Aloha Gluten-Free Foodies: Your Ultimate Guide to Kauai Restaurants!
Kauai, the Garden Isle, is not just a paradise for beach lovers and hikers, but it’s also a haven for gluten-free gourmets! This lush Hawaiian island offers more than breathtaking views and thrilling adventures; there are plenty of gluten-free delights waiting to be discovered. So, grab your sunscreen (and bug spray), and pack your appetite. Here are some of my favorite gluten free Kauai restaurants (or restaurants in Kauai with plenty of gluten free options).
Gluten Free Kauai Restaurants that are Farm-to-Table
Merriman’s
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Farm-to-Table
- Location: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa
- Contact: Merriman’s Website
- Why Go: Fresh, local ingredients with a menu that’s a love letter to Hawaii. Their gluten-free options are as delicious as they are beautiful! We’ve been to three of their locations (Big Island, Maui and Kauai). They are all fabulous and can modify most of their dishes to be gluten free.
Break + Feast
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, BBQ
- Location: 5460 Koloa Rd, Koloa
- Contact: Break + Feast Website
- Why Go: The menu is crafted with inspiration from the team’s travel and cooking adventures. Open for brunch and dinner, they also have gluten free fried chicken!
Gluten Free Seaside Dining
The Beach House
- Cuisine: Seafood, Pacific Rim
- Location: 5022 Lawai Rd, Poipu
- Contact: The Beach House Website
- Why Go: Spectacular ocean views with a menu that’s just as stunning. Their seafood is fresh, and the gluten-free choices are aplenty! Order the Monkeypod Mai Tai.
Sophisticated Bites
Bar Acuda
- Cuisine: Tapas, Mediterranean
- Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
- Contact: Bar Acuda Website
- Why Go: Ready to elevate your evening? Bar Acuda is where Mediterranean meets Hawaiian charm. The atmosphere is as exquisite as their tapas, with a variety of gluten-free options that are both sophisticated and scrumptious. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a classy night out with friends. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their fine wines! Pro tip — reservations are a MUST. Make them well in advance.
Gluten Free Kauai Restaurants with Asian Flavors
Japanese Grandma
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Location: 3871 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe
- Contact: Japanese Grandma Website
- Why Go: Authentic Japanese cuisine with a cozy ambiance. They’re super accommodating with gluten-free needs and have GLUTEN FREE TEMPURA!
Stephenson’s Library
- Cuisine: American, Lounge
- Location: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa
- Contact: Stephenson’s Library Website
- Why Go: This isn’t your typical library! Enjoy ocean views, arguably the best sushi on the island, and top shelf cocktails. This is one of the restaurants at the Grand Hyatt Kauai (where we have stayed twice). Tidepools, their on-site steakhouse, also has lots of gluten free options.
Sushigirl
- Cuisine: Sushi, Poke
- Location: 5-6607 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
- Contact: Sushigirl Website
- Why Go: Fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-delicious sushi and poke bowls that are 100% gluten free. A must-visit for sushi enthusiasts!
Casual & Fun Mexican Eats
Tiki Tacos
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Location: 4-971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa
- Contact: Tiki Tacos Website
- Why Go: Who doesn’t love tacos? We always make sure to stop in to this casual spot where the tacos are HUGE and huge in flavor!
Da Crack
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Location: 2827 Poipu Rd, Poipu
- Contact: Da Crack Website
- Why Go: Their name says it all! Addictive Mexican food with plenty of gluten-free options. The place is take-out only….a literal hole in the wall. Don’t miss their burrito bowls!
Must See Dive Bar
Tahiti Nui
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Bar
- Location: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
- Contact: Tahiti Nui Website
- Why Go: A local favorite with a fun vibe, live music, and gluten-free Hawaiian dishes & pizzas. Don’t skip their Mai Tai – and go during happy hour when it’s a little cheaper.
Coffee & Chill
Trilogy Coffee
- Cuisine: Coffee Shop
- Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy #E, Hanalei
- Contact: Trilogy Coffee Website
- Why Go: A charming coffee shop with gluten-free pastries. Perfect for a relaxing morning! Bonus – they are located next to my favorite Kauai shop, Hunter Gatherer.
Littlefish Coffee
- Cuisine: Coffee Shop
- Location: 2294 Poipu Rd, Koloa
- Contact: Littlefish Coffee Website
- Why Go: Great coffee and a selection of delicious acai bowls. Ideal for a quick pick-me-up or pre hike fueling!
General Gluten-Free Travel Tips
- Double-Check: Always confirm with restaurants about their gluten-free options and cross-contamination practices.
- Pack Snacks: Keep some gluten-free snacks handy for hikes or beach days.
- Speak Up: Don’t be shy to ask for what you need. Kauai is known for its hospitality!
Where to Stay & What to Do
- Hotels: Consider staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa for luxury or the Kauai Shores Hotel for a more budget-friendly option.
- Activities: We are total nerds when it comes to travel and the last several trips to Hawaii, we’ve purchased the Shaka Guide app. It’s a fantastic app that you plug into your car’s navigation system. It offers several different guided driving tours of each island with tips on what to see and do, as well as plenty of history along the way. It’s corny AF, but we learn a lot and have gotten to see some pretty spectacular things because of it. Kauai highlights include: Waimea Canyon and Kokeʻe State Park (and selected hikes), Kīlauea Lighthouse, Wailua Falls, Kauaʻi Coffee Company, and the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
Kauai is not just a visual feast but a culinary delight, especially for the gluten-free traveler. With a little planning and a spirit of adventure, you’re all set for an unforgettable island getaway. You’ll find plenty of gluten-free Kauai restaurants to try while you’re there.
FYI… Kiawe Roots has ended their dine-in service as of 3/30/2024
Oh no! That is sad news – I’ll update the post 🙁
Although Japanese Grandma offers gluten free tempura it is fried in a fryer that is cross contaminated (confirmed on Nov 23/24), which is never good for those with celiac disease.
Thanks for the heads up, Janet!