Restaurant Reservations

Question

My husband and I are going to Kauai in middle of March. Are there certain restaurants that need to be booked way in advance? Thank you!

Answer

In Kauai, while there are many excellent dining options, a few popular restaurants do tend to get busy, especially during peak seasons like March. It's always a good idea to make reservations for the more well-known spots, especially if you’re hoping for specific dining times or wish to avoid long wait times. Here’s a breakdown of restaurants that generally benefit from reservations in advance:

Restaurants That Often Require Reservations:

The Beach House (Poipu): One of Kauai’s most famous restaurants with stunning oceanfront views. It is very popular, particularly for sunset dinners. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for prime time seating around sunset.
Bar Acuda (Hanalei): A favorite for fresh, farm-to-table dining with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. This restaurant is often fully booked, so it’s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time to ensure you get a spot, particularly for dinner.
Mama's Fish House (Hanalei): Though not technically in Kauai, Mama's Fish House in nearby Maui is known for seafood, so for the context of Kauai, expect popular local seafood joints (like The Shrimp Station or any beachfront seafood places) to also have high demand. Mama’s on Kauai is famous for its fish dishes, making it ideal for booking ahead.
Gaylord’s at Kilohana Plantation (Lihue): A beautiful setting within a plantation that offers an upscale dining experience. It’s not always packed but tends to get busy on weekends and during holidays, so reservations are suggested.
The Plantation Gardens Restaurant (Poipu): Set in a lovely garden, this restaurant is a popular spot for dinner. It’s usually recommended to book ahead, especially if you want a table during busy dinner hours or for a special event.
Kauai Grill (Princeville): Located in the St. Regis Princeville Resort, this fine dining restaurant is known for its upscale atmosphere and incredible views. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner. This spot can fill up fast, especially during busy times like March.

Other Considerations:

For many of the more casual spots, like those in Hanalei or Poipu, reservations are not as critical, though it’s still a good idea if you plan on dining at popular times (especially weekends or evenings). Some of these restaurants, like local spots in Hanalei or small-town eateries, may also be able to accommodate walk-ins, but during high season, a reservation is always safer.

General Tips for Dining in Kauai:

Make reservations as early as possible, especially for dinner and sunset times, as these are the most coveted spots.
For more casual dining or local spots, you can generally get away without booking, but for peace of mind, try calling ahead.
Consider booking during non-peak hours (e.g., early dinner or lunch) if you prefer not to make reservations but still want a better chance of securing a table.

In summary, while you don’t need to book every meal in advance, for some of Kauai's more popular and scenic restaurants, like The Beach House, Bar Acuda, and Kauai Grill, it's best to reserve ahead of time to ensure you get a spot. For casual dining, you can likely find a place without much issue, but making reservations wherever you can will help you avoid unnecessary stress during your trip.

Restaurant Reservations

More Kauai Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions