Our favorites in Poipu and Koloa. We recommend making reservations before you arrive on Kauai.
Luaus
When it comes to Kauai luaus, location plays a big role in the experience. Located on the southern tip of Kauai, Poipu is one of the most appealing destinations on the island. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to Poipu for its golden beaches, golf courses, fantastic shopping, and dining options, luxe accommodations, and perpetually sunny weather. Although Poipu is Kauais tourism hotspot today, the region is rooted in ancient and not-so-distant history. Poipu was a busy port during Hawaiis whaling era, and neighboring Koloa is home to the very first sugar plantation on the islands. Meanwhile, the area is dotted with Hawaiian historical sites that date back to the early 1400s. Poipus rich history, picturesque scenery, and flawless weather have attracted top-rated Kauai luau productions to the area, namely, Aulii Luau and Havaiki Nui Luau.
Beach House Restaurant
The Beach House Restaurant is a must-visit destination for foodies and travelers looking for an unforgettable dining experience. This stunning restaurant provides a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing just a few feet away from your table. A great place to watch surfers.
But the sea view is not the only highlight of the Beach House Restaurant. The food menu is just as impressive, featuring locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood, and a wide range of classic and modern Hawaiian dishes. Whether you are looking to try some fresh sashimi or indulge in a traditional Hawaiian seafood feast, the Beach House has something for everyone. Start with their Crab Stuffed Ahi Roll, a signature dish that has perfectly seared Ahi tuna and creamy crab stuffing. You can`t go wrong with the restaurant`s fresh catches of the day such as Mahi-Mahi, Opah, or Ahi. The lobster risotto and the coconut pumpkin soup are other standout options on the menu.
Their cocktails and mocktails are also worthy of praise, with an impressive variety of creative and refreshing drinks that showcase unique island flavors. Sip on an exotic Mai Tai or cool down with a refreshing coconut-mint mojito while taking in the stunning ocean view.
Besides the food, the Beach House Restaurant also shows a commitment to sustainability and is passionate about preserving the island`s environment. They work with local farmers and fishermen to ensure the freshest, most sustainable ingredients possible. With its stunning location, delicious food, and commitment to sustainability, the Beach House Restaurant is a must-visit destination on the beautiful island of Kauai. So come, relax, and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by natural beauty, authentic island flavors, and unparalleled hospitality.
Make a reservation through Open Table.
Location: Lawai Road, Poipu
Phone: 808.742.1424
Break + Feast
Break + Feast offers more than just food; it’s all about setting the perfect atmosphere to enhance the flavors and make dining a truly special experience. Embark on a culinary journey that explores a mix of cultural influences. With a blend of Portuguese, Japanese, Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, French, and Filipino cuisines, the menu at this contemporary island restaurant showcases a rich tapestry of culinary delights that reflect the team’s heritage.
Location: Koloa Town (3 miles from Poipu)
Phone: 808-431-4508
Brennecke‘s Beach Broiler
The place for delicious lunches, sumptuous dinners, happy hour specials, beach deli, seafood, pasta, steak, and pupu platters. What a mouthful! Reservations are made through Open Table.
Location: Poipu Beach Park
Phone: 808-742-7588
Keoki‘s Paradise Restaurant
Locals and visitors alike love our refreshing atmosphere, bringing you right into the spirit of our lush island with open-air dining, tropical surroundings, and live Hula almost every night. Keoki`s has a very tropical ambiance and koi ponds giving you the true Hawaiian atmosphere. Be sure to order their famous hula pie.
Locals and visitors alike love our refreshing atmosphere, bringing you right into the spirit of our lush island with open-air dining, tropical surroundings, and live Hula almost every night. Keoki`s has a very tropical ambiance and koi ponds giving you the true Hawaiian atmosphere. Be sure to order their famous hula pie.
Reservations are made through Open Table.
Location: Poipu Shopping Village
Phone: 808-742-7534
Merriman‘s Fish House
In a casual yet elegant setting of an Old Hawaii Plantation, Chef-Owner Peter Merriman serves his unique style of Hawaii Regional Cuisine in Kauai’s Poipu. A pioneer in the “Farm to Table” concept, Peter serves only the freshest products, at least 90% of which are locally grown or caught, using only sustainable methods.
Make a reservation through Open Table.
Location: Kukui’ula Shopping Village, Poipu
Phone: 808-742-8385
Red Salt
Executive Chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas Red Salt Restaurant offers an acclaimed dining experience for those who seek something different. Sweeping palm tree-lined ocean views set the tone, while diverse, captivating menus draw in even the most adventurous guests with plenty of signature specialties like Lemon-Pineapple Souffle Pancakes, Vanilla Bean-Seared Mahi, and Ahi Tartare.
Reservations are made through Open Table.
Location: Koa Kea Hotel, Poipu
Phone: 844-236-3817
RumFire
RumFire Poipu Beach is the south shore’s hotspot for modern Kauai dining. Experience the island’s stunning sunsets and spectacular views of Sheraton Kauai Resort’s ocean courtyard, Poipu Beach, and the ocean beyond. Designed around the restaurant’s unparalleled views of Kauai’s coastline, RumFire features 180-degree ocean views from every seat! RumFire’s menu serves locally sourced cuisine with a global influence and Kauai’s most extensive selection of rums from around the world. Experience an unforgettable evening at RumFire!
Make reservations through Yelp.
Location: Sheraton Kauai Resort, Poipu
Phone: 808-742-4786
Scotty Browns Poipu
A fresh addition to Poipu’s dining scene, Scotty Browns offers modern Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine in a stylish, open-air setting. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a curated cocktail menu, this vibrant spot is perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks with a view. Enjoy sushi rolls, creative bowls, and grilled specialties — all just steps from the beach.
Reservations are available through OpenTable.
Location: The Shops at Kukuiʻula
Phone: 808-378-4355
La Spezia
La Spezia is a delightful Italian restaurant located in Koloa, Hawaii. This charming eatery is nestled in the bustling town and serves up a delicious selection of classic Italian dishes that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of even the most discerning diners. From its cozy atmosphere to its delectable menu offerings, La Spezia is a must-visit for any food lover on the island. The menu at La Spezia is designed to showcase the authentic flavors of well-prepared Italian cuisine. Start with a classic Caprese salad or bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, followed by a savory pasta dish like their handmade fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti with clams, garlic, and olive oil. For meat lovers, there is the juicy ribeye steak or veal scaloppini topped with a creamy mushroom sauce. Seafood enthusiasts can indulge in the restaurant`s popular seafood linguine that`s made with shrimp, clams, and mussels in a light tomato sauce.
La Spezia’s extensive selection of wines and cocktails complement their flavorful dishes, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Their skilled staff and warm ambiance make for a perfect night out with friends or family. At La Spezia, the owners and staff pride themselves on providing exceptional service and making each guest feel like they are dining with family. Takeout is available, as well, for those who prefer to enjoy La Spezia`s fare in the comfort of their own home. Overall, a visit to La Spezia is a must for any food lover looking to explore some of Koloa`s delectable Italian cuisine. With a menu that offers something for everyone and a staff that goes above and beyond to make each guest feel welcome, it is sure to be a memorable dining experience.
Reservations are made through TableAgent.
Location: Koloa Town (3 miles from Poipu)
Phone: 808-742-8824
Stevenson‘s Library
Stevenson`s is a place for sushi and spirits. Enjoy sweeping ocean and resort views from the 24-foot koa wood bar, on the open-air lanai, or indoors. The warm koa wood decor welcomes hand-carved sugarcane and pineapple detail as you enjoy your favorite cocktail and delicious sushi.
Reservations are made through Open Table.
Location: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Poipu
Phone: 808-240-6456
Kiahuna Sunrise Cafe
Start your morning the island way at Kiahuna Sunrise Cafe, a welcoming breakfast and brunch destination nestled on the historic grounds of Kiahuna Plantation in Poipū. Set inside a restored plantation-era manager’s home, the cafe offers lanai seating overlooking a koi pond and lush gardens — a setting that feels both rooted in old Kauaʻi and perfectly suited to a slow, sun-drenched morning.
The menu features fresh, comfort-forward favorites including pancakes, breakfast burritos, multiple Eggs Benedict options, sweet and savory crepes, and local classics like loco moco, alongside standouts like chicken and waffles. Coffee is sourced from Kauaʻi Roastery with small-batch, locally roasted beans, and pastries come from Orly Patisserie with French-inspired flair. Open daily from 7 AM to 1 PM, with free parking and grab-and-go options available — the perfect launchpad for a day of adventure on the South Shore.
After Sunrise
As the day settles into evening, the Kiahuna Plantation gardens take on a whole new kind of magic. After Sunrise is the dinner transformation of Kiahuna Sunrise Cafe — an open-air dining experience set among the koi ponds and tropical gardens of the historic Moir Gardens, where orchids and lantern light set the mood for a memorable South Shore evening.
The menu blends island flavors with comfort and creativity: starters like coconut shrimp, ahi cucumber boat, and crab cakes give way to entrées including island catch with soy honey glaze, blackened salmon over parmesan gnocchi, creole shrimp, island BBQ ribs, and an eggplant lover curry for those seeking something plant-forward. Save room for the malasada — cinnamon sugar coated with caramel and chocolate drizzle — or the chocolate crepe with mixed berries and whipped cream. Best of all, After Sunrise is BYOB, with wine and beer welcome, making it an ideal spot to uncork something special under the stars.
Location: 2253 Poipu Road, Koloa.
Phone: 808-892-2465
The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room, a wine bar on the south side, was created and designed by their ohana to provide a warm, welcoming place to share the magic of food and wine pairings. Both food and wine are elevated when they are thoughtfully chosen, prepared, and served together and this is the place for it. Call for reservations.
The Tasting Room, a wine bar on the south side, was created and designed by their ohana to provide a warm, welcoming place to share the magic of food and wine pairings. Both food and wine are elevated when they are thoughtfully chosen, prepared, and served together and this is the place for it. Call for reservations.
Location: Koloa
Phone: 808-431-4311
Dining with a View
Red Salt: Located inside the boutique Koa Kea Resort in Poipu, you will find one of our favorite dining options on Kauai. The service is exceptional and while you are not directly on the ocean the views are nice.
Honu Bar: Located on the beach at the Marriot Waiohai in Poipu; the Honu Bar has some of the best views and people-watching on the island. A great spot to watch a sports game, for surfers, whales, and beachgoers. The food is decent, not too fancy and they have good happy hours at different times of the day.
Beach House Restaurant: Often seen on lists as the best sunset view on Kauai for good reason. There are lots of local fresh fish options and some pretty good calamari. Be sure to make reservations because this restaurant is a must-do on every traveler`s list.
RumFire: Located in Poipu at the Sheraton Resort, Rumfire has one of the best oceanfront locations on the island. Enjoy the view with an appetizer or one of the diverse selections of entrees. Sit at Table 53 and a portion of your dinner will go to a local charity.
Breakfast near Poipu
Poipu offers many great breakfast options, with a variety of restaurants to suit any taste or budget.
Kiahuna Sunrise Cafe — The newest addition to the Poipu breakfast scene and probably the most exciting for longtime Kiahuna guests. Located in the former Plantation Gardens setting, it combines tropical garden surroundings with breakfast classics, local dishes, pastries, coffee, and open-air seating overlooking koi ponds and landscaping. Guests are already praising the atmosphere, crab cake benedict, fried rice, and relaxed setting.
Outer Bakes — One of Poipu’s newest morning favorites, operating mornings out of the Brennecke’s Beach Broiler location and also along Koloa Road. Known for fresh breads, giant cookies, cinnamon rolls, pastries, muffins, granola, and grab-and-go beach breakfasts, Outer Bakes has quickly developed a loyal following with both locals and visitors. The weekday morning lines often stretching out the door say a lot about how popular it has become.
Anuenue Cafe — Still one of the most consistently popular casual breakfast spots in Poipu. Known for generous portions, French toast, Surfer Bowls, and easy family breakfasts at Poipu Shopping Village.Little Fish Coffee Poipu — One of the South Shore’s favorite coffee-and-breakfast stops, especially for acai bowls, breakfast burritos, fresh sandwiches, and excellent coffee before heading to the beach.
Break + Feast — A newer upscale-casual breakfast and brunch option in Koloa Town from the former Kiawe Roots owners. Known for lilikoi pancakes, creative Benedicts, brunch cocktails, and more chef-driven breakfast dishes. Reservations are recommended.
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters — Excellent coffee stop in Old Koloa Town with quality espresso drinks, pastries, lighter breakfast options, and more of a local coffeehouse atmosphere.
Brennecke’s Deli — A longtime Poipu favorite for quick breakfast burritos, pastries, coffee, sandwiches, and grab-and-go beach food. The line out the door many mornings says a lot about its popularity with both locals and returning visitors heading to Poipu Beach and Brennecke’s.
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company — Worth the short drive uphill from Poipu for oversized breakfasts, fresh pastries, local atmosphere, and some of the South Shore’s best baked goods. A longtime favorite with both visitors and locals.
Eden Coffee — Located in Poipu Shopping Village, Eden has quickly become popular for frozen coffees, smoothies, pastries, and quick grab-and-go breakfast options before beach days and island adventures.
Red Salt — Best choice for a more upscale resort breakfast or brunch experience with oceanfront atmosphere and elevated menu options.