropical Smoothie and Aloha Classic are a must have! Breakfast was also great. Service was polite and pretty quick. There's seating both upstairs and downstairs. Stairs can get real slippery when it rains, so Kalapaki Beach Hut, please stick some adhesive mineral grip tape on the stairs! My wife slipped and fell on the left exit stairs and scuffed both her rings. Really put a damper on the honeymoon, but she was fine. With a few dollars, that hazard can be taken care of, so please get that fixed. Steps going upstairs had grip tape, but not the exit. Keep up the good cooking!
Tyler C — Google review
Delicious and cheap local food. Visited twice while on vacation. Their fruit smoothies are refreshing, the food tastes good and is nice to eat on the little terrace on top.
Jess G — Google review
This little burger place has some great burgers that won't break the bank. I mean food is never cheep on Hawaii, but the prices here aren't bad. The food is also quite good and they have some more unique options if you want to be a little more adventurous.
Josh L — Google review
Walked here from the Marriott and were not disappointed. We had the Hawaiian shave ice and the aloha burger...I know touristy as F, but whatever, they looked good. The shave ice was not as good as JoJo’s but better than anything we’ve had outside Kauai. And the aloha burger, while it sounded like a mosh-mash of random stuff, actually went together very well and was the best burger we had on the island. Teriyaki sauce, pineapple, medium rare burger, and the normal fixings...it all went together with the flavors complementing each other. Pretty good for $10. They were out of the Taro Fries when we came so no review of those guys.
Brian W — Google review
My cheddar burger was amazingly delicious, lettuce and tomato, crisp, on all soft and squishy, the fries were perfect and crispy and of course my favorite kind: shoestring! I got to meet a lovely young lady named Seana and had a wonderful lunch, thank you very much!
CE B — Google review
3474 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA•Tips and more reviews for Kalapaki Beach Hut
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  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Waimea
  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Waimanalo
  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Kahuku
  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Laie
  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Kalaheo
  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Waipahu
  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Wahiawa

Best drinks in Kauai in other languages

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  • Português
  • Italiano
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