Planning a family trip to Hawaii’s Garden Isle? Kauai offers more than stunning beaches and lush scenery — it’s also full of delicious, kid-friendly dining options. Whether you’re looking for casual food trucks near the beach, healthy juice stops after a hike, or sit-down restaurants with space for little ones to roam, this guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Kauai covers it all. Organized by location (North, East, South, and West Shores), we highlight the best spots to eat with kids, with helpful notes on menus, seating, and what makes each place a hit for families.
Don’t forget to pair your dining stops with our Kauai Activities Guide or unwind at one of the best Kauai beaches for families afterward.
North Shore (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea)
Local Dishes & Treats
- Poke – Available at local markets and food trucks. Kids who like sushi may enjoy trying a small scoop of mild fish with rice.
- Plate Lunch – Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. offers tender pork and chicken options with rice and salad that can be served in smaller portions for kids.
- Malasadas – Sometimes available at Hanalei Bread Co., these sugar-dusted doughnuts are soft and easy to share.
- Shave Ice – Wishing Well Shave Ice offers fresh, natural flavors and large portions. It’s truck-based with nearby picnic tables, and kids enjoy choosing their own toppings.
Food Trucks
- Hanalei Food Truck Park – Located near Wishing Well Shave Ice. Families love this spot for its open, grassy area where kids can run around while waiting. It’s close to Hanalei Bay, so it’s a convenient stop after beach time. Choices range from poke and tacos to burgers and smoothies, making it easy to find something for everyone.
Healthy Cafes
- Nourish Hanalei – Serves fresh acai bowls, smoothies, and rice bowls with island-grown ingredients. Kids enjoy the sweet, fruity flavors and the simple presentations. It’s located just above Hanalei Bay, ideal for a healthy snack after hiking or swimming.
Coffee & Breakfast
- Hanalei Bread Co. – Known for its quality baked goods and avocado toast. The cozy covered porch gives kids a calm space to sit and snack while parents enjoy coffee.
- Java Kai (Kilauea) – Colorful, casual atmosphere with plenty of kid-friendly options like smoothies, muffins, and bagels. Indoor and outdoor seating gives flexibility for families.
Casual Meals
- Kenji Burger (Kilauea) – This spot serves juicy burgers with island-inspired sauces, fries, and bubble tea. Outdoor seating lets kids move around, and the menu has options even for picky eaters.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Hanalei Dolphin – Offers sushi and grilled fish with a quiet riverside view. The children’s menu includes simple meals, and the mellow setting lets families unwind after a beach day.
- Tahiti Nui – A relaxed restaurant serving pizza and local Hawaiian plates. Live ukulele music adds fun, and staff are welcoming to noisy or energetic children. It’s a great evening hangout spot for families.
Video of Kauai Food Trucks
East Side (Kapa’a, Wailua)
Local Dishes & Treats
- Shave Ice – Wailua Shave Ice is known for its fine texture and gourmet syrups. Kids love watching the shave ice being made and choosing toppings.
- Spam Musubi & Loco Moco – Available at many casual spots and convenience stores along Kuhio Highway. Easy to eat on the go or at the beach.
Food Trucks
- Kapa’a Food Truck Row – Located along Kuhio Hwy with a variety of choices. Popular options include:
- Scorpacciata – Wood-fired pizza with crisp crusts kids enjoy.
- Tacos Al Pastor – Mild and flavorful tacos served on soft tortillas.
Shaded picnic tables make it comfortable for families, and the location is close to beach parks for post-meal play.
Healthy Cafes
- Kauai Juice Co (Kapa’a) – Offers kombucha, juices, and healthy snacks. The bright bottle displays and free samples keep kids entertained while parents shop for something nutritious.
Coffee & Breakfast
- Java Kai (Kapa’a) – Fast service and colorful decor. A great place for breakfast wraps, bagels, and acai bowls with kid-friendly flavors.
- Passion Bakery Café – Known for malasadas (served on select days) and a wide breakfast menu that includes pancakes and egg sandwiches. The cozy space feels welcoming to families.
Casual Meals
- Sleeping Giant Grill (Wailua) – Serves fish tacos, grilled shrimp, and wraps in a laid-back setting. Great option for takeout after the beach or pool.
- Tiki Tacos (Kapa’a) – Brightly decorated and casual, with generous taco fillings and vegetarian options. Located near beach parks, so many families grab lunch here to eat outside.
- Kenji Burger (Kapa’a) – Spacious setup with familiar kid favorites like fries and burgers, plus bubble tea that older kids might enjoy.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Lava Lava Beach Club (Kapa’a) – A rare beachfront restaurant where tables sit directly on sand or grass. Kids can safely run around or play while waiting for food. It’s ideal for a sunset meal, with a lively but laid-back atmosphere.
Breweries
- Napali Brewing Co. – Offers an outdoor area with lawn games and food trucks. The relaxed setting makes it easier for parents to enjoy a casual drink while kids play.
South Shore (Poipu, Koloa, Lawai)
Local Dishes & Treats
- Malasadas – Found in select spots near shopping areas. A hit with kids for their soft texture and sugary coating.
- Shave Ice – The Fresh Shave (Koloa) uses natural syrups and has fun names like “The Hipster.” Kids love watching the process and trying flavors that aren’t overly sweet.
Food Trucks
- Poipu Food Truck Park – Located near Kukuiula Shopping Village. A smaller cluster of trucks offers BBQ, Thai food, and shave ice. It’s safe and easy to access by foot from nearby resorts, and rarely too crowded.
Healthy Cafes
- Kauai Juice Co (Koloa) – Great for a midday hydration break. Kids enjoy the vibrant bottles and samples, and it’s quick for families on the go.
Coffee & Breakfast
- Little Fish Coffee (Poipu) – A calm spot with shaded outdoor seating. Offers bagels, smoothies, and acai bowls, making it an easy choice for a no-fuss breakfast before heading to the beach.
Casual Meals
- Puka Dog (Poipu) – Specializes in Hawaiian-style hot dogs with tropical relishes. It’s a novelty experience kids love, and the soft bun makes it easy for young eaters.
- Kenji Burger (Koloa) – Offers quick and satisfying meals with fun Asian-inspired flavors. Kids can enjoy teriyaki burgers and fries, while parents might try something spicier.
- Kauai Poke Co (Koloa) – A fast and clean poke spot with mild flavor options that appeal to kids who like sushi. Families like the no-frills, efficient service.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Keoki’s Paradise (Poipu) – Surrounded by tropical gardens, this restaurant features live music and a kids’ menu with favorites like chicken fingers and pasta. The mocktail menu is a fun bonus.
- Brennecke’s Beach Broiler (Poipu) – Just across from Poipu Beach Park. Ideal for a post-beach dinner with sandy feet. The casual menu and relaxed vibe welcome kids.
- The Beach House (Lawai) – While more upscale, it’s very family-friendly. Outdoor seating overlooks the ocean and there’s a grassy area for kids to play. A nice pick for a celebratory or last-night dinner.
West Side (Waimea, Hanapepe, Kaumakani)
Local Dishes & Treats
- Malasadas – Aloha Sweet Delights (Kaumakani) is a small-town gem known for some of the island’s best malasadas. Kids love the soft, warm pastries, and the bakery often sells out early.
Casual Meals
- Porky’s Kauai (Waimea) – Famous for pulled pork grilled cheese and pineapple sausage dogs. It’s a grab-and-go spot with a few benches and perfect for stopping after a trip to Waimea Canyon.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Limited in this area, but many casual spots offer covered patios where families can eat comfortably.
Central (Lihue, Kalapaki Bay)
Casual Meals
- Kenji Burger (Lihue) – Consistent with other locations, offering burgers, fries, and casual seating. Close to the airport, so it’s great before or after a flight.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Duke’s Kauai (Kalapaki Bay) – A beachfront restaurant with open-air seating and a wide-ranging kids’ menu. Located next to the beach, kids can play in the sand while parents wait for food. Menu includes fish and chips, pasta, and chicken tenders.
Breweries
- Kauai Beer Company (Lihue) – Offers outdoor seating, a few kids’ menu options, and a friendly, casual vibe.
- Mucho Aloha Brewhouse (Lihue) – Spacious and relaxed. Food trucks or vendors are often present, and there’s shaded outdoor seating, making it manageable with kids in tow.
Planning your Kauai family trip? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the island:
- Kauai with Kids: Family Travel Guide
- Best Family Beaches in Kauai
- Best Snorkeling in Kauai for Families
- Kid-Friendly Hikes in Kauai
Check out our ranked family travel lists for Kauai:
- Best Things to Do in Kauai with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Kauai (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Kauai (Ranked)
For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on Kauai.
