Kauai, known as the "Garden Isle" among residents for its lush mountains and forested valleys, is one of the oldest inhabited islands in the state of Hawaii. Besides its relaxed culture and world-class beaches, Kauai also draws visitors for its sunny golf courses. Examples include the Wailua Golf Course, Kaihua Golf Course, and the Kukuiolona Golf Course. After working up an appetite on the green, discover some of Kauai's great restaurants on each of its four coasts.
South Shore
The Beach House Restaurant is found in Kauai's Poipu resort district, just a few minute's drive from both the Poipu Bay Golf Course and the Kiahuna Golf Club. It was awarded the best Kauai restaurant in Honolulu Magazine's 2009 restaurant ratings. The menu focuses on creative twists on Hawaiian cuisine. For example, the fish nachos combine Hawaiian chili salsa with a sweet mango sauce, while the seafood options include grilled fish paired with Hawaiian prawns and a basil pesto sauce. Visit during sunset for a breathtaking view of the Pacific through the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows.
Beach House Restaurant
5022 Lawai Rd
Koloa, HI 96756-9618
(808) 742-1424
the-beach-house.com
East Shore
Located in scenic Kapaa, the Ohana Diner is only a few miles north of the coconut palm-lined green at Wailua Golf Course. As its name suggests, this restaurant is family-friendly with reasonable prices for those searching for authentic native Hawaiian and local cuisine. "The Garden Island," Kauai's main newspaper, said this restaurant serves the island's best Hawaiian food, according to its 2009 "Best Of" issue. Order the restaurant's trademark "Dream Meal," made with various Hawaiian delicacies like kalua pork, lomi-lomi salmon, and poi--a pudding-like side dish made from Hawaiian taro root.
Ohana Diner
4-971 Kuhio Hwy # F
Kapaa, HI 96746-1553
(808) 821-2498
North Shore
Kauai's north shore is infamous for its massive surf-worthy waves as well as its eclectic culinary landscape. Kauai Mediterranean Gourmet is one of the island's only Mediterranean-themed restaurants. A finalist in the 2009 Hale Aina restaurant awards, the restaurant serves a constantly changing menu that highlights local produce from nearby farms and anglers, all prepared with authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes. Nightly live entertainment by Kauai performers adds to the restaurant's intimate, romantic ambiance.
Kauai Mediterranean Gourmet
5-7132 Kuhio Hwy
Hanalei, HI 96714
(808) 826-9875
kauaimedgourmet.com
West Shore
Wong's is famous among local Kauai residents for its lilikoi (a tropical Hawaiian fruit) pies, which are constantly sold out. The restaurant is also known for its budget-friendly Japanese and Chinese food. Order your favorite noodle or meat dish to share between two or three people, as portions are massive. While the restaurant's ambiance is not very charming--featuring one large room filled with tables and chairs akin to a cafeteria--the nearby art galleries and boutique shops in downtown Hanapepe make up for it.
Wong's Chinese Restaurant
1-3543 Kaumualii Hwy
Hanapepe, HI 96716
(808) 335-5066
About The Author
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and he earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
