An assortment of Food from different restaurants in Kauai.

The 18 Best Restaurants in Kauai Right Now

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Kauai, look no further! We have rounded up a list of the top eateries on the island, including casual and fine-dining options. 

Whether you’re craving seafood, exotic cuisines, food trucks, or a place to enjoy romantic sunset views, these restaurants will not disappoint. 

How did we come up with this list? I’m glad you asked! We researched the best restaurants on the island and consulted locals about their favorite places. We then took it upon ourselves to try the restaurants and make sure we were recommending places of the highest quality.

A plate of the chicken skewer I ordered along with noodles, vegetables, papaya salad, and short ribs from a restaurant in Kauai.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Best Restaurants in Kauai With a View 

Kicking off our list are the top restaurants with the best views on the island!:

(1) Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant and Bar (Kapa’a)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 4-1546 Kuhio HWY, Kapa’a, HI – 96746

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Bars, American, Seafood

Hours of Operation: Thursday – Monday, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday

What’s it like?: Sam’s Ocean View is perfect for a romantic evening or a casual night out with friends or family. Located on the beach in Kapa’a, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets while sipping delicious cocktails and savoring fresh dishes.

They use the best ingredients and quality cuts of meat, plus their daily fresh fish options are superb.

The restaurant was established in 2015 and has been serving delicious meals from the start. 

Specialties include a catch of the day, locally-sourced seafood, parmesan-crusted island fish, seared ahi steak, Wagyu steak chimichurri (gluten-free), and an array of cocktails, such as the Koloa, Coconut Mai Tai, and more.

Lucky us! A table with one of the best views at Sam’s.

Why we love it: There is so much to love about this place. The views are perfect, the service is friendly and attentive, and the food is delicious. We even caught a beautiful sunset, which made the whole experience even better.

We ordered the Wagyu steak and the fish and chips, which were both terrific. By far the best fish and chips we have ever had. Not too oily, just fresh and delightful. We highly recommend it! The fish of the day was mahi-mahi, and it was cooked to perfection.

A plate of delicious wagyu steak with potatoes and salad from Sam's Ocean View Restaurant in Kauai.
Wagyu steak
A plate of fish and chips from Sam's Ocean View Restaurant in Kauai.
Fish and chips

We also ordered their pineapple drink, and boy, was it good! This is an excellent nonalcoholic beverage option if you are traveling with kids.

We had the upside-down pineapple cake for dessert, and it was phenomenal. We got the coconut ice cream to go with it too. 

Overall, the experience here was spectacular, and we will continue to return. 

Tip: Make your reservation in advance, as this place often books up quickly. If you want a table with the best sunset views, request a table closer to the beach. 

If you love happy hour specials, visit Sam’s Ocean View from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Monday, Thursday, and Friday. They have great deals on their signature cocktails, small plates, and more. 

We recommend this spot to anyone looking for the best restaurants in Kauai with a view!

(2) Hukilau Lanai (Kapa’a)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: Kauai Coast Resort, 520 Aleka Lp, Kapa’a, HI 96746

Price: $$$$

Cuisine: American, Seafood, Hawaiian

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

What’s it like?: Located in the Kauai Coast Resort, Hukilau Lanai is a must-try restaurant when you’re in Kauai. This place has incredible garden views and a fantastic menu featuring some of the best seafood dishes we have ever had.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of local and specialty dishes inspired by the flavors of Kauai. They use local products and produce to create delicious dishes. From fresh seafood to fresh pasta made in-house daily, they have something for everyone.

You can order from their gluten-free dinner, keiki (kids), and dessert menus. Their cocktail and wine selection are also a must-try!

I ordered the sautéed boneless chicken breast served on mashed potatoes with a local mushroom lemon sauce, which was outstanding. The chicken was tender, and the gravy was the best I have ever had and complemented the dish well. The flavors were so fresh, and it was cooked to perfection.

The chicken meal with mushrooms I ordered from the Hakulani restaurant in Kauai.
Sautéed boneless chicken breast

Cody ordered the fresh homemade pasta, which was also excellent. It had a great combination of flavors and textures.

A plate of pasta and chicken with mushrooms from the Hakulani restaurant in Kauai.
Sautéed boneless chicken breast and fresh homemade pasta

Both entries come with a soup or salad option, and they were also delicious. The fish soup was my personal favorite.

They start you off with freshly made bread, which is always great, especially if you are hungry and want to avoid ordering an appetizer.

The service here was also excellent; our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about every item on the menu. We enjoyed everything from start to finish!

Why we love it: Hukilau Lanai is not just a restaurant but an experience. From the mellow live music to the ambiance and the food, it is truly a treat. Coming here is definitely one of our favorite things to do on Kauai.

Aside from the delicious food, the views were fantastic. We got a romantic table outside, which made everything even more special.

Tip: Make your reservation in advance, as this place often books up quickly.

(3) AMA Restaurant (Hanalei)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

What’s it like?: AMA Restaurant is an outstanding Asian fusion eatery located in the heart of Hanalei. This place features traditional Asian flavors as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

You can enjoy authentic ramen and noodle dishes while enjoying Kauai’s lush scenery in the background. The views here are spectacular and are even better during sunsets. There is a fire pit with stunning mountain views you can enjoy while waiting for your table. This is by far one of our favorite views on the island.

A plate of oyakodon ramen from Ama Restaurant in Kauai with gorgeous mountain views.
Oyakodon ramen

As for the food, AMA’s noodle, ramen, and massaman dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. The flavors are bold and delicious, and the presentation is impressive. Plus, you can’t beat the views.

If you are extremely hungry and want an appetizer, the green papaya salad, Brussels sprouts, and bao buns are highly recommended.

For our main course, Cody ordered the oyakodon ramen with bone broth, grilled Jidori chicken, bok choy, soft egg, pickled mushrooms, scallions, and uzumaki. The flavors were so balanced, and the presentation was impressive.

A plate of the chicken skewer I ordered with noodles and vegetables and the papaya salad.
Chicken skewer and the green papaya salad

I ordered the chicken skewer with marinated, roasted, and grilled Jidori leg meat with coconut tamarind-lemongrass sauce, and it was delicious too.

Why we love it: We love the views here if you can’t tell already. The food, the service, and the atmosphere are also top-notch.

Me sitting at our table enjoying the gorgeous mountain views at Ama Restaurant in Kauai.

Lastly, this restaurant is way more affordable than some of the restaurants mentioned in this category. Their sister restaurant, Bar Acuda, is located next door. While we love Bar Acuda, we prefer AMA Restaurant due to the price point. More on Bar Acuda later in this article.

Tip: Like most restaurants in this category, make your reservation in advance if you want to guarantee a table. You can also walk in but risk waiting in line for a while.

Side note: Going to Kauai and need recommendations on what to do? Check out our list of the best things to do in Princeville and Hanalei, the best whale watching in Kauai, and the best sunset dinner cruises.

(4) Tidepools (Grand Hyatt Resort in Koloa)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, Hawaii 96756

Price: $$$$

Cuisine: Hawaiian, Steakhouse, Seafood

Hours of Operation: Daily, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

What’s it like?: Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt is an upscale restaurant with a Hawaiian/Polynesian flair. They specialize in succulent seafood dishes and local flavors. If you are not a seafood fan, don’t worry, they also have excellent steak dishes and more items on the menu.

If you are looking for luxury at its finest, this is the spot. The atmosphere is romantic and intimate, and the setting is stunning; you can enjoy a romantic dinner outside with gorgeous sunset views. While not directly on the beach, the sunsets on this side of the island are spectacular.

A plate of Kampachi fish with some vegetables.
Fish of the day: Kampachi

A beautiful waterfall also sets a romantic and peaceful ambiance, making this place perfect for date night or a night out with family and friends.

What better way to enjoy the best of Kauai than a romantic dinner while enjoying wine from their 200-bottle wine cellar?

As for the food, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. Their seafood dishes are all cooked to perfection, and their steak dishes are also some of the best on the island.

Make sure to leave room for dessert; their macadamia nut crème brûlée is something you must try.

Why we love it: We love the romantic atmosphere here. It’s perfect for any special occasion or date night. The views are also unbeatable and make dining here an experience like no other on the island. 

(5) Ilima Terrace Restaurant (Koloa)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

Hours of Operation: Daily, 6:00 am – 2:00 pm

What’s it like?: Located on the beautiful grounds of the Grand Hyatt, Ilima Terrace Restaurant is an excellent spot for breakfast and lunch.

The restaurant has an open-air seating area with stunning views of Keoneloa Bay and beautiful gardens. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful with a casual vibe.

Their menu has something for everyone, with delicious a la carte specials and a buffet option. The buffet is highly recommended, and it’s not just your basic buffet; they offer an array of delicious dishes, from freshly cooked omelets and breakfast items to delicious pork hash.

If you have a sweet tooth like me, their fruit plate is also an excellent option. If the papaya/pineapple plate is in season, get it. Also, don’t forget to try the loco moco and the different bagel options they have.

Burger with some fries and spring rolls.

Why we love it: We love the atmosphere of this restaurant. The outdoor seating area is excellent, and their location makes for some stunning views, perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends. 

The service is also excellent, and the food is delicious.

(6) Duke’s Kauai (Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club, Lihue)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: American, Bar, Seafood

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

What’s it like?: Duke’s is a legendary spot for the best oceanfront dining on Kauai. Located at Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club, this restaurant has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring islands.

The atmosphere here is casual yet elegant, with a touch of aloha. The restaurant has entertainment and a hill of tropical plants, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

A slice of Hula Pie from Duke's, topped with macadamia nuts.
Hula Pie

On the menu, you can find traditional island favorites and American classics. All meals are made with fresh local ingredients. 

They offer a variety of seafood dishes like their famous sautéed mac nut and herb-crusted fresh fish, poke tacos, and fish tacos. Other fan favorites include the slow-roasted prime rib, fish and chips, burgers, Duke’s nachos, and Duke’s famous Hula Pie.

Calamari with some red and white sauce from Duke's Restaurant.
Calamari

The bar is also great if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal. They offer craft cocktails, drinks, and an extensive selection of beer and wine. Their mai tais and piña coladas are also highly recommended.

Why we love it: We love the atmosphere here; it’s perfect for any occasion. The views are unbeatable, making for a unique and memorable experience. Plus, the food and drinks are delicious! 

Also, compared to some fine dining restaurants in Kauai, Duke’s is relatively wallet-friendly.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants

Next on our list of the best restaurants in Kauai are our top picks for fine dining. These restaurants offer an upscale atmosphere and high-quality dishes with mouth-watering flavors that are sure to please.

Note: The above “best restaurants with views in Kauai” can also be considered fine dining.

(7) Bar Acuda (Hanalei)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

Price: $$$$

Cuisine: Tapas, American, Spanish, Vegetarian

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

What’s it like?: With its vibrant, peaceful, and cozy atmosphere, Bar Acuda is perfect for a special occasion or date night. The menu consists of various tapas sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Bar Acuda specializes in making farm-to-table dishes packed with flavor. They source most of their ingredients locally and strive to use the freshest produce available. 

The dishes here are unique and delicious but also very costly, so be prepared to spend more than you would at a regular restaurant. To be fair, you are in Hanalei, and things cost more here.

We tried to make our reservation a month and a half in advance, but they were fully booked for the time we were in Kauai. We opted for the option to get notified if a cancellation was available, and we lucked out and got a text the next day!

We got there ten minutes early and got seated right away. We ordered the scallops, cucumber salad, and short ribs, and our bill was about $110 with tip. 

Mind you, these are tapas, so the portions were small. We were going to order more food, but unfortunately, a storm was coming, so we had to leave to get home safely.

The cucumber salad was the largest of the items we ordered and was terrific. It had fried chickpeas on it with creamy avocado sauce and feta cheese. 

A plate of cucumber salad from Bar Acuda Restaurant in Kauai.
Cucumber salad

The short ribs melted in our mouths and were cooked to perfection. They were served over risotto and included roasted onions. The scallops came over mashed potatoes, but get this – there were only TWO scallops. They were delicious, but still…

A plate of short ribs from Bar Acuda in Kauai.
Short ribs

Luckily, we had already had a snack, so we weren’t hungry. The food, however, is fantastic and worth it if you have the cash to spend. Everything was delicious, but our favorite was the short ribs. We will go back and try the other dishes when we have the chance. 

A plate of delicious scallops from Bar Acuda Restaurant with some mashed potatoes.
Scallops

Why we love it: We love Bar Acuda for its unique and delicious food and its wonderful atmosphere. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a great dining experience. Be sure to make your reservations in advance!

(8) Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant (Kilauea)

RATING: 5 out of 5

Location: 2474 Keneke St, Kilauea, HI 96754

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Wine Bar, Vegetarian, Vegan

Hours of Operation: Daily, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

What’s it like?: Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant offers a unique and intimate dining experience. They feature craft cocktails and an excellent selection of wines to pair with the dishes they serve.

You can also come here for happy hour, and we highly recommend you do so!

The food here is delicious, creative, and artfully presented. We recommend trying any of their flatbreads, salads, charcuterie, or soup. 

We came here for happy hour and ordered the BBQ chicken flatbread, salad, and some drinks, and everything was delicious.

Three bowls of salads  Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant in Kauai.

The service here was excellent and attentive. We loved the atmosphere and would recommend it as a spot for dinner or drinks.

The dining area is small, which makes it feel exclusive. There were only 5 or 6 tables total and around 6 bar stools. 

BBQ chicken flatbread from Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant in Kilauea.

Why we love it: We love the excellent food, selection of craft cocktails and wines, and excellent service. The prices were also very reasonable.

Best Breakfast in Kauai

Now let’s get to the fun part. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and there is no shortage of great breakfast spots in Kauai. Here are some of my favorites:

(9) Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company (Kalaheo)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Quick Bites, American, Cafe

Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm

What’s it like?: Located in the lush mountains of upcountry Kalaheo, Kalaheo Cafe is a cozy and inviting spot to grab breakfast. This restaurant is a favorite amongst locals and tourists, so you know it’s good.

Kalaheo Cafe is known for its fresh breakfast items, omelets, pancakes, burrito wraps and bowls, and fantastic coffee.

The portions are generous, so come hungry! They also have a great selection of coffees, teas, smoothies, and juices to enjoy while you dine.

The service here is friendly and prompt, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. We highly recommend this spot for a delicious breakfast with friends or family.

Cody at Kalaheo Café with a plate of eggs, Portuguese sausage, harsh brown and a sandwich.
Paniolo-style breakfast and egg sandwich

We ordered the Paniolo-style breakfast with two eggs, hash browns, Portuguese sausage, and a corn muffin. It was delicious, and the sausage was some of the best we’ve ever had. We also ordered the scrambled egg, meat, and cheese sandwich with bacon, which was fantastic. 

Why we love it: We love that this restaurant is a little tucked-away spot in Kalaheo but still close to everything. The service was fast; you order your food before you sit down and then pick a table. It’s our go-to spot for breakfast in Kauai.

(10) Kountry Kitchen (Kapa’a)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 4-1489 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: American, Cafe, Hawaiian

Hours of Operation: Thursday – Monday: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm (closed Tues & Weds)

What’s it like?: Kountry Kitchen is a local and favorite tourist spot in downtown Kapa’a. It’s an excellent spot for breakfast and brunch, with an extensive menu featuring all your morning favorites.

This family-owned restaurant offers generous portions of fresh, well-prepared food. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff is friendly.

Kountry Kitchen is known for its delicious breakfast plates like the loco moco, plate-sized macadamia nut pancakes with house-made coconut syrup, kalua pork eggs benedict, corned beef hash, and their giant stuffed omelets. 

We ordered the loco moco with a side of fresh papaya, and everything was delicious. The portion size was huge, so come hungry! 

A plate of loco moco from Kountry Kitchen Café in Kauai with a side or corn bread.
Loco Moco with cornbread

We ordered one for two people, and we were both full and still had leftovers. The coffees here are also unbeatable—fresh and delicious.

Why we love it: We love this restaurant’s generous portion sizes, homemade recipes, and friendly atmosphere. The prices here are very reasonable, too, given that Kauai is known as one of the more expensive islands to visit. This is the place to be if you’re looking for something hearty and tasty.

Tip: This place gets busy during peak hours, so try to come before or after that to avoid the rush. Going early, right at opening time, is also a great idea! We arrived around noon a couple of times and were seated right away.

(11) Anake’s Juice Bar (Koloa)

RATING: 5 out of 5

Location: 2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Price: $

Cuisine: Quick bites, Healthy, Vegetarian

Hours of Operation: Sat – Thurs, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (closed on Fridays)

What’s it like?: For the health-conscious, Anake’s Juice Bar in Koloa is a great spot for breakfast and brunch. This quaint juice bar serves fresh juices, acai bowls, and smoothies.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and inviting. It might not look like much outside, but the food and service are top-notch. 

This restaurant is located inside the Kukuiula market, past the grocery store towards the back.

My favorite thing to order here is their delicious acai bowls. This is my go-to place on Kauai for acai or fresh juices. I usually order the Poipu Paradise in medium, and it’s enough to fill me up.

Me holding a delicious bowl of acai from Anakes Juice Bar.
Poipu Paradise acai bowl

Why we love it: We love this spot for its fresh and healthy food. I also love the atmosphere and the ambiance. I usually bring my laptop here to do some work while I enjoy a delicious bowl of acai.

Also, having the market nearby is a plus and very convenient if you need to pick up some groceries.

(12) Small Town Coffee (Kapa’a)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

Price: $

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm

What’s it like?: Small Town Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Kauai. Not only do they have the best coffee, but they also have some of the best quick breakfast options. Their fresh house-made pastries are delicious, and their breakfast sandwiches are unbeatable.

Our favorite items on the menu are the mini bacon egg cheese quiches and the blueberry muffin. Both are delicious and deserve a five-star rating. Do not make the mistake of not ordering their muffin—it is a must-try!

People sitting outside of the Small Town Coffee food truck in Kauai.

The coffees here are also excellent! This food truck made our list of the top coffee shops in Kauai, so you know it’s good.

The atmosphere here is casual, and the staff is friendly. There’s also outdoor seating if you want to enjoy your meal in the fresh air.

We stopped here multiple times to get a quick breakfast since it’s conveniently located in downtown Kapa’a. I can’t tell you how many times this restaurant saved us when we were on our way to hike some of the gorgeous trails in Kauai.

Me holding a delicious quiche from Small Town Coffee.
Mini bacon egg cheese quiche

Why we love it: We love this place for its delicious coffee and fantastic pastries. It’s a great spot to get a quick bite before heading out on your morning adventures. Also, we love budget-friendly options, and this one fits the bill.

Me holding a delicious blueberry muffin from Small Town Coffee in Kauai.
Blueberry muffin

Note: This is a food truck, and hours might vary, so call ahead if you are driving from afar. We love Kauai food trucks, but we had to learn the hard way that the hours listed on Google might be incorrect. Also, if they sell out early, they might close before the scheduled time.

(13) Java Kai (Kapa’a)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Quick Bites, American, Cafe

Hours of Operation: Daily, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (closes at 5 pm on Sundays)

What’s it like?: Java Kai is a great spot to get coffee and delicious meals in Kapa’a. This local cafe has been around for years, and they have perfected their craft over time with consistently delicious food.

There’s nothing better than a delicious cup of coffee in the morning or afternoon, especially when it is accompanied by freshly made food and a cozy atmosphere. Java Kai gets our seal of approval!

If you are looking for the best coffee, lunch, and breakfast in Kauai, you should try Java Kai. The menu includes classic breakfast and lunch sandwiches, avocado toast, pancakes, acai bowls, and more.

Cody enjoying coffee outside at Java Kai Restaurant Kauai

Our favorite item on the menu is their Surfer Girl Sandwich, made with scrambled eggs, spinach, onion, cheddar, pesto aioli, bacon, and tomato. This sandwich is a classic and should not be missed. Also, their acai bowls, lunch items, and coffee will not disappoint.

The atmosphere at Java Kai is cozy, modern, and inviting. It’s a great place to relax and get some work done during non-peak hours.

Why we love it: We love Java Kai for its delicious food and well-crafted coffee. The menu has something for everyone, and the food is always fresh. Also, this coffee shop is Instagram-worthy, so you can take some incredible shots while enjoying your meal.

Tip: If you want to skip the line, you can place your order online and pick it up in-store. This is an excellent option if you are running late to an adventure activity and don’t have time to wait in line.

(14) Hanalei Bread Co. (Hanalei)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy #4, Hanalei, HI 96714

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Quick Bites, American, Cafe

Hours of Operation: Daily, 7:00 am – 12:30 pm

What’s it like?: Hanalei Bread Co. is the place to go if you want delicious organic pastries, fresh bread, coffee, and sandwiches. This cafe serves up some of the best breakfast and lunch on the island, so be sure to stop by if you’re in the area.

We can’t get enough of their biscuits, sandwiches, and burritos. I recently ordered the Brekkie Sandwich with the fresh brioche bun, bacon, egg, cheese, tomato, arugula, and aioli, which was absolutely delicious. The bread was fresh, and the portion size was generous and filling.

Me holding a sandwich while Cody is drinking a coffee at Hanalei Coffee Company in Kauai.
The Brekkie Sandwich

Their pastries won’t disappoint if you are looking for something sweet. The croissants are still one of my favorites, and I highly recommend them if you’re a fan of buttery pastries. They also offer other delicious baked goods such as banana bread, cinnamon rolls, muffins, sweet Nutella rolls, and more.

Why we love it: Everything about this place is fantastic. We love the food, the coffee, the atmosphere, and the variety of pastries. This place is worth a visit if you are looking for great food and coffee in Hanalei.

Tip: Seating might be limited, but spots open up quickly. Be patient, and you’ll be able to grab a seat in no time.

Best Street Food and Lunch in Kauai

Last but not least, if you are looking for some lunch in Kauai, there are plenty of options. Whether it’s local-style plate lunches, poke bowls, or tacos and burritos, you won’t have to look far for some delicious street food.

Note on food trucks: as mentioned previously, the hours of operation and locations of food trucks may change without notice. Please be sure to call the food trucks ahead of time. Also, if the food trucks sell out too early, they might close for the day before their posted hours.

(15) Carlito’s Way (Princeville)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 4970 Pepelani LP, Princeville, HI 96722

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Food Trucks, Tacos

Hours of Operation: Daily, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

What’s it like?: Carlito’s Way is a local food truck serving some of Kauai’s best tacos and burritos. 

The tacos and burritos come with your choice of protein (steak, al pastor, chicken, fish, beans, etc.) and are made with fresh ingredients.

These are some of the best tacos I have ever had, and this is coming from someone who eats a lot of tacos. We usually order the al pastor tacos, which come with two tacos with rice and beans, and they never disappoint. 

Cody eating his tacos from Carlito's Way Food Truck with a side of rice and beans.
Al Pastor Tacos

Not only are the tacos good, but the rice and beans are also cooked to perfection. Many people might say, “it’s just rice,” but trust us on this, it’s more than rice and deserves special recognition.

ME standing in front of Carlito's Way Food Truck about to order my food.

Why we love it: The food is excellent, and the portions are generous. What more can you ask for?!

Tip: This is one of those food trucks that might sell out before closing. We recommend calling ahead and placing your order before you get there.

(16) Da Fazenda (Hanalei)

RATING: 5 out of 5

Location: 5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

Price: $$-$$$

Cuisine: Food trucks, Brazillian

Hours of Operation: Unknown! Hours on Google are incorrect. Call the restaurant directly to confirm. We talked to one of the employees, and they told us they no longer have control of their Google account and cannot update the hours.

What’s it like?: Da Fazenda is a family-owned food truck serving up some of the best Brazilian food on the island. 

The first time we came here, we ordered the rice and beans sides, which was delicious. Of course, we came back multiple times and tried different items on the menu.

Cody ordering food at Da Fazenda food truck in Kauai.

Our favorite is the Brazilian Plate which includes a choice of grilled protein served with slow-cooked beans, garlic rice, Brazilian salsa, farofa (toasted yuca flour), and a choice of one seasonal vegetable.

Two plates of rice with beans and salsa, corn, sausage from Da Fazenda Restaurant in Kauai.
Brazilian Plate (right) and a side of rice and beans (left)

We chose the sausage plate, and it was out of this world. The grilled sausage was perfectly cooked and had a nice smoky flavor complemented by the other sides.

Their in-house hot sauce, Da Fazenda, was one of our favorites. We even bought a bottle for $10 to take home with us. You also have the option to purchase it from their website (dafazendahi.com), and they ship worldwide.

Why we love it: The food is delicious and authentic, and the portions are generous. The staff was very friendly as well. You can’t go wrong with this place.

(17) Namaste Indian Food (Kapa’a)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 4-1638 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

Price: $$

Cuisine: Indian, Gluten-free

Hours of Operation: Daily, 11:30 am – 9:00 pm

What’s it like?: Namaste Indian Food is an authentic Indian food truck located in Kapaʻa. This place offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes as well. 

The menu consists of pretty much every Indian dish you can think of. No matter what you order, you will not be disappointed.

Cody eating food at Namaste Restaurant in Kapa'a, Kauai.
Chicken tikka masala

There are multiple options to choose from on their menu. We ordered the chicken tikka masala, which was delicious and worth every penny. It was made with chickpeas cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and served with basmati rice or naan bread. The portion size was generous, and we were able to get two meals out of one order.

Cody eating in front of the Namaste Indian Food Trucks with a menu on the side of the food truck.

Why we love it: The food is flavorful and authentic. We especially love that they have gluten-free and vegan options on their menu. It’s great to know that there is a place where everyone can find something they like. The portion sizes are generous, and you get your money’s worth.

(18) Holey Grail Donuts (Hanalei or Kapa’a)

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Location: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714 and 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

Price: $

Cuisine: Dessert, American, Cafe, Vegan

Hours of Operation: Hanalei: Weds – Thurs: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm & Fri – Sun, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. Kapa’a: Weds – Thurs, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm & Sat – Sun, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

What’s it like?: Holey Grail Donuts is a small donut food truck located in Kapa’a and Hanalei. Despite its size, this place has some of the best donuts and coffee you will ever have. While tourists might hype this place up, it is worth a visit and the hype. This is definitely one of the best food trucks in Kauai, so don’t miss out!

Cody holding a pink donut outside of Holey Grail Donuts in Kauai

The donuts are all handmade and baked fresh daily with the best ingredients. They use Hawaiian-grown taro as their starch to create a dough base that is fluffy and flavorful. The donuts come in various flavors like chocolate, strawberry fields, miso honey, and more. You also have the option to order one of the tasting boxes if you want to try all of their flavors.

Why we love it: The donuts are unique and flavorful, and you can taste the freshness in every bite. Plus, they use local ingredients, which makes them even better. You have to try it for yourself to fully understand!

The Holey Grail Donuts red food truck in Kauai.

The Wrap Up

Kauai has many excellent restaurants to choose from, but we hope our list has helped you narrow down the search!

Each restaurant brings its own unique twist to traditional dishes that are sure to please. So, what are you waiting for?! Go and explore the best restaurants in Kauai! Happy eating!

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