Visit Kauai - Mariachi Mexican Cuisine

After our hike in Kilauea, we drove back towards Lihue in search of lunch. When we spotted Mariachi's Mexican Cuisine restaurant we decided to check it out. The menu is extensive with your choice of tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and so much more. They also have a nice collection of margaritas.

I ordered the mariachi's chimichanga with shredded beef that was served with rice and refried pinto beans. The complimentary basket of chips and salsa was delicious and held us over until our meals arrived. We all really enjoyed the food and the nice relaxing ambience of the casual eatery. Service was great too. Perfect for large groups.

Mariachi Chimichanga

Tacos

Mariachi's Mexican Cuisine

4-1387 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

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Visit Kauai: Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi

Crab Mac Nut Crusted Local Catch

My friends and I are big fans of Chef Roy Yamaguchi's restaurants so we planned a quick girls' trip to Kauai so we could support his latest restaurant opening. Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi opened in June at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort and Spa and is open for breakfast and dinner. Led by Executive Chef Samual Taganeca, the restaurant serves signature dishes featuring Kauai's finest ingredients.

During our one night stay at the hotel, we celebrated a friend's birthday at dinner and then enjoyed breakfast at the restaurant the next morning. The dinner menu offered appetizers, a selection of sushi rolls, noodles, and a nice variety of entrees. I ordered the rigatoni that was served with a tomato cream sauce. It was very tasty and generous in portion size. My friends also really liked their entrees and we thought service was great. My favorite was definitely the Halo Halo for dessert. It is a must order! 

If you are a Hawaii resident, be sure to ask for the Kamaaina discount. Reservations can easily be made on Open Table.

Rigatoni

Rainbow Roll

Luau Plate

Halo Halo

Chocolate Crunch Bar

Avocado Toast

Egg White Frittata

 

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Visit Kaua`i: Kauai Kookie Bakery & Kitchen Desserts

Although most people are familiar with Kauai Kookie's popular cookies, which you can find all over stores in Hawaii, at their Bakery & Kitchen, you can get local style foods, as well as some incredible desserts! 

@hasian_val (one of the most authentic influencers who doesn't feel the need to call herself an "influencer") told us about the Kauai Kookie's pies during a recent trip to Kaua`i.  Coincidentally, at a gathering, one of the guests had brought Kauai Kookie's Pistachio Cream Cheese Pie.  

It sure was delish!

We went to the Kauai Kookie Bakery & Kitchen the next day so Val could buy pies, and she was so thoughtful to have gotten a Strawberry Jello Cream Cheese Pie for us to try.  

It's definitely one of those childhood faves that you can never tire of.

Although pricey, it's definitely a treat worth indulging in!  Thank you, Val!

Kauai Koookie Bakery & Kitchen
2-2436 Kaumualii Hwy
Kalaheo, HI 96741(808) 631-6851

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Visit Kauai: Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company

A friend of mine that was born & raised in Kauai (and now lives on the mainland) gave me a list of must-eats for our trip to Kauai, and on that list was popular breakfast spot Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company. It's no secret that I love breakfast, so I knew I had to check it out.

House Made Cinnamon Bread French Toast

The Kahili Breakfast

Pancake Stack - Pancake, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon

Buttermilk Short Stack

I love savory breakfasts, so I opted for The Kahili Breakfast. It consisted of Eggs, Portuguese Sausage, Ham, Green Onions, Tomatoes and Montery Jack Cheese, and was accompanied by Hash Browns and a Grilled Corn Muffin. It was so much food, I shared with everyone in my family. And the scramble was really delicious!

The restaurant is self-serve.  You grab menus, find a table, go to the counter to put in your order, and make your own water (or coffee, if you ordered some).

Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company was a great place for a hearty breakfast. 
 
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-5858

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