Travelers come from around the globe to indulge in the rich flavors of the Hawaiian islands, which is no surprise—a core pillar of Hawaiian culture is food. With Kauai being over ninety percent uninhabited, the island offers travelers an extremely “local” lens when it comes to dining. The city of Lihue trades chain restaurants for local shacks, where travelers imbibe in a world of flavor, a world away.
For the best local spots in Lihue, read on.
Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery
Tip Top Motel looks like an old 1950s motel on the exterior and is a favorite local spot for breakfast. Every year the Garden Island newspaper runs a contest to vote for favorite spots and Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery always ranks #1 in the local food category. Unlike other more touristy spots, travelers will dine among locals here. With a beloved and expansive menu, all of which is delicious, the restaurant satisfies guests of all ages and due to this, can have a long line on the weekends. on the menu is delicious. On the weekends, the wait can be a long but it is worth it.
Travel tip: Try the Ox Tail Soup. Tip Top is famous for this dish and boasts working years to perfect this recipe.
Japanese Grandma's Cafe
Yes, that is the name of the restaurant, and a fitting one at that. Every time you dine here it truly feels as if grandma made dinner. Keiko Napier, Owner and Founder of Japanese Grandma, has shared that she named the place after her mother, whom her hapaa (sons) called “Japanese Grandma.”
Stop here for the perfect evening of sushi on an outdoor patio, all backdropped by a live Ukulele musician. The sashimi, nigiri, and rolls are delicately cut and made with the best quality fish and organic ingredients, from local farms. Keiko’s mission is “to feed the body and soul with the freshest food – just as grandma would want.”
The Fresh Shave
For the best shave ice and laughs on the South Shore, head to The Fresh Shave. The Fresh Shave’s Instagram posts often joke: “if you call it shaved ice, we will make fun of you.” So let us be the first to tell you, it is “shave” not “shaved.”
The Fresh Shave stands out by using only organic ingredients from local farm fresh produce, replacing high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors with housemade natural syrup flavors. Their ice is hand-cranked, making their output truly handcrafted. Family-operated, the spot adopts the core values that surround the three principles of Aloha (love), Aina (land), and Ohana (family).
Their menu is a hoot, with all flavors named after mustache styles. Some favorites, are outlined below:
The Handle Bar - pineapple and coconut topped with fresh pineapple and shredded coconut
The Whiskers - sweet cream, mint, and lime topped with a mint-infused syrup with a hint of lime
The Chevron - coconut and lime topped with coconut chia seed cream
The Caterpillar - orange and creamsicle topped with fresh oranges and sweet cream
The Professor - berries and acai topped with Kauai honey, bananas, and shredded coconut
Safari Rum Train
For one of the most entertaining rides on island, sign up for the Safari Rum Train.
The Safari Rum Train, located on the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, is a blast for 21+ travelers. Some locals argue it is the best tour on island for less than $70. The Koloa Rum served on this safari train is ono (delicious) and riding the train while sipping mai tais beats standing in the tasting room. The train drives through farms and orchards with live animals, where passengers learn about Kauai’s rich agricultural history, specifically the sugar cane that makes the rum.
While visiting the Kilohana Plantation, don’t miss out on a dinner experience at The Plantation House by Gaylords.The open-air dining room is nostalgic and the old-fashioned bar counter is the ideal place to order a Vintage 44 Mai Tai, the original Captain Cook recipe. When looking for a light bite, the macadamia nut-encrusted fresh catch is a treat to enjoy while dining in the courtyard.
Travel tip: Due to the Safari Rum Train's popularity, advance reservations are necessary and book up quickly.