Naupaka Terrace is nestled inside of the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort, and is a naturally bright venue offering local cuisine and gorgeous Hawaiian scenery. The plantation-style restaurant features creative Hawaiian and Pan Pacific cuisine, Asian inspired dishes, fresh island catch, aged beef, salads, and pastas. Sitting on the terrace offers views of waterfalls, fish ponds and native foliage. Breakfast is served daily 6:30 to 11 a.m. and offers an all-you-can-eat buffet or and a la carte menu. Dinner is served daily 6 to 9 p.m and features steak and seafood entrees and local favorites with a Polynesian, Hawaiian and Asian touch. On Saturday evenings guests can enjoy our popular seafood buffet.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: Overlooking the ocean and other beautiful scenery, the Naupaka Terrace offers an amazing seafood buffet of Saturday nights.
Jade's expert tip: This buffet is Saturday nights only.
A lovely setting comprised of lush foliage, water features, and graceful swans invites patrons to appreciate the hotel's natural beauty while they enjoy an array of delicious fare. The open-air venue is a perfect destination for breakfast or lunch, when you can opt for something light like a wrap, Cobb salad, or club sandwich. At the celebrated Sunday brunch, which is a gourmand's dream, you can feast on crepes, hot entrees, quiche, omelets, and much more. This is one of the most gourmet places for brunch around the island, and an ideal locale for family time or a romantic honeymoon breakfast.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: Overlooking the ocean and other gorgeous sights, the Ilima Terrace serves a celebrated Sunday brunch.
Jade's expert tip: Bring you're parking lot ticket in to be validated and parking will be free.
Long-lived and comfortable, Brennecke's attracts a wide variety of folks, from those who step in off the beach for a snack to those who come for a family dinner. Their signature kiawe-wood broiler imparts great flavor to steaks, burgers, chicken and fresh fish, and the salad bar offers fresh, crisp makings for light eaters. A good selection of sandwiches and appetizers makes for terrific munching, and kids are welcome in the busy, amiable establishment. Next door is Brennecke's Beach Deli, for made to order sandwiches and burgers to quickly take to go across the street to the beach. Clean, charming, and delicious.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: Situated right across the street from Poipu Beach, Brennecke's is a casual comfort food place to roll into after the beach.
Jade's expert tip: Dine here after the beach, otherwise you'll be extremely full while swimming.
Luaus are Hawaiian tradition, combining a big meal with all around celebration and festivities. This hotel-sponsored luau provides a healthy dose of spectacle, music, and authentic Hawaiian foods. The evening show, Havaiki Nui, begins with a torch-lighting ceremony on the edge of the ocean, heralded by the call of the conch shell. As it progresses, the luau showcases native crafts and costume, along with music and dance performances from cultures throughout the Pacific. The menu includes traditional fare like kalua pig, fresh fish, lomi salmon, and haupia (coconut pudding). It's a great place to bring the family to peer into Hawaiian culture.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: The Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau goes all out with food and festivities right on the ocean.
Jade's expert tip: Come hungry, because you'll leave very full.
Located at the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort in Poipu, Red Salt combines elegant island style with the natural environment to offer the ideal dining setting. Located right on the ocean, the contemporary open design brings a sense of modernity to tropical ambiance. Ocean and pool views are offered through large picture windows and the diverse menu fuses together the fresh seafood and produce available in Hawaii. Red Salt offers amazing meals throughout the day. A daily breakfast buffet combines traditional American fare with fresh tropical fruit, breakfast bakery selections, various juices and an omelet station. At dinner time the menu offers contemporary upscale cuisine. Enjoy lunch casually by the pool, or order any time through room service.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: Red Salt combines elegant island style with the natural environment to offer the ideal dining setting.
Jade's expert tip: Ask your server for tips on what to order, they will guide you in the right direction.
At Lava's inside of the Sheraton Kauai, you can enjoy views of the sunset on Poipu Beach along with handcrafted and unique tropical drinks. Because it's located inside the Sheraton, there's a Sheraton dink of the day that changes daily. Happy hour happens daily from 3 to 5 p.m. and a late night happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. Located near the resort's Ocean Pool and just steps from the beach, Lava's put's a Hawaiian style twist on the traditional bar and grill. Signature cocktails include the mai tai, lava flow, frozen coco mojito, and the kama'aina mango rita. Evening pupus (appetizers) include light fare such as salads, nachos and a hummus plate.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: Located near a pool and providing full ocean views, Lava's is one of the nicest places to kick back at the end of the day.
Jade's expert tip: There's two happy hours here. One from 3 to 5 p.m. and later from 9 to 11 p.m.
The awesome presence of the ocean is a constant at this lovely restaurant, which features a multi-level dining room with doors thrown open to the vista and the breezes. The menu boasts a contemporary island flair, thanks to a focus on local seafood and an Asian culinary sensibility. Kiawe-grilled entrees include fire-roasted ahi, lamb marinated in mint and coriander, and Cajun-spiced ono. Crab-stuffed pork medallions are succulent, as are Chinese-style roasted duck and delicate sea scallops. Local Boy Paella, tinged with saffron and savory Chinese sausage, is a perennial favorite, and Molten Chocolate Desire is a foray into gooey decadence that can't be side-stepped.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: The Beach House Restaurant is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike to watch the sunset over a popular surf spot.
Jade's expert tip: Catch sunset over the surf spot.
In tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's renowned swimmer, surfer, and Olympic athlete, this casual restaurant offers patrons a bit of island culture. An indoor waterfall, live Hawaiian music, and fresh local seafood are among the attractions that have folks returning again and again. Lunchtime brings quesadillas, burgers, pizza, and sandwiches, while dinner offers steaks and an abundance of just-caught fish, prepared to your specifications. An incredible salad bar also pulls in patrons, and the hula pie, a house special, is not-to-be-missed. Lunch here is amazing, but if you're looking for nightlife this is a great spot too, live music and dancing after dark.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: Making a home over the sand at Kalapaki Bay, Duke's is a Hawaiian staple offering local food and drinks in a fun and classy environment.
Jade's expert tip: Sit outside for a great view of the ocean.
The name says it all, the full bar and restaurant is truly a beach side Oasis. Breathtaking ocean views can be enjoyed, and both outdoor and indoor seating are available. A unique and positive aspect at Oasis is that they serve a menu that features 85 percent locally produced food. Sea food is all prepared wonderfully with a Pacific twist, meats are served in unique forms such as lamb pot pie and ox tail bao bun. For dessert, don't miss the white chocolate chiffon cake or the haupia, a classic local coconut dessert. Reservations are always a good idea at this sought after restaurant.
Recommended for Beachfront Dining because: Locally sourced meals served on the beach make Oasis a top of the line eatery.
Jade's expert tip: The Sunday brunch is one of the best on the island.