Kauai: Where Adventure and Tropical Beauty Meet Amazing Vegetarian Eats!
Just a quick 45-minute flight from Oahu, our family loves escaping to Kauai for a mini vacation whenever we have a few days off.
Kauai offers stunning landscapes and adventurous activities for the whole family; check out my post on The Top 5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Kauai for more details on Kauai things to do; however, what particularly enhances Kauai for us is the delicious array of local, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly cuisine.
Here are my top picks for the very best local, healthy, and vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Kauai:
RUSSELL’S by Eat Healthy Kauai
You truly cannot go wrong here! RUSSELL’S by Eat Healthy Kauai is a gem for anyone seeking wholesome, vegan cuisine in a delightful setting. Nestled in a charming pink building, this spot stands out not only for its delicious menu but also for its artsy and beautiful gardens and back patio.
The entire menu is plant-based, and I have truly enjoyed everything I’ve ever tried here. Also, definitely leave room for dessert as two must-tries are their refreshing lemonade, perfectly paired with their delectable cookies.
The vibe of the whole place is special, making it a must-hit spot while on Kauai. Just remember to check their hours before planning your trip; they close early afternoon and are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Java Kai
Java Kai is a versatile cafe that caters to all tastes, making it an excellent choice for groups with varied dietary preferences. The menu features a variety of vegan and vegetarian-friendly choices alongside options for meat-eaters, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
The food here is always great, but the coffee here is the true star. I usually like to try one of their seasonal specials like the Rose Earl Grey Latte they had last time we went.
As an added bonus, Java Kai opens early at 6 am and accepts online ordering, which makes it a convenient option for grabbing a quick breakfast before heading out on a Na Pali Coast Boat Tour (Pro tip: make sure to eat a good breakfast before this tour, counterintuitive to what you might think, you are more prone to sea-sickness when you have an empty stomach!)
Also worth noting- Adjacent to Java Kai is my favorite surf/bikini shop, with trendy options for both gals and guys. I found my favorite Acacia Bikini here, even when it was sold out online, they still had it in stock, and my husband also snagged some rad green corduroy shorts last time we visited.
El Taco Feliz
If your family is grabbing a coffee at Java Kai, but your jet lag causes you to wake up at 4am and you’re in the mood for something heartier, head across the street to El Taco Feliz.
This family-owned and run food truck offers authentic Mexican food in Hawaii, with plenty of vegetarian-friendly and non-vegetarian dishes on the menu. The veggie and mahi tacos are my favorites, but with the delicious authentic toppings and tons of flavor throughout each dish, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
As an added bonus, the covered outdoor seating and bright, eclectic Hawaii-meets-Mexico vibes make it a fun and cheery place to enjoy a meal.
The Musubi Truck
The Musubi, a traditional Hawaiian snack made with spam, rice, and seaweed, is an iconic must-eat staple when visiting Hawaii. To sample this authentically Hawaiian dish while in Kauai, The Musubi Truck is a must-visit.
Located off the main streets of Kapaa, this eatery has loads of outdoor seating surrounded by minimalistic but fun vibes of black and white decor complete with local art design and striped umbrellas.
The Musubi Truck is also an excellent choice for those traveling on a budget; a basic musubi, which will leave you full for hours, is priced at only $3. My favorite on the menu, however, is the Veggie Musubi, which is packed with tons of local veggies and herbs, tofu, and is served with a flavorful sauce on the side.
By the way, if you are a Musubi fan, definitely make sure not to miss the iconic 7-Eleven Musubi, the arguably best and most original that Hawaii has to offer!
Warehouse 3540
Located on the south side of Kauai in Kalaheo, Warehouse 3540 is a must-stop if you’re journeying between the west side of Kauai and Kapaa or the North Shore.
This vibrant hub is home to a diverse array of locally-owned small businesses, including a coffee shop, restaurant, food trucks, and artisan shops.
While Warehouse 3540 offers a variety of dining options catering to different dietary preferences, my personal favorite spot here is Drift Micro-Bar. Nestled at the back of the warehouse, this charming venue is complete with tropical forest views, comfortable covered seating, and live music most weekends. Their standout features include exceptional cocktails with happy hour specials and a small but carefully curated menu.
Coconut Corner
For a quick, fresh, and healthy snack on Kauai’s west side, Coconut Corner in Waimea is an excellent choice and my personal favorite go-to spot. This locally owned gem, run by women, is ideal for rejuvenating after the Na Pali Coast Boat Tour or a hike through Waimea Canyon.
Coconut Corner is known for their amazing fruit smoothies and shakes in countless flavorful combinations- my personal favorite is the mango-passionfruit shake. While the shakes and smoothies are a must-try, other offerings include fresh coconuts, a variety of fruits, and baked treats. Or, if you’re hungry for something more substantial, they also serve more hearty options like curries and rice dishes.
