Fueling Your Adventure: Best Casual Bites & Grab-and-Go
Essential pit stops for explorers heading to secluded beaches and otherworldly landscapes
Written by a Local Culinary Expert
Jade KawanuiFor the explorers, the adventurers, the ones renting a Jeep to see the otherworldly landscape of Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) or heading to a secluded beach, these are your essential pit stops. This is where you stock up for the perfect Lānaʻi picnic.
The Plantation Deli (at Lānaʻi City Service)
Located inside the island's one and only gas station, The Plantation Deli is a true hidden gem and a testament to the fact that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. This is so much more than a convenience store; it's a community hub and home to a surprisingly gourmet deli that makes some of the best sandwiches on the island. It's your one-stop shop for gas, drinks, local souvenirs, and a fantastic lunch.
The deli counter is a surprise delight tucked into the back of the gas station. The staff takes pride in their sandwich-making skills, using fresh ingredients and generous portions. It's become a local institution where everyone stops not just for gas, but for the food. The ice cream selection is also impressive for such a remote location.
Must-Try Dishes
Reviewers absolutely rave about the Roast Beef sandwich au jus, calling it "fabulous" with perfectly toasted bread and lots of meat. The au jus adds a rich, savory element that elevates this far beyond a typical deli sandwich.
They also make excellent spam musubis, a must-try Hawaiian snack that combines grilled spam with rice wrapped in nori seaweed.
Price
$
Jade's Tip
Don't let the gas station location fool you; the quality here is truly top-notch. This is the best place on the island to grab sandwiches and stock a cooler before you head out on a 4x4 adventure.
Richard's Market
A Lānaʻi City staple since 1946, Richard's Market is the island's main grocery store and so much more. This is where everyone goes for their daily needs, but for visitors, the real treasure is their excellent prepared foods section. They have great grab-and-go meals, hot items, and a poke counter that is simply legendary.
Richard's is more than a grocery store—it's the heart of the community. You'll see locals doing their weekly shopping, picking up prescriptions from the small pharmacy inside, and catching up with neighbors in the aisles. The prepared food section reflects the island's diverse culinary traditions, with everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes to Filipino specialties.
Must-Try Dishes
The Poke! Multiple visitors have claimed it's the best they've had anywhere in Hawaiʻi, better even than what you find on Maui. The fish is incredibly fresh, cut to order, and seasoned with the perfect balance of sea salt, seaweed, and onions. The traditional Hawaiian preparation lets the quality of the fish shine through.
Price
$
Jade's Tip
This is where you stock up for a perfect beach day. If you're planning a picnic at Hulopoʻe Beach, a fresh poke bowl from Richard's Market is non-negotiable. It is as fresh and delicious as it gets.
Coffee Works
Every town needs a great coffee shop, and Coffee Works is Lānaʻi's cherished hub. Housed in a beautifully renovated historic plantation home, it has a rustic charm you won't find anywhere else. It was even voted one of Hawaiʻi's 5 Best Coffee Shops by Hawaii Magazine. They serve excellent espresso drinks, locally inspired coffee blends, fresh pastries, açaí bowls, and light breakfast and lunch fare like bagels and sandwiches.
The building is a perfect example of plantation-era architecture, with wide porches and high ceilings designed to catch the trade winds. The renovation preserved the historical character while creating a comfortable, modern coffee shop. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by native plants and offers views of the surrounding mountains.
Must-Try Dishes
You have to try one of their specialty espresso drinks. The blended Kona Mocha is a perfect treat, combining the rich flavors of Hawaiian coffee with chocolate in a refreshing frozen drink.
The Iced Thai Coffee is smooth and refreshing, with exotic spices that transport you to Southeast Asia. Their breakfast bagel sandwiches are also a fantastic and hearty way to start your day.
Price
$
Jade's Tip
The atmosphere here is pure Lānaʻi charm. Grab your coffee and find a seat on their sunny outdoor deck. They also sell bags of their unique Hawaiian coffee blends—the best souvenir to take home.
🍽️ Restaurant Guide
🥪 Quick Stops
- Plantation Deli $
- Richard's Market $
- Coffee Works $
🧺 Perfect Picnic Tips
- Stock up at Plantation Deli or Richard's Market
- Get ice and cold drinks for your cooler
- Poke bowls travel well in a cooler
- Pack out all trash—leave no trace
🏖️ Best Picnic Spots
Pristine marine sanctuary
Shaded by Cook pines
Remote & dramatic
Otherworldly landscape
The Art of the Lānaʻi Picnic
One of the greatest joys of Lānaʻi is the freedom to explore its wild, remote corners. With a 4x4 Jeep and a well-stocked cooler, you can spend the day discovering hidden beaches, dramatic viewpoints, and otherworldly landscapes. The key to a perfect adventure is proper provisions.
Morning Prep
Start at Coffee Works for your morning fuel, then hit Richard's Market or Plantation Deli for lunch provisions. Don't forget ice and plenty of water.
Pack Smart
Sandwiches and poke bowls travel well. Bring reusable containers, utensils, and napkins. A beach blanket or portable chairs enhance the experience.
Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in. Respect the pristine environment that makes Lānaʻi so special. Mahalo for caring for our island.
The perfect Lānaʻi day: Coffee and pastries at dawn, a cooler packed with Richard's poke and Plantation Deli sandwiches, a secluded beach or dramatic viewpoint all to yourself, and the satisfaction of knowing you've experienced the island like a true local. This is the real Lānaʻi.