Lava Lava Beach Club. Wow – just discovered this place on my 2021 trip. So sorry I missed out on years of delicious Ahi Poke Nachos with house made nachos from wonton. Flatbreads also great. Ribs falling off the bone. Tropical coleslaw made with secret ingredient – coconut syrup. As of 6/2021, no reservations. They open at 3 and have lite menu until 4:30, then dinner starts at 4:30. (Please check before you go, as times may change.) We went several times, always shortly after opening, and they were full an hour later. Plan accordingly. Fabulous views of the coast but out of the usual prevailing east side winds. Your feet are literally in the sand. Their goal: “Give everyone the chance to unwind, make fantastic memories, and get some sand between their toes!” Valet parking or park at Coconut Market Place and just walk in. https://lavalavabeachclub.com/kauai/
Warehouse 3540 – Lawai. “A creative community marketplace full of small local businesses along with the best coffee on Kaua’i and some killer food trucks right out front!” With about 12 small boutique shops and 3-4 food trucks (varies daily), this is a local hidden gem, right in plain site. They often have local items on display, recently a school project that was stunning where Mrs Ashleys 3rd grade class collected pieces of plastic to create some stunning masterpieces. They also had cards to sell to help fund The Surfrider Foundation. https://www.surfrider.org/
Right on your way to Kalaheo and points beyond is the Lawai Market. Just recently completely renovated and ready to serve up a gourmet quick grab and go meal. They have their own bakery with decadent Bobka cake with cream cheese frosting or grab a delicious breakfast burrito or other items from their 6:30-11am menu. Or pick up a lunch you can picnic with if you’re heading to Waimea Canyon. They also serve a limited menu of Little Fish Coffee without the long Poipu location wait. As their name states, they also have a nice little market for necessities. Open every day 6:30 am – 8pm. https://www.lawaimarket.com/about-pacific
Waffles are no longer just for breakfast! Do yourself a big favor and stop in the Harbor Mall food truck court for an Aloha Liege Waffles & Espresso. Take it from my husband, a genuine Belgian – they are a fabulous blend of Belgium and Hawaii flavors. Make a careful decision, go with a big appetite or a friend – they are huge and then enjoy. They have plenty of nice clean tables. Get something with the coconut whip cream. You won’t know where you’re at! Quaint Belgian village or sitting by Kalapaki Bay in Kauai. Either way it’s a treat! https://www.alohaliege.com/
Here is my hot tip for shopping for gifts for your family – or yourself! Off the beaten path – for sure!! But right on the way to and from most things. In the Puhi industrial park – turn at the Shell station right by the college. Most of the time you can follow the signs. Closed Mondays, open Tues-Sun 9-5. This is a treasure hunters paradise. I got Tori Richards aloha shirts for my husband for $15. New they sell for up to $150. But there are so many great things. Lots of books, if you forgot to bring one. Or drop off and donate your old book and pick up a new one. All proceeds go to the Kauai Humane Society. https://www.bloomingtailskauai.org/
Just wanted to give you a quick tip for grocery shopping. Safeway in Lihue now does personal shopping at no cost with easy curbside pick up. So order ahead, set your time and cruise in, pick up your groceries and off you go! Faster than Costco and more manageable sizes of things. For a week stay, Safeway might be a much more economical choice! https://www.safeway.com Pick the Lihue store: 4454 Nuhou St Suite #301, Lihue, HI 96766