Go Visit Hawaii

So, you’re going to Kauai and you’ve reserved your hotel and now you’re trying to pick out some good restaurants for your vacation. So, where do you start? Where are Kauai’s best restaurants? How do you make your selections? Let me help take some of the pressure off you by providing you with some great Kauai restaurant resources.

1. TripAdvisor

In my opinion, TripAdvisor may be the single best resource for finding restaurants. Most people know TripAdvisor is useful for finding hotels, but don’t know about the all the restaurant reviews. I have faith in the wisdom of the crowds and I think TripAdvisor is an example of that.

Now, I’m not naive enough to believe that every word of TripAdvisor’s reviews are 100% accurate. From time to time, I suspect that there are some fictitious positive and negative reviews. That being said, I still feel like it is still a very, very useful resource.

I’ll save you some of the leg work and organize the Kauai TripAdvisor restaurant reviews by geography, which will help you find restaurants near your accommodations and sight-seeing plans. Here are the major towns as well as a few quaint areas of Kauai:

East Kauai Restaurants

• Kapaa Restaurants
• Lihue Restaurants

North Kauai Restaurants

• Hanalei Restaurants
• Princeville Restaurants
• Kilauea Restaurants

South Kauai Restaurants

• Poipu Restaurants
• Koloa Restaurants
• Kalaheo Restaurants
• Hanapepe Restaurants

West Kauai Restaurants

• Waimea Restaurants

Take a look at this page which provides the list of TripAdvisor’s top 10 Kauai restaurants regardless of geography.

2. Guidebooks

• I have always found the Ultimate/Revealed guides to be particularly good for restaurant recommendations. The Kauai version is called “The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook”
• Frommers.com has a useful list of Kauai Restaurants that’s free to use. Note that you can sort the list by several different methods.
• Fodors.com also has a free list of Kauai restaurants that you can sort for your needs. One advantage the Fodors’ list has over Frommers’ list is that it includes user ratings, so it’s a bit more interactive.

3. Other Resources

• Garden Island News surveys it’s readers for the best of Kauai in many categories, including restaurants. This list will give you more of a local’s opinion. Here is a link to the most recent version, Best of Kauai 2007. There are many categories including best shave ice (Jo Jo’s Shave Ice), best plate lunch (Mark’s Place), best Hawaiian (Da Imu Hut Cafe), most romantic, etc. It’s a bit of a challenge to quickly access the useful restaurant information in this list, so I’ll just summarize a couple of the restaurants that won in multiple categories:
  • Dukes (East) Won for best Outdoor dining, best cocktails, best seafood,
  • Bali Hai (North) Won for best view and best romantic. (Note that Bali Hai will be closed until June 2008 for renovations.)
• I’ve mentioned Kauai menu online in a previous article. It is particularly useful for taking a look at the restaurant menus (as the name suggests) and prices to make sure it fits what you are looking for.

4. Go Visit Hawaii Picks

Before I list the restaurants that I particularly like, I just want to remind you that I’m not compensated in any form for recommending these restaurants (or anything else that I write about, for that matter.)

I think the most romantic Kauai restaurants are Cafe Hanalei and the Bali Hai which are both located in Princeville with views of the beautiful Bali Hai. The view is better at Cafe Hanalei, but the food is better at Bali Hai. (Note that Bali Hai will be closed until June 2008 for renovations.  Cafe Hanalei will close September 19, 2008 are reopen in April 2009)

The restaurant that never disappoints is Roys in Poipu. If for nothing else, you should stop in to Roy’s for dessert and try Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle.

I think the best sunset view restaurants are Cafe Hanalei (Princeville) and The Beach House (Poipu). Here is a previous article on The Beach House.

The best family friendly and casual dining restaurant with a local flare is Duke’s (Lihue). This restaurant serves the delicious Hula Pie.

The quirkiest restaurant with cheap eats (for Hawaii standards) would have to be the Puka Dog (Poipu).

I’m sure I’ll think of more categories and winners, so keep checking back for updates.

I sincerely hope that this comprehensive list of Kauai restaurant resources will save you time and be a big help as you select your restaurants on your Kauai vacation.

Which Kauai restaurants are your favorites?

This article includes all the information you’ll need to know about Kauai luaus - from prices to schedules to reviews. This article is intended to help you choose the best Kauai luau that fits your budget.

On Kauai, you’ll find a nice assortment of settings from ocean front to plantation to garden settings. Kauai luaus are situated near all the major resort areas. I’ll arrange the luau listings geographically starting in the North and working our way South as we did with the Big Island luau listings. (Photo by permission and courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau.)

North Shore Kauai Luaus

Princeville Hotel Beachside Luau
Opens: 6:00
Nights: Mondays & Thursdays
Location/Setting: Beach side at the Princeville Resort Hotel
Prices: $99 for Adults, Teens and Seniors for $90 and Children ages 5 - 12 for $45.
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-826-2788
Reviews: IgoUgo, iExplore
Additional Information: Official Brochure

East Shore Kauai Luaus

Tahiti’s Hava Pasefika Luau at ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa
Opens: 5:15
Nights: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
Location/Setting: Hotel grounds
Prices: $65 for Adults, $59 for Seniors (age 60+), $42 for Teens (13-18), and $32 for children ages 3 - 12 (Taxes are extra)
Price Includes: Buffet, Polynesian Show (No Open Bar)
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-822-3455
Reviews: TripAdvisor, Viator
Additional Information: Official Website, I found several activity resellers for this luau, so shop around for pricing.

Smith Family Garden Luau
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays always. During summer months, the luau is also open on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Location/Setting: By the Wailua River (Directions)
Prices: Book online seven days in advance for these 10% discount rates: Adult $67.50, Children ages 7 - 13 are $27 and Children 3 - 6 are $17.10. There is an option to see the show only, call for rates.
Price Includes: Tour of Gardens, Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show,
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Book online or call 1-808-821-6895
Reviews: TripAdvisor, IgoUgo, the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook calls it the best on the island.
Additional Information: Official Website

Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana
Opens: 4:30
Nights: This luau has catered to the cruise passengers, but has recently opened to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Location/Setting: Plantation
Prices: $95 for adults, $65 for children ages 3 - 16. (Taxes are extra)
Price Includes: Craft Demonstration, Buffet, Open Bar, Hula and Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-246-9333
Reviews: IgoUgo, CruiseCritic Forum
Additional Information: Official Website

South Shore Kauai Luaus

Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Sundays and Thursdays
Location/Setting: On Grand Hyatt Kauai grounds. (See the photos here.)
Prices: $78 for Adults, Teens 13 - 20 are $68.00, Children 6 - 12 are 40.50 (Taxes are extra)
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-240-6456
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official Website

Surf to Sunset Luau at Sheraton Kauai
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Mondays and Fridays
Location/Setting: Oceanfront on Poipu Beach
Prices: $75 for adults and $37 for children ages 6 - 12 for traditional seating. You can choose to upgrade for stage side seating and table service for $87 for adults and $43 for children. Kamaaina rates are available.
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes.
Imu Ceremony: No
For Reservations: 1-808-742-8200
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official Website Another point worth noting is that this luau serves the traditional luau foods as well as modern Hawaii fare.
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All prices and times were accurate at the time this article was written. As resorts periodically change dates and prices, please verify current times, days, and prices.

If a luau doesn’t fit in your travel budget, then catch a free hula show at the Coconut Markeplace.

Have you been to any of these Kauai luaus? What did you think?

We will be continuing this series over the coming weeks. Subscribe to our free updates via e-mail or RSS, to make sure you don?t miss a beat on all the best that Hawaii has to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Kauai, then you will find the Kauai Menu Magazine to be a great resource for finding restaurants and luaus.  I really like their interactive Kauai map that allows you to find restaurants by town.  The web site allows you to peruse menus easily to help you find the ones that you’ll like.  You can review menu prices as well, so you will know what’s affordable and how much money you will need to budget for your meals on vacation. 

Another great feature of Kauai Menu Magazine is that it provides lists for special needs.  For example, if you need to find a restaurant with a children’s menu or a restaurant for a wedding reception or a place that will prepare a picnic, the magazine neatly organizes all those categories and more. 

Even if you’re not heading to Kauai anytime soon, the magazine has some interesting resources for you, too.  You’ll find some great Hawaiian recipes to make at home. Can’t get to a luau in Hawaii?  No worries!  You can make your own luau at home.

There are two ways to access the useful information in Kauai Menu Magazine.  First, there’s the web site.  The other way is to pick up an actual copy of the magazine when you arrive on Kauai.  You can find the magazine in the Lihue airport as well as in restaurants, shops and resorts around the island. The use of the web site and copies of the magazine are free. 

Let me introduce you to a new pie that your taste buds will love! Meet the hula pie. What’s a hula pie, you ask? It’s a very generous serving of macadamia nut ice cream on top of a chocolate cookie crust. Then this decadence is topped with chocolate fudge sauce, whipped cream and more macadamia nuts. Sound good? Did I just hear your stomach growl? Or was that mine?

We took this photo of a hula pie that we shared at Duke’s Kauai Restaurant. If I remember correctly, the plate was about nine or ten inches in diameter, so maybe that will give you an idea of how big this dessert actually is. It’ is definitely very sharable for two or more people. The pie is so famous that the TS Restaurants even have a web page devoted to the pie with suggestions for how to eat it.  (You can navigate to that page from this link.)

When you’re on Maui, Kauai, or Oahu, I’d recommend you try one of the TS Restaurants where they serve the hula pie They all have an open-air, casual, island atmosphere. They serve fresh island fish as well as beef and chicken dishes. All of the restaurants in the collection have great ocean views. I’ve personally enjoyed dining at

• Duke’s Kauai - Located on the East side of Kauai in the Kauai Marriott
• Duke’s Waikiki - Located on Oahu at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel
• Kimo’s - Located on Maui in Lahaina
• Hula Grill Kaanapali - Located at Whalers Village shopping center on Maui’s Kaanapali Beach. (At this location, there are tables that are literally on the beach and it’s fun to kick your shoes off and let your toes play in the sand.)
• Leilani’s on Kaanapali Beach at Whaler’s Cove

To see the entire collection of TS Hawaii Restaurants, click here. If you plan to go to one of these restaurants for dinner, I’d suggest you book a reservation as these restaurants are pretty popular.

If you are looking for other Kauai Restaurants, you’ll find loads of helpful information in this comprehensive Kauai restaurant and review guide

• The Sheraton Kauai Resort has added a third night to its Surf to Sunset Luau for a limited time.  This luau is Kauai’s only oceanfront luau.  They regularly offer the event on Mondays and Fridays starting at 6:00pm.  Now they will be adding on Wednesdays through September 12th per the Garden Island.  If you are looking for a good luau in Kauai, I’d certainly consider this one.  Sometimes luau food may seem foreign to your palate, so the upside of this luau is that they offer the traditional foods as well as modern Hawaiian cuisine.  They had me at mango passion cheesecake and chocolate macadamia nut torte. 

• Want to learn about all the top golf courses in Kauai in a matter of minutes?  This Inside Bay Area article provides an excellent overview of Kauai’s golf courses. 

• Kauai’s famous Coco Palms Resort reopening has been delayed due to Planning Commission’s decision to deny permits for a fitness center, per the Star Bulletin.  The resort was due to reopen next summer with 200 luxury condo units, 104 hotel units, restaurants, and shops.

• And finally, please pardon this sort of but not really Hawaii vacation related news.  You already knew that the new Indiana Jones movie is currently being filmed on the Hilo side of the Big Island.  Though I’m sure that many millions of dollars are being invested in the blockbuster film, there is one fact I find amazing  What is that fact, you ask?  There are reports that Harrison Ford fits into the same Indiana Jones trousers that he wore 18 years ago.  Wow!  I wish I could wear the same trousers I wore that long ago.  Kudos to Harrison Ford for that and for continuing to do his own stunts.

Whenever I go into a restaurant and I can tell that local folks are there, I know I’ve found a great place. Travelocity has just released their list of “Local Secrets, Big Finds: Hawaii“. Though it is not a big list, it is worth taking note of as you make your list of restaurants to try in Hawaii.

On Travelocity’s list of local eateries are:

• Oahu’s Cafe Haleiwa
• Oahu’s Wailoa Shave Ice
• Big Islands’ Waimea Music Exchange
• Big Island’s Makuu Farmers Market (open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
• Kauai’s Puka Dog Hawaiian-Style Hot Dogs

See Oahu’s top restaurants as selected by local residents Dave and Alice

I’d like to add a few of my own local gems:

• Oahu’s Hukilau Cafe in Laie - this place is excellent for breakfast and the people there are so very nice.
• Oahu’s Matsumoto Shave Ice
• Oahu’s list of best restaurants written by Honolulu residents, Dave and Alice.
• Maui’s Kula Lodge Restaurant - this place is especially great for breakfast after watching sunrise on top of Haleakala. The views here are breathtaking.
• Maui’s Da Kitchen - There are two locations - one in Kihei and one in Kahului.
• Maui’s Aloha Mixed Plate - Lahaina
• Big Island’s Cafe 100- very cheap local eats with generous portions. You won’t go hungry here.

The Beach House Restaurant is located on the beach, thus the name in the sunny Poipu area of Kauai. The setting is absolutely perfect for a romantic sunset dinner. With the open air environment, we could see and hear the waves gently lapping on the shore. I think this restaurant’s location might possibly be one of the best in all of Hawaii, it would at least make my top ten list.

The restaurant is worth a visit just for its sunset view alone, but on top of that, the food is phenomenal. They have a great menu and everything we selected was prepared perfectly. The watermelon salad, fresh grilled fish, and molten chocolate desire were especially memorable as were the top shelf mai-tais. And just another word on the molten chocolate desire dessert, it is the best dessert I have ever had in my life! I’ve had molten chocolate cakes elsewhere and they don’t compare to The Beach House’s version!

If you plan to go to The Beach House, you should make a reservation at least a couple of days in advanced, Try to reserve your table close to the time the restaurant opens so that you will likely get one of the best seats in the house. Don’t let the wait staff rush you, which unfortunately, can easily happen unless.  Take your time through the meal so that you can enjoy the full sunset. Without hesitation, I recommend The Beach House Restaurant for a romantic sunset dinner.

For additional insight, read what TripAdvisor members say about The Beach House.

Technorati tags: Hawaii, Kauai, The Beach House Restaurant, Sunset, Dining, Romantic

After reading the Hawaii travel secrets from the Arizona Daily Star that I posted yesterday, I have been inspired to share a few of my own secrets. Let’s start with some secret tips for romantic sunset dining in Hawaii.

1. Make a reservation and get to the restaurant early. Restaurants in Hawaii seat their customers on a first come first serve basis. (I have not found any exception to this rule.) So even if you have made a reservation for 6:30pm and requested a table by a window, you are going to get what is available and most likely, it is not going to be that nice table by a window that you wanted. When making a reservation, most restaurants will tell you that you can make a request, though it cannot be guaranteed. So, how do you get that nice table by the window? You do need to make a reservation for as close to opening time as possible. Most restaurants open for dinner around 5:00 or 5:30. Be sure and find out the opening time when you arrange your reservation. Though this may seem a bit early for dinner, the unobstructed sunset view will be worth the early start.
2. Don’t just limit yourself to a restaurant. Plan a sunset picnic at a beach. By picking up a few picnic supplies, you can save some money as compared to restaurant dinners and have a million dolllar view at the same time.
3. Know when sunset is. Sunsets in Hawaii generally vary from around 5:45pm to 7:15 pm. So, plan your cocktails, appetizers, etc accordingly. As you can see, getting to the restaurant around 5:00 it is really not too early for viewing sunset. Use this US Naval Observatory link to find out when sunrise and sunset may be on your trip.
4. Bring a camera and be sure to snap photos before during and after sunset to see the beautiful color variations on the sky and water.
5. Bring sunglasses because you might need them depending on the angle of the sun.
6. If you are travelling with another couple, consider reserving two tables for two instead of one table for four so that everyone will have the sunset view.

I hope you will enjoy a gorgeous sunset dinner in Hawaii soon!