Merriman’s is an upscale restaurant renowned for its exceptional cuisine, live music, and world-class Mai Tais. Although we hadn’t made reservations, we were fortunate to snag a seat at the communal table, which was a lively and social dining experience. For my appetizer, I opted for the innovative tako “escargot,” a delightful combination of octopus, parsley butter, and grilled bread. I also ordered a side of truffle fries. For my main course, I chose the pu’uwai gardens, a refreshing salad featuring fresh papaya, tomato, avocado, fennel, blue cheese, and spiced macadamia nuts. The papaya was fresh and flavorful. Merriman’s is located in The Shops at Kukui’ula, a charming shopping plaza. After dinner, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at Uncle’s Shave Ice and Tea or Lappert’s Hawaii.

I discovered a fantastic roadside fruit stand on Kaumuali Hwy, offering fresh fruit, smoothies, coconuts, and various treats. Nearby, Island Taco was a popular spot with a long line. I should have waited, as the online reviews are impressive. Also, don’t miss the local shrimp station next to the coconut corner. To find this spot, search for 9643 Kaumuali Hwy on your map.

Sunrise Coffee is a cute coffee truck located off Kuhio Hwy, offering a variety of beverages and snacks, including coffee, donuts, smoothies, bagels, acai bowls, and toast. While I didn’t sample the food, I can attest to the quality of their coffee.

While driving on Kuhio Hwy, I spotted a roadside vendor selling fresh coconut water and banana bread. The banana bread was incredibly moist and flavorful. The vendor was also juicing sugar cane to add to his fresh juices. I tried a piece of sugar cane, but it was too sweet for my taste.

Beach House Restaurant is an excellent choice for a fine dining experience with stunning ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Reservations are highly recommended for a table in the open-air dining room. The lounge seating on the lawn offers a relaxed atmosphere with full menu service. I enjoyed the kahuku sea asparagus salad and macadamia nut crusted fish, but the lemon ricotta cake was a bit dry.

Kenji Burger in Kapaa is a lively and fun restaurant with a beer garden vibe. I ordered the rainbow burrito, a substantial and delicious sushi burrito. The quick service, relaxed atmosphere, and affordable prices make it a popular spot. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo of my burrito, but it was definitely worth trying.

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is a popular beachfront restaurant known for its casual atmosphere and live music. I ordered the togarashi ahi sandwich, a flavorful but messy dish. After enjoying the sunset at Poipu Beach, I made my way to Brennecke’s. Located directly beneath the restaurant is Puka Dog, a popular hot dog stand offering unique hot dogs on Hawaiian sweet bread with garlic lemon sauce and tropical relishes.

Koloa Thai Bistro is a recent addition to the local dining scene, and it’s already a hit. While I didn’t capture any photos of the food, the patio seating on the right side of the photo is a great place to enjoy a meal. The service is friendly and attentive.