East Side / Coconut Coast

The East Side is the culinary crossroads of Kauai. It's where you'll find the island's most diverse collection of eateries, from James Beard Award-winning legends in the most unassuming buildings to vibrant beachfront spots and incredible food trucks. This is where you come to eat like a resident. The biggest tourist mistake is judging a book by its cover here; some of the best food on the island is served from strip malls and converted army barracks.

Hamura Saimin (Lihue)

Price: $
Vibe: A true Kauai time capsule. This cash-only, James Beard Award-winning institution serves its legendary noodle soup from a converted army barracks. You'll sit on stools at a winding counter, shoulder-to-shoulder with folks from all walks of life.

My Must-Try Dish: You have to get the Special Saimin, which comes loaded with wontons, roast pork, veggies, and an egg. And you cannot, under any circumstances, leave without a slice of their world-famous Lilikoi Chiffon Pie. It's like eating a sweet, tart, tropical cloud.

JO2 (Kapaa)

Price: $$$$
Vibe: Don't be fooled by the unassuming strip mall location. Inside, you'll find one of Kauai's most innovative and refined dining experiences, with beautifully plated dishes that merge French, Japanese, and Hawaiian influences.

My Must-Try Dish: The best deal on the island is their early dinner prix fixe menu, offered daily from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It's a three-course tasting of the chef's favorites for a fixed low price, allowing you to experience high-end dining on a budget.

Pono Market (Kapaa)

Price: $
Vibe: A beloved, family-run market that has been a cornerstone of the Kapaa community for decades. It's a simple, no-frills spot for authentic Hawaiian plate lunches and some of the best poke around.

My Must-Try Dish: The fried chicken and sesame ahi poke combo plate is the perfect introduction to a Hawaiian-style lunch. The chicken is crispy and juicy, and the poke is always fresh.

Inside Info: They open at 6 a.m. and the line starts forming early. Popular items sell out fast, so go before noon for the best selection.

Lava Lava Beach Club (Kapaa)

Price: $$$
Vibe: Pure vacation mode. This is the place for toes-in-the-sand dining, with a fun, lively atmosphere, daily music, and beach games on the lawn. It's located at the Kauai Shores Hotel.

My Must-Try Dish: You can't go wrong with their fresh fish tacos and a signature Mai Tai while watching the waves.

Inside Info: They don't take reservations. The best strategy is to arrive early, put your name on the waitlist, and enjoy the beachfront ambiance and games until your table is ready.

Hukilau Lanai (Kapaa)

Price: $$$
Vibe: Elegant but relaxed farm-to-table dining with beautiful ocean views, located at the Kauai Coast Resort. They are committed to using products and making everything from scratch.

My Must-Try Dish: Start your meal with the Candied Ahi. It's a unique and fabulous appetizer that perfectly balances sweet and savory with the freshness of the fish.

Mark's Place (Lihue)

Price: $
Vibe: A legendary takeout spot tucked away in an industrial park. This is where folks go for consistently delicious, high-quality plate lunches with generous portions.

My Must-Try Dish: The Famous Mixed Plate is a hearty feast of chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, and beef stew, served with rice and mac salad. It's the definitive Mark's Place experience.

Inside Info: This is my first stop after picking up friends from the Lihue airport. It's just a 10-minute drive and sets the perfect tone for a trip focused on authentic Kauai flavors.

The Fish Express (Lihue)

Price: $$
Vibe: A quick, convenient, and delicious grab-and-go spot located just four minutes from the airport. It's the ideal place for your first meal upon arrival or your last taste of the island before you depart.

My Must-Try Dish: The build-your-own poke bowl is the way to go. I love getting their wasabi-crusted seared ahi over a bed of rice with all the toppings.