Billed as, “the first and last stop in Hanalei,” this popular Kauai dining choice for steak and seafood has been welcoming visitors for over 30 years. It’s always been first come, first served at Hanalei Dolphin. While you wait they offer tables by the Hanalei River where you can quench your thirst with a favorite drink and watch Kauai kayaks and paddle boards go by.
Not only is this a fine restaurant but it’s also a fish market and sushi lounge. If you decide to have dinner back at your Princeville resort or Hanalei rental, you can buy fresh fish that’s been cleaned and cut for you to prepare later. The six-person sushi bar is a hit too with the Parrish Kauai team, especially their nightly specials and custom made rolls individually prepared.
Lunch entrees served at riverside tables or on the lanai start at $12.00 and offer a good choice for Kauai on a budget. If you come at night for their hearty entrees like mouthwatering seared Ahi tuna, expect to pay from $32.00. The varied menu includes fresh seafood, organic greens from Kailani Farms and steaks cooked to perfection. There’s also a vegetarian entree too.
Service can sometimes be slow but that leaves more time for conversation and enjoying the open air ambiance without rushing. Once your food arrives, expect it to reflect the chef’s creativity using the freshest local ingredients.
There’s a grassy lawn for kids to play and an art gallery to walk through before or after your meal. Depending on time of day you may want to work off your meal at nearby Kayak Kauai. Or head to world renowned Hanalei Bay and other favorite Kauai beaches on the North Shore.
Hanalei Dolphin will soon be opening a second location at The Shops at Kukui`ula which is perfect for our Poipu rental guests. In the meantime, the drive across the famous Hanalei Bridge past the river and taro plants is an all time favorite on any Kauai vacation.
Restaurant Hours: Cocktails and appetizers served daily from 11:30am to 9:00pm. Lunch at the riverside tables and lanai from 11:30am to 3:00pm. Open air dining every night from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. No reservations. AX, MC and Visa cards accepted.
Hanalei Fish Market Hours: 10:00am to 7:00pm daily. Take-out fish and sushi rolls available for purchase.
Sushi Lounge Hours: 5:30pm to 9:30pm daily. Features custom made orders. We especially liked the lobster and stolen rolls.