COMPLETE KAUAI RESTAURANT GUIDE: 2025 EDITION
From jungle food trucks to Hanalei fine dining
A curated guide to Kaua‘i’s best places to eat, organized by craving—not clout—including poke, plate lunch, beachside cocktails, fine dining, and local neighborhood gems.
Kaua‘i isn’t the kind of place where you hop between neighborhoods chasing the latest tasting menu. It’s slower, more local, and shaped by the land. You settle into your corner of the island—maybe it’s sunny Poʻipū, breezy Kapaʻa, or misty Hanalei—and find the places that make sense there. This guide breaks down our favorite restaurants across Kaua‘i by region, so you can eat well without needing to cross a mountain pass. Whether you’re looking for poke out of a cooler, a proper farm-to-table meal, or just the best breakfast sandwich within five minutes of your rental, we’ve got you.
South Shore: Poʻipū, Kōloa, and Lawaiʻs Best Restaurants
We’re starting on Kauaʻi’s sunny South Shore—home to the island’s most popular resort area in Poʻipū, as well as the historic town of Kōloa and the upcountry-feeling enclave of Lāwaʻi. Just 25 minutes from Līhuʻe Airport, this part of the island offers a reliably sunny climate, swimmable beaches, and a wide range of places to stay—from luxury hotels like the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi to family-friendly condos near Baby Beach. In this section, we cover the best South Shore restaurants, from plate lunch staples in Old Kōloa Town to fresh poke, seafood dinners, and beachfront cocktails within walking distance of the Poʻipū resort strip.
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LOCAL GRINDS & PLATE LUNCHES
Where to get your mix plates, loco mocos, and Hawaiian comfort food—no frills, all flavor. These are the kind of spots where rice and mac salad are a given, and the specials board hasn’t changed in years.
A true South Shore classic. Tiny takeout counter serving fresh poke, laulau, kalua pork, and other local plate lunch staples. Expect a line—and a flavor bomb.
Kōloa Town – 0.2 miles from center, 1 min drive / 3 min walk
Tucked next to a historic grocery store, this humble walk-up window dishes out teri burgers, loco moco, and fried noodles. Old-school, affordable, and reliably ono.
Kōloa Town – 0.3 miles from center, 2 min drive / 5 min walk
More polished than your usual plate lunch spot, but still hits those Hawaiian flavors—kalua pork sliders, coconut shrimp, and teriyaki ribs, often with live music at night.
Poʻipū – 1.5 miles from Kōloa Town, 4 min drive
A tourist favorite, sure—but that sweet Hawaiian bread bun and garlicky secret sauce are hard to beat. Get it spicy and pineapple relish on the side.
Poʻipū Shopping Village – 1.6 miles from Kōloa Town, 4 min drive
Mark’s Place (a little farther, but worth it)
Hidden in an industrial part of Līhuʻe, Mark’s is legendary for enormous plate lunches, beef stew, mochiko chicken, and creative daily specials. Perfect stop before or after airport runs.
Puhi / Līhuʻe – 9.3 miles from Kōloa Town, ~18 min drive
Not fancy, not oceanfront, but too good to skip. This tiny walk-up window serves fresh fish tacos and burritos with addictive sauces. Grab it to-go and head to the beach for your own dinner-with-a-view.
Kōloa – ~1 mile from Poʻipū Beach, ~3 min drive
TACO TRUCKS & ROADSIDE FAVORITES
From shrimp tacos in a parking lot to fresh fish ceviche and smoky BBQ, these casual joints often steal the show. Come hungry, wear slippers.
This unassuming food truck tucked near Old Kōloa Town delivers inventive twists on comfort food—like Korean chicken waffles and short rib cheesesteaks. Not traditional tacos, but roadside perfection nonetheless.
Kōloa – ~2 miles from Poʻipū, ~5 min drive
Bright flavors and massive portions. Known for handmade corn tortillas and a rotating lineup of grilled fish, carne asada, and veggie options. One of the most popular taco counters on the island.
East Side (Kapa‘a) – ~23 miles from Poʻipū, ~45 min drive—but worth noting if you’re exploring
Originally a truck, now a casual Poʻipū spot for garlic butter shrimp plates, spicy sauces, and cold beers. It’s not trying to be fancy—it’s just good.
Poʻipū Shopping Village – walkable from many resorts
Wood-smoked chicken, ribs, and pulled pork from a roadside shack with picnic tables and big flavor. Not Mexican, but fits the roadside comfort food vibe.
Kōloa – ~1 mile from Poʻipū, ~3 min drive
UPSCALE DINING IN POI`PU
White tablecloths, wine lists, and ocean breezes. These spots bring polish to paradise—ideal for honeymoons, birthdays, or just a Wednesday that feels special.
A classic for a reason. This open-air, oceanfront restaurant delivers dramatic sunsets, a dependable seafood-focused menu, and just enough polish to feel like a special occasion without being stuffy. Go for the seared ahi or macadamia nut-crusted catch.
Kōloa / Lawai Beach – ~2 miles from Poʻipū, ~5 min drive
Part of the renowned Merriman’s group, this Poʻipū location stays true to its roots with locally sourced seafood, crisp wines, and airy plantation-style vibes. The wok-charred ahi is a standout.
Poʻipū Shopping Village – central Poʻipū, walkable from many hotels
Set in thatched bungalows over a koi-filled lagoon at the Grand Hyatt, Tidepools is one of the South Shore’s most romantic dining settings. Expect high-end Hawaiian seafood dishes, polished service, and an indulgent experience.
Kēālia / Grand Hyatt – ~1.5 miles from Poʻipū center, ~5 min drive
Inside the Koa Kea Hotel, Red Salt is sleek and modern with standout service. Breakfast is excellent, but dinner is where it shines—seared scallops, fresh catch, and a killer wine list.
Poʻipū – inside Koa Kea Hotel & Resort
Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s nod to plantation-era cooking, blending Asian, Hawaiian, and Euro techniques. Think kalbi ribs, misoyaki butterfish, and well-built cocktails.
The Shops at Kukui‘ula – ~1 mile from main Poʻipū resorts, ~3 min drive
COFFEE, SMOOTHIES & MORNING FUEL
Where to caffeinate and get your breakfast fix before the beach. Expect local beans, fresh fruit, hearty wraps, and açai bowls that don’t taste like filler. Whether you're grabbing a quick cold brew or lingering over banana mac pancakes, these are our favorite morning stops on the South Shore.
A colorful local favorite serving strong coffee, fresh smoothies, bagel sandwiches, and big açai bowls. Small patio with cheerful energy, always a line—but it moves fast.
Poʻipū – 0.3 miles from Sheraton Kaua‘i, ~2 min drive
Stylish café and market with espresso drinks, sourdough breakfast sandwiches, and a curated grocery section. Great option if you’re staying in Kōloa Landing or Kuku‘i‘ula.
Kuku‘i‘ula – 0.2 miles from Kōloa Landing Resort, ~1 min drive
Pressed juices, wellness shots, kombucha on tap, and an apothecary wall of local goods. Quick stop for a health kick or a post-hike reset.
Kōloa – 1.1 miles from Poʻipū Beach, ~4 min drive
Tucked into a local market, this hidden gem serves legit açai bowls, fresh juices, and smoothies. A favorite for locals and in-the-know visitors.
Kōloa – 1.6 miles from Sheraton Kaua‘i, ~5 min drive
Worth the short drive to Hanapēpē for incredible sourdough, pastries, and quiche. Get the croissant sandwich and take extras for the road.
Hanapēpē – 9.5 miles from Poʻipū, ~20 min drive
East Side: Kapaʻa, Wailua, and Līhuʻe’s Best Restaurants
Kauaʻi’s East Side isn’t just a drive-through zone on your way north or south—it’s a hub in its own right, with some of the island’s most diverse and satisfying food. Centered around the walkable town of Kapaʻa and the neighboring areas of Wailua and Līhuʻe, this region offers everything from classic plate lunch counters to inventive chef-run dinner spots. It’s also where you’ll find a strong café culture, plenty of juice bars, and a few oceanview restaurants with laid-back appeal.
Here are our top picks across five essential categories:
POKE, PLATE LUNCH & LOCAL GRINDS
Counter-service Hawaiian staples—poke bowls, loco moco, laulau, teri beef, etc. The casual backbone of island dining.
A Kapaʻa institution for decades. Grab a poke pound, bento box, or laulau platter to go—no seating required. Quiet, efficient, and always a line at lunchtime.
Kapaʻa – ~8.2 miles from Līhuʻe Airport, ~15 min drive
Tucked in an industrial corner of Puhi, just outside Līhuʻe. Massive portions of everything from beef stew to mochiko chicken—this is legendary plate lunch territory.
Puhi (Līhuʻe area) – ~2.6 miles from Līhuʻe town center, ~8 min drive
Papalani Gelato & Plate Lunches
Scoring great plate lunch (think BBQ chicken or loco moco) with its gelato counter side by side. Perfect if you need both savory and sweet in one stop.
Kapaʻa – ~8.7 miles from Līhuʻe, ~16 min drive
Near the cruise port in Nawiliwili, this is a grab-and-go poke bowl option with all the toppings—crispy garlic, spicy oil, coconut flakes. Portsider’s pick.
Nawiliwili (Līhuʻe) – ~1.7 miles from Līhuʻe center, ~6 min drive
True mom-and-pop plate lunch joint tucked just off the highway in Wailua. Expect massive portions of pork adobo, lau lau, and loco moco—with a warm aloha vibe and friendly prices.
Wailua – ~6.5 miles from Līhuʻe, ~12 min drive
Located in a small strip mall, this under-the-radar poke spot offers generous portions, customizable bowls, and surprisingly great sauces. More of a locals’ lunch stop than a tourist find.Kapaʻa – just north of downtown
SIT-DOWN SPOTS WITH A VIEW (OR VIBE)
Open-air restaurants, scenic patios, and places where you can actually linger. Think grilled fish, tropical cocktails, and relaxed dining energy. Some are tourist classics—others offer something a little more offbeat.
Probably the most refined dinner experience on the East Side. Chef Jean-Marie Josselin brings a delicate French-Asian-Hawaiian touch—local fish in bright sauces, fresh veg, and thoughtful plating. Quietly elegant.
Kapaʻa – ~8.4 miles from Līhuʻe, ~16 min drive
Yes, it’s touristy. But if you’re after beachfront dining with your toes in the sand and live music at sunset, this is your spot. The menu’s broad—fresh catch, burgers, pupus—but the scene’s the real draw.
Wailua Bay – ~7.3 miles from Līhuʻe, ~14 min drive
A more relaxed oceanfront setting tucked inside the Waipouli Beach Resort. Local ingredients, coastal views, and cocktails that beat most hotel bar fare. They’ve got a surprisingly creative happy hour menu.
Kapaʻa – ~7.8 miles from Līhuʻe, ~15 min drive
It’s inside a resort, but don’t write it off. The food is thoughtful—ahi poke nachos, fresh catch, prime rib—and the service is warm. Not flashy, just solid. Live music some nights.
Kapaʻa – ~8 miles from Līhuʻe, ~15 min drive
CAFÉS, COFFEE & JUICE BARS
Espresso, açai, smoothies, and quick bites—plus a few great patios to sit and stay awhile. Whether you're beach-bound or just need a midday reset, this is your fuel.
Probably the most popular coffee shop on the East Side. Great cold brew, killer breakfast bagels, fresh juice blends, and surfy indoor-outdoor energy. Always a line, always worth it.
Kapaʻa – ~8.4 miles from Līhuʻe Airport, ~17 min drive
Locally roasted beans, pour-overs, and a calm vibe tucked just off the main road. Solid choice if you want third-wave coffee without the crowd.
Kapaʻa – ~8.5 miles from Līhuʻe, ~17 min drive
A converted school bus turned roadside espresso stop. Known for friendly service, creamy iced lattes, and a killer mountain view if you linger.
Wailua – ~6.3 miles from Līhuʻe, ~13 min drive
Sleek, minimal café with high-quality coffee, matcha, and a few breakfast staples. More grown-up and quiet than Java Kai.
Kapaʻa – ~8.3 miles from Līhuʻe, ~16 min drive
Bright, fresh, and plant-based. Cold-pressed juices, açai bowls, and smoothies that lean clean and satisfying without being preachy.
Kapaʻa – ~8.2 miles from Līhuʻe, ~16 min drive
SWEET SPOTS & DESSERT COUNTERS
Shave ice, lilikoi bars, mochi donuts, banana bread still warm from the oven. Because island life should include a sugar high now and then.
The original location of this now-famous shave ice spot. Fluffy ice, fresh fruit toppings, and house-made syrups (no artificial neon goop here). Get the Lilikoi Butter or Lava Flow.
Kapaʻa – ~8.6 miles from Līhuʻe Airport, ~17 min drive
Tucked in a Wailua strip mall, this small bakery punches above its weight. Known for malasadas (especially the lilikoi custard), cinnamon rolls, and classic pastries.
Wailua – ~6.4 miles from Līhuʻe, ~13 min drive
Technically a plate lunch spot, but locals know the mochi and butter mochi here are some of the island’s best. A sneaky dessert stop if you’re already grabbing lunch.
Kapaʻa – ~8.2 miles from Līhuʻe, ~15 min drive
Colorful dessert shop known for bubble waffles, rolled ice cream, and boba. A hit with kids (and sugar-loving adults).
Kapaʻa – ~8.4 miles from Līhuʻe, ~17 min drive
North Shore: Hanalei, Princeville & Kīlauea’s Best Restaurants
Kauaʻi’s North Shore is where lush valleys meet dramatic coastlines—and the food scene follows suit. Home to the laid-back surf town of Hanalei, the resort enclave of Princeville, and the farming community of Kīlauea, this region feels quieter, greener, and more rural than the South or East Sides. The drive alone—winding past taro fields and waterfalls—feels like part of the meal.
While there are fewer restaurants overall, you’ll find some of the island’s most charming, ingredient-driven cafés, scenic lunch counters, and slow-food dinner spots tucked between surf breaks and roadside fruit stands. This section covers where to eat from Princeville to the end of the road at Hā‘ena.
POKE, PLATE LUNCH & FOOD TRUCKS
Casual and local-first—this is where the North Shore shines. Expect ono fish, BBQ meats, and fresh juices from trucks, counters, and roadside spots with serious repeat appeal.
Small counter tucked behind the Quiksilver shop in Hanalei. Fresh poke bowls with perfect rice, generous toppings, and rotating specials like limu or spicy mayo.
Hanalei – central Hanalei town, walkable
A long-time local favorite in Hanalei, this food truck serves fish tacos, burgers, and plate lunches from a shaded outdoor lot. Hearty, flavorful, and unpretentious.
Hanalei – walkable from main town strip
Colorful roadside stand offering epic smoothies, açai bowls, and fruit juices. Also does wraps and healthy plate lunches. Chill picnic tables and roosters wandering nearby.
Anahola – ~10 miles from Princeville, ~20 min drive
Order at the counter, find a table out back, and enjoy freshly grilled fish plates, poke bowls, and burritos. Consistently fresh and satisfying.
Kīlauea – ~7 miles from Princeville, ~15 min drive
SIT-DOWN SPOTS WITH A VIEW (OR VIBE)
A mix of casual elegance and island charm. These are your sit-down, sip-a-cocktail, linger-a-little-longer kind of restaurants—ideal after a long beach day.
Rustic-modern tapas restaurant in Hanalei with serious culinary cred. Wood-fired meats, seasonal veggies, and one of the North Shore’s most atmospheric dinner scenes. Book ahead.
Hanalei – central town
A cozy, longtime staple in Kīlauea known for its seafood, steaks, and relaxed indoor-outdoor setting. Try the coconut crusted catch or nightly pasta special.
Kīlauea – in historic stone building
A charming, mostly vegetarian restaurant in Hanalei with a loyal following. Think tofu curry, garden risotto, and housemade desserts in a peaceful setting.
Hanalei – just west of town center
CAFÉS, COFFEE & SMOOTHIE BARS
Fuel up before your Hanalei hike or slow-roll your morning with espresso and banana bread. This is where to go for café vibes, strong coffee, and light daytime eats.
Stylish café with strong pour-overs, hearty toasts, and sourdough baked goods. The line moves slow, but it’s worth it.
Hanalei – main town strip
Sibling to the popular Kapaʻa location. Funky, colorful coffee shop with good breakfast wraps, cold brew, and tropical lattes.
Kīlauea – Kong Lung Center
Walk-up juice stand in Hanalei serving açai bowls, smoothies, and cold coconuts. Expect a line, chickens underfoot, and a local classic.
Hanalei – near Hanalei Center
Modern espresso bar with a sleek, minimalist vibe. Serves quality coffee, matcha, and some light pastries.
Kīlauea – near the lighthouse turnoff
SWEET STOPS & BAKED GOODS
Donuts, shave ice, banana bread, and other sugar-fueled highlights. When you're sticky with salt and sand and need a treat—this is the list.
Beloved Hanalei shave ice stand with organic syrups, açai bowls, and good vibes. Parked in a classic blue truck with a shady hangout space.
Hanalei – roadside before main town
Smoothie bar with an epic baked goods counter—think matcha cookies, energy balls, and vegan banana bread. Great pit stop post-hike.
Princeville – near the shopping center
Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza
Island-famous for good reason. Get the coconut turnovers, mango danishes, or chocolate croissants—and grab a pizza for later while you’re at it.
Kīlauea – Kong Lung Center