In the past, we felt like Kauai restaurants weren’t really on par with what we’ve found on Oahu and Maui. We had a few great dining experiences in Kauai, but overall, we felt like the Garden Isle was lacking just a bit. This time around, Kauai restaurants definitely impressed us. We were particularly pleased with our dining experiences in Poipu. We particularly enjoyed these restaurants and look forward to saying aloha to them again:
- The Beach House (Poipu) – this restaurants has won more awards than you can shake a stick at, and I can see why. When we chat with local residents, it seems like we often get onto the topic of dining and they always recommend The Beach House. We go back to The Beach House every chance we get. It has one of the best oceanfront, sunset views in all of Hawaii. The food is outstanding and the service is friendly. (See a previous post on The Beach House Restaurant.)
- Tidepools (Poipu at the Grand Hyatt) – this romantic restaurant ain’t just a pretty face with lovely open air tables situated by waterfalls and koi-filled pools. The Hawaii regional cuisine is just as impressive as the setting. I’ll write more about Tidepools in the future.
- Puka Dogs (Poipu) – Um, yum, yum, yum, yum, and yum! These unique hot dogs are definitely worth writing home about. See our previous post on Puka Dogs, and don’t forget the mouth-watering lilikoi (passion fruit) mustard.
- For a sweet treat, try Lappert’s Ice Cream at the brand new Kukuiula Shopping Village in Poipu. My favorite flavor was Auntie Lilikoi’s Passion Fruit Sorbet. Andy loved the Mini Peanut Butter Cup n’ Fudge.
Lappert's offers ice cream, baked goods, and coffee - When we travel to Hawaii, we always like to find some inexpensive options for breakfast to help us stretch our vacation budget. Two places in Poipu that we tried and can recommend are Joe’s on the Green overlooking Kiahuna Golf Course in Poipu, and at Lappert’s at Kukuiula Shopping Village in Poipu, you can pick up half-priced baked goods after 8pm to have for the next day’s breakfast.
- We were repeat customers to Brennecke’s Beach Broiler (Poipu). Their BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich with Guava plum BBQ sauce is super duper tasty. We especially like their lunches. Want to watch sunset on Poipu Beach with a picnic? Brennecke’s has a take out deli that makes sunset picnics easy peasy.
- Plantation Gardens (Poipu) – this restaurant has a romantic feel about it with its garden setting. I absolutely loved my dinner at Plantation Gardens Restaurant. The food was onolicious and the portions were extra generous. We fell in love with their lilikoi lemonade. We’re still trying to figure out how to recreate it at home. I’ll share more about Plantations Gardens in a future post.
A romantic table for two at Plantation Gardens Restaurant - Makana Terrace (Princeville) – In a three-night stay at the St. Regis Princeville, we had breakfast at Makana Terrace twice and dinner two times, as well. So, yeah, we liked it – a lot! The food was just as outstanding as the view.
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I previously covered our accommodations from the recent Kauai trip. Next, I’ll tell you about the Kauai activities and attractions we enjoyed.
Sheila Beal
4 comments
My wife moved from Oahu to Kauai for a while. She’s a typical “Type-A” personality. The lack of shopping malls, restaurants and night-life got to her after a while.
On the other hand – It’s an amazingly beautiful and relaxing place. Each island has it’s own personality.
Sheila-I am so happy you mentioned The Beach House. We first dined there in the eighties when it was under different ownership, and it seems to just get better. The view and atmosphere are amazing! If I were having a “last meal,” it would be hard to choose between The Beach House and Mama’s Fish House on Maui:-) And, I’m sure they serve Lappert’s in heaven..particularly the Kauai Pie flavor!
Add another vote for Brennecke’s Beach Broiler that place was absolutely wonderful when we went a few years back.
Puka Dog is the best! We love that place and can’t wait to go back there again. We’re also big fans of Bubba’s Burgers. We go to the one on Poipu Beach that’s on the way to Spouting Horn. Try them out next time you’re on the island as well.