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Ishihara Market
The town's best grocer is an indie with an extensive deli selling take-out sushi, green salads and a mouthwatering selection of 'ahi poke .
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Java Kai
A mostly local chain, Java Kai is a nice alternative to Starbucks. Choose from a mind-boggling selection of java drinks, along with coffee beans. Yummy muffins, fruity smoothies and limited sidewalk seating.
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Jo-Jo's Shave Ice
While still a worthwhile stop with dozens and dozens of syrup flavors, the quality is inconsistent (eg skimpy syrup or gritty ice). Still, the colorful sign above the rickety screen door is a beacon and, heck, a small cup is just two bucks. Try unusual flavors like lychee, tamarind and rum.
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Joe's on the Green
Join the locals at this open-air eatery at Kiahuna Golf Club for the early-bird special (around US$5 , served until , Monday to Saturday). For a casual clubhouse setting, the food is quite gourmet, from shrimp cakes with chipotle aioli to 'ahi tempura rolls, to smoked pork ribs falling off the bone.
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Kalaheo Café & Coffee Co
First known for its breakfasts and melt-in-your-mouth 'cinnamon knuckle' pastry, this neighborhood café now serves gourmet, if eclectic, dinners. Hunan-style pork tenderloin is paired with pineapple marmalade and mashed potato, while the fresh-catch enchilada features herb polenta. Economize by ordering grilled sandwiches from the lunch menu till closing.
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Kalaheo Steak House
An island fixture, Kalaheo Steak House is masculinely cozy and dimly lit, with faux-leather-upholstered booths, an empty adjoining bar and a working-class clubby feel. Dig into 'real food,' like steak, from a 12oz sirloin to an insanely huge 24oz prime rib.
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Kalapaki Beach Hut
Sure, it's touristy. But this archetypal beachside café faces Kalapaki Beach and features big breakfasts, from egg-and-cheese sandwiches to tasty omelets sautéed with fresh ono . The fast-food lunch menu features belly-pleasing burgers and sandwiches.
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Kaua'i Pasta (Lihu'e)
Locals prefer rice to pasta, but Kaua'i Pasta has proven popular. Colorful salads meld diverse flavors, such as peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese and sweet tomatoes. Hot foccacia sandwiches, classic pasta mains and luscious tiramisu are well made and generous.
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Kaua'i Pasta (Waipouli)
Real Italian cuisine is rare on Kaua'i so, if you're craving the classics, head to this nondescript joint. The chef, who cut his teeth at Roy's in Po'ipu, serves savory panini (hot sandwiches), classic pasta dishes and a perfectly simple (or simply perfect) Caprese salad with local basil and tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
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Kaua'i Pupu Factory
Stop for local grinds, including dried, smoked fish, deep-fried ika (squid) and purple-sweet-potato tempura. If you're curious to try Hawaiian food, don't miss the mouthwatering plate lunch with laulau or kalua pork with rice, lomilomi salmon and poke (see if you're baffled by these dishes).
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Keoki's Paradise
If you're a fan of tiki restaurants, you'll love the tropical onslaught here. Although the whole experience shouts 'touristy,' the food is colorful and tasty. Stick with the fresh fish and the simplest 'naturally grilled' preparation. Save room for Hula Pie, a decadent hunk of mac-nut ice cream over chocolate-cookie crust.
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Kiibo
If you're craving Japanese food but protecting your pocketbook, Kiibo is your ticket. Here you'll find standbys including tempura udon or soba (noodles in broth), unagi (eel) over rice, and grilled mackerel or salmon. Locals love the unpretentious setting and under-$10 meals.
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Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza
Go early for the best selection of gooey mac-nut sticky buns, sourdough loaves, tropical Danish pastries, etc - they can sell out before noon. The pizza is rather bready, but features tasty toppings like smoked ono , Kilauea goat cheese and fresh sugarloaf pineapple.
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Kilauea Fish Market
At last, yummy plate lunches that won't clog your arteries. One taste and you'll be addicted to the generous plates of seared- 'ahi poke salad with organic greens, wraps stuffed with sautéed 'ahi , or tofu with brown rice and lots of veggies.
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King & I
Ranked number one by locals, this friendly, family-run restaurant offers a lengthy menu featuring flavors such as curries popping with kaffir lime and lemongrass, fiery or not, as you like. Vegetarians will find loads of options, like flavorful eggplant and tofu in chili oil or a mound of traditional pad thai with tofu.
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Kintaro
Longtime local-fave Kintaro is always packed. No wonder: from thick-cut slices of sashimi to a shrimp-fish-veg tempura combination, mains shine in quality and quantity. The owner is Korean, but the cuisine is authentic Japanese. A specialty is sizzling, crowd-wowing teppanyaki , when chefs show their stuff tableside on steel grills.
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koke'e Lodge
Step Right Up, Folks. This Is The Only Eatery Within 20 Miles. Luckily The Food Is Surprisingly Good. Find Smoked-Salmon Quiche, Granola And Other Breakfast Fare All Day Long, Plus Hearty Soups, Sandwiches And Interesting Salads, Like The Moroccan Sampler With Couscous, Hummus And Mediterranean Veggies.
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Koloa Fish Market
Your best bet for take-out: bento boxes, sushi, plate lunches and fresh fish. The poke comes in mouthwatering varieties and the seared- 'ahi slices are gourmet quality.
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Korean Bar-B-Q Restaurant
While more local than Korean, the generous, meaty plates do include kimchee. Non-meat eaters might be wary, but fish and veg options are available. Grungy diner atmosphere. Health nuts, look elsewhere.
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Kountry Kitchen
An excellent down-home diner, Kountry Kitchen lets you tailor your meal: Build your own light and crepelike omelet (from around US$6 ) from a variety of fillings. Choose either one, two or three pancakes (around US$4 - US$6 ), either banana, strawberry or chocolate-chip. Breakfast served all day, lunch from .
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La Cascata
In a richly hued, cozy dining room, La Cascata exudes a European feel. The Mediterranean cuisine includes creative starters such as the prawn/scallop/lobster ravioli in arugula pesto. Mains tend toward elaborate preparations, eg rack of lamb with creamy tomato polenta and fig-infused balsamic jus. Awesome sunset views but no patio seating.
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Lighthouse Bistro
Kilauea's sole sit-down restaurant is especially atmospheric at night, when the open-air dining room glows with mellow lights and rich woods. The menu focuses on local ingredients, such as Kilauea greens and goat cheese. Vegans can enjoy the Napoleon, a towering stack of polenta, grilled vegetables and greens ($18).
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Lihu'e Barbecue Inn
Dark and deserted on the outside, the food and friendly service inside are a surprise. The menu is almost a book, with a wide selection (but inexplicably no real barbecue). Don't expect gourmet dining, but the fish dishes are delicious, especially the seared 'ahi salad.
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Mango Mama's
Proudly painted pink, this casual eatery serves healthful fast food: smoothies, sandwiches, burgers (meat or veg), baked goods and coffee drinks. Order at the counter and either take out or find a patio table.
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Mark's Place (Kalaheo)
East of Kalaheo, this local fave has opened a second location. The classic, generous plate lunches feature meaty mains from teriyaki beef to Korean chicken - plus brown/white rice and green/macaroni salad. Daily specials go gourmet, with mains such as salmon atop greens with soy-wasabi vinaigrette.
