Na Pali Coast & West Shore Restaurants

Shrimp Station, on the Kaumualii Highway in downtown Waimea, serves the best lunch in the area.  Don’t be put off by its appearance – it’s basically a pre-fab in a parking lot.  Some of the best shrimp on the island are served here. The fried coconut shrimp, which comes with French fries and a ginger tartar sauce, is wonderful.  And there’s also peel ‘n eat shrimp served several ways with either rice or potatoes.  The shrimp tacos are another good choice.

It’s not fancy, but if you love shrimp, it’s one of the best places to eat in Kauai.

The other big draw in Waimea is Jojo’s Shave Ice.  There are two – one on the Kaumualii highway and “the original” on 5 Pokole Road.  Whichever one you choose, and both have their admirers, be prepared to wait. It took us 45 minutes, off-season.

In Hanapepe, the Hanapepe Café is open for lunch and for dinner on Friday nights, which is gallery night in Hanapepe.  Hanapepe Road, the main drag is closed to traffic.  Nine of the town’s galleries are open until 9PM.  And there’s music and street food, and a glass of wine here or there.

As a result, Hanapepe Café is usually packed.  Although it’s vegetarian, the Italian-influenced menu is eclectic enough to appeal to most carnivores.

There are three solid choices in Kalaheo.  Pomodoro Ristorante (above the Domino’s Pizza) is one of the best Kauai restaurants for Italian food.  Brick Oven Pizza, serves up the best pie on the island, which to east coast pizza lovers isn’t saying that much.  And Kalaheo Steak House has good steaks and prime rib for less than you’ll pay in a hotel restaurant.

Find the top ten Kauai restaurants.