Eat & drink · Our picks
Not a directory. Just the places we'd send our own family, from smoked chicken and shave ice in Hanalei to mai tais overlooking the bay, all 5 to 15 minutes from the house. Tap Google Maps for directions.
Fuel up before the beach. Both open early.
5-5183 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
A busy organic bakery café that grows much of its own produce nearby. Grab a coffee and pastry to go, or sit down for breakfast. Open 7 AM to 12:30 PM.
OrderAvocado toast with an egg and a slice of banana bread.
2484 Keneke St, Kīlauea
Old Kīlauea town's longest-running bakery, using local breadfruit and taro in its pastries and breads. Breakfast from 6 AM, then pizza by the slice later on.
OrderA poi malasada and a coffee.
Beach lunches, shave ice, and an easy first-night dinner.
5-5190 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
A no-fuss counter slow-smoking chicken and ribs in custom barrel smokers. Big portions and easy takeout for a beach-day lunch.
OrderThe smoked chicken plate with loaded fries.
5-5080 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
Serving from a converted bus at the edge of Hanalei since 1983, with organic, house-made fruit syrups. The coffee window next door opens at 6 AM.
OrderShave ice with fruit syrups over macadamia nut ice cream.
Hanalei Bay Resort, 5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville
Slow-fermented New York and Sicilian-style pies, right in Princeville. The only pizza place that delivers here, which makes it an easy first-night dinner. Opens at 3 PM.
OrderThe Shaka Shaka, with pineapple and mango-habanero barbecue sauce.
5-5190 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
A food truck in Hanalei's truck lot making poke bowls with very fresh fish. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Closed Saturdays.
OrderThe Paddler bowl, with creamy wasabi ahi.
4270 Kīlauea Rd, Kīlauea
A small counter with picnic tables turning out fresh-fish plates, tacos and wraps. Pair it with a trip to the lighthouse. Closed Sundays.
OrderThe ahi wrap.
Island dishes, live music and mai tais with a view.
5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
Hanalei's date-night favorite: small plates built on local fish and farm produce, with a thoughtful wine list. Open Tuesday to Saturday.
OrderSeared Kauaʻi shrimp and the fish of the day.
5-5016 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
A Hanalei institution on the river since 1970. Fresh local fish in the dining room, sushi in the lounge, and a fish market next door for grilling back at the house.
OrderThe charbroiled catch of the day.
5-5134 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
A Hanalei landmark since the 1960s, with a tiki-bar feel and live music most nights. It showed up in the film The Descendants.
OrderThe house mai tai, from the family's decades-old recipe.
5-5156 Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei
A lively open-air spot in the middle of Hanalei with a big, crowd-pleasing menu, daily happy hour and weekend breakfast. Easy for big groups.
OrderThe coconut shrimp.
Hanalei Bay Resort, 5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville
A hillside bar looking straight across Hanalei Bay to the mountains, with live local music every night. Come for a sunset drink with the whole family.
OrderA mai tai at sunset.
Drive times are approximate. Hours change, so check before you go.