With a strong passion for food, a variety of cultural influences and only the freshest local ingredients Kauai, Hawaii offers exciting culinary experiences. The adventurous will love working up an appetite by exploring the islands dramatic coastlines while sun worshippers take advantage of the island’s fifty miles of sandy beaches. Wherever you are when hunger hits Kauai offers everything from lively luaus and markets to casual plate lunches and elegant resort restaurants.

Hawaiian luaus have long been a tradition for locals and guests who wish to experience the history, culture and cuisine of old Hawaii. With music, dancing and elaborate feasts including traditional Hawaiian fare such as lomi salmon, poke, a tasty seafood appetizer, and sweet pineapple, luaus on Kauai are culinary adventures. The Sheraton Kauai Resort offers the only oceanfront luau on Kauai and is an ideal event for the entire family. Located on Poipu Beach, the resorts Surf to Sunset Luau features an extensive menu of both traditional and modern island cuisine.

With a quick visit to one of the local markets visitors to Hawaii’s Garden Isle can enjoy fresh fish and Hawaiian cuisine throughout the day. Enjoy some fresh ice cream in the lively atmosphere of a market, bring some tasty treats to the beach for an afternoon picnic or get a Hawaiian plate lunch to bring back to your Kauai hotel. The Koloa Fish Market on Kauai’s south shore is well known for its excellent plate lunches and seafood.

Hawaiian plate lunches are delicious and affordable dining options that can be found all over Kauai. Plate lunches, or Mixed Plates come with two scoops of white rice, a scoop of macaroni salad and a meat such as beef teriyaki, lemon chicken and kalua pork. While plate lunches are a staple of Hawaiian cuisine the dish represents a blending of the cuisine and cultures that can be found in Hawaii. Quickly prepared and overflowing with food, plate lunches are great options to enjoy in between sightseeing on the island, hitting the beach or enoying Kauai’s shopping.

For fresh island fare around some of Kauai’s most popular attractions make your way to the island’s Coconut Coast. Kapaa is a charming town located on Kauai’s east coast that is home to the well known Fern Grotto, Sleeping Giant and the fresh local ingredients of Mermaid’s Café. Possibly best known for its delicious and inexpensive ahi nori wraps, Mermaid’s Café offers island style dining, outdoor seating and a laid back Hawaiian atmosphere. The friendly café’s signature ahi nori wraps consist of barely seared ahi rolled in a tortilla with a sheet of dried seaweed, vinegary sushi rice, cucumber and a wasabi cream sauce. This sweet and spicy dish attracts both locals and visitors from around the island.

One of the most memorable dining experiences on the island’s east coast can be found at Duke’s Kauai, a popular open-air restaurant. Located on Kalapaki Beach in front of the Kauai Marriott Resort, Duke’s Kauai is a tribute to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. With fresh island fish, live Hawaiian entertainment and unforgettable ocean views this festive restaurant is a favorite dining option on the island. The Kauai Marriott Resort also features a variety of on-site restaurants that include Kukui’s Restaurant and Aupaka Terrace. With its creative culinary options, lush tropical setting and two Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses, the Kauai Marriott Resort is one of the island’s most luxurious resorts.

Whether it’s the fun and excitement of a beachside luau or the exploding colors of a Kauai sunset, dining on the Garden Isle offers a perfect mixture of flavorful cuisine and unique entertainment. Enjoy the creative fare found at the island’s elegant resorts or stop into a friendly mom and pop restaurant for a filling plate lunch. Kauai is filled with exciting and memorable dining experiences that will have you already planning your next Hawaiian vacation.

By Julie Winters