Restaurants to the West of Poipu
Japanese Grandma’s Cafe
Owner Keiko Napier grew up working beside her father, a Master Japanese Chef. In his restaurants, she learned the Japanese tradition of using super-fresh, high-quality ingredients. Her restaurant, which is alongside Blue Umi, a specialty gift shop, serves authentic dishes with fresh and organic ingredients.
Every day, her Japanese sushi chef combines Tamanishiki rice, Japanese vinegar, bonito, and seaweed stock for sushi rice. Local vegetables, organic chicken, grass-fed beef, and fresh fish from Japan are used in dishes such as pan-seared teriyaki chicken and sunomono salad. Vegetables and shrimp are dipped in a delicate tempura batter, then fried in unsaturated oil and served with a low-sodium, umami-bomb house-made sauce. (Hawaiian Airlines Magazine)
Make reservations through Yelp.
Location: Hanapepe (12.6 miles from Poipu)
Phone: 808-855-5016
Kokee Lodge
Located just past Mile 15 of Kokee Rd in Kokee State Park.
The closest place for home cooking. The lodge serves comfort food and cocktails from 10 am to 430 on weekdays and 930 am to 430 pm on the weekends. It would be inexcusable to drive all the way up to Waimea Canyon or Kokee State Park and not enjoy a hearty, local-favorite meal. The go-to entrees are Portuguese bean soup (add a giant hunk of cornbread for an extra $3.50), kalua pork (served with rice or on a sesame-seed bun), and loco moco (hamburger patty, two eggs over rice, and brown gravy). Vegetarians can opt for the broccoli-spinach quiche or a simple peanut butter and guava jelly sandwich (served with fruit, for under $4). Sadly, the limited hours do not make it easy for all-day hikers, but it is worth having at least one person circle back early to place a to-go order, especially for a generous slice of lilikoi chiffon pie or the warm, chocolate-bottomed coconut pie. With wooden tables and chairs, the dining room occupies the front half of a log cabin with picture windows overlooking the meadow next to the Kokee Museum; the rear gift shop is fun to peruse while waiting for food to arrive. Service is no-frills: Everything comes on paper plates, drinks, and chips are self-serve, and you pay at the cashier.
Location: Waimea (34.2 miles from Poipu)
Phone: 808-335-6061
Brick Oven Pizza
Our local favorite place for pizza. Kalaheo is the place of the original Brick Oven Pizza opening in 1977 and it has been a favorite ever since. We love the whole wheat crust with garlic butter. They even give the kids a ball of raw dough to keep them busy while they wait. Delicious pizza.
Location: Kalaheo (7.2 miles from Poipu)
Phone: 808-332-8561
Kalaheo Coffee Company
Located in the quaint town of Kalaheo, Kalaheo Coffee Company is a local gem that offers some of the best coffee on the island. What sets Kalaheo Coffee Company apart from the competition is its focus on locally-sourced beans and its dedication to supporting the local community. At Kalaheo Coffee Company, every cup of coffee is brewed with freshly roasted beans that are sourced from local farmers. The company is committed to ensuring that its coffee is not only delicious but also sustainable and environmentally friendly. In fact, Kalaheo Coffee Company is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which means that the coffee beans used in their products are harvested in a way that protects the environment, supports farming communities, and helps to maintain biodiversity.
The shop itself is cozy and rustic, with a warm and welcoming vibe that draws in locals and tourists alike. One of the main draws of Kalaheo Coffee Company is its delicious breakfast and lunch menu, which features a range of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods that are all made in-house using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. But of course, the real star of the show is the coffee. Whether you`re a fan of hot brewed coffee or iced lattes, Kalaheo Coffee Company has something to offer. The coffee is smooth, rich, and complex, with a depth of flavor that is sure to please even the most discerning coffee connoisseur. The company also offers a range of merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, and bags of coffee beans, so that you can take a piece of Kauai and Kalaheo Coffee Company home with you. Overall, Kalaheo Coffee Company is a must-visit destination for coffee lovers and foodies alike, offering a unique and delicious taste of local Kauai flavor.
Location: Kalaheo (7.2 miles from Poipu)
Phone: 808-332-5858
Chicken in a Barrel BBQ
Chicken In A Barrel is a popular barbecue restaurant located in the beautiful town of Waimea. This unique restaurant offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with rustic decor and a menu that will leave both locals and visitors feeling satisfied. The restaurant`s claim to fame is their flavorful and juicy smoked chicken, which is cooked in a barrel with a secret blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. The chicken is then served with your choice of sauce, including their spicy Sriracha pineapple sauce, classic barbecue sauce, and tangy honey mustard sauce.
In addition to their mouthwatering chicken, Chicken In A Barrel offers a variety of other barbecue favorites, including pulled pork sandwiches, baby back ribs, beef brisket, and smoked sausage. Their menu also offers vegetarian options such as their tasty grilled portobello burger and their delicious veggie bowl.
The restaurant`s friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere make it a great place to hang out and grab a bite to eat with friends and family. Plus, the outdoor seating area features a fireplace and a stage for live music, creating a fun and festive ambiance that`s perfect for enjoying a delicious meal.
Overall, Chicken In A Barrel provides an authentic taste of classic barbecue in a casual, family-friendly setting that truly captures the essence of Hawaiian hospitality. If you`re in Waimea and looking for a delicious meal and a good time, be sure to add Chicken In A Barrel to your list of must-visit spots.
Location: Waimea Plantation Cottages (19.5 miles from Poipu)
Phone: 808-320-8379