Source: hawaiimagazine.com
The Garden Isle is a visitor-favorite thanks to its lush landscapes, uncrowded beaches and easygoing vibe—all elements of an idyllic vacation. To top it all off, the island is also known for a few signature dishes, too. From kūlolo to flying saucers, bookmark these iconic foods from Kauaʻi that you need to try.
Satisfying saimin from Hamura’s Saimin Stand
This eatery has been a hidden gem in the heart of Līhuʻe since 1951. And it doesn’t appear like much has changed in the restaurant—usually a promising sign that the food won’t disappoint. Hamura’s Saimin Stand serves some of the best bowls of this unique-to-Hawaiʻi noodle dish.
Hamura’s Saimin Stand has two standout dishes that you need to try while on Kauaʻi. After feasting on a hearty bowl of saimin, order the lilikoʻi chiffon pie. Its cloudlike texture is super light and its fruity lilikoʻi flavor is just tart enough.
Hamura’s Saimin
2956 Kress St, Lihue, HI 96766
Driving Directions
Out-of-this-world UFOs (aka Goteborg musubi)
Although Goteborg musubis can be found throughout Hawaiʻi, the treat is largely associated with Kauaʻi. Akin to the more familiar Spam musubi, this version swaps the canned meat for thin slices of Goteborg sausage, a German meat that looks like salami. The round cuts of meat are topped with rice and furikake earning it the UFO nickname. You can find this island specialty at local grocery stores like Sueoka Market in Kōloa.
Cheesy Flying Saucer from Stan’s Kauaʻi Flying Saucers
And speaking of flying saucers, like the Goteborg musubi, no one quite knows the origins of the flying saucer sandwich. There is some debate if the dish was created on Kauaʻi or Maui. Regardless, you’re going to want to take a bite of these cheesy, meaty pockets. Sandwiched between two slices of white bread is a sloppy Joe filling that’s covered with American cheese. It’s then pressed in a pie iron over a flaming hot grill, which seals in the gooey filling.
You can find this Kauaʻi delicacy at farmers markets and festivals throughout the year and businesses like Stan’s Kauaʻi Flying Saucers specialize in the dish. Along with the classic version, the local company also offers creative takes on the sandwich, with options that include slow-roasted pork, turkey and pesto, and even a sweet-filled flying saucer.
Follow on instagram @stanskauai
A brick of Kauaʻi kūlolo
You can find kūlolo on just about every Hawaiian Island, but Kauaʻi is known for producing some of the best. The simple Hawaiian staple is made from mashed kalo (taro), coconut milk and sugar. The dense dessert almost tastes like coconut fudge. You can pick up a brick of kūlolo at grocery stores and it’s common to see roadside stands selling the popular treat, too.
Fresh poi from Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.
Poi is a staple Hawaiian food made from pounding a mixture of cooked kalo and water. Like kūlolo, poi is a popular dish prepared and devoured on every Hawaiian island. But with just one ingredient, quality matters. And Kauaʻi is known for its kalo. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kauaʻi is the state’s largest producer of kalo, accounting for nearly 70% of the state’s annual harvest. And much of the kalo grown on the Garden Isle hails from Hanalei.
Since 1924, the Haraguchi family has been farming taro on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. In 2000, the family started Hanalei Taro & Juice Co., a farm-to-table food truck that sells foods made from kalo grown on the sixth-generation farm. Of course, you can pick up pounds of poi, too.
Hanalei Taro & Juice Co
5-5070 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei
Website: HanaleiTaro.com
Follow on Instagram: @hanaleitaro
Ultrafine crisps from Kauaʻi Taro Ko Chips
Located on the outskirts of Hanapēpē, Taro Ko Chips is one of the island’s top treasures. In an old plantation cottage, you’ll find some of the best taro and sweet potato chips in Hawaiʻi. Back in 1985, taro farmers Shoichi and Shinko Nagamine started the business using taro grown in Hanapēpē Valley. Today, their son Dale runs the business, which is a cult favorite for its ultrafine, crispy slivers of taro and sweet potatoes. The chips dusted in li hing mui powder are a must-try. Taro Ko Chips a true old-school institution, so it’s cash only and you’re out of luck if they sell out.
Taro Ko Chips Factory
3940 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
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Famous mixed plate from Mark’s Place
Just a 10-minute drive from the airport, Mark’s Place is a great spot to visit once you’ve arrived on the Garden Isle—especially if you’re hungry. Here, you can fuel up on generous portions of local-style Hawaiian food. The famous mixed plate includes chicken katsu, teriyaki beef and beef stew, plus rice and potato macaroni salad on the side.
Mark’s Place Kauai
1610 Haleukana Street, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766
Driving Directions
Website: MarksPlaceKauai.com
Fresh poke bowl from Konohiki Seafoods
This hole-in-the-wall seafood spot is a must-visit for its grab-and-go bentos, sushi, nigiri and poke bowls. At the base of each bowl is sushi rice, generously topped with your choice of poke. There’s no seating at Konohiki Seafoods, but that’s no problem. Just grab your food and head to one of the island’s picturesque beaches.
Konohiki Seafoods
3-4301 Kuhio Hwy #102, Lihue, HI 96766
Driving Directions
Website: konohiki-seafoods
Heavenly doughnuts from Holey Grail Donuts
The holy grail of vegan doughnuts can be found in a red trailer in Hanalei. Made to order, Holey Grail Donuts whips up unbelievably fresh doughnuts, served hot. The doughnuts are prepared with Hawaiʻi-grown kalo, fried in coconut oil and flavored with local ingredients including chocolate from Lydgate Farms and vanilla from Lāʻie Vanilla Co.
Holey Grail Donuts
5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Driving Directions
Website: HoleyGrailDonuts.com
Açaí bowl with a view from Nourish Hanalei
Lunch and a view are served at Nourish Hanalei—and they’re both incredible. This family farm stand, which was started by three sisters, is perched above Hanalei and makes next level açaí bowls, topped with homemade granola, coconut shreds, goji berries and local fruit.
Nourish Hanalei
5225 Hanalei Plantation Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
Driving Directions
Website: NourishHanalei.com
