Hukilau Lanai – One of the Best Kapaa Restaurants

Hukilau Lanai, a popular restaurant in trendy Kapaa, is known for its five-star island cuisine.

This plantation-style restaurant is an emblem of Hawaiian culture. It features local Hawaiian food and drink, live entertainment, and a magical garden, beautifully manicured and peppered with swaying palms.

Below is your guide to this amazing garden eatery – one of the best Kauai restaurants out there. Open to the public year-round, it’s a must-visit on your next island vacation getaway.

About Hukilau Lanai

Hukilau Lanai exudes island living. From the tropical environment, soft pastel-colored walls, the spacious corner bar, and colorful, fruity cocktails, the restaurant switches on your vacation mode.

The menu features lobster, ahi tuna, an assortment of fresh salads, and some inventive spins on classic Hawaiian dishes, making it a gem among Kauai restaurants.

The restaurant’s commitment to “going green” is as much part of its philosophy as it is part of its success. Green goals for the restaurant include herb composting, sending kitchen scraps to a local pig farmer and coffee grounds to another local bean farmer, the re-use of wine corks for potted plants in the garden, and vegetable oil recycling to a local bio-fuel source.

They believe in giving back to the world – a philosophy that fits the Hawaiian culture ethos perfectly.

The restaurant was opened in 2002 by chefs Ron Miller, Bobby Krause, Regie Anical, and Adam Phelps. This team has not only maintained a high-quality and innovative menu for more than a decade, but has touched the hearts of tourists and locals alike by giving back to the earth – in this case, the island of Kauai.

Food & Drink

The menu features four special dishes, including a rotating selection of fresh, local fish and seafood. This includes local catches like mahi mahi, hebi, Hawaiian snapper, and opah, among many others.

Kauai clams are sourced locally, cooked in a white wine tomato broth. Makaweli beef derives from grass-fed cattle and can be found in a number of “surf and turf” menu items.

The after-dinner menu includes Hawaii-famous desserts. Pair the the Lilikoi coconut tart, a sweet delicacy filled with macadamia nuts, vanilla wafer crust, and Lilikoi coulis, with a hot cup of fresh French press coffee, with subtle hints of chocolate and cherry.

Food & Wine Tastings

Hawaiian cuisine is so unique and the Hukilau Lanai menu so diverse that the chefs offer a food and wine “tour” that takes you on a trip through island flavors. Taste a variety of eclectic menu items with great wine pairings for only $50. The food-only menu is available for $32.

The tasting menu is available from 5 to 5:45 p.m., and reservations are required. Guests will be served smaller portions of some menu favorites, as well as new dishes they’re testing out.

This definitely a great choice for the adventurous palate. The menu may include Koloa rum island gazpacho, pork and mushroom pate with smoked sausage, and artisan cheeses. Dessert, coffee and, of course, an array of wines will be served as well.

Entertainment & Events

Live music is a staple at Hukilau Lanai, and is offered Tuesday through Sunday in Wally’s Lobby Bar from 6 to 9 p.m. The music ranges from classical guitar, soft rock jams, melodic ukulele, upbeat rock and roll, and contemporary Hawaiian fusion.

The restaurant hosts private events, such as wedding receptions and corporate events. Periodically, the restaurant hosts arts, music, and community events for the public.

Location & Hours

Hukilau Lanai is open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. daily. The restaurant is located at the Kauai Coast Resort and can be contacted at (808) 822-0600. The address is at 520 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI.