Fast, convenient food is the name of the game at Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach. Operating poolside at the Kauai Marriot Resort grounds, this eatery goes big with its breakfast buffets, refreshing lunches, and bold dinner fare.
They’re also happy to have you swing through for dessert and drinks – and a chance to enjoy the view of Kalapaki Beach and the Nawiliwili Bay beyond. If you’re staying at the resort, you can even order your food for delivery to the pool or your room if you prefer to lounge around instead of going to the dining room.
Each day starts with a brunch to remember, featuring all the best cold and hot breakfast items. On the hot side, you can get Sweet Bread French Toast, Fried Rice, and everything in between. Prefer to keep it chill? Go with the baked goods, cereal, and fresh fruit. If you’d rather order up a breakfast meal all your own, choose from their ala carte menu instead.
Midday, you can come back for plate lunch favorites, handheld delights, and icy cold treats. They also offer a wide variety of appetizers, cocktails, and other refreshing items that’ll get you energized for the rest of your day.
At the end of all your adventures, swing back by for dinner to enjoy all the best culinary flavors from both the land and sea. Kalbi Ribeye, Crab Crusted Salmon, and Portuguese Sausage Flatbread are always solid choices, although they have vegan fare, too. Even if you normally eat meat, you’ll want to get a taste of their Thai Coconut Curry, which features an incredible mix of spinach curry, sweet potato, and brown rice.
Although they use fresh ingredients and solid recipes, their menu items do not always hit the spot. Their quality is inconsistent at best – with many items landing on the table without enough spice or at the wrong temperature. You’re welcome to send back items that do not fit the bill, especially since the high price tag might have your expectations soaring. Their friendly servers are always willing to go above and beyond to leave you satisfied with your experience, so just let them know and they’ll fix it.
Treat yourself to their:
Hawaiian Sweet Bread French Toast
If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, you won’t regret going with the Hawaiian Sweet Bread French Toast. This breakfast favorite starts with big slices of Hawaiian sweet bread. Then, they dredge them in an eggy batter and fry them up golden brown. Maple syrup goes on top along with strawberries and bananas to bring it all together.
Kukuis Quesadilla
The Kukuis Quesadilla never fails to delight whether you order it plain or upgrade it with your protein of choice. The base quesadilla begins with a spinach tortilla filled with pepperjack cheese, wasabi aioli avocado, and salsa fresca. Then, you can add kalua pork, Hawaiian fish, spicy shrimp, or huli huli chicken to the mix – or just get it on its own.
Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops
When you want a little taste of pure decadence, treat yourself to the Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops. This dinner entrée features lamb chops cooked to perfection, and then paired with mashed potatoes and pan-roasted cauliflower. Red wine vinaigrette and tahini sauce take the flavors to the next level, plus you get full access to the soup and salad bar.
No matter what meals you order, always save room for dessert. Unlike the rather hit or miss items on their regular menus, their desserts are out of this world fantastic every time. If you like chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate, definitely go with either the Fudge Brownies or Chef Nancy’s Mud Pie. Otherwise, turn your attention to the Guava Jello Cheesecake for a dreamy taste of paradise.
Insider Tips:
-Looking for a discount on appetizers and drinks? Just zip on by from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm for happy hour.
-Breakfast reservations are typically not necessary but be sure to book your dinner spot to avoid a long wait. You can make your reservations online on their website or by calling the restaurant directly.