Good vibes and good food await at The Kalapaki Beach Hut in Lihue. Take your time and enjoy the offerings at this eatery that has character, nice views and best of all, more than affordable food that is flat out
Good vibes and good food await at The Kalapaki Beach Hut in Lihue.
Take your time and enjoy the offerings at this eatery that has character, nice views and best of all, more than affordable food that is flat out good.
The Beach Hut is easy to find at 3474 Rice Street near Kalapaki Beach. In fact, you can see the beach, even the surfers, from the upstairs seating area, which is where we recommend you take your meal. Our first advice: Don’t be in a hurry when visiting The Beach Hut. Enjoy the atmosphere and chat with your fellow diners upstairs, because you’re all sitting fairly close.
The Hut has been around more than 25 years, so you know it’s got what it takes to survive. And that is good food, lots of it, and for the most part, fast service. We say most part because there can be a morning rush and the line can stretch back. And the counter person, on our most recent visit, was also doing the cooking. But give her credit, she was friendly, fast and hustling to keep the breakfasts flowing. It was a beautiful morning and everyone was in a good mood, so no complaints. Then again, how could one complain about waiting for breakfast while on Kauai at a restaurant next to Kalapaki Bay?
Now, about that food..
You have plenty of choices that won’t hurt your wallet.
Breakfast, from 7 to 11 a.m. comes with choices that include omelettes for $9.95, loco moco for $9.40, the Kalapaki Breakfast for $7.35 and a breakfast egg sandwich for $6.95. They don’t short you on portions. You will leave a bit heavier than you came.
The Portuguese Sweet Bread French Toast is a classic and if there is one you should try, this is it. Different and delicious.
Lunch features perhaps the best selection of burgers on the island, all served with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise. They range from $7.25 for the Kauai Burger (quarter-pound char broiled) to $9.40 for the Aloha Classic (teriyaki, fresh pineapple and cheese) and $9.95 for the Kahuna Double Burger. Add fries for $3.
Other popular choices are the fish and chips for $9.40, Garden Island Salad for $6.85 and the catch of the day sandwich.
The fruit smoothies, at $5.50, are excellent and come in choices including strawberry, mango and pineapple.
This isn’t a place where you sit down, a waiter comes around and takes your order, either. You’ll order at the counter, wait for your name to be called, and then go pick up your meal. Simple, but some prefer to have their food brought to them.
This is casual, walk-in dining at its best. This isn’t fancy. It covers the basics and does so very well. It’s a great spot adored by regulars and happily discovered by visitors.
While we encourage folks to sit down and enjoy the view with their meal, some take it to go and head to Kalapaki Beach with it.
