EAT LIKE THE ISLANDERS DO
Here’s a list of 20 Kauai spots where you can eat well for less money
We know you love to eat like a local when you travel, and we also know you like to save money because … who likes to waste money? When you can join the two, it’s pure bliss. Nearly a decade ago, the Travel section created restaurant lists that did just that. We canvassed the islands to bring you a series of articles we called “20 for $20,” tasting our way across Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island in search of great meal deals at eateries locals like best.
You loved it. In fact, a million of you have clicked on just the Kauai version, and you’re still reading these articles nearly 10 years on.
Things change in a decade, and we knew it was time to update. With the help of local experts, we identified some new — and some old — faves and tried them, concentrating on restaurants where locals dine that feature inexpensive and sometimes traditional Hawaiian fare.
And we included a few places to splurge where the ambience is pure tropical paradise.
For the most part, the restaurants are clustered in Kauai’s main tourist areas, from the sunny South Shore towns of Poipu and Koloa to the East Side city of Lihue (home of the airport and many businesses) to the upscale North Shore town of Hanalei, gateway to the Napali Coast.
Something new this time around: Four of our picks are food trucks, which weren’t a thing a decade ago in Kauai.
“They might not offer much in the way of ambience, but some of the dishes they serve are amazing,” said chef Martina Hilldorfer of the Culinary Arts Program at Kauai Community College. “It’s one of the things that’s changed the most here in the past decade.”
Another change is a new emphasis on local ingredients.
Hilldorfer provided us with invaluable guidance in preparing this list, and we thank her for her assistance.
This list starts with some of my favorites, then fans out.
Note: Some of the restaurants are hidden gems, and we mean that literally and figuratively. Always check hours and directions.