Lunch in Lihue area for a Kauai first-timer?

Question

Picking up my daughter’s boyfriend at the airport around noon. We would like to have lunch somewhere in the area before hitting Costco and heading north to our condo in Princeville. Looking for suggestions for something fun with a Kauai feel. Hopefully good seafood/poke, a view is a plus. Preferably sit down, but if takeout is the way to go where would you go to eat it? Not interested in Duke’s. Thanks in advance!

Answer

Great question. Here are several lunch spots in or near Līhuʻe that feel “very Kauai,” plus some takeout-friendly places, especially for fresh fish or poke — plus tips for where to go before you hit Costco and then drive up to Princeville.

Konohiki Seafoods (Līhuʻe):
This is a local fish market + eatery / take-out counter that’s *very well known for fresh poke*. According to local guides, they have daily plate-lunch specials, sushi rolls, and very good fish-market fare. It’s counter-service, so good for a quick, fresh lunch once you pick up your daughter’s boyfriend.
Fish Express (Līhuʻe):
Right across from Walmart in Līhuʻe. This place is very local and loved for its poke bowls, tako poke, and plate-lunch options. Because it’s take-out (market style), it’s super practical: you can grab food to go and then head to Costco or continue your drive north without needing a long sit-down.
The Plantation House by Gaylord’s (Kilohana Plantation):
If you want a sit-down restaurant with some ambiance, this is a lovely option. It’s located at the Kilohana Plantation (a historic plantation-house setting), and the garden / courtyard dining area gives a very “old Hawaii” feel. Their lunch menu features seafood, poke, and local-inspired dishes. TripAdvisor users also recommend it.
Hamura’s Saimin (Līhuʻe):
Not seafood-focused per se, but very “Kaua’i local.” Several travelers on forums recommend Hamura’s Saimin for an iconic Kauai noodle bowl lunch. It’s cash only, so good to know in advance.
Lilikoi Bar & Grill (Līhuʻe):
Also on Rice Street (in Līhuʻe), this restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and local fare, so it checks many of your boxes. TripAdvisor posters mention it as a convenient stop near the airport. According to a local dining guide, Lilikoi has a nice “local-meets-resort” vibe.

Other Take-Out / Quick Options:

Garden Island Barbecue: Located on Rice Street in Līhuʻe with local plate-lunch-style food (BBQ, pork, etc.).
Deli & Bread Connection (Kukui Grove): If you want sandwiches or deli-style takeout, this is a solid spot in the mall area.

Recommendations for Your Itinerary:

Since you’re picking someone up at the airport around noon, Konohiki or Fish Express are likely your best bets for a quick, Kauai-flavored lunch before hitting Costco. Their takeout style will let you move on without a long sit-down.
If you do want a more relaxed, sit-down lunch and don’t mind a little drive / time, The Plantation House is a really nice “arrival on Kauai” spot with charm and good food.
Bring cash (or check payment method) — some local spots (like Hamura’s) are more traditional and may not take cards.
After lunch, you can swing by Kukui Grove Center (if you want to do more than just Costco) — there are shops and food options there, and it's right in Līhuʻe.

Bottom line: For a first-time Kauai feel, *Konohiki Seafoods* or *Fish Express* gives you excellent, very local seafood / poke + plate options that are perfect for a quick lunch right after your airport pickup. If you want to savor the moment more, *The Plantation House* is a beautiful sit-down option in a historic, peaceful setting.

Lunch in Lihue area for a Kauai first-timer?

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