Updated May 2026: What We Ate on Our Most Recent Trip
My 14 year old daughter and I took a mother-daughter trip.
We found some unexpected things – a food truck we’d keep returning to, three shave ice spots worth arguing about, a peaceful breakfast spot, and a boat tour that was simultaneously the most beautiful and most nauseating experience of my life. This is that trip.
Here’s what we ate, what we did, and what’s worth your time.
Kauai Diner — Start Every Morning Here
Start Your Morning at Kauai Diner
Before you do anything else in Kauai, find your breakfast spot and make it a ritual. For us, that was Kauai Diner.
We discovered it early in the trip and kept coming back. The upstairs seating overlooks a garden of flowers. The chirping birds is a lovely reminder you’re on an island. My daughter, in true adventurous spirit, spotted traditional rice on the breakfast menu and ordered it immediately. She loved it.
Go early. Sit upstairs. Order the rice.
The Musubi Truck
We must have visited this place 4 times or so during the 5 days we were there.
Musubi for my daughter, poke for me.
She was obsessed. I loved that the poke was smaller in size and very affordable.
📍 Locations: Kapaa, Koloa, and Kalapaki/Lihue | themusubishop.com
The Shave Ice Situation
Kauai takes shave ice seriously. We taste tested three spots across the island. RipTides at Lawai Beach, JoJo’s (the island institution since 1992), and Uncle’s. Uncle’s won, which surprised us too.
For the full ranking and honest breakdown of all three, read our dedicated post:
[We Tried 3 Shave Ice Spots in Kauai — Here’s the Honest Ranking →]
Koloa Zipline — And the Best Granola Bar You’ll Ever Eat
Koloa Zipline is Kauai’s longest zipline course — 8 lines, 3.5 hours, incredible views over the south shore. Small groups of 12, fantastic guides, and genuinely thrilling even if you’re not usually a zipline person.
Midway through they hand you a locally made Anahola Granola bar. It sounds like a small detail. It is not. We spent the rest of the trip looking for more.
Book in advance — groups fill up fast. Book Koloa Zipline on Viator →
Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady
The Na Pali Coast is one of the most breathtaking things I have ever seen. Towering sea cliffs, impossibly green valleys dropping into the ocean, water so clear it doesn’t look real.
I was also seasick for the entire tour. The ENTIRE tour. The team onboard was fantastic. I could tell they’re ready for us lightweights!
Bring Dramamine. Take it before you board. Sit toward the back. And then go — because this is the kind of experience you talk about for years.
Book the Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour
Smith’s Family Garden Luau
We went to Smith’s Family Garden Luau on the east side — one of the oldest and most well-known luaus on the island, running since 1946. Beautiful open-air setting, traditional Hawaiian entertainment, and fire knife dancing that’s worth the entire evening.
Honest take: We didn’t go for dinner. We ate dinner somewhere else beforehand and went for the show. It’s the only luau on Kauai that will let you do that.
Browse Kauai Luaus on Viator →
Kauai is a paradise for beach lovers, thrill seekers, and outdoor lovers. Known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” it’s far less developed than other popular locations. It is much calmer and more relaxing, with fewer tourists. It’s home to jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, dazzling turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, sugarcane fields, and lush green vegetation.
Kauai has delicious restaurants and cafes scattered all across the island. Whether you are looking for a small mom-and-pop shop or a full dining experience, Kauai has mouth-watering dishes for all tastes and flavors.
Saimin, a classic Hawaiin noodles soup, is just one of the many local dishes that are a must-try. To help make your meal decisions easier, we’ve put together a list below of the best places to eat in Kauai.
If you’re visiting Kaui, chances are that you’re planning a stop in Oahu. It’s the easiest island to get to, and although it it much more built up and tourist, there are plenty of great eating options there.
Pono Market
Pono Market has all of the best favorite Hawaiian dishes in one place. It’s small in size but large on flavor. There aren’t many places to eat inside. A lot of locals order takeout and go across the block to the local beach for a picnic. Whether you are looking for favorited poke or Lau Lau, poi, or other fresh seafood options, it can be found at Pono Market. Specialties change daily, but sell out very quickly. Be sure to ask for local recommendations on different combination options for different cravings.
Wailua Drive In
Wailua Drive-In (formerly Saimi DOJO) is a perfect option for vegan eaters. In fact, it’s the only Vegan Saimin option in the entire state. While it may look and act like an average fast food restaurant, they are pros at blending true Hawaiian flavors in a bowl of deliciousness. Besides their famous vegan saimin, expect a menu of a variety of fresh salads, local favorites, fresh fish, and even a few chicken dishes for those who are prone to vegan meals.
Konohiki Seafoods
Konohiki Seafoods is a strip mall take-out sushi and poke place that is as local as it comes. It has top-quality ingredients and some of the best meal deals on the island. Poke bowls can be mixed and made with the ingredients of your choice, and are perfectly paired with their famous inari sushi. Create your own box of mix-and-match sushi rolls to taste a wide variety of different flavors at once. It’s very affordable but very popular. Be sure to arrive early, as many specialty items sell out quickly.
Hamura Saimin
Hamura Saimin was opened in 1952 and is actually a historical national landmark. What is now the local favorite family-run restaurant is housed in old Army barracks. It’s best known for having some of the best saimin in Hawaii, and a legendary lilikoi chiffon pie. If you are looking for a quick bite that tastes like an authentic home-cooked meal, full of flavor, a lively atmosphere, and great service, be sure to stop by Hamura Saimin.
Little Fish Coffee
Little Fish Coffee is a great breakfast and lunch option in Kauai. Most famous for their acai breakfast bowls, it’s just the right amount of sweet treats and healthy food to start the day. There are other bagel and bowl options, but keep in mind, servings are rather large; even the small options. Most importantly, there are a wide variety of smoothie and coffee options with ingredients from locally sourced farms, from matcha smoothies to hot coffee blends and iced lattes, it’s definitely one of the most popular coffee stops in town.
Poipu Food Truck Park
Poipu Food Truck Park is located across from Old Town Koloa and is home to some of the best food trucks on Kauai. It’s perfect for those looking for a wide variety of options and is a great way for everyone to get what they want in the same place. The park has outdoor dining and picnic tables to enjoy meals, and a full plate platter costs around $10 on average, depending on which option your choose. Some of the most popular trucks in the park are Kauai Poke Co and Kickshaws.
Brennecke’s
Brenneckes is one of the most attractive and popular restaurants in Poipu and a must-try when visiting Kauai. Known for their delicious and high-quality seafood, we highly recommend their macadamia nut-crusted Mahi Mahi. It comes with great views and sits rights across the beach for the best Hawaain atmosphere you could ask for. Be sure to come thirsty, Brenneckes has served more than 1,000,000 Mai Tais and has some of the best blends around. Open for lunch and dinner, be sure to make reservations ahead of time as this place is busy and popular year-round.
Dukes Kauai
Dukes Kauai is one of the best restaurants in Kaui that comes paired with a fantastic view. Just steps away from Kalapaki Beach, Dukes Kaui is an excellent example of a fine dining Hawaain experience. Serving lunch and dinner (breakfast on Sundays) options, it blends delicious eats with great views, live music, and an authentic vibe. Be sure to try their pulled pork sandwiches and poke bowls, and delicious Hula Pie. Dukes definitely comes with flavors you can’t get anywhere else on the island and is a great place for a last-night meal before visiting Kauai.
Whether your taste buds are craving savory seafood dishes or sweet and fruity acai treats, there’s an option for it all in Kauai. We hope you have enjoyed this list of the best places to eat in Kauai and that it has inspired you to try something new during your next visit!