Kauai— a sanctuary where food is nourishment, medicine and a true experience. Indulge in the intentionally-curated island cuisines that keep people coming back for more.
Kauai is a mecca of delicious, good-for-you foods. With impeccable ingredients to work with, passionate foodies have created mouth-watering meals and serene spaces to enjoy them in. Spread across the entire island, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite local food establishments to feed your soul.
The following establishments are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the island by providing sustainable service. They source organic and local, offer vegan/vegetarian options and aim for leaving a minimal footprint.
North Shore
Fine dining
Bar Acuda
A classic North Shore establishment, Baracuda continues to win over the hearts and pallets of its customers. The trendy ambiance and excellent service give way to memorable meals. Try something new and eat ‘tapas style’ from their selection of vegetarian options. Sharing multiple menu items allows you to taste the full range of their local culinary masterpieces! Visit http://www.restaurantbaracuda.com/ reservations strongly recommended.
Bar Acuda – Hanalei, Kauai
Casual meal
Fresh Bite
This food truck is dedicated to offering local, organic and sustainable food in the heart of Hanalei. Run by a friendly family, Fresh Bite is a local favorite and the perfect compliment to a day at the beach! Enjoy their menu items as a salad or wrap; take away to the beach or eat it there! Visit http://www.freshbitekauai.com/ for location, hours and menu.
Cafe Turmeric
Authentic Indian fare prepared on hand with the highest quality ingredients possible. Most Indian herbs and spices grow readily in the tropical climate of Kauai, so sourcing fresh, local and organic is no issue here. Located right next to Fresh Bite, Cafe Turmeric is open Tues-Sat11:30-5.
Quick bites / cafe
Trilogy
A new and already dialed cafe located in Kilauea Town, Trilogy is a dream for coffee lovers and a haven of raw/vegan treats. Swing by for a passionately made pick-me-up and enjoy the intentionally created ambiance. Visit https://www.trilogycoffeekauai.com/ for hours and location.
Healthy Hut Market and Cafe
A staple food epicenter for North Shore locals, the Healthy Hut offers an impressive array of groceries and absolutely delicious food from their cafe. The staff works hard to bring you what you want. The result: smoothies, coffee drinks, salad bar, hot food bar and an abundance of good food to choose from! http://www.healthyhutkauai.com/
East Shore
Fine dining
Oasis on the Beach
With an ambiance to melt your heart, this restaurant offers locally-sourced food that will melt in your mouth. Enjoy a romantic meal on the edge of the sea while live music serenades your soul. Oasis on the Beach is located within the Waipouli Resort near downtown Kapaa. Visit http://www.oasiskauai.com/ for reservations and directions.
Oasis On The Beach – Kapaa, Kauai
The Local Kauai
This new restaurant on the block specializes in local ingredients with a creative twist. Their menu highlights EVERY SINGLE ingredient that is local and offers fun, island-inspired cocktails! Check out this hip new restaurant in the heart of Kapaa Town! Visit http://www.thelocalkauai.com/ for reservations and directions.
Casual meal
Rainbow Living Foods
One of the oldest ‘heath food’ establishments on the island, this tiny cafe specializes in raw and love-infused foods. Stop in for a quick snack or indulge in a satisfying meal made from scratch. Visit http://rainbowlivingfoods.com/ for their menu and hours.
Rainbow Living Foods – Kapaa, Kauai
Eat Healthy Kauai
A quaint restaurant that will make you feel right at home, the menu is 100% vegetarian using almost completely local ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can see why this place is a local favorite! Visit http://eathealthykauai.com/ for reservations and directions.
Mermaid’s Cafe
The perfect option for take-away to the beach, on the way to an adventure or back home. You can also enjoy the fresh-made, fusion food at one of their outdoor picnic tables amidst the happening downtown of Kapaa. Fresh, local ingredients with plenty of vegetarian options! Visit
http://mermaidskauai.com/ for menu, hours and location.
Quick bites / cafe
Papaya’s Natural Foods
This fully-stocked health food store also offers a full-service cafe with hot, made-to-order items and a salad bar with the full range of fixings! Stop by for a quick snack, a delicious meal or load up on good groceries to fill your fridge! http://www.papayasnaturalfoods.com/
South Shore
Fine dining
The Lanai Restaurant & Bar
A true Hawaiian-inspired establishment, this new addition to Poipu is an elegant approach to fresh and fine dining. Enjoy clean, local food and creative cocktails in style, served with Aloha. Visit http://www.thelanaikauai.com/ for reservations and directions.
The Lanai Restaurant – Koloa, Kauai
Casual meal
Kauai Juice Co.
If juices, smoothies and life-enhancing elixirs are your jam, then this is your joint! Providing a wide array of exciting options, Kauai Juice Co. always hits the spot. They offer drinks fit for a meal AND on-the-go snacks and lite meals. Visit https://www.kauaijuiceco.com for info on their three locations (South, North AND East shore!)
Quick bites / cafe
Little Fish Coffee Poipu
Offering more than just sustainable coffee, this cafe serves up tasty eats made from organic, local and high-quality ingredients. Dedicated to the island lifestyle, this staple cafe stokes out locals and visitors alike. Visit https://littlefishcoffee.com/ for hours and location.
Living Foods Market
A gourmet health food store, this one-stop-shop prepares you with fresh-made food and groceries to-go! Don’t forget to stock up on select beer, wine and local kombucha on tap! Visit http://shoplivingfoods.com/ for hours and location.