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  • Best Places for Dinner in Kapa’a

    Paco’s Tacos Cantina

    This is our pick for most authentic sit down Mexican food on the island. Located right in the middle of old Kapa’a town, this is a perfect place to grab dinner, do some shopping, and grab a dessert after as well.

    Hours: 11am – 9pm (Thursday – Tuesday)

    Closed on Wednesday

    Travel Time: 9 min

    Price: $20-$30 /Person

    Lava Lava Beach Club

    We are lucky at Islander on the Beach to be located right next door to one of the best ocean view restaurants on the island. Just head out of our unit onto the beachfront walking path and you’ll be there in just a few steps. We love the live music, yard games, and beach swing. Some of our favorite meals include the LLBC burger and the baby back ribs.

    Hours: 7am – 9pm (Daily)

    Happy Hour 3-5pm

    Travel Time: 1 minute walk

    Price: $30-$50 /Person

    Chicken in a Barrel BBQ

    Chicken in a Barrel is, by far, our families favorite spot to walk to from islander on the beach and have a meal that everyone is certain to love. Every BBQ option is delicious, and we are particular fans of their loaded fries. They always have a friendly staff and have three locally owned locations on the island. The Kapa’a location even has a large selection of beer on tap.

    Hours: 11am – 8pm (Daily)

    Travel Time: 3 minute walk

    Price: $10-$20 / Person

    Hukilau Lanai

    Located in Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy

    Just a short walk along the oceanfront boardwalk, Hukilau Lanai is located just to the North of Islander on the Beach. It features open- air dining with garden and ocean views, and specializes in fresh local island cuisine. Reservations are suggested, and you’ll find the vibe to be casual-elegant.

    Hours: 5pm – 9pm (Daily)

    Travel Time: 5 minute walk

    Price: $40-$90 / Person

    Bobby V’s

    Located in the Coconut Marketplace, this popular family-friendly Italian spot features pizza, pasta, and several vegan / gluten free options as well. Take advantage of indoor or outdoor dining, and choose from a massive collection of bourbon and other drinks.

    Hours:11am – 9pm (Daily)

    Travel Time: 3 minute walk

    Price: $30-$40 / Person

    Napali Brewing Company

    Brew pub known for its hand-crafted beers, local cuisine, and live music. You’ll find it to be a relaxed family-friendly environment, with delicious fish and chips and other pub food selections.

    Hours: 11am – 9pm (Daily)

    Travel Time: 3 minute drive

    Price: $20-$30 / Person

    Oasis on the Beach

    Located at the Waipouli Beach Resort

    The Oasis gives an upscale oceanfront dining option that features sustainable, farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine. Has great open air dining with beautiful ocean views. Live music on Wednesday really sets the mood!

    Hours: 4pm – 9pm (Monday – Tuesday / Thursday – Saturday)

    3pm – 9pm (Wednesday)

    Closed on Sundays

    Travel Time: 3 minute drive

    Price: $50-$100 / Person

  • Our “Go To” Breakfast Spots in Kapa’a

    One of the great reasons to stay in Kapa’a is the abundance of places to grab a quick breakfast or coffee, as well as some great sit down options. Below are the places we find ourselves visiting the most for breakfast.

    Island Country Market

    Just steps from our condo, the island market is located at the north end of the coconut marketplace. We found it be an extremely convenient and affordable option to start the day. It offers pre-made breakfast bowls, or you can order from a large breakfast menu at the deli. There is also a selection of pastries, including delicious malasadas, along with your typical grocery store options.

    The market also includes a stand alone coffee shop, with multiple blends of coffee and specialty drinks. Overall a great source of convenient food for your entire trip.

    Hours: 7am-8:30pm Daily

    Travel Time: 2 minute walk

    Price: $5-$15 / Person

    Imua Coffee Roasters

    Awarded best coffee house in Kapa’a in 2023,2024, and 2025. This small shop just steps outside the Islander lobby is known for its house roasted beans, plant-based options, and “Aloha Spirit” atmosphere. We love the gluten free options, especially the banana bread, but make sure you get there early or they will sell out.

    Hours: 7am – 11am (Saturday and Sunday)

    7am – 1pm (Monday – Friday)

    Travel Time: 1 minute walk

    Price: $5-$15 / Person

    Haole Girl Sweets

    A popular farm to table bakery known for its handcrafted pastries with fresh locally sourced ingredients. We love their macadamia nut sticky buns and gluten free mango bundt cake! Great variety of sweet treats and allergy friendly options. You can also get your morning coffee here as well.

    Hours: 7am – 1pm (Tuesday- Sunday)

    Closed on Mondays

    Travel Time: 6 minute drive

    Price: $5-$15 / Person

    Java Kai

    Arguably the most well know breakfast option on our list, Java Kai checks the box with coffee roasted on site and fresh pastries made daily in the shop. You can grab a quick coffee and pastry to go, or sit down and enjoy one of their delicious menu options. We recommend heading here first thing in the morning or the line can sometimes get a little out of control. Anyone with allergies will love their gluten free and vegan options as well.

    Hours: 6am – 5pm (Daily for Coffee, Smoothies, and Pastries)

    6am – 2pm (Daily for breakfast and lunch)

    Travel Time: 8 minute drive

    Price: $10-$20 / Person

    Want Donuts? Check out: Island Craves or Holey Grail Donuts

    Island Craves

    Tons of options here, but we’ve found they are best for donuts or other pastries, including malasadas.

    Hours: 6am – 7pm (Monday – Wednesday, and Friday – Sunday)

    6am – 1pm (Thursday)

    Travel Time: 6 minute drive

    Price: $3-$8 / Person

    Holey Grail Donuts

    These amazing donuts are made with the Hawaiian super food Taro. They have a very well known location in Hanalei as well as their food truck in Kapa’a.

    Hours: 7am – 2pm (Daily)

    Travel Time: 11 minute drive

    Price: $5-$10 / Person

    Kountry Kitchen

    American breakfast and brunch spot known for its hardy portions, island inspired comfort food, and casual atmosphere. If you’re looking for a filling sit-down meal to start your day, with endless cups of coffee, this is the place for you. We particularly enjoy their famous macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup, as well as their amazing breakfast omelette.

    Hours: 7am – 1pm (Thursday – Monday)

    Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

    Travel Time: 10 minute drive

    Price: $10-$20 / Person

    Lava Lava Beach Club

    Right next door to the Islander on the Beach, you’ll find one of the best breakfast views on the island. We always love the vibe of Lava Lava, as well as their gluten free and vegan options. The perfect way to start your day if you’re looking for a nicer breakfast with an even nicer view.

    Breakfast Hours: 7am – 11am (Daily)

    Travel Time: 2 minute walk

    Price: $20-$25 / Person

  • Our Favorite North Shore Beaches In Kauai

    In no particular order these are the favorite beaches we’ve had a chance to explore so far in Kauai. Even with multiple trips its hard to fit in all the amazing beaches Kauai has to offer, but this is a great place to start.

    Hanalei Bay

    It’s hard not to mention Hanalei Bay right off the bat. It is the location that led us to fall in love with Kauai and the North Shore, and it’s definitely a place you want to spend a good amount of time at.

    Highlights:

    • Incredible views of the mountains overlooking the bay.
    • Iconic boat pier to walk out on.
    • Public restrooms and beach shower for sand.
    • Lots of public parking.
    • Shallow gradual entry and small waves make this a great spot for kids
    • Proximity to shopping and food in Hanalei

    Downsides:

    • The popularity: really the only challenge here is how crowded it can get during certain times of the year. Parking can become a challenge, but the beach is plenty big enough to spread out and find a good spot to enjoy the beauty

    Kalihiwai

    Definitely one of our kids favorite beaches, Kalihiwai features a river that runs into the ocean with shallow water, rocks to climb and jump off of, and a rope swing! This is a great lower occupancy beach to enjoy beautiful views, play in the surf, or relax in the river stream.

    Highlights:

    • Low traffic, only a handful of people have been there when we have gone.
    • Kid friendly
    • Easy Parking

    Downsides:

    • No public restrooms
    • No outdoor shower

    Sealodge

    A unique beach experience that is only accessible from the Sealodge. Although all beaches are public, the Sealodge Beach is about as close as we’ve come to a private beach due to the limited access to it. About a 10 minute hike down from the unit will bring you to the beach which has beautiful views and good snorkeling.

    Highlights:

    • The seclusion – its common to be the only ones down at the beach
    • Good snorkeling – you can see colorful fish and even turtles not far from shore
    • Fun hike down to the beach

    Downsides:

    • Hike down to beach can be challenging. If you are not able to climb steep inclines or lower yourself down rocks it may be best avoided, especially after a rain.
    • The reef and rock start almost immediately which does not allow for great swimming conditions
    • No public restroom or shower – however you are just minutes from your home

    Ke’e

    One of the better known beaches on Kauai, Ke’e has breathtaking sunset views over the Napali Coastline. We’ve enjoyed snorkeling and swimming at Ke’e beach, and when possible try to make this a stop every trip. The challenge is that Ke’e beach requires a pass in order to visit and these passes typically sell out very quickly.

    Highlights:

    • Beautiful sunset views
    • Great snorkeling and swimming
    • Amazing mountain views
    • Public restrooms and showers

    Downsides:

    • Can be challenging to acquire the required parking or shuttle pass
  • Best Restaurants for Dinner in Kauai

    Best Restaurants for Dinner in Kauai

    Kalypso Island Bar & Grill

    Location: Hanalei

    Style: American grill/Mexican

    Hours: M-F 11am-8:30pm, Sat 9am-8:30, Sun 8am-8:30pm

    Price: $20-30/person

    Great island vibe with a variety of food options, making it a solid choice to meet everyone’s preferences. Our kids love drawing on the chalkboard wall while they wait for their food. We particularly love the loaded nachos, which is big enough to share!

    Tahiti Nui

    Location: Hanalei

    Style: Seafood/Pizza

    Hours: 12pm-9pm Daily

    Closed Saturday

    Price: $20-30/person

    Our personal favorite for a pizza dinner. Often has live local music, and a great selection of cocktails, especially known for their Mai Tai.

    The Terrace Hanalei

    Location: Hanalei

    Style: Seafood/Grill

    Hours: 11am-9pm Daily

    Closed Wednesday

    Price: $30-50/Person

    One of the best mountain views for dinner in Hanalei. We recommend going early so you can enjoy the view as much as possible before the sun goes down.

    Bar Acuda

    Location: Hanalei

    Style: Small Plate “Tapas”/Primarily Local Seafood

    Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm

    Closed Sunday and Monday

    Price: $50-100/Person

    Tidepools

    Location: Koloa(At the Grand Hyatt)

    Style: Upscale Hawaiian Cuisine, Seafood/Steak

    Hours: 5pm-9pm Daily

    Price: $50-100/Person

    Reservations Required

    Although quite a hike from the North Shore, this is a great option if you want to have a memorable high end dinner. Amazing service, steaks, and scenery will make for a very special evening.

    Dukes

    Location: Lihue

    Style: Seafood/American Grill

    Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 9am-10pm

    Price: $30-60/Person

    Lava Lava Beach Club

    Location: Ka’paa

    Style: Seafood/American Grill

    Hours: 7am-9pm Daily

    Price: $25-60/Person

  • Top Lunch Spots on Kauai’s North Shore

    Top Lunch Spots on Kauai’s North Shore

    From a budget friendly perspective, we recommend the idea of utilizing a cooler and packing lunches while you explore the islands beaches and trails. However, we also know we’re going to want to eat out for lunch as well, so here are some of our personal favorites.

    Federico’s Fresh Mex Cuisine

    Style: Mexican

    Location: Hanalei

    Hours: M, TH, F, Sat, Sun 11am -8pm

    Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

    Price: $10-20/person

    Great open air seating to grab lunch in Hanalei. Bonus points if you order the loaded fries after hiking the Kalalau Trail.

    Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant

    Style: Pizza, Sandwiches, Salads

    Location: Kilauea

    Hours: M, W, TH, F, Sat 12pm-7pm, Sun 1pm-7pm

    Closed Tuesday

    Price: $18-30/person

    Palate is a smaller, intimate restaurant just south of Princeville in Kilauea. Flatbread pizza or salad are popular choices, and the meatball sandwich is highly recommended. Everything here is fresh and made in the open kitchen just a few feet from where you sit.

    Big Nick’s

    Style: Burgers

    Location: Hanalei

    Hours: 11:30am – 5pm (Daily)

    Price: $15-$30 / Person

    Locally owned restaurant known for its burgers, Hawaiian BBQ plate lunches, and sandwiches. The owners are Hanalei natives, adding to the local charm. By far the best burger we have found on the island…highly recommend!

  • Top Breakfasts on Kauai’s North Shore

    Top Breakfasts on Kauai’s North Shore

    The jetlag is still in affect, your up early listening to the roosters crow, and you’ve taken a walk along the coast line; but now you’re getting ready to grab some breakfast. We’re here to help narrow down the top options.

    We’re focusing primarily on the North Shore for this list since you mostly like aren’t driving to the South Shore for breakfast.

    Best All Around Breakfast

    Hanalei Bread Company

    Travel Time: 12min

    Hours: 7am-12:30pm Daily

    Price: $10-$20/person

    Locally owned and operated, Hanalei Bread Company is an organic bakery and coffee house. Whether you’re in the mood for an Acai Bowl, an amazing breakfast sandwich, or the delicious peanut butter toast, this is one of our favorite spots to start the day.

    Best Coffee and Food on the Go

    Wishing Well Coffee & Tea

    Travel Time: 10min

    Hours: 6:30am-5pm Daily

    Price: $10-$20/person

    Ironically chosen for our quick option, the Wishing Well Coffee is part of a larger company under the name “Slow Yourself Down”. Your coffee comes in a free mason jar which you can take home, and there is plenty of outdoor seating to take a minute to enjoy your coffee and meal. We highly recommend the Acai bowls here to start your day out right.

    Best Breakfast to Plan Your Morning Around

    1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

    Travel Time: 10min

    Breakfast Hours: 7am-11am Daily

    Price: $30-$55/person

    Parking: Valet

    The views of Hanalei Bay, and the beauty of the 1 Hotel are enough to put their restaurant on this list. However, the real star of the show, and the reason we carve out a day to have breakfast here each trip is the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Select from a seemingly endless supply of pastries, fruit, omelets, bacon, pancakes, and waffles. Not to mention the many refills of fresh squeezed POG your going to want to enjoy. Add it all up, and despite the price tag, we highly recommend taking a bit more time and enjoying a morning at the 1 Hotel.

    Best Coffee When Headed South

    Java Kai Bar Coffee Roaster (Kilauea)

    Travel Time: 16min

    Breakfast Hours: 6am-5pm (Daily)

    Price: $6-15/person

    Light and bright, this coffee bar is a great place to start your day or bring a laptop and get some work done. Choose from a selection of handmade pastries, or order a full breakfast meal. It’s hard to go wrong here, but I do recommend the delicious cinnamon roll. For those with allergies, they do have a couple allergy friendly options as well.

  • Welcome to Kauai – Our Favorite Place on Earth

    Welcome to Kauai – Our Favorite Place on Earth

    Who doesn’t love Kauai?

    When our Son Jack was 4 years old we had a wonderful waiter at Olive Garden ask Jack if he was enjoying his pizza. To which Jack replied, “Who doesn’t love pizza?” This insight from a 4 year old really does highlight that there are just some things in this world that are universally loved by all.

    A couple years later I stood with Hallie on the pier at Hanalei Bay. Overlooking the Ocean and watching the clouds contribute to the dozens of waterfalls cascading down the surrounding mountains, I thought to myself, “Who wouldn’t love Kauai?!

    In the same way you know true love when you feel it, the North Shore of Kauai has a hold on our hearts. We find such joy and peace each time we visit. Our hope with this Blog is that we help amplify the enjoyment everyone has on island by providing insight and recommendations for your trip, and maybe you’ll find yourself falling in love just like we did.

    Who doesn’t love Kauai? Haven’t found that person yet.