Must-Try Food Trucks & Local Favorites Across Kauai
Discover Kauai's best food trucks and local eateries with our comprehensive guide. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to international flavors, explore the island's diverse culinary scene region by region.
Kauai’s food truck scene is an exciting reflection of the island’s diverse culture, featuring everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes to international flavors and creative fusion cuisine. In addition to amazing food trucks, some of the best local eateries are also quick, casual spots that are perfect for grabbing a delicious meal on the go. To help you explore this delicious side of the island, we’ve put together a detailed guide to some of the best food trucks and local favorites, organized by region.
South Shore (Koloa and Poipu)
1. Smash Café (Koloa)
- Cuisine: Gourmet burgers and breakfast
- What We Love: A fantastic spot for fresh, handcrafted smash burgers and hearty breakfast options.
- Must-Try Item: Classic Smash Burger
- Location: 3477 Weliweli Rd, Koloa, HI
- More Info: Smash Café Official Website
2. Taco Libre (Koloa)
- Cuisine: Authentic Mexican street food
- What We Love: Amazing flavors, authentic preparation, and generous portions.
- Must-Try Item: Carne Asada Tacos
- Location: 5371 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI
- More Info: Taco Libre on Yelp
3. Kickshaws (Koloa)
- Cuisine: Gourmet fusion
- What We Love: Unique cooking techniques and unexpected flavor combinations.
- Must-Try Item: The Umami Burger
- Location: 5371 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI
- More Info: Kickshaws Official Website
4. The Fresh Shave (Koloa)
- Cuisine: Handcrafted shave ice
- What We Love: Fresh, organic ingredients and refreshing, creative flavors.
- Must-Try Item: The Fu Manchu (strawberry, banana, and coconut cream)
- Location: Waikomo Courtyard, Koloa, HI
- More Info: The Fresh Shave Official Website
5. Kauai Bakery (Lihue)
- Cuisine: Hawaiian and local bakery
- What We Love: Home to the best malasadas on Kauai, along with other delicious baked goods.
- Must-Try Item: Classic Malasada
- Location: 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI
- More Info: Kauai Bakery on Yelp
East Shore (Kapaa)
6. Al Pastor Tacos (Kapaa)
- Cuisine: Authentic Mexican street food
- What We Love: Authentic flavors and generous portions.
- Must-Try Item: Al Pastor Tacos
- Location: 4-1620 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI
- More Info: Al Pastor Tacos on TripAdvisor
7. Namaste Indian Food (Kapaa)
- Cuisine: Traditional Indian
- What We Love: Authentic spices and hearty portions.
- Must-Try Item: Chicken Tikka Masala
- Location: 4-1620 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI
- More Info: Namaste Indian Food on Yelp
8. Pono Market (Kapaa)
- Cuisine: Hawaiian and local favorites
- What We Love: Fresh poke bowls and traditional plate lunches.
- Must-Try Item: Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl
- Location: 4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI
- More Info: Pono Market on Yelp
North Shore (Hanalei and Kilauea)
9. Fresh Bite Kauai (Hanalei)
- Cuisine: Healthy, locally sourced meals
- What We Love: Organic ingredients and fresh, healthy options.
- Must-Try Item: Ahi Wrap
- Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI
- More Info: Fresh Bite Kauai on TripAdvisor
10. Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. (Hanalei)
- Cuisine: Traditional Hawaiian
- What We Love: Unique taro-based dishes and smoothies.
- Must-Try Item: Taro Burger
- Location: 5-5070A Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI
- More Info: Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. on Yelp
11. Aloha Juice Bar (Hanalei)
- Cuisine: Fresh juices and smoothies
- What We Love: Refreshing, tropical flavors.
- Must-Try Item: Acai Bowl
- Location: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI
- More Info: Aloha Juice Bar on Yelp
West Shore (Waimea and Hanapepe)
12. Porky’s (Waimea)
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Southern fusion
- What We Love: Sweet and savory combination of pineapple and pork.
- Must-Try Item: Pineapple Pork Hot Dog
- Location: 9899 Waimea Rd, Waimea, HI
- More Info: Porky’s on Yelp
13. Island Taco (Waimea)
- Cuisine: Mexican-Hawaiian fusion
- What We Love: Fresh fish tacos and homemade sauces.
- Must-Try Item: Seared Ahi Taco
- Location: 9643 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI
- More Info: Island Taco on Yelp
14. Midnight Bear Breads (Hanapepe)
- Cuisine: Artisan bakery and sandwiches
- What We Love: Handmade bread and gourmet sandwiches.
- Must-Try Item: Sourdough Pastrami Sandwich
- Location: 3830 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, HI
- More Info: Midnight Bear Breads on Yelp
Conclusion
Kauai’s food truck scene offers a delicious and diverse way to experience the island’s flavors. Whether you’re craving fresh poke, authentic tacos, gourmet burgers, or Hawaiian fusion, you’ll find incredible options all over the island. In addition to food trucks, Kauai is home to fantastic casual eateries that provide quick, flavorful meals for travelers on the go. Be sure to check out a few of these must-visit food trucks and local favorites on your next trip to Kauai!
For more insider tips and travel guides, stay connected with Gateway to Aloha and keep exploring the best of Hawaii!
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