Tahiti Nui

Famously featured in Alexander Payne’s 2011 adaptation of Kaui Hart Hemmings’ book The Descendants, Tahiti Nui has been at the heart of Hanalei’s laid-back dining scene for more than 60 years. Founded by Californian Bruce T. Marston and his Tahitian wife Louise in May, 1963, this unique Kauaʻi institution has remained in the same family since its inception, with good, honest food, tropical drinks, live local music and an authentic island vibe the cornerstones of its continued success.

Characterized by a traditional Polynesian charm, The Nui - as it’s known locally - serves a fairly comprehensive menu of island classics headed by catch-of-the-day dishes and casual surf and turf style fare. Example appetizers include the wonderfully named Oh So Ono - ono being the Hawaiian word for delicious - (panko and furikake-crusted local catch drizzled with wasabi soy aioli, ponzu sauce, white rice), the delectable Ahi Carpaccio (raw ahi, basil aioli, capers, red onion, parmesan, fresh baked rosemary focaccia), and the omnipresent dish on the islands Coconut Shrimp.

Amongst the entrées the Macademia-Crusted Chicken (chicken breast crusted with macadamia nuts and bacon, gorgonzola cream sauce, lilikoi drizzle, seasonal vegetables), Pūpū Steak Bowl (dry-aged seared ribeye, ginger, garlic, bok choy, sweet onion, scallions, tomatoes), and Kalua Pork Sandwich (pulled Kalua pork, house barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, fries) are firm favorites of ours, likewise the Soy Wasabi Island Fish (fresh locally-caught fish, soy wasabi cream sauce, seasoned vegetables) and the Zesty Coconut-Crusted Catch (Macademia nut and coconut-crusted local catch, coconut cilantro lime sauce, grilled vegetables). There’s also a good selection of burgers, salads and pizzas, including a number of appealing options for vegetarian diners, as well as a small keiki menu.

Whether you opt for a dessert - and we’d highly recommend the Waipā Lilikoi Poi Cheesecake - or choose to simply pair your meal with one (or more) of the delicious tropical drinks on offer, you’ll find the service here super-friendly and efficient, and the intimate atmosphere imbued with the spirit of aloha.

Closed all day Saturday but open 15:00 until 21:00, Sunday through Friday, with happy hour daily between 15:00 - 17:00, Tahiti Nui also hosts a twice-weekly luau offering guests a unique and immersive experience that combines local culinary and cultural traditions. Almost always busy and laden with character, this longtime gathering place for locals and tourists is the perfect pit stop for anybody looking for an authentic family-run restaurant during their time on Kaua’i…