Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [422]
Shaka Tacos (823-0012; 4-1345 Kuhio Hwy; burritos $8-10; 7:30am-9pm Mon-Sat, to 3pm Sun; ) This airy taquerìa might not serve virtuoso Mexican food, but the live music on Friday evenings (from 6:30pm to 9pm) showcases two awesome musicians, jazz saxophonist Denny Morouse, a longtime pro from New York, and talented trumpeter David Braun from Chicago. A rare example of small-town ‘night’ life.
Ono Family Restaurant (822-1710; 4-1292 Kuhio Hwy; breakfast mains $8.50-11, lunch mains $4.50-8.25; 7am-2pm daily & 5:30-9pm Wed-Sat) Hearty breakfasts rule at this old-time diner, where you can start your day with an ahi omelet or banana pancakes, served with warmed syrup. Lunch items, from saimin to meat-and-rice plates, are tasty but not exactly calorie conscious.
Eastside (823-9500; www.theeastsidekauai.com; 4-1380 Kuhio Hwy; lunch mains $9-13, dinner mains $19-32; 11:30am-2:30pm & 5:30-9pm) The only nondiner sit-down restaurant in town, this 2008 newcomer boasts a breezy open-air dining room, gracious staff and a brief menu of fish, chicken and meat. Think dressed-up versions of down-home eats. There are no surprises on the menu, but the nimble execution of mains makes up for it.
Mermaids Café (821-2026; 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy; wraps & plates $9.50-11; 11am-8:45pm) This walk-up counter offers does brisk business with its Asian-influenced, island-fresh wraps and plates. Southeast Asian satay or coconut-curry flavors liven up tofu or chicken, while the bestselling seared ahi and nori (dried seaweed) wrap would be flawless with a more restrained dollop of sauce. Limited outdoor seating.
The best place for local produce is the farmers market (Kapa′a New Park; 3pm Wed), among the island’s largest.
Local chain Big Save (822-4971; Kapa′a Shopping Center; 7am-11pm), has a deli, while the smaller Kojima Market (822-5221; 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy; 8am-7pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat, to 1pm Sun) is rather limited but does carry local meat and produce.
Shopping
Davison Arts (821-8022; www.davisonarts.com; 4-1322 Kuhio Hwy; 9am-noon Mon, to 5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat) For the ultimate splurge, find worthy temptation in Hayley Davison’s magnificent koa furniture and John Davison’s striking paintings inspired by Kaua′i’s landscapes. Eyeing that lustrous classic rocking chair? It starts at $3500.
Hula Girl (822-1950; www.welovehulagirl.com; 4-1340 Kuhio Hwy; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun) Aloha-shirt aficionados will find a wide selection of quality, name-brand shirts ($40 to $125). Feel the silky-soft Tori Richard line in cotton lawn ($70 to $75). This family-run shop is a standout for quality Hawaii souvenirs (eg clothing, jewelry, island-made ceramics, art prints, books) and simply a fun place to browse.
Lotus Gallery (822-9300; www.jewelofthelotus.com; Dragon Bldg, 4504 Kukui St; 10am-6pm Tue-Sat, closed Sun & Mon) A 19th-century bronze Ganesh sculpture. Hand-carved lingam stones. Replicas of Asian dynasty gold jewelry. This fascinating gallery features authentic art and collectibles from countries such as India, Tibet and Thailand. If you’re drawn to non-Western spirituality, you’ll love the exotic treasures here.
Vicky’s Fabrics (822-1746; www.vickysfabrics.com; 4-1326 Kuhio Hwy; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat) Established in the early 1980s, Vicky’s is a gem for quilters and homemakers. Find a wide selection of Hawaiian, Japanese and batik print fabrics. Longtime owner and seamstress Vicky also offers some handmade quilts, pincushions and bags.
Artists of Kaua′i (652-7430; www.artistsofkauai.ifp3.com; Kuhio Hwy; 9am-5pm Wed-Sun) Seven Kaua′i artists share a gallery to display their outstanding works in oils, pencil, watercolor and photography. Find it within Kaua′i Products Fair grounds.
It’s just a chain convenience store, but ABC Store (823-0081; 4-1359 Kuhio Hwy; 6am-11pm) is locally owned and carries a mesmerizing array of macadamia nuts, sundries, snacks, beer and souvenirs at competitive prices.
Kaua′i Products Fair, the outdoor market at the north end