Kauai is a romantic place, filled with breathtaking sights, delicious food and a constantly evolving drink menu. From locally grown coffee and fresh juice to savory wine and tropical cocktails, we’ve covered the spectrum of what you might like to be sipping on (whether your day has just begun or is nearly over). Here is a list as to where you will find the best drinks on Kauai.
Coffee
Rise and shine! Looking for an organic, locally grown cup of piping hot joe? Here are a few of our favorites!
Lappert’s – Known for their generous servings of locally made ice cream, Lappert’s offers a charming and casual atmosphere to enjoy your morning coffee. They offer a traditional menu of local coffee, lattes and breakfast pastries – sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Living Foods Market & Cafe – A spectacular farm-to-table cafe on the south side of the island, Living Foods Market features an array of local, artisan services and goodies. Including wood-fired pizza, paninis, deli, crepes and specialty coffee bar. What are the most popular drinks? In house-roasted cold brew iced coffee, almond milk lattes and fresh (locally sourced) smoothies. Kauai Juice Co.‘s bottled Kombucha is also sold here (made with local, organic ingredients!) in addition to an extensive selection of imported and local wines!
Cortado Coffee Bar – Brand spanking new, this tropical stand is located in Poipu just across the way from The Shops at Kukui’ula. A royal blue stand with a large umbrella, this joint is easy to spot. Offering unique drinks like coconut milk lattes with honey and cayenne pepper and coffee ice cubes!
Juice Bar
Juicing has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It seems a true form of art with the bright greens from spinach, the swirling reds from beets and the vivid yellows from pineapple and ginger. Kauai takes pride in growing fresh, organic produce and you can see this firsthand in our juices.
Little Fish – Down the way in Hanapepe, Little Fish Coffee is definitely worth a visit. Recently renovated, this shop not only offers tasty drinks but a stylish area to work, converse or people watch. Smoothies, coffee drinks and fresh juices can all be found here. A personal favorite is their bright pink Pitaya (dragon fruit) smoothie. Pitaya, is a popular alternative to acai fruit. Perfect for blending, freezing or eating plain this fruit is full of fiber, magnesium, antioxidants and vitamin B. Great for digestion and keeping you calm, relaxed with a clean focused energy. The perfect refreshment on a sunny west side day!
Aloha Aina – Poipu’s favorite juice bar! Located in the back of Kukui’ula store, Aloha Aina is one of a kind. Mostly consisting of a counter and a colorful chalkboard menu, this small shop packs a punch. Featuring handmade acai bowls, smoothies and delicious juice options, Aloha Aina draws crowds. Ingredients come from local farms and are organic and GMO-free. A popular favorite drink would be the Green Machine. Made up of kale, parsley, celery, cucumber and lime. This drink is rich in vitamins C, B12, K and A. It also keeps your immune system strong, tones your bones and heals the nervous system too. Parsley is known to control blood pressure and studies show that it may have a role in inhibiting cancerous tumors. If that’s not enough to get you to start drinking your veggies, we don’t know what is!
Wine
Josselin’s Tapas Bar and Grill – What pairs better with handcrafted Tapas than a delicious glass of wine? Josselin’s offers an impressive range of wines from around the world as well as three signature Sangria flavors; Lychee, Classic Red and Pomegranate. They also serve cocktails, beer and sake.
The Beach House – West facing, The Beach House offers some of the best sunset viewing on the island. Whether enjoying dinner or sitting on the green grass out front, this is the place to be around 6:30pm. They offer sparking, white and red wine by the glass. Grab a seat, enjoy the view and cheers to another day in paradise.
La Spezia Restaurant & Wine Bar – New to the Koloa scene, this upscale restaurant brings a fresh taste of Italy on Kauai. Their impressive knowledge of wine does not go unnoticed and visitors have left with raving reviews. They offer imported bottles straight from Italy.
A few stores down from La Spezia in Koloa is The Wine Shop. For a wide selection of bottles to take home!
Cocktails
Stevenson’s Library – Located in Kauai’s Grand Hyatt Resort, is a high-end bar is filled with cheerful patrons and staff. Enjoy a game of pool, backgammon or chess while you explore their vast menu of Whiskies, Cognac and Port – in addition to creative martinis and delectable tropical drinks. Some drinks include; Whiskey Peach Tea, Bucks & Bulls (Milagro Reposado Tequila, Starbucks Coffee Liqueur and a splash of Starbucks Crème) and Maker’s Mark Old Fashion.
RumFire – A contemporary restaurant located just outside the Sheraton Hotel in Poipu, featuring not only your everyday drinks but a full list of After Dinner Cocktails. Some include Banana’s Foster (Vanilla ice cream, Kracken spiced rum, banana liqueur, Kauai banana, blended with ice) and the RumFire’s Secret (Absolut mandarin vodka, Patron XO cafe dark cocoa and chilled espresso, orange zest and dark chocolate, served up). Yum!
Tortilla Republic and Merriman’s also offer full bars and worthwhile happy hours! You can find them in The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Last But Not Least, Organic Farm To Table Drinks
The Club at Kukui’ula – The gorgeous open-air clubhouse features incredible ocean and mountain views and a well stocked bar. Offering handcrafted specialty cocktails with ingredients picked fresh from The Farm. Some seasonal ingredients include; papaya, banana, star fruit, citrus fruit and berries. The Farm at Kukui’ula is an endless wealth of fresh, delicious produce and herbs, ideal for creating a perfect summer cocktail to enjoy while you rest poolside.