A vacation to Kauai is bound to be full of excitement and adventure! There are so many thrilling activities to explore, from setting out on the best hikes on the island to venturing into some Kauai tidepools. No matter what you decide to do during your time here, there’s one common factor for every vacation: you have to know the best restaurants in town so you can fuel up for your adventures!
When your stomach’s starting to growl after a long day of exploration, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we've rounded up some of our favorite places to eat on the Garden Isle. Whether you’re craving traditional Hawaiian dishes, fresh seafood, or just want to know the best restaurants on Kauai so you can start your trip planning, this list will help you find your next great meal.
Let’s dig into the best food spots on Kauai!
Poipu Restaurants
Check out the top restaurants in Poipu! We have several Poipu vacation rentals located conveniently close to these delicious restaurants, so you won’t have to travel far.
Tidepools Restaurant Kauai
Tidepools offers a unique restaurant experience here on Kauai. If you’re looking for the perfect date night spot, this is it! You’ll feel the romance as you eat delectable cuisine in thatched-roof bungalows at the base of a waterfall. We can’t think of a more romantic setting!
Hours: Open Daily 5-9 PM
Location: 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii 96756
Menu Highlights: You’ll find a bit of everything here. Some highlights include Island-Style Poke, Veal Meatballs, Seared Hawaiian Ahi, and Prime Center-Cut Filets.
Keoki's Paradise Restaurant
For a more family-oriented dining experience, you can’t go wrong at Keoki’s Paradise Restaurant. They also have open-air seating, allowing you to take in the tropical natural surroundings—plus, they have live hula almost every night, and regular live music as well!
Hours:
Lunch & Dinner
Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
Brunch, Lunch & Dinner
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
Location: 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Suite 77, Koloa
Menu Highlights: Hula Pie! Plus, don’t miss their brunch menu if you’re looking for a great breakfast on Kauai. Delicious options include the Kauai’s Farmer Omelet and Beach Boy Breakfast Burrito.
Brennecke's Restaurant
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is always another great stop. They have some of the best seafood options on Kauai, plus cold drinks, snacks, and shave ice over at Brennecke’s Snack Shack if you need something quick!
Hours: Open Daily 11 AM-9 PM
Location: 2100 Hoone Road, Poipu Beach, Koloa
Menu Highlights: South Shore’s most popular shave ice (from the snack shack), Raw Ahi Poke Tacos, Furikake Seared Ahi Sashimi
Rumfire Restaurant Kauai
If you’re looking for another great date spot, Rumfire is a solid option (after all, you may have multiple occasions to celebrate, or maybe you just want to treat yourself)! The restaurant was designed with stunning views in mind; every seat has incredible 180-degree ocean views. What a setting for dinner!
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 5-9 PM
Location: 2440 Ho'onani Road, Kauai
Menu Highlights: Ahi Crudo, Kampachi Poisson Cru, Rumfire Burger, Tomahawk for Two
Hanalei Restaurants
The Dolphin Restaurant Hanalei
The Hanalei Dolphin is both a restaurant and a fish market on Kauai! That’s how you know they have some of the freshest seafood on the island. Take in romantic sunsets on the banks of the Hanalei Heritage River while enjoying one of their specialty cocktails, gourmet sushi, and the freshest fish, steaks, and seafood on the island.
Location: 5-5016 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Hours: Open Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Menu Highlights: They have so much fresh seafood to choose from here, you really can’t go wrong! Favorites of ours include the Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl and the Hawaiian Chicken entree.
Bar Acuda Hanalei
Bar Acuda is a must-visit if you’re craving locally sourced, seasonal dishes! It’s a small-plate restaurant with a big reputation—perfect for sharing several dishes over a glass of wine. You’ll want to make a reservation before you go; this place is popular for a reason!
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 5:30–9:00 PM
Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Menu Highlights: Try the Kauai Honeycomb with goat cheese, Local North Shore Fish, and the House-Made Chorizo with roasted potatoes.
Princeville, Kauai Restaurants
Happy Talk Bar & Restaurant
At Happy Talk, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay, the ocean, and Mount Makana, all in a casual, friendly atmosphere! Stop in here after a long day of hiking and exploring—you'll be glad you did. They also have live music every night from 6 PM to 9 PM, so you can listen to some of the island's most talented musicians while you eat.
Hours: Open Wednesday-Monday, 3 PM-9 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Location: 5380 Honoiki Road, Princeville, Kauai
Menu Highlights: Coconut Shrimp, Furikake Fries, Smash Burgers
Saenz Ohana Breakfast
This Princeville gem is a Kauai food truck, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not a great breakfast option. Saenz Ohana serves up some of the best breakfast on the North Shore! Known for hearty portions and local hospitality, this is the place to grab a satisfying morning bite before hitting the beach or exploring nearby trails.
Hours: Open Daily 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722 (near Princeville Center)
Menu Highlights: Loco Moco, Banana Mac Nut Pancakes, and the Saenz Supreme Breakfast Burrito are all top picks.
Book Your Trip to Kauai Directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals!
Yum! Now that you know these top places to eat on Kauai, you have all the resources you need to eat well on your trip. After all, you deserve only the best on your Kauai vacation!
Speaking of the best of the best…when booking your vacation accommodations, make sure you stay in a Kauai Vacation Rentals property. When you stay in one of our vacation rental homes or condos, you’ll truly feel like a part of the local community. We firmly believe our guests should be treated with the utmost respect and strive to exhibit the Spirit of Aloha in all interactions!
Whether you want to stay in an oceanfront home or condo, somewhere with pool access, or prefer a property with access to a relaxing hot tub, you can find all that and more within our extensive rental catalog. What are you waiting for? It’s time to get that trip booked! Browse our available Kauai vacation rentals now and book your next trip directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals!