For an oceanfront dining experience to remember, Hualani’s Restaurant is the place to go in East Side Kauai. Set along the water at the Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences, this upscale eatery serves up delicious farm-to-table dishes plus plenty of tropical cocktails, brews, and wine. All their ingredients are locally sourced, and then prepared with flair by their talented chefs.
As you arrive onsite, expect to have your car whisked away by the valet before getting a warm greeting as you walk through the doors. If you have a reservation, you’ll get your table of choice right away. Otherwise, expect to wait a bit because this restaurant is busy pretty much year-round. You can either dine inside or out on the grass, depending on whether you made reservations and what’s available.
Either way, you’ll get fantastic views of Nawiliwili Bay and the ocean all around. You can even see the lighthouse on Ninini Point, which looks even more beautiful as it gets framed by the sunset each evening. The infinity pool and firepit are nice to gaze upon as well, while you look out at the view of the beautiful skies, waterways, and landscapes.
Along with the views, there’s a pleasant ambiance created by the low lighting, upscale décor, and friendly service. You can count on your servers to whisk out your beverages, menus, and food right on cue and without a fuss. They check in regularly to see if there’s anything else you need, helping optimize your dining experience without disrupting the flow of conversation at your table.
You definitely need to try their:
Big Island Hearts of Palm Salad
For a taste of everything local farms have to offer, you’ll want to try their Big Island Hearts of Palm Salad. This lunchtime appetizer starts with a bed of hearts of palm and kale. To that, they add watermelon radishes and shaved green papaya. The whole lot gets a drizzle of Calamansi vinaigrette to bring it all together. Want to beef it up even more? Add grilled chicken breast or fresh catch for an extra charge.
Art’s Smoked Huli Huli Chicken
An incredible blend of savory flavors awaits when you order Art’s Smoked Huli Huli Chicken. To create this dinner entrée, they cover the chicken in a delightful dry rub before throwing it in the smoker. Once it’s done, the chicken lands on the plate alongside sweet potato hash that perfectly offsets its smoky flavors. Housemade teriyaki jus goes around it all to beautifully complete this dish.
Kauai Shrimp Scampi
You can enjoy all your favorite oceanside flavors by treating yourself to the Kauai Shrimp Scampi. They begin this entrée by sauteing shrimp to perfection while boiling the linguini pasta to al dente. Then, they get mixed together along with garlic and vegetables from Hokuala Farm, which adds plenty of stellar flavors to every bite.
Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner, or just a few drinks, their Warm Chocolate Lava Cake is a must. Made with the freshest local ingredients, this cake boasts a big chocolate flavor, especially as the melty middle flows out. The vanilla gelato served alongside helps cool the palate and ready you for the next rich bite of chocolatey deliciousness.
Insider Tips:
-Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday, so swing by from 11 am to 3 pm for great deals on all their tasty tacos. Arriving on a different day? Ask about their other daily specials for discounts on your favorite food and drinks.
-Celebrating a birthday? Let them know so they can provide a nice surprise for your guest of honor.
-Want to listen to live music played by local musicians? Swing by on Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 8pm.