According To Kimberly... // An Orange County Life + Style Blog : DINE

To travel somewhere new is nice but to eat good food there, well that's even better. Am I right?

Around this time last year, my bridal babes and I were heading out to Kauai (read the recap here). I just love these kinds of trips! Where you can get people together and leave the place feeling more connected afterwards. This was a great way for us to have some bonding time before my wedding festivities began. I highly recommend doing something where you and your bridesmaids spend some quality time before your big day! We just happened to choose Kauai. Why? Well, besides the beautiful beaches and sunsets, Hawaii feels like a tropical getaway and I miss some of the food there. (Plus, it's not too long of a flight when coming from Southern California.) Keep on scrolling to see the 5 places we ate at in Kauai.

#1 :: The Fish Express

3343 Kuhio Hwy #3, Lihue, HI 96766

808-245-9918

www.restaurantwebexpert.com/TheFishExpress

{poke images via imstillhungry.net}

This is the place where you can find ridiculously fresh poke to satisfy your fish cravings. From their spicy ahi to the mixed ahi & crab (one of my faves!) to their spicy lobster and even flavored octopus, this place will surely make your tummy extra happy.

#2 :: Eat Healthy Cafe

4-369 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

808-822-7990

www.eathealthykauai.com

What better way to enjoy an acai bowl than on a tropical island? This super cute outdoor spot has a variety of flavors including the common acai bowl along with strawberry and blueberry base options. Trust me when I say, it definitely tastes as good as it looks! And don't forget to try the kombucha from Kauai Juice Co. - we were all obsessed.

#3 :: Shrimp Station

4-985 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

808-821-0192

www.theshrimpstation.net

Whenever I think of Hawaii, Giovanni's shrimp truck comes to mind but it's only in Oahu (as far as I know) but we were still determined to find something similar. We randomly stumbled upon this place after sailing and, boy, were we glad we did! Their garlic shrimp, spicy garlic shrimp, and hot & spicy shrimp plates were all very tasty and each dish had their own unique sauces. Mmm.

#4 :: Wailea Shaved Ice

4-1306 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

808-634-7183

www.wailuashaveice.com

Along the highway is an airstream that offers this refreshing dessert you won't want to miss. You can choose from different shaved ice options such as coconut, chocolate, mango (seasonal), guava, and more. We got Da Almond Joy shaved ice cause it had nutella and it just further proved that nutella CAN go with anything. And guess what? This shop is also available in Portland, Oregon and San Diego, California. Score!

#5 :: Keoki's Paradise

2360 Kiahuna Plantatation Drive, Koloa, HI 96756

808-742-7534

www.keokisparadise.com

First off, instead of a bread basket, they give you complimentary carrot muffins and it is absolutely delicious - totally worth all the carbs! I mean, they pretty much won us over after that (they'll even give you the recipe if you ask!). We ordered their fish duo special, seafood risotto, and macadamia nut crusted fish. It's really hard to pick a favorite cause they were all so good.

Well there you have it. My roundup of the 5 places to eat in Kauai including fresh fruit stands (like this above) along the road. Hope you enjoyed! And, although, we didn't have enough time to eat some more, here's my bonus list of other food spots I want to try for next time:

Kauai Bakery

Huli Huli Chicken (they were closed both days we wanted to get some, bummer!)

Kalapaki Beach Hut (for breakfast)

sushi rolls

farmer's market

fish market

fruit market

more poke!!

What are some of your favorite food dishes you tried in Kauai?

The fresh poke and acai bowls has definitely got to be at the top of my food list! Thanks for reading and sending you hugs!