When nothing else will do but homemade local favorites served in a quaint garden setting, you definitely need to put Gill’s Lanai on your radar. A true Kapaau favorite, this laidback eatery transforms fresh, local ingredients into meals to remember on demand. Every last item perfectly hits the spot, too, especially since you get to enjoy it all while soaking in the beauty of the Big Island. On top of that, the team aims to elevate your dining experience with their bright aloha spirit.
To see just why locals and tourists alike love this place so much, you’ll just have to swing by in between all your island adventures. Just be sure to drive slow because if you blink too long, you’ll miss it. They’re just a small hole-in-the-wall eatery right off Hawi-Niulii Road, after all, featuring a couple of small tables under a covered patio. Next to that is their tiny kitchen where they build bold flavor in every last bite they serve.
Although it might not look like much, this restaurant brings in people from far and wide with their classic menu items. Fresh Fish and Chips, Kalua Pork Quesadillas, and Hawaiian Style Fresh Poke Bowls are true local favorites through and through. But they don’t stop there either. The chef often adds their very own creative spin to the mix with items like their Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich. They even have a small selection of loaded hotdogs for your consideration.
Most of their beverages come in a can, however, ranging from regular soda to Arizona Iced Tea. They do have delightfully decadent smoothies though if you want a tropical kick with your meal. Prefer to sip on your favorite alcoholic beverages while you dine? Just BYOB but keep it to beer or wine only.
Most patrons swing by for takeout, but whenever lanai seating is available, it’s a good idea to stick around. With the tropical plants all around, their little patio space feels like paradise, plus it gives you a front-row seat to all the action in town. By dining onsite, you also get to chat with the chef whenever they have an extra moment, allowing you to learn even more about their winning approach.
Fan favorites on the menu:
Big Island Tropical Smoothie
Whenever you want to sip on all the best fruit flavors, treat yourself to the Big Island Tropical Smoothie. They create this amazing treat by blending chunks of mango, papaya, pineapple, and banana together. Then, they hit it with high-quality fruit juice to thin it out a bit.
Poke Tacos
The Poke Tacos take an incredible local favorite and give it a big twist. When you order this imaginative dish, the chef gets to work in lightly searing the poke, and then putting it in the center of corn tortillas. Over that, they add shredded cabbage, cilantro, and chopped onion before squeezing on the lime. Spicy cilantro ranch dressing goes over it all at the end to brighten up the flavors even more.
Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi
The Lemongrass Tofu Bahn Mi pairs Vietnamese and French cuisine to create the perfect fusion of flavors. This dish starts with tofu marinated in lemongrass, garlic, onion, and shoyu. Then, the tofu gets pan sauteed before landing on a crispy French baguette. Pickled onions, cucumbers, and carrots land on top, and then they add lettuce, mint, cilantro, and spicy mayo.
As you zero in on all their fantastic menu items, don’t forget to elevate your meal with their amazing sides. Garlic Fries, Chips and Salsa, and Steamed Rice all await the chance to round out your entrée selections. Don’t want to miss out on their tasty tacos? Just order their fish or kalua tacos one by one to take your meal to the next level.
Insider Tips:
-Their hours change quite regularly. So, give them a call before you leave your hotel to see if they are open. If you’re just driving by, you can see their current hours on the sign right out front.
-Want your food ready when you arrive? Just call in your order before jetting out the door.
-If you’re going on even more adventures after you eat, grab a few extra canned or bottled beverages for the road.