The Best Food Spots in Kauai 🍍

After spending a week exploring and eating around Kauai, these were a few of my favorite spots! This list is by no means comprehensive and includes where I've eaten (marked as "Visited") as well as places I wanted to eat but didn't make it to (covered under "Other Recs!") Whether you’re looking for lighter fare or a more substantial meal - this guide has it all! Full Kauai Guide coming soon 🌺

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Updated ago

Coffee & Breakfast

Hā Coffee - Lihue

@jenniferbosco

I loved this place! From the wall art to the coffee, it has such a chill vibe to it. A great place to start your day given how centrally located it is in relation to most of the island. Try the sundried tomato cream cheese, I’ve never had anything like it! Pair it with an Iced Bee Sting latte and head out on your adventure!

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Hanalei Bread Company

@jenniferbosco

Upscale bakery/cafe with delicious pastries & bread. More crowded than other places on this list but a great option if you want more traditional breakfast fare. Try their tropical fruit danishes!

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Holey Grail Donuts

@jenniferbosco

This is a pretty famous spot in Hawaii, with other locations on Oahu. Delicious taro donuts + great coffee. A must-visit! Go early to avoid the line and before items sell out. We tried the sampler box so we could try a few of their different/seasonal flavors!

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Java Kai

@jenniferbosco

Kickstart your day here. Grab a mac nut latte or a smoothie for the road. The 'Aloha Bar' is divine!

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Midnight Bear Breads

@jenniferbosco

We popped in here on our way out to Waimea Canyon. The caprese sandwich was so fresh and just what we needed before getting back on the road. The interior is so bright and calming, I could have sat there all day.

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Lunch & Dinner

Bobbie's Restaurant

@jenniferbosco

You can't leave Kaua'i without trying a plate lunch, a quintessentially Hawaiian meal! Order the Da Pakala Surf Pack so you can try some of the classics (chicken katsu, hui hui chicken, roast pork, & fried saimin). Hours are very limited so go for lunch and keep in mind this establishment is cash only.

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Coconut Corner

@jenniferbosco

Roadside food stand in Waimea (try the fried apple banana lumpia if they have it!). Great spot to pick up fresh fruit and a quick bite on your way to or from Waimea Canyon.

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Da Crack Mexican Grinds

@jenniferbosco

A delicious Mexican take-out (only) spot! Make time to grab a burrito from here. The ever present line should be an indicator of how good the food is. Everything is freshly made and locally sourced when possible. It’s a build your burrito/taco/bowl type of place (think Chipotle but almost unfairly better). There are vegetarian and vegan options so don’t be deterred if you’re worried about meat/animal product free options.

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Konohiki Seafoods

@jenniferbosco

Hands down my favorite food spot in Kauai. We were only able to eat here once but this place has the most incredible poke bowls. The freshest fish I’ve ever tasted. I still dream about the spicy ahi poke bowl. I highly recommend picking several items so you can sample a few different things. A lot of the best items are sold out by lunch so make sure to go early if you can!

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Paco's Tacos Authentic Mexican Food Inc.

@jenniferbosco

Cute little roadside taco stand. Great place to stop on the way back from Waimea Canyon. Is there a better way to end the day than with nachos and coconut shrimp tacos? Try the Tiki's Punch (pineapple water & hibiscus water), it'll knock your socks off!

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Pono Market

@jenniferbosco

Another market where you can get fresh poke bowls and sushi. Arrive early if you can, many items sell out fast!

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Sushi Girl Kauai

@jenniferbosco

A can’t miss spot in Kauai! I cannot describe how much I loved this place. Like almost everywhere else on the island, the fish was insanely fresh but the way they paired different ingredients completely blew my mind and overwhelmed my taste buds. I’ve always wanted to try a sushi burrito and the O.G. Sushi Burrito with ahi tuna 🌯did nottttt disappoint. We also snagged a Beach Roll with fresh blue 🦀 and washed everything down with the Big Sip miso soup + the SurferRosa Housemade iced tea (made with rosebuds, hibiscus, lemongrass, nettle, & local 🍯). *chef’s kiss* x 1000 As usual, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs and the disappointment at not being able to finish every morsel was unreal. The only downside is that the wait can be a little long. Luckily it is located in the cutest little shopping center so take a wander around while you wait.

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Dessert

JoJo's Shave Ice

@jenniferbosco

This place is an icon! If you look up any list of must visit places to eat in Kauai, this place is on it. Several locations are peppered around the island with lots of different flavor combinations that’ll keep you coming back. I tried the Locals North Shore (honeydew melon, lychee, pineapple atop macadamia nut ice cream) and added the dry plum topping. The topping was an interesting combination of sweet and sour with a thick syrup-y consistency. It added a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the other flavors but was definitely an adventurous addition that some might not enjoy.

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Wishing Well Shave Ice

@jenniferbosco

A sustainably focused shave ice stand that also serves smoothies, açaí bowls, and coffee. Located in Hanalei so the line is almost always long, but well worth the wait. The aesthetic of the building is just as big of a draw as the icy treats.

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Other Recs!

The following is a list of places we didn’t get to try but were on our list! Some of these may require a reservation or less casual attire, so be sure to check before you go.

'Anakē's Juice Bar

@jenniferbosco

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Little Fish Coffee Poipu

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Hamura Saimin

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Bar Acuda

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Tahiti Nui

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Bubba Burgers Kapaa

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Kilauea Fish Market

@jenniferbosco

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Ishihara Market

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Merriman's Kauai

@jenniferbosco

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Beach House Restaurant

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Red Salt at Ko'a Kea

@jenniferbosco

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Postcards Cafe

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Lappert's Hawaii

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Wailua Shave Ice

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bosco

Available for hire

🗺️ Photographer, adventure traveler, nature lover & culturally curious foodie 🖌️Sharing my favorite destinations, off-the-beaten track experiences, and travel tips with you! 📍 Currently planning my next adventure (Dominica!) You know the travel obsessed friend in every group? The one who is always scouring the internet for flight deals, making lists of where to find the best eats in any city, and has spreadsheets of all the must-do experiences & activities for their upcoming trip? I am that friend, nice to meet you! I am here to help you plan your ideal trip, balancing local experiences, must-do activities + picture perfect moments. My destinations of expertise include Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United States, but I am always expanding my destination knowledge based on my own travels and love taking requests in other places! Shop my curated travel guides or check out my custom travel design services to help take the stress of travel planning off of your shoulders. Happy planning!

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