Location: Lihue
Top Restaurants in Lihue
Hawaii, United States Food Guide: 10 Hawaiian food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lihue
Find out what Hawaiian restaurants to try in Lihue. Lihue, Kauai's capital city, is also served by the island's only airport, making it the most popular port of entry to Kauai and a hub of industry on this small island. However, Lihue retains its island charm and emerald beauty despite its urbanization. Spend the day sunbathing and dipping into the temperate waters at Kalapaki Beach before enjoying a luau at Kilohana Plantation. Step out of town to witness breathtaking Wailua Falls cascading over tiered stone to a drop of 80 feet.
Things to do in Lihue
10. Smiley's Local Grinds
Overall Ratings
4 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By 1Dad1Kid
We stopped in here because we like "hole in the wall" places. SO happy we did! They had absolutely fantastic Hawaiian food. I can definitely recommend the Smiley's chicken with garlic chili sauce. DELICIOUS! I had the combo which included laulau. It's a very cozy place with no AC and absolutely worth your time and money. Wish we had found it earlier in our stay. Would've made a few visits.
9. Kukui's Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 432 reviews
Savor island-inspired dishes at Kukui's on Kalapaki Beach, an international restaurant located in beautiful Lihue, Hawaii. Experience a perfect blend of global and Hawaiian flavors in our delicious fare. Enjoy tasty cuisine for breakfast buffet, al fresco
Reviewed By hgastellum19
If I was to go back I'd opt for the salad bar and nothing else. Lots of roasted veggies and the rolls and butter should not be missed. The poke bowl was underwhelming and sadly so was everything else.
8. Uncleâs Shave Ice
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By gellwood_kauai
Don't be fooled; Shave ice is not a snow cone. That's like comparing an aquarium turtle to a 4' sea turtle in the ocean. Hawaiian shave ice is flavorful, with 3 or more syrups, and very beg. And Uncles is as good as they come.
7. Daddy O's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By Paul B
Tried Daddy O's two mornings for Breakfast and really enjoyed thee experience. There is plenty of free close parking available . the staff is very helpful, attentive and very friendly. the food is really good and served promptly. The menu is extensive and the food is fresh and nicely plated.
6. Kauai Beach Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By BDD_11_12
Restaurant overlooks the lovely grounds and the beach/ocean. Nice to see vegetarian options. We went for brunch and were given a coffee pot when we ordered coffee for three. Nice choices from the menu and a breakfast buffet with some typical items along with a good variety of fresh fruit and muffins.
5. Tip Top
Overall Ratings
4 based on 651 reviews
Reviewed By Pineapple9699
We stayed overnight on a Saturday at the Motel and thought the restaurant on the main level was closed on Sunday, but were pleasantly surprised that it was open. It was very crowded around 9am but we were able to get a booth right away. Service was prompt and friendly. Coffee was brought right away from a rolling cart that allows for the servers to easily and quickly take care of the need for caffeine... Our order was taken within a few minutes. The only snafu was when I asked for more hot water in my tea, they added coffee to my cup.. we had a laugh over this little mishap and they brought me a new cup and teabag. Our omelets were a good size and the hash browns were like the patties you get at McDonald's (but good) . There was a constant stream of people coming in, so clearly this is a popular spot for breakfast.
What to do and see in Lihue, United States: The Best Places and Tips
4. Hamura Saimin Stand
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1072 reviews
Reviewed By R_Planet
Tried the Saimin with regular noodles, and it was great, especially with the chillies-apple cider vinegar, also the Lillikoi chiffon pie, very light and just the right amount of sweetness. The setup allows for a lot of interactions with new people. Very good value for money. My husband and I shared a large bowl of Saimin noodles, an order of shrimp tempura, and a pie, it was just the right amount of food, without wasting anything.
Lihue Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lihue
3. Gaylord's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1662 reviews
Gaylord's offers one of Kauai's most beautiful settings for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Located on the ground floor of the historic Kilohana Plantation home, diners are seated around an open-air courtyard with views of the plantation grounds and Mt. W
Reviewed By MoniqueWhite
The experience of our meal at the Gaylord Plantation was a huge disappointment. We arrived a few minutes late, but was seated immediately, and the rest was downhill. The appetizer was good, I enjoyed the crab cake. The salad was so drenched in dressing, I couldn't eat it. The steak I ordered at a mmedium rare was well done and so tough I had trouble cutting it. The desert was a mush instead of a pie that had no texture or flavor worth eating. The service was horrible. I would never go back for this meal.
2. Duke's Kauai
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5424 reviews
On the sand at Kalapaki Beach, Dukeâs is dedicated to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaiiâs Ambassador of Aloha. The restaurantâs open-air design offers stunning, sweeping ocean views while the 30 foot waterfall plunges into a koi pond below that mea
Reviewed By Stonesend
Wonderful setting, great service, wonderful food and salad bar is worth getting. Although we were stuffed, 4 of us split the Hula Pie as it had been suggested by a friend. Absolutely delicious and because we were now way over full, we strolled the grounds of the Marriot and the beach and it was delightful. We ate at the upstairs restaurant.
1. The Fish Express
Overall Ratings
4 based on 664 reviews
Hawaiian plate lunches Ginger fried chicken and shrimp. Fresh fish lunches between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fresh and frozen full service counter. We pride ourselves as being one and maybe only, on Kauai serving fresh Hawaiian fish. Specialty Poke Bowl Sto
Reviewed By Susan T
Fish Express Market is across the street from Walmart. The parking lot can accommodate about 5 cars. Our family runs in to get Kim Chee Cucumbers and Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Ahi Poke to munch on when we first get to Kauai. They also have rice balls wrapped in nori (musubis). Easy in and out. Deli style glass case. Nice people!
Where to eat Fusion food in Lihue: The Best Restaurants and Bars
