Things to do in Kaua'i
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Pizzetta (Koloa)
The setting is touristy (and most patrons are tourists), but the Italian fare is tasty and reasonable. Pizzas feature gourmet toppings such as fire-roasted veg and feta, with or without grilled chicken. On the run, try pizza by the slice (from 11:00 to 18:00).
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Monico's Taqueria
Hawaii is no hotbed of Mexican food so the piquantly authentic dishes made by a local girl and her Mexican husband are special indeed. Fish burritos and tacos feature the day's catch, while fresh guacamole and homemade red or green sauces awaken your tastebuds.
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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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Naniwa
If you're stuck in Po'ipu with sushi cravings, your only option is Naniwa, which serves flawlessly fresh, impeccably presented, expensive Japanese cuisine. Two-piece nigiri average around US$11 and maki rolls start around US$12, but the combinations are creative.
reviewed
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Mi Casita
The colorful mural and lively piped-in music add just the right atmosphere for the filling Mexican fare served at this cozy family-run restaurant. Standouts include the seafood lover's fajitas, with sautéed ono and tiger shrimp, and fresh fish tacos.
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Mema
Not the best, not the worst, Mema serves savory dishes that can be tailored to your meat-philic or meat-phobic preference: you choose either tofu, chicken, pork, beef, fish or shrimp. The stir-fried eggplant with basil and red chili with coconut milk are favorites.
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eb's EATS
For 'healthy gourmet' eats, both vegetarians and omnivores will find satisfaction at this casual counter with patio tables. Sandwiches are especially creative, eg oven-roasted turkey with pesto mayo and wild-mushroom meatloaf. Save room for scrumptious baked goodies.
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Papaya's Natural Foods
- Kaua'i, USA
- Restaurants › Deli
Find your typical unwashed, pierced and dreadlocked clientele here, at Kaua'i's biggest and best health-food store. Dishes from US$5, salad per lb around US$7. Stock up on bulk items, vitamins and supplements, organic produce (pricey), bottled water and deli fixings.
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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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Tin Can Mailman
Bibliophiles and collectors, enter your heaven. This jam-packed shop lives up to its description, 'Fine Books and Curiosities'. Amid shelves of new, used and rare books, find delightful Hawaiiana collectibles: vintage LPs, aloha shirts, maps, photos, postcards and more.
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Marta's Boat
The whimsical Marta's Boat will delight 'princesses of all ages' with feminine and sexy threads from Paris, LA and New York. Distinctive lingerie and frocks shine, but jewelry and excruciatingly cute little-girl clothes also enchant. Be prepared for big-city price tags.
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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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Kauai Chocolate Company
Chocoholics, get your fix here. Signature treats include the Krabs (with caramel, pretzels and macs), luscious fudge, Piko Paint (edible body goo) and lots of sugar-free options. For massive decadence, buy Da Brick, a 16oz hunk of macadamia toffee, caramel, chocolate and more.
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Hanalei Bay Kayak and Snorkel Tour
3 hours (Departs Kauai, Hawaii)
by Viator
During your time on Kauai, enjoy a three-hour guided kayak and snorkel tour along the picturesque Hanalei River and in Hanalei Bay, which is home to the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$62.49 -
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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.
reviewed
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Kauai Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Cocktails
2 hours (Departs Kauai, Hawaii)
by Viator
Sail into a beautiful Hawaiian sunset aboard a luxury catamaran with stunning Kauai as a backdrop! Enjoy complimentary appetizers, beer, wine, Sneaky Tikis…Not LP reviewed
from USD$84.07 -
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Polynesia Café (Kuhio Hwy)
It might resemble a typical touristy joint, but this is a step above. Its signature 'ahi (or tofu) plates are yummy and filling, and the breads and sauces are freshly house-made. The Asian-Hawaiian-Mexican menu might seem a random hodgepodge but, hey, they make it work.
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Café Portofino
If you cringe at white tablecloths, low lighting and live harpists, keep looking. Otherwise, the traditional Italian menu features fine pastas and lots of veal, such as house specialty osso buco (veal shank). The atmosphere is rather formal and kids are barely tolerated.
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Koloa Jodo Mission
East of town, find Koloa Jodo Mission, which follows Pure Land Buddhism, a non-meditating form, popular in Japan since the 12th century. The Buddhist temple on the left is the original, which dates back to 1910, while the larger temple on the right is currently used for services.
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Wrangler's Steakhouse
Hearty appetites will enjoy this cozy, ranch-style restaurant. Meat eaters should try the signature 'sizzling' New York-cut steak, juicy and prepared to your liking, while indecisive types can choose a main of Japanese tempura, teriyaki beef and sashimi. Vegetarians, keep looking.
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ATV Tour to Kauai Waterfalls
4 hours (Departs Kauai, Hawaii)
by Viator
Enjoy a 4-hour waterfalls adventure in Kauai! Ride off-road through a lush, tropical paradise on a fully automatic all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Picnic lunch and…Not LP reviewed
from USD$169.79 -
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Savage Shrimp
If you're a fan of garlic and shrimp, find the white van parked on a grassy roadside patch near Koloa Landing for heaped plates of Brazilian-style shrimp cooked with garlic, coconut milk, cilantro and tomatoes. Be prepared for blazing sun and greasy fingers (the shrimp is unpeeled).
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Wailua River Kayak and Hike Adventure
5 hours (Departs Kauai, Hawaii)
by Viator
Enjoy an idyllic kayaking and hiking adventure on Kauai’s Wailua River. Paddle down the tranquil river and admire the lush jungle landscapes on shore. Your…Not LP reviewed
from USD$88.49 -
End of the Rainbow
Handmade jewelry, island-style clothing and sarongs, art prints and photography featuring mainly Kaua'i artists. The collection of genuine puka-shell necklaces (around US$75 to around US$200) is a far cry from cheapo fakes. The friendly proprietor makes browsers feel welcome.
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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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