Kauai boasts a vibrant food scene from beachside casual dining to hidden gems offering authentic local flavors.
If you are planning a trip to Kauai, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to eat on the island. This includes the most popular restaurants, as well as hole-in-the-wall local joints that you won’t want to miss.
Keep reading to discover the best places to eat in Kauai, Hawaii!
13 Best Places to Eat in Kauai
Table of Contents
- 1. Duke’s Kauai
- 2. Anuenue Café
- 3. Porky’s Kauai
- 4. Wailua Shave Ice
- 5. Kountry Style Kitchen
- 6. Hamura Saimin
- 7. Kilauea Market + Cafe
- 8. Da Crack Mexican Grinds
- 9. Big Monster Sushi & Thai
- 10. Pink’s Creamery
- 11. Lava Lava Beach Club
- 12. The Plantation House by Gaylords
- 13. Aloha Sweet Delites
1. Duke’s Kauai
Duke’s is a legendary spot located on the shores of Kalapaki Beach. It offers an unparalleled dining experience with breathtaking ocean views and mouthwatering dishes.
Not only does it boast some of the best restaurant views on the island, but this open-air restaurant also has a waterfall and fish pond running right through the center of the dining room.
You really can’t beat the ambiance, especially when live music is being played.
Duke’s is best known for its seafood and steak.
We would also recommend the Kalbi Ribs & Teriyaki Chicken, Crispy Coconut Shrimp, Duke’s Cheeseburger, Macadamia Nut & Herb-Crusted Fish, and Cajun Fish Tacos.
Of course, you have to save room for a slice of their famous Hula Pie! This mile-high ice cream pie has a brownie crust and is topped with fudge, fresh cream, and macadamia nuts.
I would also recommend adding the salad bar to your entree, or even having it as your meal if you are vegetarian. The salad bar is stocked with fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, breads, and pasta salads.
Reservations are highly recommended as this is one of the most popular places to eat in Kauai.
However, for a more casual dining experience with the same views and a similar menu, try Duke’s Barefoot Bar located on the beach level below the restaurant. Reservations are not required.
After your meal, relax on the shores of Kalapaki Beach or even rent a surfboard. It’s one of the Best Beaches in Kauai!
2. Anuenue Café
Anuenue Café is a cozy local eatery located in the Poipu Shopping Center. It features breakfast and lunch dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
This family-owned cafe serves up hearty dishes and it was one of our favorite breakfast places in Kauai!
Try the Surfer Bowl which consists of a scoop of rice, 2 eggs, bacon or Portuguese sausage, kalua pork, and vegetables all topped with a sharp white cheddar cheese sauce.
The Avo Toast Sandwich is also a popular choice with an avocado spread, tomato slices, bacon, and a drizzle of pesto and balsamic reduction all sandwiched between a toasted ciabatta roll.
The simplicity of the Tow-In French Toast makes it a favorite for kids and adults alike.
A thick slice of Hawaiian sweet bread French toast is topped with a cube of house-made Haupia coconut pudding and served with a side of bacon and eggs.
Everything is so fresh and flavorful, it’s no wonder that this is one of the best places to eat in Kauai!
You can most likely expect a wait, but the line moves fairly quickly. There is also no seating inside of the cafe, but there are a few picnic tables in the shopping center.
3. Porky’s Kauai
Porky’s is located on the southern end of the island in Waimea. It is a local joint known for its mouthwatering smoked meats, generous portions, and laid-back atmosphere.
With a Yelp rating of 4.8 stars with around 1,000 reviews, you know it’s going to be good!
Their featured dish is smoked pulled pork piled on top of a pork sausage or beef hot dog sandwiched in a toasted cheese bun. It is then topped with pineapple, grilled onions, and a house-made barbecue sauce.
You can also order the grilled cheese sandwich version with pulled pork, Muenster and Havarti cheese, pineapple, grilled onions, and barbecue sauce for dipping. It is perfection!
Porky’s is located on the way back from Waimea Canyon and the hearty meal hits the spot after a day of hiking!
4. Wailua Shave Ice
Getting shave ice is a must when visiting Hawaii, and the best place to go is Wailua Shave Ice.
This was originally recommended to us by a local during our first trip to Kauai, and we now go multiple times every time we visit the island.
This shave ice is next level with syrups made fresh from locally grown fruit and organic cane sugar.
One of our favorite flavors is the Lava Flow with pineapple juice and topped with haupia foam, and fresh strawberry and pineapple puree.
The Triple Coconut is also a popular classic choice with coconut milk and topped with haupia foam and toasted coconut flakes.
For something unique, try The Ube with ube syrup, topped with haupia foam, ube foam, and toasted coconut flakes.
I would also highly recommend adding a scoop of ice cream or snow capping it with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.
While Wailua Shave Ice is our favorite spot to go for shave ice in Kauai, a few more recommendations include Wishing Well Shave Ice, Uncle’s Shave Ice, Hee Fat’s General Store, The Fresh Shave, and Waikomo Shave Ice.
And if you’re on the mainland, Wailua Shave Ice also a shop in Portland, Oregon.
5. Kountry Style Kitchen
For a taste of homestyle comfort food, Kountry Kitchen in Kapaa is the place to go.
Known for its generous portions and friendly atmosphere, this restaurant serves up classic American breakfast and brunch dishes with a Hawaiian twist.
We have loved every dish we have ever tried on the menu.
Start your day with a hearty Luau Omelette with Kalua pork, spinach, and cheddar cheese. Be sure to get a side of hashbrowns, they are perfectly buttery and crisp.
The Ham & Cheese Sandwich is also a favorite with applewood smoked ham, cheddar cheese, and scrambled eggs on a toasted brioche bun.
For something on the sweeter side, the French toast with grilled cinnamon pineapple and homemade coconut syrup is amazing.
You can’t go wrong with any of their waffles either, and they are also known for their giant pancakes that are as big as the plate!
You can expect a long wait, so I would recommend joining the waitlist on Yelp before you arrive.
6. Hamura Saimin
Saimin is a classic Hawaiian noodle soup similar to ramen. Hamura Saimin in Lihue is a local institution that has been serving up this delicious soup since 1952.
This no-frills restaurant is cash-only with a simple menu. There are a few select side dishes, but you mostly just need to pick which size bowl of saimin that you would like.
The counter-style seating will have you sitting elbow to elbow with strangers, but it’s a great way to start up a conversation with locals or other tourists.
There is only one item on the dessert menu, the Lilikoi Chiffon Pie. It is worth ordering a slice of this fluffy pie that melts in your mouth!
Dining at Hamura Saimin is an authentic experience, and this comfort dish hits the spot!
7. Kilauea Market + Cafe
Kilauea Market is a local grocery store on the north shore. Inside the grocery store, you’ll find a small unassuming eatery that serves up fresh and flavorful dishes.
The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A few of the most popular breakfast dishes include the Berry Waffle with fresh berry compote and vanilla cream, the Avocado Sourdough Toast, the Croissant Sandwich, or the traditional Kilauea Hawaiian Moco.
For lunch, they serve delicious pizzas. We like the traditional Margherita, but for a unique flavor try the Guava BBQ Chicken Pizza.
The Kubano Sandwich is also a favorite with Kalua pork, ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese grilled between two slices of French bread.
If you like a little kick, the buttermilk Kilauea Fried Chicken served on rice with Kilauea fire sauce is quite tasty!
8. Da Crack Mexican Grinds
I know it might seem odd to find Mexican food on a list of the best places to eat in Kauai, but Da Crack Mexican Grinds is definitely worth a mention!
This favorite local spot is tucked inside a strip mall near Poipu. It offers mouthwatering south-of-the-border flavors with generous portions.
Try their massive burritos or flavorful tacos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls. The hearty burritos are stuffed with meat, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
The only downside is that the line is often long and there isn’t any seating. Besides that, it’s worth stopping by for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal!
9. Big Monster Sushi & Thai
Big Monster has a Sushi & Thai restaurant in Lihue, a Thai restaurant in Kapaa, a sushi & poke food truck in Koloa, and a sushi & rice truck in Lawai.
We have only tried the Big Monster Sushi & Thai restaurant in Lihue, and would highly recommend it!
It offers a fusion of flavors with a diverse menu that combines the best of Japanese and Thai cuisine. You’ll find everything on the menu from fresh sushi rolls to flavorful Thai dishes.
Big Monster Sushi & Thai is a true ocean-to-table experience serving the freshest Sashimi, Nigiri, and sushi rolls. Try the Samauri Roll, Big Monster Roll, Ahi Tuna Avocado Roll, or the Hot Mama Roll.
In addition to sushi, you’ll also find authentic Thai dishes. The Pad See Ew and Pad Thai are amazing, as well as the Tom Kha Soup.
The Papaya Salad was unexpected and delicious, and you must order the sticky mango rice for dessert.
Not only is the food delicious, but the ambiance is cozy and the service is friendly.
10. Pink’s Creamery
Pink’s Creamery is a cute little ice cream parlor on the north shore in Hanalei.
It offers a variety of sweets including gourmet ice cream, sorbets, soda floats, milkshakes, and smoothies.
The slow-churned ice cream is made fresh with the highest quality ingredients and served in a homemade waffle cone.
You’ll find 17 unique flavors inspired by local ingredients, such as Kona Mud Pie, Haupia, Hawaiian Vanilla Bean, Banana Mac-Nut Brittle, and Mango & Cream.
In addition to ice cream, they also serve Hawaiian grilled cheese sandwiches. These are similar to the grilled cheese sandwiches at Porky’s Kauai that were previously recommended.
The sandwich consists of Kalua pulled pork, Muenster cheese, and pineapple. It is grilled to perfection between two slices of sweet Hawaiian bread.
The sandwiches are served with a side of Maui chips and the meal is best rounded out with a scoop of their ice cream for dessert!
11. Lava Lava Beach Club
For a romantic dining experience, head to Lava Lava Beach Club on the shore of Waipouli Beach in Kapaa.
With a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, this oceanfront restaurant offers a variety of Pacific Rim-inspired dishes.
From seafood specialties to expertly crafted cocktails, Lava’s provides an intimate setting for a memorable evening.
Lava Lava Beach Club is also a great place to enjoy breakfast or lunch with ocean views and your toes in the sand.
For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Classic Breakfast dish, the Avocado Breakfast Sandwich, the Big Wave Burrito, or Cakes by the Ocean with coconut syrup.
For lunch or dinner, try the Pineapple Fried Rice, Coconut Coast Fish Tacos, Chicken Club Sandwich, or Mahi Mahi Sandwich with coconut coleslaw.
The ambiance is top notch with live music and the sound of waves crashing while you eat.
12. The Plantation House by Gaylords
For a unique farm-to-table experience, head to The Plantation House in Lihue.
This restaurant is located in the beautiful courtyard of the original Kilohana Plantation mansion that was built in 1936.
The 16,000-square-foot estate once belonged to Gaylord Wilcox who operated the 23,000-acre sugar plantation.
Today, The Plantation House offers an authentic dining experience with a menu highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Try the Red Curry Salmon, Seafood Trio, Ahi Poke Stack, Sake Short Ribs, and the fresh catch of the day.
If you are looking to save a few bucks, the lunch menu is a little cheaper than the dinner menu. I would also recommend making reservations in advance.
After your meal, take time to visit the shops in and around the plantation house.
You can also go on a train ride around the plantation, book a Rum Safari, or make reservations for the luau. It’s one of our recommended Bucket List Things to Do in Kauai!
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13. Aloha Sweet Delites
Aloha Sweet Delites is a small mini-mart and bakery located on the south side of the island.
It’s our favorite place to stop and grab some homemade malasadas, donuts, and pastries on our way to visit Waimea Canyon.
The custard-filled malasadas are our absolute favorite, and the black bean malasadas are surprisingly good too.
The malasadas, especially the filled ones, usually sell out so try to come early.
We tried the coconut hand pie and it was just ok, a little too much crust and not enough filling. However, the pineapple and apple fritters are really good!
I hope this guide will help you discover the best places to eat in Kauai!
KAUAI TRAVEL TIPS:
- 7 Day Kauai Itinerary
- Kauai’s Kuilau Ridge Trail: How to Get to the Secret Lookout
- 8 of the Best Hikes in Kauai With Kids
- What is the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii?
*Click the link to download and print this travel guide to take with you on your trip!
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