A Foodie Road Map for Kauai, Hawaii
Where to eat Poke Bowls, Coconut Shrimps, Acai Bowls & Shave Ice
If you’re a foodie, there are 4 things you can’t miss when you’re in Kauai: Poke Bowls, Coconut Shrimps, Acai Bowls and Shave Ice.
We made it our personal mission to scope out these food spots in Kauai. From quality local fares to food trucks, we’ve come up with a list of fresh, local, authentic food joints worth visiting over and over again.
Kauai Poke Co | $11 — $16
3540 Koloa Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741 | (808) 638–4662
This is a food truck next to a “boutique” warehouse with local goods. It’s also adjacent to another food truck, The Fresh Shave, which we will get to later. We had the Plantation Bowl (ahi, avocado, cucumber, green tobiko, crispy onion, kabayaki, inamona & a mild spicy sauce) and it was mind blowing. It was a perfect introduction to the island’s laid back food scene.
Makai Sushi | $15 — $16
2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 | (808) 639–7219
This little counter stand sits inside the Kukuiula Local Market. We ordered the Gorilla Ahi Bowl (ahi, ono, salmon, cucumber, avocado, sweet maui onion) and took it to the outdoor patio for a private feast before the crowd started to form. If you’re looking for sushi, it’s only made Mon-Fri. Poke bowls only on the weekends. Vegetarian bowls are available upon request.
Pono Market | $6.95
4–1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 | (808) 822–4581
This is a great place to start your day right! Daniel and I got a little crazy about the different poke options at this place and ended up visiting more than a few times — we didn’t want to leave with any regrets. They have delicious lunch plates, sushi and rice balls (musubi) for take out. If you’re doing the Makaleha Falls hike, pack a few of these musubi with you and enjoy them by the running water. Our favorites were the teriyaki chicken and beef musubi.
Koloa Fish Market | $11-$30
5482 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 | (808) 742–6199
This place is a hole in the wall and is a local gem. We sampled four different types of ahi poke: kimchi, avocado, spicy and traditional Maui style. The exterior looks slightly dilapidated, but for the skeptics, the fish looks fresh, smells fresh, and the station is busy on a Tuesday afternoon, guaranteeing continuous turnover of fresh supplies. Our favorite part was the wasabi sauce poured over rice. The ocean salad (seaweed salad) and sweet cucumber salad were nice additions. Cash only!
Shrimp Station | $12.95
- Waimea | 9652 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796 | (808) 338–1242
- Kapaa | 4–985 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 | (808) 821–0192
A roadside joint that lives up to the name. They sells shrimps: Sautéed shrimps, fried shrimps, shrimp tacos, and shrimp burgers. We went in the afternoon after exploring Waimea Canyon. Our order of Cajun Shrimp N’ Rice (sautéed in olive oil, garlic, white wine and creamy Cajun sauce) was delicious. One look at the kitchen staff and you know these fellows know what they’re doing. The dish is rich in flavor and packs a heavy garlic punch that is highly satisfying. Simple, yet divine!
Coconut’s Fish Cafe
Village Shopping Center, 4–831 Kuhio Hwy Suite 420–424, Kapaa, HI 96746 | (808) 320–3138
A family friendly walk-in surf-themed restaurant. This was our go-to happy hour & evening dining for coconut shrimps. The coconut batter was perfectly crispy (the same satisfaction when you are served properly crisp bacon) and the pineapple sweet chili dipping sauce worked well with just about anything on the menu. The staff have a contagious smile. Looks like they have locations in Maui, northern CA and soon in LA!
Insider’s Tip: Happy Hour 2pm-5pm Monday-Friday
Anake’s Juice Bar | Medium: $9 — Large: $11
2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 | (808) 742–1602
Hidden in the back of Kukuiula Market, we were lucky our friends recommended this place as one not to miss. We decided to stop by prior to our drive up Waimea Canyon, and the breakfast bowl lasted as the whole hike.
The staff uses fresh ingredients for your bowl, and lots of it. We ordered ‘The Hulk’ to share. A monster sized bowl layered with two types of acai base, topped with granola and thin cut fresh fruits.
Wailua Shave Ice | $6.50-$7.50
4–1306 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 | (808) 634–7183
Shave ice served from a converted Argosy 24 Airstream trailer — a great spot to just chill under the sun along with a few other lucky tourists. I got the ‘Triple Coconut’ - coconut milk, roasted coconut flakes and haupia foam on top. Daniel opted for ‘Da Mango One’ - mango juice and snow cap fresh mango. The ice cold syrup brought with it an intoxicating brain freeze.
The Fresh Shave | $6-$7
3540 Koloa Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741 | (808) 631–2222
The other food truck next to the boutique warehouse (see Kauai Poke Co). Short 10 min drive from Poipu beach. Something to seriously consider after a day of snorkeling at Poipu. We had the ‘Chevron’ (coconut + lime and sweet coconut chia seed cream). Think virgin mojito shave ice! Only opens 11am-3pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Insider’s Tip: Ask about the off menu items.
