Poipu Beach & South Shore Restaurants
Plantation Gardens at Kiahuna Plantation
Standards are fairly high on the island, so the restaurants in Poipu hotels are much better than average. But many are overpriced.
One that’s worth the money is The Point at the Sheraton Kauai, which is the best Poipu restaurant for watching the sun set. If you’re ever going to see the green flash when the sun sinks into the sea, this is the place. Add to that made-from-scratch Black Cherry Mojitos and appetizers like Kalua Pork nachos, and it’s a tough act to follow.
Just across the street, Plantation Gardens at Kiahuna Plantation is one of the most romantic places to eat in Poipu. Located in a restored plantation house with a delightful veranda, the restaurant is surrounded by the amazing Moir cactus gardens. The tropical ambience here makes it a must visit, even though it’s kind of pricey. If you don’t want to pop for dinner, come for a Lychee Pear Martini and Dungeness Crab Rangoon.
Another romantic splurge is the Beach House on Lawai Road. You’ll need to reserve well in advance to get a table at sunset, but torches light the water, so it’s lovely after dark too. This is one of the few places on the South Side where the food matches the ocean view.
For a nice piece of fresh fish, try Keoki’s Paradise in Poipu Shopping Village. The kitschy Hawaiian décor and noisy bar aren’t for everyone, but the place is usually packed anyway. As Poipu restaurants go, it’s pretty relaxed.
Across the parking lot, Roy’s Poipu Beach features the “Hawaiian fusion cuisine” that has turned Roy Yamaguchi into a household name from Sarasota to Scottsdale. Their chocolate soufflé is the best dessert in town.
In the same shopping center, Puka Dog is one of the least expensive Poipu restaurants. They’re only open until 6PM, so come in the afternoon, pick your dog (veggie or Polish sausage), your Garlic Lemon Secret Sauce (from mild to hot-hot), and your tropical relish – we like mango. The dog and selected condiments are inserted into the bun, so it’s a moveable feast.
If you’re in Poipu midday, make a beeline for Savage Shrimp, a lunch wagon that’s usually parked in front of Prince Kuhio Park on Lawai Road. Since there are only three items – Shrimp Scampi, Bahia Shrimp, and Cajun Shrimp – ordering’s a snap. All come with a brown-and-white rice mix, and a vinegary cole slaw, made with Autie Lilikoi’s Passionfruit Dressing.
Susan’s usually there from 11:30 until 3:00PM, or until she runs out of shrimp. This is one of the best lunches on the island, and at $12.50, cheaper than you’ll find in most other Poipu restaurants. Stop by on your way to or from Spouting Horn.
For traditional Hawaiian food, the luau at the Sheraton Kauai – the only oceanfront one on the island – features kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, poke, and an assortment of Asian food. The entertainment here is top notch, and the location is impossible to beat. The setting overlooking the sea makes one of the most enjoyable places to eat in Poipu.
