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How to Eat Like A Local on Your Kauai Vacation

Part of the excitement of visiting somewhere you have never visited is indulging in the culture. A great way to do this is by eating like a local on your Kauai vacation. There are a variety of dining options available to you regardless of which of our Kauai beachfront condos you are staying in.

Hawaii’s Culture of Food

Kauai is often known for its poke, Huli Huli chicken, poi, and loco moco. 

sign for poke restaurant

Native Hawaiian foods consist of poi, breadfruit, sweet potato, seaweed, fruit, and certain fish. Most visitors are familiar with the kalua pig; however, while you may believe that this is something that is generally served wherever you go, it isn’t. If you notice, you’ll usually only see them at luaus, as they are typically reserved for special occasions.

Once explorers and plantation workers from Japan, China, Portugal, Korea, and the Philippines came to the island, the local food began to change. Today, you find a mix-up of native foods that are now considered ‘native’ Hawaiian food. In reality, they are simply a mesh of traditional food from various places.

Where Does The Food Come From?

The primary crop grown in Kauai is seed corn. This is typically grown on the west side of Kauai and is exported to the U.S. mainland. Kauai is also widely known for its coffee, taro, mango, papaya, and guava. The meals offered in the local restaurants vary, but you can expect to spend roughly $45 per day on food. The average dinner at a restaurant in Kauai is approximately $18 per person. Breakfast and lunch are generally cheaper.

Where The Locals Eat

Some foods considered native to Hawaii include shaved ice, sweet bread, saimin, cake noodle, malasadas, meat jun, and all sorts of fruits, such as mango and guava. Here are some of our favorite places to indulge in some local specialties.

  • Kalalea Juice – organic/local cold-pressed juices, shave ice, smoothies, and other healthy options.
  • Aloha Juice cafe – light menu options, such as fresh fruit smoothies, and grab-n-go wraps.
kauai local shaved ice shack
  • Wishing Well Shave Ice – Food truck, simple menu items, vegetarian & vegan options, known for delicious shave ice.
  • Fresh Shave – Unique twist on the traditional shave ice
  • Brennecke’s Beach Broiler – Casual, laid-back oceanfront restaurant, local & American cuisine
  • Anuenue Café – Family owned and operated, warm and inviting, offering local cuisine

Pick any of the dining mentioned options, and you’ll be eating just like a local!

Plan Your Vacation

Our resorts are the reason that many choose to come back to Kauai again and again! Ready to explore your rental options? Simply click below!

Waipouli Beach Resort Vacation Rentals

We have lots of Kauai condo rentals, including our beachfront vacation rentals at Waipouli Beach Resort Vacation Rentals. Our beachfront rentals are along the Hawaiian Royal Coconut Coast, where the ancient kings and their families once lived. Undoubtedly, they would have the most pristine land on the island. This appears to be the case even today. Waipouli Beach Resorts and Spa is where guests come to receive the royal treatment. Each condo offers an incredible ocean view, which is why many choose to stay with us.

Waipouli resort pool

Our island resorts are close to many major attractions and plenty of shops, dining, and entertainment. These are just some of the things that make it the ideal base for exploring Kauai. Our rental condos are full of luxury amenities, such as central air, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, fitness center, large gourmet kitchens, exquisite Polynesian-style furnishings, and more. We have included everything to make your vacation stay with us one that you will never forget. Our resorts are the reason that many choose to come back to Kauai again and again!