Real-Life Paradise

The best Japanese/Sushi restaurant on the island. The sushi is the freshest I have ever seen, prepared traditionally and in unique ways-all delicious! Try their Cajun Ahi sashimi- yum! If you don't like sushi, or are in the mood for something different, they also have Tepinyaki tables (cooked in front of you) and a great selection of cooked food. Try the 'TinfoilSpecial', scallops, ahi, veggies, sauce, etc. and baked until perfect! Order the lobster appetizer, not on the menu- but available and excellent!

Dule's is a great restaurant with great atmosphere-exactly what you would expect in Hawaii. You can choose to sit on their balcony lanai or tables indoors that have a great ocean view. Even if you get an inside table, it's fun to sit near their koi pond/waterfall. The food is exellent, with a wonderfully fresh salad bar. After dinner, head downstairs to the 'Barefoot Bar' to hear music and have some tropical cocktails served with fresh fruit and umbrellas! (For those who need a "frou-frou" drink fix!!) They also have excellent pupus (that's appetizers to you mainlanders!).

On an island in the middle of the Pacific, it can be tough to find tasty Mexican food-but Tropical Taco definitely fits the bill! It used to be located in a travelin' green bus but has now moved to a permanent location in Hanalei. The portions are huge, and though the menu is small, they have something for everybody--tacos, burritos, chimichangas, fish tacos, and burritos, etc. I highly recommend the 'Fat Jack' for you chimi lovers--it's delicious!! It's a pretty small place. You can eat in at one of their tables or out on the front porch at a bar. You can also order to go-which is great to take down to the beach!

Bubba Burgers slogan is "We cheat tourists, drunks, and attorneys!" It's also an extremly fun/quick place to eat when you're on the go. They have great burgers-everything from regular to teriyaki to chili burgers, made with their world famous Budweiser chili. Go to their website (bubbaburger.com) before traveling to the island. YOu can become a member of 'Club Bub' and print off your membership card. If you present it at Bubba Burger, you get your drink for free. They have seating inside and out, or you can take your food to go-directly across the street in Kapaa is the beach. They've also got Bubbas merchandise for sale in case you'd like to pick up a tee or shorts as a souvenir. Kapaa also has an activity desk, so you can plan your next outing while you eat!

No Hawaiian vacation is complete without going to a luau. There are several to choose from on Kauai, but in my opinion, Princeville is the best. (The locals I've talked to agree!) The luau takes place by the resort pool, which is on the beach, which is Hanalei Bay and is absolutely gorgeous! The evening starts with the lighting of the torches, the imu ceremony, eating, and is followed by the entertainment. Throughout the evening, you are entered by a wonderful local band. The food is all Hawaiian-style. Kalua pig, chicken, beef, and fish with rice, macaroni salad, green salad, noodles, and the list goes on and on! Make sure you try the imu rice pudding! While the price is a few dollars more than the other luaus (it's $69 per person), it is definitely worth every penny. The entertainment is top-notch as well! The dancers perform various hulas - from all the Hawaiian islands to New Zealand, to the Tahitian hula. The emcee also gives you the background and history of eachof the dances. This is definitely one event you don't want to miss when you visit Kauai! (P.S. You check in at the luau at around 5:30pm. I recommend going a little earlier and having some pre-luau cocktails at the 'Living Room Lounge' in the hotel. YOu can sit on out on the lanai, whick overlooks Hanalei Bay-stunning views!)