Finding a good spot for cheap eats in Kauai can be a relief for the vacation budget. On our recent trip to Kauai, we found such a place at the Kalapaki Beach Hut on 3474 Rice Street in Lihue. It’s set back about 50 yards from Kalapaki Beach and situated between the Nawilwili Harbor and the Kauai Marriott Resort; actually, it’s within easy walking distance of both.
The restaurant is open everyday from 7am until 8pm. Breakfast is served until 10:30am. Most breakfast menu items cost less than $6.00. I had a breakfast egg sandwich with Portuguese sausage, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato for $5.25. (The photo to the left shows my sandwich with a slice of pineapple on the top.) A Loco moco with rice, hamburger, egg and gravy cost $6.55. Omelettes, pancakes and Portuguese sweet bread French toast are all on the menu.
Lunch is “served all day” with mostly burgers and grilled sandwiches, fish and chips, and a salads on the menu. I liked the looks of the aloha classic burger with teriyaki sauce, pineapple and cheese. Lunch menu items range in price from $3.75 for a grilled cheese sandwich to $8.50 for a Caesar salad with char-broiled chicken or Ono (fish). For families with children, there is a kids’ menu that includes fries, a drink and either a junior burger, grilled cheese or a corn dog for $4.95.
The restaurant appeared to be a hit with both visitors and locals. In fact, perhaps the true test of quality of this restaurant is that we saw a Kauai police officer while we were there.
This very casual restaurant has open air seating on two levels. The upstairs level offers a little better view, though it’s not an outstanding one. See a photo of the view here. Next time I’m there, I’ll just take my selections in a to-go bag and dine on the beach for the best view of all.
See this article for other Kauai restaurant suggestions.
Sheila Beal
13 comments
Mmmmmm makes me want to go back… seeing a police officer eat somewhere is always a great barometer of how good a place is. 🙂
Wow, that looks great. How would someone drive by a place like that and NOT stop? Who knows when I’ll be in Kauai, but I’ve added it to the list!
@ jim – I’d love to have breakfast there this morning. *sign* Let’s pretend we hear the waves. 🙂 You know, I almost took a photo of the police officer, but I decided it would be way too rude.
@ kjb – the kalapaki Beach Hut is one of those places with an island personality. It’s unique and definitely worthy of your list. I hope you get to Kauai soon.
Did you ever get a chance to eat at Sushi & Blues or that Bubba’s burgers (burger shack) near Hanalei?
Two great, underrated restaurants!
I think its worth.
Need to try Upstairs which gives better view..
@ Eric – unfortunately, I’ve not been to either of those places. Last time in Hanalei I ate at Tahiti and Kalypso’s which were both quite tasty. Thanks for the recommendations, it’s always good to have new restaurants to try for the next trip.
Mmmmm. Char-broiled Ono sounds so good right about now…
@ Ami – it sure does! It makes my stomach growl just thinking about it. 🙂
This was an awesome place to eat bkfst:)
I loved this little place. We went here for breakfast and much to my delight I found that they serve both breakfast and lunch menue’s in the morning. I don’t like traditional breakfast food and was very excited that I could have a great burger and my husband could go for the breakfast.
Jee… I used to work there 1994 ish , The owners Steve and Sharon Gerald are good folks, and would ups like me a job out of charity.
This place was awesome! The burgers were terrific. The ladies at the front were sweet and kind and she wasn’t kidding when she said the teriyaki/pineapple cheeseburger would be like a party when I bit in. The fries were perfect….i dont eat yucky fries because the calories are the same wether theyre good or bad! They were crisp and tasted almost like there was a light breading or texture on them….super yummy. The upstairs seating was great. Very clean and friendly! Highly recommend to others!