• Destinations
    • Canada
      • Banff
      • Calgary
      • Jasper
      • New Brunswick
      • Ontario
      • Vancouver
      • Victoria
      • Whistler
    • Hawaii
      • Kauai
      • Maui
      • Big Island
    • USA
      • Chicago
      • Denver
      • Maine
      • Nashville
      • Portland
      • Seattle
  • Dining
  • Activities
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Cocktails & Drinks
    • Desserts & Sweets
    • Entertaining
    • Mains & Sides
    • Most Popular Recipes
  • Products
  • Most Popular Posts
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Wary Travelers

  • Destinations
    • Canada
      • Banff
      • Calgary
      • Jasper
      • New Brunswick
      • Ontario
      • Vancouver
      • Victoria
      • Whistler
    • Hawaii
      • Kauai
      • Maui
      • Big Island
    • USA
      • Chicago
      • Denver
      • Maine
      • Nashville
      • Portland
      • Seattle
  • Dining
  • Activities
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Cocktails & Drinks
    • Desserts & Sweets
    • Entertaining
    • Mains & Sides
    • Most Popular Recipes
  • Products
  • Most Popular Posts
  • Contact
  • Search
Best Food on Kauai 34
Doughtnuts from Holey Grail - Best Food on Kauai

Best Food on Kauai

Posted: September 25, 2018 By //  by WaryTraveler 35 Comments Last Updated: December 24, 2020

Before heading out on vacation one of the first things that we do is research good places to eat.  Since we have been to Kauai several times over the years, we thought we would share our list of the best food on Kauai. Although we haven’t been able to check out every place on the island, here is a list of places that we have tried and would recommend to our family and friends. So here they are, in no particular order.

*** Unfortunately due to lockdowns related to COVID-19 some of these businesses might not yet have re-opened or might have closed permanently. ***

Little Fish Coffee – Hanapepe and Poipu
Little Fish Coffee – Best Food on Kauai

We discovered Little Fish on one of our first trips to Kauai.  We had stopped in their original location in Hanapepe to check it out and we were looking for something to drink.  Everything on the menu sounded good and looked good so we ordered some coffee and some food.  Turns out the coffee was really great and the food memorable.  Years later, I still remember that first Monkey Nuts smoothie I had.

Best Food on Kauai
Pakala Bowl from Little Fish Coffee – Best Food on Kauai

Since then, they have opened a second location in Poipu, and, it’s busy! The lineup at the Poipu location can easily be 20 deep at times.  They are pretty efficient and the line does move fairly quickly.

If you do make it there, certainly give some of our favorite things  a try.  These are the Monkey Nuts smoothie, of course, their cinnamon schmear on a bagel, the breakfast bagel and the Pakala bowl.  Don’t forget to grab some coffee which is roasted on the Island and a great way to start the day!

Best Food on Kauai
Bagel from Little Fish Coffee – Best Food on Kauai

The hours at their Poipu location are 6:30 am to 3 pm – be forewarned, there can be lineups at 6:30, it’s that popular. And, the Hanapepe location is open from 7 am to 3 pm.

Kiawe Roots – Koloa

During our latest trip, we discovered Kiawa Roots and it quickly became a go-to. No joke, we ate there 3 times. Not only do they have terrific Happy Hour specials, their food is fantastic.

blank
Fried Brussel Sprouts from Kiawe Roots – Best Food on Kauai

Their philosophy is simple techniques, simple ingredients, unique flavors. And boy, do they deliver.

blank
Dad’s Fried Chicken Wings from Kiawe Roots – Best Food on Kauai

If you are looking for a recommendation, go for the Huli Huli chicken. The portion is huge (1/2 chicken), and some of the best chicken we’ve ever had.

They are open for Brunch 11 am to 3 pm, Happy Hour 3 pm to 5 pm and Dinner 5 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays, they are only open for dinner.

Street Burger – Kapa’a

After a recommendation from a blog reader, we finally did make it to Street Burger. And, it definitely did not disappoint. The food is high quality and made with local ingredients. All burgers are grilled over wood making it a unique and superior product. Everything is made in house, including their ketchup. Which is probably the best we’ve ever had. If you like beer, they have plenty of options on tap.

Best Food on Kauai
Street Burger – Best Food on Kauai

Also, the fries are exceptional. Fried to a perfect golden brown, crispy and perfectly salted. Go hungry, the portions are huge. We stopped by on our way back from hiking the Kalalau Trail and weren’t able to finish our plates.

If you get the chance, stop by Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 11 am and 10 pm.

Kauai Juice – Kapa’a, Poipu & Kilauea
Best Food on Kauai
Kauai Juice – Best Food on Kauai

Hands down best kombucha that we have ever tasted!  We have been known to purchase growlers worth of it while on the island.  Our favorite flavors are the Lilikoi Lychee and Dragonfruit Pineapple.  Kauai Juice also has cold press juices that are very good.  We especially like the Glow and the Minta Colada.

Best Food on Kauai
Minta Colada from Kauai Juice – Best Food on Kauai

Don’t forget to try an elixir when you stop by. The Ginger Snap is the best. It’s made with ginger, lemon, honey and cinnamon.  It’s a great pick me up when you aren’t feeling 100%.

All their stores are open 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday.  Their Sunday hours vary by location.

Best Food on Kauai
Kombucha from Kauai Juice – Best Food on Kauai
Anake’s Juice Bar – Poipu
blank
Anake’s Juice Bar – Best Food on Kauai

On a hot day or after a hike, nothing hits the spot quite like Anake’s Acai Bowls. Refreshing, sweet, filling and simply the best we have had on any of the Hawaiian Islands. Our favorite is the Funky Monkey.  They also have tasty sounding smoothies and fresh juices.

Best Food on Kauai 37
Funky Monkey from Anake’s – Best Food on Kauai

This place is popular both with the locals and the visitors. It’s in the back of the Kukuiula Market; just follow the sound of the blenders!

Anake’s is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day.

Da Crack – Poipu
blank
Da Crack – Best Food on Kauai

Go hungry!  The burritos there extremely large.  It’s another place that very popular so there can be a lineup at times. Don’t be afraid, it’s worth the wait. Da Crack is also a favorite of the locals.  In fact, it’s not until a local told us that we had to give it a try that we did. Order the ahi burrito and add cabbage to it.  It’s a dynamite combo you can’t get anywhere else. The chicken burrito is also very good.  They also have tacos, bowls and nachos. Everything is pick your own protein and fixings and made to order.

Best Food on Kauai
Burrito from Da Crack – Best Food on Kauai

They are open 11 am to 8 pm daily.

El Pastor Taco – Kapa’a
Best Food on Kauai
El Pastor Taco – Best Food on Kauai

This little gem is a food truck in Kapa’a Town and serves great tacos.  We first heard about El Pastor Taco on the Food Network and decided to check it out.  And, we’ve been back several times since.  The food is great, portions large and reasonably priced.  Get two tacos, a fish one and an el pastor one, you won’t be sorry.

They are open 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday – closed on Monday.

Pizzetta – Koloa
blank
Pizza from Pizzetta – Best Food on Kauai

Pizza or pasta aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when in Hawaii, but a kalua pork and pineapple pizza should be.  At Pizzetta, they call it The Real Hawaiian.  Since it’s not actually on the menu you have to ask for it. Trust us, they will definitely know what you are talking about.

blank
Bruschetta from Pizzetta – Best Food on Kauai

Pizzetta has great Happy Hour specials from 3 to 5:30 pm daily. Their appetizers and drinks are a great price during that time! Give their bruschetta a try, it’s really good.  Most days you can probably get a table without reservations, but to avoid being disappointed it’s probably safest to do so.

They are open from 11 am to 9 pm daily.

Hanalei Bread Company – Hanalei
blank
Hanalei Bread Company – Best Food on Kauai

If you find yourself on Kauai’s North Shore, looking for coffee and a bite to eat, check out Hanalei Bread Company.

Best Food on Kauai
Cinnamon Roll from Hanalei Bread Company – Best Food on Kauai

From espresso and cold-pressed coffee, made with Hawaii-grown and roasted beans, they will provide enough power to paddle up Hanalei River.

Looking for breakfast and a sweet treat?  They’ve got you covered.  Their breakfast sandwich is a winner, likewise the avocado toast is great and all their pastries are amazing.

Best Food on Kauai
Breakfast Sandwich from Hanalei Bread Company – Best Food on Kauai

They are open from 7 am to 5 pm, 7 days per week.

Kauai Island Brewery & Grill – Port Allen

After watching an epic sunset from Kekaha Beach, we decided to stop in at Kauai Island Brewery & Grill for a quick pint and a bite to eat.

blank
Sunset at Kekaha Beach – Best Food on Kauai

After looking at the list of beers on tap, it was too hard to pick just one so a flight was a better option. Turns out all the beers we tasted were good but the The Fonz IPAaaaaaaaaaaaaaa and the Lilikoi Ale were our favorites.

blank
Beer Flight from Kauai Island Brewery & Grill – Best Food on Kauai

A local had mentioned that the Kalua Pork sandwich there was good so that’s what we ordered. Turns out that was an understatement, it was the best pulled pork sandwich that we’ve ever had. And, the fries are really good too. They too focus on local fresh ingredients and make almost everything in-house.

blank
Kalua Pork Sandwich from Kauai Island Brewery & Grill – Best Food on Kauai

If you are looking for high quality pub food on Kauai, this is a great option. They are open 11 am to 9 pm daily. If you find yourself in the area, do stop by.

Makai Sushi – Koloa

Also in the Kukuiula Market, Makai Sushi is another hidden gem. We had walked by several times never thinking of stopping by until we saw another blogger mention how fantastic it was. So, obviously we decided to give it a try. And, it has now been added to our list of fav Kauai foods. It is outstanding.

blank
Bowl from Makai Sushi – Best Food on Kauai

They are open 11 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday. And, weekends from 11 am to 5 pm.

The Beach House – Koloa
blank
The Beach House – Best Food on Kauai

We stopped by late afternoon, during Happy Hour thinking we would try some mai tais and a snack but we liked it so much that we ended up staying to watch the sunset.  The Beach House has one of the best sunset views on the island.

During happy hour, from 2:30 to 4:30 daily, the pupus (appetizers) are half price and their famous Monkeypod mai tais are $10.

Best Food on Kauai
Monkeypod Mai Tai from The Beach House – Best Food on Kauai

Everything we had there was are great!  We tried the lobster deviled eggs, the garlic truffle oil fries, the pumpkin patch ravioli and the Szechuan stir-fry green beans. Since these were all half price, we took full advantage! We will definitely be adding this place to our list for next visit!

blank
Lobster Deviled Eggs from The Beach House – Best Food on Kauai
blank
Kalaheo Cafe – Kalaheo

You will find Kalaheo Cafe in the lush mountains of upcountry Kalaheo. It’s a locals’ favorite and they have plenty of local awards on the wall. One fun fact that we noticed was that they estimate their clientele to be 75% local.

We stopped by for breakfast, but they do also offer lunch and dinner menus.

As you walk in, you are greeted by a case full of tasty treats. As you can probably guess, we had to try one of them. We opted for the knuckle. It’s a cross between a croissant and a cinnamon roll. Very tasty.

blank
Knuckle from Kalaheo Cafe – Best Food on Kauai

For our meals, we opted for omelettes. They were very tasty and a generous size. They were also served with hash browns and a small grilled corn muffin. A very nice touch!

blank
Lawai Farmers Omelette from Kalaheo Cafe – Best Food on Kauai

 They open at 6:30 am, perfect for early risers and close around 2 pm. For night where dinner is available, they re-open at 5 pm.

Porky’s – Waimea
blank
Porky’s – Best Food on Kauai

If you do a quick search for the top places to eat on Kauai, Porky’s comes out on top.  They only have 4 menu options so how can that be? We had to find out for ourselves.  After a day in Waimea Canyon, we decided to stop in and give it a try.  We ordered the Number One which is a grilled pineapple infused pork sausage topped with handcrafted, slow roasted kalua pork, fresh cut pineapple, grilled onions, porky’s bbq sauce (sweet or sweet & spicy), all inside a toasted cheese french roll. And, it was THAT GOOD.  The pork was fantastic and the sweet spicy BBQ sauce pushed it over the top.  So, if you are in the area, do give it a try.

blank
Pineapple Sausage  from Porky’s – Best Food on Kauai

Their Waimea shop is open Monday to Friday from 11 am until 4 pm.  And, Saturday from 11 am until 3 pm. 

Fun fact, Porky’s started as a food truck that was so successful that they decided to open a restaurant in Waimea.

Tidepools – Poipu

Although we have never had a full meal here, we did have cocktails and some outstanding desserts so we thought that it was worth a mention.  To eat in the dining room, you definitely need some reservations, unless you want to sit in the lounge.

blank
Malasadas from Tidepools – Best Food on Kauai

Tidepools is another restaurant that is always top of list when you search for good places to eat on Kauai. Judging by how good our malasadas and the lava cake were, it’s probably safe to assume that you wouldn’t be disappointed with a meal there.

Best Food on Kauai
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake from Tidepools – Best Food on Kauai

The lounge opens at 5 pm daily and the dining room at 5:30 pm.

Holey Grail Donuts – Hanalei
blank
Holey Grail – Best Food on Kauai

We had been following Holey Grail Donuts on Instagram for a little while.  While planning our latest trip to Kauai, we knew we needed to check it out.  They are located in food truck in Hanalei and open Tuesday to Sunday morning from 7 am to 1 pm.  Their donuts are organic, vegan and made with taro and fried in coconut oil.

If you decide to go, be prepared for a bit of a wait.  All donuts are made to order and there can be a bit of a lineup. The menu tends to change every week.  The day we stopped by the options were as per the menu below.

blank
Holey Grail Menu – Best Food on Kauai

We decided to get one of each kind.  After a few minutes of wait, got our box of donuts. Not only are the donuts beautiful to look at but they were delicious.

Best Food on Kauai
Donuts from Holey Grail – Best Food on Kauai
Nom – Kapa’a

Upon recommendation for a local photographer, we stopped by Nom for brunch. Nom had been a successful food truck for a few years and in 2018, they opened in their current space. Everything is locally sourced, made from scratch and delicious. And, there is a definite southern influence to all the dishes.

blank
The Pineapple Express from Nom – Best Food on Kauai

They are open from 8:00am-2:30pm, Wednesday thru Monday. It is quite popular so there might be a bit of a wait. But, if you aren’t in a rush, it’s well worth the wait. And, go hungry, the portions are big!

Java Kai – Kapa’a
blank
Java Kai – Best Food on Kauai

There’s no shortage of great local coffee shops on Kauai. Java Kai not only serves up great coffee (roasted in house!), but they crank out fantastic breakfast, acai bowls and have a full display case of sweet treats (give the Aloha Bar a try). We recommend hitting them up before, during or after riding on the Kappa Bike Path. It is just feet away from the pathway, with ample seating inside an out and has something to satisfy any type of craving. Or, if you’re just looking for great coffee on the East Side.

Their hours are from 6 am to 7 pm.

blank
Aloha Bar – Best Food on Kauai

Looking for more information before going to Kauai? Check out some of our other Kauai posts.

  • Kauai Travel Tips
  • Best Happy Hour on Kauai
  • 7 Day Budget Friendly Kauai Itinerary
  • Favorite Kauai Beaches

Finally, if you have any food recommendation for us, comment below so we can check it out during our next visit to Kauai.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

Useful? Spread the word!

Filed Under: Dining, Hawaii, Kauai, Most Popular Posts Tagged With: Acai bowl, Breakfast, Coffee, Dining, Donut, Doughnut, Drinks, Kauai, Mai Tai, Pizza, Poke, Snack, Sushi, Sweet Treat

Previous Post: «Best Chocolate Cake Ever Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
Next Post: Favorite Kauai Beaches Favorite Kauai Beaches 1»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy

    July 10, 2019 at 6:57 am

    Street burger!!!

    Reply
    • WaryTraveler

      July 10, 2019 at 8:28 am

      Thank you for the suggestion. We will check it out when we are there in December!

      Reply
  2. Amy

    August 18, 2019 at 1:42 am

    The Blue Dolphin in Hanalei is also fabulous. They have wonderful fresh seafood (with a seafood market out back) and superb sushi.

    Reply
    • WaryTraveler

      August 21, 2019 at 10:12 am

      Hi Amy,

      Thank you for the suggestion. We headed back to Kauai in December and will definitely check it out.

      Reply
  3. Mj

    January 8, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    Check out nourish hanalei farm stand! Great lunch, smoothies and bowls!

    Reply
    • WaryTraveler

      January 9, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks for the tip Mj. We’ll check it out next time!

      Reply
  4. Shelby

    January 20, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    You have to try Street Burger-they are AMAZING! Like, literally everything is good. Pono Market in Kapa’a should also be on this list for their fried chicken and poke (btw, you have to go early before the lunch rush or they will run out of chicken).

    Reply
    • WaryTraveler

      January 22, 2020 at 11:11 am

      Hi Shelby,
      We did get try Street Burger during our last visit and we fell in love as well. Thank you for the Pono Market tip! We will add it to our list for out next visit.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      November 24, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      damn it is that good?!?!?1

      Reply
  5. Michelle Stinson

    April 23, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    You have to stop by The Local…amazing drinks and small bites! Breakfast must is Art Cafe Hemingway, its charming and delicious!

    Reply
    • Yousef ghais srour

      November 24, 2020 at 10:25 pm

      thanks for the tip i will stop by the local

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search

Our Most Popular Posts

Best Happy Hour on Kauai 2

Best Happy Hour on Kauai

Best Happy Hour on Kauai
Best Food on Maui 1

Best Food on Maui

Best Food on Maui
Violette Squeeze

Violette Squeeze

Violette Squeeze
7 Day Maui Itinerary

7 Day Maui Itinerary

7 Day Maui Itinerary
Monkeypod Maui

Monkeypod Maui

Monkeypod Maui
Nashville Weekend Itinerary 1

Nashville Weekend

Nashville Weekend

Our Favourite Activities

Maligne Canyon Hike

Maligne Canyon Hike

Maligne Canyon Hike
Whistler Weekend

Whistler Weekend

Whistler Weekend
Jasper Weekend 1

Jasper Weekend

Jasper Weekend
River North Art District

River North Art District

River North Art District
Kauai Helicopter Tour

Kauai Helicopter Tour

Kauai Helicopter Tour
Best Happy Hour on Kauai 2

Best Happy Hour on Kauai

Best Happy Hour on Kauai
 

Itineraries

Whistler Weekend

Whistler Weekend

Whistler Weekend
Jasper Weekend 1

Jasper Weekend

Jasper Weekend
Denver Weekend

Denver Weekend

Denver Weekend
Toronto Weekend

Toronto Weekend

Toronto Weekend
Summer Weekend in Vancouver

Summer Weekend in Vancouver

Summer Weekend in Vancouver
A day in St. Andrews

A day in St. Andrews

A day in St. Andrews

Related Posts

Maligne Canyon Hike

Maligne Canyon Hike

Maligne Canyon Hike
Whistler Weekend

Whistler Weekend

Whistler Weekend
Jasper Park Lodge

Jasper Park Lodge

Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper Weekend 1

Jasper Weekend

Jasper Weekend
River North Art District

River North Art District

River North Art District
Kauai Helicopter Tour

Kauai Helicopter Tour

Kauai Helicopter Tour

Most Popular Recipes

Violette Sour Cocktail 1

Violette Sour Cocktail

Violette Sour Cocktail
Chewy Gingersnap cookies

Chewy Gingersnap Cookies

Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Best Pizza Dough Recipe

Best Pizza Dough Recipe

Best Pizza Dough Recipe
Violette Squeeze

Violette Squeeze

Violette Squeeze
Mini Eggs Buttercream 1

Mini Eggs Buttercream

Mini Eggs Buttercream
Cheese Puffs Recipe 1

Cheese Puffs Recipe

Cheese Puffs Recipe

Footer

About Us

We are a Canadian couple that loves to travel… a lot! After years of experiencing the good, bad and ugly of travel we have become wary when going to new destinations. We are sharing our experiences with you so you can enjoy yours.

All establishments, activities and products featured on warytravelers.com are approved by the owners of this site.  Most content is not sponsored but at times, some content may be sponsored and will be disclosed.  All opinions expressed are unbiased and our own.  We share this information with you in hopes of contributing to making your vacation memorable.

We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Instagram Feed

Something is wrong.
Instagram token error.
Follow

Site Footer

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2020