My 2011 trip to Kauai wasn’t my first visit to the island, but it was the first time going as a vegan. I was pleased to discover that it’s quite simple to find tasty vegan food all over the island. I had one bad experience, but hopefully it was a learning experience for all involved.
I vacationed at the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club (on Poipu Beach) with my husband and parents (thanks mom & dad!). We ate local fresh fruit every morning and cooked most dinners in the condo. The lunch meal was typically the meal “out.”
I’ll start the tour of Kauai’s vegan eats on the South shore and work my way north…
FARMER’S MARKETS – You can’t beat the fresh fruit of Hawaii. At the beginning of your trip, find out where and when the Farmer’s Markets will be. Only then plan your other activities. Arrive early and bring cash!
LIVING FOODS MARKET – Located in the Kukuiula Village (2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka #24), in Koloa.
We picked up some hummus and tabbouleh to take hiking on the Alakai Swamp Trail.
DA CRACK – Located at 2827 Poipu Road, in Poipu.
“Da Most Bang For Your Buck” is true! This is a “take-out only” Mexican food place. I appreciated that the Veggie Burrito/Veggie Soft Taco are vegan. I didn’t have to say “No cheese, please!”
PUKA DOG – Located in the Poipu Shopping Village (2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive), in Koloa
Puka veggie dogs are made from soy and wheat gluten. The bread is dairy- and egg-free. Have the Lilikoi Mustard and Tropical Relishes (dairy-free), but avoid the other sauces (which contain milk.) (Here is the Puka Dog FAQ page.)
PAPALANI GELATO – Located in the Poipu Shopping Village, in Koloa.
There is a whole section of dairy-free Sorbetto, and the sugar cones are vegan. With so many flavors, you’ll need to keep coming back! Here, I had lime on the bottom and pineapple on top…
ROY’S POIPU BAR & GRILL – Located in the Poipu Shopping Village, in Koloa
Our one bad experience. Here‘s the story…
Walking through the shopping village, I noticed the Roy’s “Vegetarian Menu” and the “Vegan Chocolate Souffle.” I figured that if a vegan dessert was on the menu, then Roy’s could accommodate vegans for dinner, too. The “Vegetarian Menu” looked perfectly acceptable. So, contrary to my usual frugal nature, I decided to splurge on fine dining.
Once seated, the waiter brought out edamame to eat while reviewing the menu. We stated that we are vegan, and immediately double-checked that the edamame was not cooked in butter. “No, cooked in oil.”
We ordered the Togarashi Seared Tofu & Hawaiian Mushroom “Poke” for an appetizer. It was rich.
We ordered the Fresh Seasonal Vegetable Medley (“Chef’s Way”) and said, “That’s vegan, right?” Everything seemed fine, but when the waiter presented our plates, he described a risotto and used the word “butter.”
- “Vegan butter?”
- The waiter went to the kitchen.
- He came back, “It’s cream.” I had to explain that cream is dairy.
- The waiter was flustered. I was annoyed.
- We ate steak fries instead.
- Finally, I ordered the VEGAN Chocolate Souffle. At least it delivered! It was super decadent.
- I typed a complaint on the Roy’s website. I stated that I was drawn in by the Vegan Chocolate Souffle, and that I’d assumed that since Roy’s was offering a vegan dessert, it meant that a vegan could reasonably expect a vegan dinner, too.
A few days later, I received a phone call from the manager of Roy’s, who apologized to me for the debacle. Staff training was underway. She confirmed my suspicions that the appetizer was cooked in butter. Our $85 bill was refunded. 🙂
Moral of the story…don’t assume that vegan dessert means vegan dinner. We asked questions and explained our dietary preference, yet we still got into trouble. Hopefully some good came from our experience and the next vegan customer didn’t have to eat unwanted dairy products!
My Recommendation: Save your dinner dollars, but have dessert!
KAUAI EAST SHORE
PAPAYA’S NATURAL FOODS – Located at Kauai Village Shopping Center (4-831 Kuhio Hwy), in Kapa’a
Do your grocery shopping here! You’ll find every-vegan-thing that you need, to stock up your condo timeshare or hotel room. There are plenty of vegan options for a “grab & go” picnic lunch…check out the cafe. We picked up some Daiya Pepperjack Shreds to make nachos with fresh mango salsa…
RAINBOW LIVING FOODS – Located at 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, in Kapa’a (behind the set of shops on the highway.)
I have a confession to make: I was almost too cheap to dine here. What a mistake that would have been! This Rainbow Veggie Wrap with Creamy Lime Dressing was probably the best meal of my trip (and I ate some good stuff!) I think it cost something like $11, which (for me) is a little pricey for lunch, but guess what? It was totally worth it. Don’t leave Kauai without stopping here.
KAUAI NORTH SHORE
THE HEALTHY HUT NATURAL FOOD STORE – Located at 4270 Kilauea Road, in Kilauea
It’s a small store, but it gets the job done.
KILAUEA BAKERY & PAU HANA PIZZA – Located at Kong Lung Center (2484 Keneke St), in Kilauea
Outstanding vegan cake! I had to try every flavor: Coconut, Banana, Macadamia Mocha, and Chocolate Raspberry. Hopefully they still sell them. I’d check ahead, because otherwise, this place really needs some veganizing!
As of February 2012, according to this website about the Kong Lung Historic Market Center, the bakery is advertising a gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan muffin. I’m not sure that sounds too exciting when on vacation. I hope that’s not their only vegan pastry option!
BANANA JOE’S FRUITSTAND – Located at 5-2719 Kuhio Highway, in Kilauea
Pick up some fresh fruit, but don’t leave until you eat a refreshing banana pineapple “Frosty,” made from 100% frozen fruit pushed through a juicer. This is better than soft-serve ice cream, because it’s naturally vegan. (Banana Joe’s inspired me to make my own homemade Frosties at home, with my Omega Juicer.)
HARVEST MARKET – Located at 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, in Hanalei
This natural food store kicks some butt. Shop for your groceries or grab some food to take to the beach. I bought a scrumptious Tempeh BLT Sandwich and some Uncle Eddie’s Molasses cookies.
RED HOT MAMA’S – Located between Hanalei and Ke’e Beach, in the community of Wainiha.
Fresh mexican food and seasoned tofu is available! Avocado instead of cheese makes a better taco. It’s cash only, so be prepared! This website has a picture of the walk up window…it’s another “take-out only” restaurant.
Admire the fishes…Don’t eat them.
June 2016 update–
See the post “Kauai Vacation 2016 (with a Toddler)” for our most recent Kauai trip report!
24 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 16, 2013 at 5:47 PM
Anonymous
awesome recap, we will be checking these places out, thanks
January 18, 2013 at 8:21 PM
freeheelvegan
Let me know how the trip turns out!
February 20, 2013 at 12:12 PM
vegmama
Thanks a bunch! This helps to plan my family´s first trip to Kauai. I appreciate the list of shopping places as well because we plan to eat in mostly or take our own picnic items with us on day trips. I knew it would be somewhat easy with all of the fresh produce but to know I can have some meals out makes it more relaxing.
March 1, 2013 at 4:51 PM
Tricia M.
Thanks for the coverage of Kauai – my island home. Just started a plant-based diet and wanted input of what others did dining on island.
March 14, 2013 at 3:09 PM
Sandy
Wow! Thanks for the great information. My husband (not vegan) and I (the vegan) will be spending 2 weeks at our timeshare in late March/early April. We eat out for dinner since the Marriott in Lihue has no kitchens. There is a frig and microwave, so I can eat breakfast there. Since we go each year, I know Papayas and Health Nut. Finding restaurants has been difficult in the past. I look forward to trying the places you recommend.
April 30, 2013 at 11:25 AM
homemadesarcasm
Thanks for the info! Heading there in the summer and it’ll be my first vacation as a vegan, good to know there’s lots of options!
June 5, 2013 at 5:14 PM
Kmb
We have a vacation scheduled later this year and this is gonna be so helpful! I also can’t wait for updates from the readers above!
February 12, 2014 at 6:51 AM
peng peng
BLESS YOU for posting this!! we are vegans going for the first time to Kauai and cant wait to try your recommendations!
February 12, 2014 at 6:54 AM
freeheelvegan
Thank you! Since it’s been a few years I’d be curious to know what has changed. Be sure to report back! Have a fabulous trip. Kauai is really special.
February 12, 2014 at 7:52 PM
Kmb
We just vacationed on kauai in October. We had the best time! There was no shortage of delicious eats around the island. I very highly suggest Roy’s! Just be sure to email them ahead of time and make a reservation. We worked with their executive Chef, Melanie. And she put together not one but two customized vegan meals for us for two nights. Also be sure to check out Kalaheo Cafe for a yummy breakfast-Veggie wrap (hold the sour cream and cheese). Omigosh, I still crave all the island goodness!
February 27, 2014 at 11:18 PM
Lisa Hagan
Thanks for the suggestions! My husband is vegan and was consulting your blog daily!
July 26, 2014 at 10:26 AM
Suzanne
Just returned from Kauai and I wanted to thank you for this blog. It was extremely helpful for us. In addition to the restaurants you have listed we also went to Mermaid Cafe in Kapaa. They can make their items with tofu. I had a tofu peanut satay wrap in a spinach wrap. It was amazing. It is literally a tiny window front operation with limited seating but exceptional food.
July 26, 2014 at 12:11 PM
freeheelvegan
Thank you, Suzanne! I will remember your tip about the Mermaid Cafe for next time. Too bad we won’t be back until 2016! If any updates are needed to this post, please let me know. I hope this post isn’t too dated since our trip was several years ago! I get lots and lots of views on this post.
August 21, 2014 at 5:43 PM
Sydney Day
Thank you so much for this! I am a gluten free vegan moving to kauai in just a few short days, and will be there for several months. I have searched everywhere for some inside tips of where to eat and shop since I will be living in hanalei bay! This blog is super helpful and I will be keeping it pulled up on my phone for constant reference!
April 7, 2018 at 10:09 AM
Ryan
Just remember local people eat fish, pork and chicken so you may find you have to check on ingredients when ordering out.
October 15, 2014 at 4:33 PM
Veggie Picks
Hi Freeheelvegan! We just finished our (free) printable guide to veggie-friendly Kauai and thought you may find it useful. Check it out, and don’t hesitate to share the link with your readers if you like it! Here are links to the pdf, and to the interactive map:
Click to access Kauai.pdf
or http://veggiepicks.com/map/Kauai
Enjoy 🙂
September 5, 2015 at 9:59 PM
freeheelvegan
Thank you for the links! I failed to look at them until now. Oops! When you posted your comment I was in the throes of being a new parent…LOL. I’ll definitely consult your links again before our next Kauai trip!
January 2, 2015 at 3:53 PM
Jordan
This is so helpful! I have been strictly vegan for 10 months now and we are in vacation in Kauai (also in Poipu) for my first time since being vegan (we have come before as well). Since my family is also doing lunches out only, this will definitely be helpful in finding food that I can eat! (Already accidentally made the mistake of not realizing the sauce in my veggie puka dog came with milk in it!). Anyway, thank you for the ideas! Let me know if you ever find yourself in Colorado and need any dining advice 😉
August 28, 2015 at 9:29 AM
JC
Visit a vegan vacation and settlement destination in the USA: Bring it on down to Veganville! https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeganvilleSantaFeNM/
September 5, 2015 at 9:41 PM
Ron Osterman
Thank you so much for this information. This is much more helpful than HappyCow. I look forward to our time on Kauai and will know that there will be food we vegans can eat!
September 5, 2015 at 9:49 PM
freeheelvegan
Thanks for the nice comment. It’s been a while since we went to Kauai but we have another Kauai trip planned for Spring 2016. I’m looking forward to posting an update to this post. I’m sure it’ll include a lot about vacationing with a vegan toddler. Fun times!
October 18, 2015 at 7:12 AM
Martine
Thanks for posting this ! I’m going to Kauai with my boyfriend in January and this will help us so much! I will print it and bring with me. I’m vegan for 1.5 years now … The only way to roll!! Thanks !!!
April 7, 2018 at 9:53 AM
Ryan
I laugh at vegans like you that return great food because of a little dairy. Really? I am going to assume that your vegan life is a choice and you ate dairy as a kid and somehow you survived! lol
April 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM
Ryan
Just a note about local Hawaiians they are not vegans it’s just the mainlanders that are. Local people eat fish, pork and chicken all day every day as a staple. Just tired of people saying how local Kauai people are so awesome they are vegans. They are not but mainlanders are to each there own. Room for everyone.