Kauai Seafood Picks
Kauai is for foodies.
Surrounded by crystal clear blue waters in the Pacific Ocean, and home to a strong traditional fishing culture, Kauai is a hotspot for fresh, high-quality seafood.
At every corner of the island you’ll find an abundant selection of fresh, local catch including ahi, swordfish, mahimahi, and more. After visiting all the Hawaiian Islands, I can confidently say Kauai’s seafood scene impressed me the most.
Here are some of my favourite spots to enjoy fresh seafood and other goodies while on the island.
Read next: Where to find the best poke on every Hawaiian Island
Hanalei Dolphin
One of the best seafood spots on Kauai’s north shore, the Dolphin is a restaurant, fish market, and sushi lounge. The restaurant is only open for pupus (appetizers) and dinner 7 days a week. I highly recommend getting there for happy hour if you’re planning on staying for dinner. The lines grow quickly here and if you show up after the first rush, you might find yourself waiting up to an hour for a table. Mind you, the food is definitely worth the wait. This was easily my favourite seafood restaurant on the entire island. If you’re staying on the south shore, save yourself the drive and enjoy their new location in Poipu.
Hanalei Poke
After a morning of surfing Hanalei Bay, there is no better place to refuel than Hanalei Poke. Previously a food truck, Hanalei Poke now has a permanent take out shack in the heart of the north shore shopping area. It’s a bit tucked away, but you’ll be able to spot it from the line. It’s one of the best places to get poke in this area and I’m not the only one who thinks so! Hanalei Poke was featured on Season 30 of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives in. The owner Jeremy, prides himself on offering the freshest poke and highest quality ingredients. And his poke bowl creations are incredible. There are classic bowls or more extravagant options with extra toppings. The menu is organized by spice level and no matter what you go with, your mouth will be bursting with flavour. My personal favourite? The Haena Haze.
Kilauea Fish Market
Another great spot for lunch, a short drive from Hanalei Bay, is the Kilauea Fish Market. This is a typical fish market where you can walk in and buy the freshest catch of the day to cook at home. But, doing lunch and dinner hours, they also serve delicious plate lunches. Using the day’s catch, so their offerings always change, they offer seafood plate lunches accompanied with rice and macaroni salad. It sounds simple, but when the fish is this good, you feel like you’re eating a Michelin Star meal from a styrofoam container.
Bar Acuda
Hawaii isn’t what you think of when you think of tapas, but Bar Acuda is quickly changing it. This Spanish tapas restaurant on the north shore serves unique small plate dishes with a Hawaiian twist. The restaurant is such a hit that it’s been there for fifteen years, making it the oldest restaurant on Kauai’s north shore.
Non-seafood recommendations
A seafoodie is still a foodie at heart. Here are some of my other favourite eateries on Kauai.
The Spot
The Spot is a great north shore spot for a pre-surf breakfast. They have creative acai bowls that are piled high with fresh fruit and local honey.
Java Kai
This was my favourite coffee shop on Kauai. The shops have a very “Instagram worthy” aesthetic and their coffee is to die for.
Kauai Island Brewing
You know I love a good beer and on Kauai, there’s nowhere better to enjoy a local brew than at Kauai Brewing. Located on the south shore, this is a perfect stop for a refresh after a long beach or boat day.
Read next: Where to eat on Hawaii’s Kona Coast
