Our Kauai Travel Tips: Food
Foodland
Foodland is Hawaii’s beloved grocery chain and one of our best-kept secrets for eating well in the islands. It’s not just a great place to grocery shop—it’s also a fun way to experience island culture. Their hot food selection is excellent (don’t miss the huli huli chicken), and they often have fresh poke available by the pound! We’ll rely on their bakery and deli for plenty of on-the-go meals.
Coconut Marketplace in Kapa’a /Chicken in a Barrel
Chicken in a Barrel is a restaurant chain in Hawaii but also one of Magen’s favorite places to go after an outdoor adventure and feeling worn out. You can get decent BBQ in an open-air marketplace with beer fountains to get your own pours. It’s kinda fun when you're delirious for chicken and a cold beer.
Info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QXzktT7ojivDrTVa6
Whalers in Anahola
This roadside general store offers the best poke on the island (at least that we’ve found!). It also serves delicious plate lunches, making it a super convenient stop when you’re on the road heading to the beach.
Info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LmuunMTTAGAr5kyR8
Wake Up Delicious in Hanalei
We have only ate at Wake Up Delicious once because they lines are often LONG. Maybe we would have better luck mid-day but we still think about the kaula pork burrito we got before we hiked the coast a few years ago. It’s a bit pricey for a plate but the portions are huge. You can feed a couple of people with the portions. People start lining up before 7 a.m. when it opens, that’s how good it is!
Info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jk8VsdnHvzcAhFBQ6
Hamura Saimin
Travis (Yellow Section) told Kellen about this noodle shop and it is a total hole-in-the-wall gem in Lihue close to the airport. It’s cash only and counter service. If you love noodle soup…this is the place for you.
Article: https://hamura-saimin.weeblyte.com/
Info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qusWs95yUVH62ev28
Waipouli Deli and Restaurant
Grub down like a local in Kapa’a. This hole in the wall has really great island fare - you can tell from all of the locals coming in to sit down or grab boxes to go before they head off to work. If you’ve never tried Loco Moco this is the place to give it a taste! Large portions - kids can definitely split.
Info: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FsN4irdchncpS3Tk9
Sueoka Market Take-Out Window in Koloa
This is a grocery store that feels very “islandy.” Good snacks and interesting foods inside, but our favorite aspect is the take-out window on the outside. They offer take-out plate lunches that are amazing if you want to feed the family on the cheap before/after your adventures on the south side of the island. Again, large portions! This is in the very cool town of Koloa near the Poipu resorts.
