Our favorite side of the island to staycation on happens to be home to some of our go-to eateries. The North Shore is the area of the island so I’ve chosen to focus on where to eat for under $20 per person. Here are the places you’ll always find us dining at on the North Shore of Kaua’i in 2023 and beyond!
NORTH SHORE BREAKFAST
Holey Grail Donuts We’ve been huge fans of these fancy, dense donuts since they first opened. What’s not to love about farm-fresh ingredients with an instagram-worthy aesthetic to match? They’re menu rotates often and their dairy-free drinks are also worth mentioning–I love their matcha and their chocolate mylk. Order ahead on their app and pick up from their trailer in the Hanalei food truck area.
Hanalei Bread Co. This bakery has something for everyone in the family! I usually order the brekki sandwich and a monkey juice (sub coco milk). The avocado toast is certainly fan favorite for our entire crew too and 99% of the time we order to-go so we can enjoy our brunch on the beach. Come early or be prepared to wait a while.
The Spot If you’re staying in Princeville then this is your closest option, and luckily it’s so darn delicious! Everything on their menu is bursting with flavor and decently priced. Since this is one of the only breakfast options in Princeville I recommend arriving early to hopefully beat the long line.
Swell Bakehouse Bagels are our love language, what about you? If you’re lucky enough to be in town when these folks are baking then I highly recommend scheduling a delivery (order Monday for Wednesday delivery). You can also snatch them up on Fridays at the Wainiha Country Market and Hanalei Market. Don’t miss out on these incredible bagels and cream cheese spreads.
NORTH SHORE LUNCH
Da Fazenda Brazilian food on Kaua’i? Yes please! Whether you get the Brazilian plate (we usually opt for shrimp or bacon-wrapped chicken) or the Moqueca, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised and completely full. Their pineapple mint juice is also a favorite of mine.
Fresh Bite If you’re looking for farm-fresh goodness then this is where you’ll want to go. When they have their banh mi special then all bets are off! Although I’m a creature of habit and my usual order is the gaucho bowl with steak paired with their classic french fries and homemade buttermilk ranch (note that this combo will run you over $20).
Tiki Tzatziki Daniel is gyro connoisseur and he loves them from here. Fresh Greek food after a morning at the beach is seriously perfection. While the two spots above are located in the Hanalei food truck area, this gyro stand is right next to Big Save in Hanalei.
NORTH SHORE DINNER
Cafe Turmeric Everyone in our ‘ohana enjoys the curry and naan from here–we usually get the shrimp curry and the vegetable curry! Plus the post-sunset ambiance around this food truck is a fun experience in itself. Pack some drinks, maybe some candles too, and set up on one of the picnic tables.
