This restaurant is the find of the season! Remember Beezers in downtown Kapa`a? Gone! and in its space a terrific new eatery with delicious food and friendly staff.  Hard as it is to open in a down economy, these folks are really trying hard to build a following.  Fresh seafood deftly seasoned is the specialty.  Fresh mahi mahi served in a light miso broth over oriental noodles was a stand out.  Even fish and chips, lightly battered and served crisp and hot, is a stand out, made with fresh mahi mahi and garnished with a generous helping of home made taro chips.  Particularly wonderful is the special sushi apetizer, with shrimp tempurs and avocado served maki style, rolled with fresh ahi–sensational! fresh and light and elegantly presented.  The dining room is small, and seems intimate rather than squashed; tables are well separated and comfortable.  Live music makes the evening pleasant, and the staff could not be more efficient.  It’s a great spot for outstanding fresh fish.  Bring your wine in from ABC across the street, as the liquor license is still in the works.  No corkage fee. Fish entrees $24. Appetizers $10-$14. Lunch and dinner daily.

This dining spot tucked next to the garden of the Kauai Coast Resort delivers excellent fresh island fish. Usually more than 2 varieties, with several preparations to choose from, last night’s Opah and mahi mahi were flaky and sweet, and the shiitake mushroom broth was delicate enough to enhance the fish’s own taste without overpowering. Spice lovers will prefer the ono, perfectly grilled in a generous portion, and served over spicy white rice, so the fish was allowed to taste like itself within the complex dish. You can still fine a good list of wines advertised as ‘under $20’ including some tasty merlots. Service is friendly and efficient, and since dinners include a salad or soup, reasonably priced at about $20-$26. And the setting by the garden, open to the breezes is relaxing.

This dining spot tucked next to the garden of the Kauai Coast Resort delivers excellent fresh island fish. Usually more than 2 varieties, with several preparations to choose from, last night’s Opah and mahi mahi were flaky and sweet, and the shiitake mushroom broth was delicate enough to enhance the fish’s own taste without overpowering. Spice lovers will prefer the ono, perfectly grilled in a generous portion, and served over spicy white rice, so the fish was allowed to taste like itself within the complex dish. You can still fine a good list of wines advertised as ‘under $20’ including some tasty merlots. Service is friendly and efficient, and since dinners include a salad or soup, reasonably priced at about $20-$26. And the setting by the garden, open to the breezes is relaxing.

I love the Kapaia Stitchery! Such beautiful Hawaiian shirts and gorgeous Hawaiian quilts, and some terrific stocking stuffer ideas–hand crafted Hawaiian ornaments in the shape of colorful stars, or small stitched angels. This special shop, operated in loving memory of its inspirational founder Julie Yukimura, has the friendliest staff on the island. You can just give them a call at 808 245 2281 and you can have a personal shopper find just the right thing for that special person. This is not your LLBean type mail order; it’s like shopping with a friend:)

Download an ebook version of the Kauai Underground Guide and help island children. A small $5 donation to help kids, and the book is yours!

explorekauai.com

Help kids and have a great trip!

Queen’s Bath (referred to by one guidebook as ‘a real gem’) can be a deadly choice (2 tourists recently drowned there when a huge wave came up and swept them out to sea).  North shore coastline can have unpredictable and dangerous surf, particularly in winter.  Avoid this rock rimmed pool at the base of Princeville’s bluff–it can be really killer.