HAWAII | KAUAI
Hawaii: Meal deals in Kauai for under $20
Our restaurant survey revealed 19 bargains on an island known for its higher-than-average dining prices. The secret? Eat where the locals eat, including traditional Hawaiian fare.
Kauai, Hawaii: a feast for the eyes
Kauai, Hawaii: 19 cheap eats for under $20
Hawaii: 20 cheap Maui eats under $20
Hawaii: 20 cheap Oahu eats under $20
High-end restaurants abound on the lush, tropical shores of Kauai, as do high-end meal prices. So here we go again, catching the aloha spirit as we dine our way through the Garden Isle, searching for great meal deals.
We teamed up with local food experts to bring you 19 Kauai meals for less than $20, just as we did in our recent surveys of Oahu and Maui.
Kauai presents a real challenge to travelers on a budget: Food costs are higher in the outer islands than on Oahu, so it's more difficult to stick to a $20 budget here. But our restaurant survey will help you do just that -- and you'll have a cultural experience as well.
Once again, we concentrated on the restaurants that locals patronize. Many offer inexpensive, traditional Hawaiian fare, others specialize in ethnic cuisines or American standards. Several are low-key diners or takeout stands. But we also included a couple of splurge restaurants where the ambience is pure tropical paradise and the prices still affordable.
Chefs Martina Hilldorfer and William Gibson of the Culinary Arts Program at Kauai Community College were our main sources of information, and we thank them for their assistance.
And, travelers, please note that some of the restaurants are hard to find. Always call ahead for hours and directions.
1. Red Hot Mama's
Price: $5 to $11.50
Scoping it out: Touring the island? Before you hit the Napali Coast, pick up a snack at Red Hot Mama's in the far north corner of Kauai, almost at the point where Kuhio Highway fades away into the cliffs. This hole-in-the-wall stand, next to Wainiha General Store, features fresh-Mex burritos and tacos to go, with an emphasis on organic foods.
We loved . . . big chunks of chicken and beef in the burritos.
We didn't love . . . the grumpy kitchen staff.
Red Hot Mama's, 56607 Kuhio Highway (Route 56), Wainiha; (808) 826-7266.
2. Tahiti Nui Restaurant & Bar
Price: $7 to $20
Scoping it out: This Hanalei old-timer looks like a South Pacific dive -- tatamis stapled to the walls, carved-tiki bar stools, a faint smell of humid air when you walk inside -- but it's a longtime locals' favorite. Tahiti native Auntie Louise Marston opened the restaurant/bar nearly half a century ago; since her death six years ago, her son Christian has been running the place. There's live Hawaiian music nightly, so drop by, try the sear-crusted ono or smoked ribs, and pretend you've just dropped anchor in Papeete, Tahiti.
We loved . . . the local color.
We didn't love . . . slow service.
Tahiti Nui/Restaurant & Bar, 55134 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei; (808) 826-6277, www.thenui.com.
3. Polynesia Café
Price: $7.95 to $16.95
Scoping it out: If you're hooked on ahi, you'll love the Polynesia Café, where it's prepared seven ways, including ahi with pesto and ahi blackened. This open-air cafe also offers giant burgers, salads, tofu dishes and sandwiches. You order at a counter, then dine on a raised outdoor platform. Entree portions are substantial and accompanied by steamed veggies and brown or white rice.
We loved . . . the macadamia-nut, herb-crusted ahi ($16.95).
We didn't love . . . the dining area view: a parking lot. Get the food to go.
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