Kauai

Incredible poke + takeout staples (go early).

Possibly the best plate lunch on the island.

Elevated spam musubi — cheap, quick, beach-perfect.

Casual local Chinese/Hawaiian BBQ in Lihue.

James Beard Award winner — Kauai institution since 1952.

Walkable from hotel — legendary garlic bagels + malasadas.

Lihue institution since 1916 — mac nut pancakes + oxtail soup.

Local institution — fresh daily poke selection.

Handmade tortillas + legendary fish taco.

Farm-to-table seafood bar + market (worth the wait).

Toes-in-the-sand dining + live music nightly.

Taro-based donuts made to order (Kapaʻa is the safe bet).

Ahi katsu, loco moco, plate lunches — big portions.

The açaí bowls everyone raves about (check closed days).

Kapaʻa's go-to coffee — roasts on-site, killer pastries.

4.9 rating — best fish tacos on the island.

Sustainably sourced — the Spam taco is the sleeper hit.

Huge portions — order ahead and picnic at Poipu Beach.

Poipu institution — tropical relish + garlic lemon sauce.

Tiki-bar vibes + outdoor seating for a nicer dinner.

The splurge sunset dinner — reservations are a must.

All-natural syrups + fresh fruit toppings in Old Koloa.

South Shore's best açaí — order online to skip 30-40 min lines.

The Cali Burrito with fries inside — reviewers call it life-changing.

The legendary ahi wrap stop on the way north.

Big line, locally caught fish — the North Shore poke pick.

Farm-stand bowls + incredible Hanalei Valley views.

Same chef Chloe — now brick-and-mortar in Hanalei.

Hanalei institution since 1983 — mason jar drinks you keep.

From the Bar Acuda family — go early or wait.

Wasabi ahi tuna tacos — perfect Waimea Canyon stop.

Beloved Waimea truck — go early before it sells out.

Roadside fruit stand + Thai + smoothies (pick 3 fruits).