Lihue and the east side
Hamura Saimin
U-shaped counters, bowls of saimin since 1952 and lilikoi chiffon pie. A James Beard America's Classics honoree.
Duke's Kauai
Open-air dining by a waterfall garden above Kalapaki Bay.
Pono Market
A local market counter for poke, sushi and plate lunches to go.
South shore: Poipu and Koloa
The Beach House Restaurant
One of Kauai's classic sunset dinners, right on the water.
Keoki's Paradise
Tiki-style dining in a garden setting, with Hula Pie for dessert.
Merriman's Kauai
Peter Merriman's Kauai outpost at the Shops at Kukuiula.
Puka Dog
Hawaiian-style hot dogs in a toasted bun with tropical relishes.
North shore and Hanalei
Tahiti Nui
Hanalei's classic bar, open since 1963, with live music and pizza.
Hanalei Dolphin
Riverside fish dinners and a fish market next door.
West side
The Shrimp Station
Garlic and coconut shrimp plates, a classic stop on the way to or from Waimea Canyon.
JoJo's Shave Ice
A west-side shave ice stop on the way back from Waimea Canyon and Kokee.
Restaurants open, close, move and change hours often. Check the restaurant's own website or call before you go. No restaurant paid to be listed.
Kauai luaus, chocolate and farm tours
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Staying on Kauai?
Compare Kauai hotel deals at Rooms Cheap and plan with the Kauai trip planner. A rental car from USA Auto Rental makes it easy to reach Waimea Canyon and Hanalei.
Frequently asked questions
What is saimin?
A Hawaii noodle soup that grew out of plantation-era cooking: wheat noodles in a dashi-style broth, topped with green onion, kamaboko fish cake and char siu or Spam.