Kauai Travel Food Guide: A Guide for the Ethical & Sustainable Tourist
When I first thought about heading to Hawaii, I had this image of fancy resorts and touristy spots - sipping cocktails on a beach chair while some person making pennies waits on me, hand and foot. (Gross). But, my best friend Morgan, a frequent traveler of the islands, convinced me there's way more to it than that. She promised me an adventure that aligns with my values—sustainability, respect, and a good dose of exploration.
Once she told me this could be a perfect chance to test out vanlife (obviously this was before I built out a van of my own to live in, I had been obsessed with the idea for years) and that there are farmers’ markets almost daily with fresh produce, that the waves in the ocean in some places are minimal (I love the ocean and swimming, but I am very intimidated by waves lol), and that there was potential that I would see a real sea turtle in the wild, I WAS SO DOWN! We got to planning, and we roped in her twin to come with us too.
Here’s What We Did:
So, instead of booking a swanky hotel, the three of us decided to go old-school and rented a VW Westfalia for two full weeks. It was the best decision we could have made. Every night, we'd find a spot at one of the island's campgrounds, surrounded by nature's beauty. Keep in mind that we did have to make reservations for these locations beforehand - pulling up to a campground and expecting to find a spot is not a great idea, I guarantee you won’t have much luck - be sure to plan ahead. Not only did this method save us a ton of money, but it also gave us the freedom to roam around the island without being tied down to one place.
But here's the thing: sleeping in your car is a no-go on Kauai. Yeah, it's a bit of a bummer, but we wanted to make sure we were following the rules and respecting the local community. Plus, it's a small price to pay for the privilege of exploring such a breathtaking place.
For us, traveling ethically isn't just about ticking off bucket list items—it's about forming a connection with the land and the people who call it home. It's about being mindful of our impact and doing our part to preserve the island's beauty for generations to come. And let me tell you, there's something truly special about experiencing Kauai in a way that's authentic and respectful. It's not just a vacation—it's a journey of discovery and appreciation.
Now, let's get real about the history. Kauai's story is complex, with the U.S. claiming ownership and tourism bringing its fair share of challenges. Rich folks buying vacation homes and leaving them empty all year? Fuck that. This is a huge problem and displaces the locals from affordable housing.
With that being said, ethical travel is my thing. I'm all about supporting local spots and steering clear of tourist traps. Eating local isn't just about the food; it's a nod to sustainability and a salute to the island's unique mix of cultures.
So, when I'm not soaking in the views, I'm digging into local eats. From food stands to hidden gems, every bite is a high-five to Kauai's spirit. It's not just a meal; it's a way of saying, "Hey, Kauai, I see you, and I'm here for the real you.”
Let's talk about some of my favorite spots, shall we?
Happy Snacks: For those times when you're on the go and need a quick local bite, Happy Snacks is the spot. Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-delicious. This was our first stop on our second trip to the island, and it did not disappoint. Close to the beach, easy parking, and quality fresh grub.
What we had: sweet & spicy crunchy chicken with fresh mango juice
Kauai Kookie: Forget those generic cookies; Kauai Kookie brings a local twist to your sweet cravings. Perfect for souvenirs or just a delightful treat for yourself. They also serve hot food and have wifi. We dedicated a morning to getting some work done here and had a memorable breakfast surrounded by locals.
What we had: corned beef hash moco, kalua moco, Sweet potato manju
7-Eleven: Yep, even the 7-Eleven here feels different. It's a convenient stop for snacks and essentials. Don't underestimate the power of a well-stocked 7-Eleven.
What we had: pork manapua, pork and shrimp hash, Chinese sausage and egg Musubi, teriyaki Musubi, butter mochi/blue pineapple/haupia slurpie, saimen soup, Loco Moco & MORE!
Aloha Sweet Delights: For your sweet tooth, this place is a hidden gem. Pies, cakes, and all things sugary – because dessert is always a good idea.
What we had: coconut manju, coconut malasadas, cream malasada, coconut turnover, ham and cheese roll, butter mochi
Island Tacos: Taco lovers, rejoice! Island Tacos serves up some seriously delicious tacos with a local flair. Fresh, flavorful, and totally worth the visit. Don’t worry about ordering one taco - its HUGE and full of flavor.
What we had: kalua pork taco, mahi mahi season taco, homemade chips and salsa with house-made flour tortillas
The Swell: If you're in the mood for a laid-back meal with a view, The Swell has got you covered. Good food, good vibes, and the ocean as your backdrop.
What we had: tuna melt and pulled chicken sandwiches with chips
North Shore General Store: Your one-stop-shop for all things local. From snacks to groceries, it's a hidden gem away from the bustling tourist spots. We found ourselves going back to this place because the loco moco was so good, and there was a perfect spot to eat outside. The mac & potato salad wasn’t our fave, but everything else was DELISH.
What we had: Loco Moco, Chicken Katsu
Wailua Shave Ice: When in Hawaii, shave ice is a must-try. Wailua Shave Ice takes it up a notch with creative flavors and a refreshing twist. It’s definitely for tourists, but we got intel from our awesome guide Stephanie from Kauai Backcountry Adventures that this was the spot to try.
What we had: Coconut & Strawberry Coconut
Safeway: For the basics and more, Safeway is your go-to. Because, let's face it, sometimes you just need a familiar grocery store. Grocery shopping in a new place is one of my favorite activities when traveling. You’ll never know what you might find. What we found here? The Poke Bowls at the deli are 10/10. Trust me, just try it.
What we had: Poke Bowls
Kauai Juice Co: Need a healthy boost? Kauai Juice Co. has you covered with a range of fresh juices and smoothies. This is BY FAR my favorite place to go on the island. Fresh juices, kombucha, salads, yogurts, and other local finds perfect to pick up on your way to a day on the beach. They have also recently opened another brick and mortar on the island and I can’t wait for my next trip to check it out. They also ship some of their products, and as a gift, my bestie got me a variety pack of their hot sauce. I use them almost every day, and each flavor is so different. I would definitely recommend. P.S. The bottles are a perfect keepsake and I use them weekly to store my own juice that I make at home.
What we had: We went several times during both of our trips and got MANY kinds of Kombucha that were all good. I especially loved one that had chia seeds floating in it. We tried a great ginger elixir. I will say that we got brave and tried the “Life Saver” Elixir, and it was not for the faint of heart - it was POTENT and garlicy.
Here are some of the specifics: Omega juice, lilikoi lychee kombucha, magic mojito, mermaid parfait chia pudding, coconut yogurt with lilikoi, dragon fruit pineapple kombucha, tangerine vanilla kombucha
Island Craves Kauai: If you're on the hunt for local snacks and treats, Island Craves Kauai is the place to be. Stock up and indulge in some unique flavors.
What we had: Breakfast Burrito, Apple Fritter, Malasada, Maple Macadamia Donut
Russel’s by Eat Healthy Kauai: In need of some plant-based eating on the island? This place is for you. The surfer vibes are present, and the ambiance is perfect in the morning for breakfast. I’d love to go back and try more.
What we had: Tex Mex Burrito and a Japanese Cold Brew
Wahine Weenies-A Kapaa Beach Sandwich Shack: If you do a quick google on breakfast sandwiches near Kapa’a, this is what you get. It was the morning of our flight home, and we didn’t have much planned, but we were craving eggies and bread. And we will ALWAYS choose a woman owned business when we see it. And let me tell you, totally worth it. We pulled up to this little shake with the nicest lady cooking up sandos and it was just what we needed. ****
What we had: Breakfast Sandwich on a Bagel
Little Fish Coffee: Little Fish Coffee on Kauai is a cozy spot where you can fuel up with artisanal coffee and delicious breakfast bites before heading out on your island adventures. Delicious house coffee, pastries, sandwiches and fruit bowls.
What We Had: Iced Coffee
In Kauai, it's not just about exploring the beaches or jungles; it's about respecting the place, and that includes chowing down on local grub. So, join me in supporting Kauai's real deal—a local bite at a time.
