Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [116]
1292 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa. 80 8/822-1710. Most items less than $12. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 7am–2pm.
Sukhothai Restaurant THAI/VIETNAMESE/CHINESE Curries, saimin, Chinese soups, satays, Vietnamese pho, and a substantial vegetarian menu are a few of the features of this unobtrusive—but extremely popular—Thai restaurant. Menu items appeal to many tastes and include 85 Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai choices, along with much-loved curries and the best-selling pad thai noodles. The coconut/lemon grass/kaffir lime soups (eight choices) are the Sukhothai’s highlights, along with the red and green curries.
In the Kapaa Shopping Center (next to Kapaa’s Big Save Market), 4-1105 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa. 80 8/821-1224. Main courses $11–$23. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am–9pm.
5 The North Shore
Where to Dine on Kauai’s North Shore
EN ROUTE TO THE NORTH SHORE
Duane’s Ono-Char Burger HAMBURGER STAND We can’t imagine Anahola without this roadside burger stand; it’s been serving up hefty, all-beef burgers for generations. (And now they offer Boca burgers for vegetarians.) The teriyaki sauce and blue cheese are only part of the secret of Duane’s beefy, smoky, and legendary ono-char burgers served several ways: teriyaki, mushroom, cheddar, barbecue, and the Special, with grilled onions, sprouts, and two cheeses. The broiled fish sandwich (another marvel of the seasoned old grill) and the marionberry ice-cream shake, a three-berry combo, are popular as well.
On Kuhio Hwy., Anahola. 80 8/822-9181. Hamburgers $4.40–$7.25. MC, V. Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 11am–6pm.
EXPENSIVE
Lighthouse Bistro Kilauea CONTINENTAL/PACIFIC RIM/ITALIAN Even if you’re not on your way to the legendary Kilauea Lighthouse, this bistro is so good it’s worth a special trip. The charming green-and-white wooden building next to Kong Lung Store has open sides, old-fashioned plantation architecture, open-air seating, trellises, and high ceilings. The ambience is wonderful, with a retro feeling; it’s not as polished as Poipu’s Plantation Gardens but has its own casual appeal. (I’d describe this as the North Shore version of Casa di Amici in Poipu.) The food is excellent, an eclectic selection that highlights local ingredients in everything from fresh-fish tacos and fresh-fish burritos to coconut-crusted pork medallions and three preparations of fresh catch. This is much more elegant than usual lunchtime fare.
In Kong Lung Center, Kilauea Rd. (off Hwy. 56 on the way to the Kilauea Lighthouse), Kilauea. 80 8/828-0481.www.lighthousebistro.com. Reservations recommended for 6 or more. Lunch $5–$14; dinner main courses $19–$34. MC, V. Mon–Sat noon–2pm; daily 5:30–9pm.
A Hawaiian Feast: The Luau
Originally, an ancient Hawaiian feast was called a pa’ina or ’aha’aina, but in 1856, the Pacific Commercial Advertiser (the newspaper of the day) started referring to the feast as a “luau,” a name referring to the young taro tops always served at the feast. Try to take in a luau while you’re on Kauai. A luau today can range from a backyard affair to a commercial production at a major resort. The best ones are put on by local churches, schools, or hula halau. However, most visitors won’t have the opportunity to see these truly authentic feasts. Several commercial luau listed below will provide a taste and a feel for them.
Most luau are fixed in price, generally $78 to $99 for adults, less for children. A variety of traditional foods and entertainment is provided. The luau usually begins at sunset and features Polynesian and Hawaiian entertainment, which can range from lavish affairs with flaming knives or torches being juggled, to performances of ancient hula, missionary-era hula, and modern hula, as well