현지 스카우트가 가는 맛집 9곳
Poʻipū
Beach House Restaurant (Lawai Beach, Poipu) — the best sunset dinner seat on the south shore. Tables face directly west over the ocean; the sunset from here is extraordinary. Fresh fish and a good wine list. Reserve specifically for sunset — get the time from local sunset tables and book the sitting that ends 30 min before it. Full 15 min early.
Kapaʻa
JO2 by Chef Jean-Marie Josselin (Kapaa, on Kuhio Hwy) — the best restaurant on the east side and one of the finest on the island. French-trained chef using Kauai farm ingredients in creative fusion plates. Significantly better than anything in Poipu resort corridor at a more reasonable price. Reserve at least a week ahead for dinner.
Waimea
Porky's (Waimea) — the best plate lunch on the west side, and a smart stop before or after Waimea Canyon since options out there are thin. Kalua pork, smoked meat, local-style plates from a roadside spot.
Poʻipū
Tidepool Restaurant (Grand Hyatt, Poipu) — the splurge dinner on Kauai, built over the resort's koi ponds with open-air thatched tables at the water's edge. Book ahead and time it for sunset. Fresh fish, tropical cocktails, the setting is the point.
Kapaʻa
Wailua Shave Ice (Kapaa, on Kuhio Hwy) — the best shave ice on Kauai. The machine shaves ice paper-thin; syrups are made from fresh fruit. Order with a macadamia ice cream base underneath. Get lilikoi (passion fruit) as one of your flavors.
Hanalei
Hanalei Nourish (Hanalei, on Aku Rd) — don't miss it. Healthy, creative cuisine using local Kauai ingredients with a magnificent view of Hanalei Bay from the terrace. Smoothie bowls, fresh fish dishes, and the best açaí bowl on the island. The view alone is worth the detour.
Hanalei
Hanalei Poke (Hanalei, on Aku Rd) — some of the freshest poke on Kauai, made daily with locally caught fish. Small shop, limited quantity. Arrive before noon or it sells out. Get the ahi shoyu and one daily special.
Kōloa
Koloa Fish Market (Koloa town) — the best poke on Kauai. Arrive by 11am before it sells out. Ahi shoyu poke or spicy ahi. Take it to Baby Beach or Poipu Beach for the definitive Kauai picnic. Cash preferred.
Kīlauea
Kilauea Fish Market (Kilauea town, in a strip mall — easy to miss) — plate lunches, fish tacos, and excellent specials. The avocado salad and mahi fish sandwich are outstanding. Most beloved lunch spot among Kauai locals.