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Kauai is known for its’ natural beauty and landscape and while that’s what originally brought us here. We quickly realize, the food should not be glossed over. Culinary artists and creators take the ingredients and flavors local to Kauai and bring that whiich can’t be matched when you return home. Eating your way across Kauai is a true treat from Waimea to Princeville.

Coffee

Wishing Well Coffee, Hanalei

6:30am – 5:00pm daily

We are up early heading to a shuttle pickup for a hike on the Kalalau Trail and we need coffee. While driving I spot that beautiful sign stating they’ll be open in just a few moments and turn hard into the parking lot. This place is a dream Hawaiian hang out. Later that day after our hike we’d return to sit in the chairs and enjoy a smoothie and book. They serve their drinks in custom mason jar that gets to come home with you. We accumulated three of these bad boys by the end of our stay and all safely made it home in our bags. The motto “Slow Yourself Down” is not simply just a saying here. A beautiful outdoor garden with plenty of seating invites you to sit and soak in the beauty of Hanalei. Thank you for the invite Wishing Well Coffee, we’ll happily oblige and slow ourselves down here any day.

“We wanted to create a space where locals could grab a coffee early before work, where kids could come hang out after school, and where visitors could slow down, get nourished, and enjoy the day.”

Wishing Well Coffee

Breakfast

Little Fish Coffee, Poipu

Monday – Sunday 7:30am – 1:00 pm

Located just blocks from where you’re probably staying in Poipu, this is the coffee shop you want to show up early for. We heed the warning that the line will be to the road soon and show up before open. Once in and ready to order, we treat ourselves to a delicious fresh Acai bowl like the Pakala and enjoy one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten, the Turkey Clubzilla. With a whole host of caffeinated specialty drinks gracing their menu I think this is a place to try something new whether it be the jet lag defeating Midnight Marauder or one of their Mexican Chocolate Mochas.

Lunch

Pono Market, Kapaa

Closed Saturday and Sunday

Pono Market is the Hawaiian equivalent to walking into your neighborhood Mexican grocery store and getting tacos from that flat top in the back. Authentic, real, feeding the locals-delicious. I had read a recommendation for this place stating it was a place for the locals and I’m here to tell you, a good rule of thumb is to always eat where the locals eat. We got the Spicy Poke Bowl. It’s delicious. Ahi tuna tossed in a Sriracha sauce on white rice. Yeah, plain and simple but my God was it good. I’m not a huge spice person, but the Sriracha lended a nice flavor to the dish and the spice was anything but overwhelming. Please if you’re going to Kauai, stop into Pono Market but get there before 12. They do sell out and they close when that time comes.

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Dinner

Fish Bar Deli, Kapaa

Wednesday – Sunday 12-9pm

Fish should be fresh when you’re near the ocean. That principle seems to be a driving factor behind the Fish Bar Deli. A gourmet restaurant and cocktail bar attached to a market selling amazing ingredients with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Seating is limited and bar top so get there early or plan a little time for a wait. We both ordered the Fish Sandwich and it was our favorite dinner of our 10 day stay. While they didn’t have an NA Beer, the bartender was quick to point me to the drink case in the market where I found an NA Mocktail. She popped it in a glass and garnished with an orange. I notice this extra effort and it goes highly appreciated. Make sure to add the Fish Bar Deli in Kapaa to your list of places to check out while on the island.

Breakfast Pastry

Midnight Bear Breads, Hanapepe

Bakery Hours
Wednesday: 8:00am-3:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-3:00pm
Friday:8:00am-3:00pm
Saturday:8:00am-3:00pm
closed: Sunday-Tuesday

When I die, bury me with a Pineapple Sticky Bun from Midnight Bear Breads. I may not look it, but I’ve been crushing Breakfast Pastries for nearly 30 years at this point. I’m well versed. I can tell a good cinnamon roll from a bad one on sight no matter how much cream cheese frosting coats it. Located on the main drag of Hanapepe, just down from the United State’s westernmost book store which is a treasure deserving of its’ own adoration at a later date. This small unassuming shop may not look like much from the outside but my God, I walk through and I’m transported. Baguettes, loaves and delicacies aglow in the case light. Courtney got a croissant that she loved but we both couldn’t get over the Sticky Bun. Local Hawaiian Pineapple twisted in dough. I didn’t stutter. When I die, bury one with me. Paired with a coffee we were fueled for adventure or at least until the next treat.

Other Favorites

Puka Dog

10am – 7:30pm Daily

I grew up eating hotdogs. Baseball parks and backyard grill outs. Earlier this year I ate double digit hotdogs across Norway and Denmark. I’ve eaten them Chicago Style and I’ve eaten them Deli Style. The hotdog is a blank canvas waiting for its’ artist. When we wandered across from legendary Poipu Beach to the world famous Puka Dog, we braced ourselves for impact with an experience that has welcomed food royalty like Anthony Bourdain. Now, it wouldn’t be Hawaiian style to go pushing regular Ketchup and Mustard, Kraut and Onions. No, here at Puka Dog, Spicy Garlic sauce compliments a sweet Mango Relish in what could only be called the Kauai Special. If that doesn’t suit you, maybe their Pineapple or Banana Relish will. Served in a proprietary bun that is crisped and baked to encase the hotdog, this shop has found its’ artist. Don’t be scared by the mixture of perfect Polish sausages and sweet local fruit flavors. You’re about to have a spiritual experience.

Important Note for Eating in Kauai

Kauai places an emphasis on local ingredients and local ingredients take more care to source. Coffee shops, restaurants and markets may not be open 7 days a week like you are used to or may hold hours unlike where you’re from. Checking ahead of time can help you plan and schedule your days so you make sure to hit places you want to see when they’re open.