The Beach House Restaurant
This oceanfront restaurant located on Kauai's sunny south shore, has won a slew of awards, including the Honolulu Magazine's Hale Aina Gold Award for Best Kauai restaurant each year from 2002 through 2010. Snag a table at dusk (advance reservations required) because it's considered one of the best places on the island to watch the sun set. But even after dark, outdoors lights illuminate the scenic coastline, while candles flicker on tables indoors. Start with appetizers like the Thai beef bundle or ceviche. Specialties include the wasabi-crusted snapper, lemongrass and lime scallops and fire-roasted ahi tuna.
The Beach House Restaurant
5022 Lawai Rd.
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-1424
beach-house.com
Tidepools
Considered one of the most romantic restaurants on Kauai, this open-air restaurant overlooks the beach, lagoon and ocean beyond. The restaurant is a group of thatched-roof tiki huts, surrounded by waterfalls and koi ponds. Torches and flickering candles help set the mood. Begin with the jumbo lump crab cakes, smoked duck summer rolls or traditional Hawaiian poke made with ahi tuna, octopus and shrimp. The menu changes seasonally but popular entrees may include opah and shrimp and macadamia crusted mahimahi. For dessert, try the molten chocolate cake, a house specialty. The restaurant is located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai resort.
Tidepools
1571 Poipu Rd.
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 240-6456
kauai.hyatt.com
The Kauai Grill
Located on Kauai's North Shore, this restaurant on the 8th floor of the St. Regis Princeville hotel overlooks Hanalei Bay, Bali Hai and the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean. The dining room, framed by mountain-to-ocean views, is colored with rich chocolate brown, red and gold, with dark wood and leather accents. Three Michelin star chef Jean-George Vongerichten prepares local foods with Asian and French accents. The menu changes frequently but includes dishes like the filets of moi with truffle oil and hangar steak frites. For a real splurge, you can also book a private, four-course dinner for two, prepared by St. Regis Princeville chefs, served under a canopy set on a secluded spot on the beach.
The Kauai Grill
5-3900 Kuhio Hwy.
Princeville, HI 96722
(808) 826-9644
princevillehotelhawaii.com
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
