Paco's Tacos - Hawaii Restaurant
#15 of 82 Restaurants in Kapaa Mexican

Paco's Tacos

4.3(257 community reviews)
Budget ($)

About

Discover Paco's Tacos, offering the best Mexican experience in Kapa'a. Enjoy Budget ($) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Slice of Mexico in the Heart of Kapaa

Tucked away in the vibrant landscape of Kapaa, Paco's Tacos brings a necessary punch of spice to the Kauai food scene. Stepping inside, the air is thick with the scent of toasted corn tortillas and searing carne asada, cutting through the salty Pacific breeze. It is a no-frills, counter-service spot that prioritizes flavor over flash, making it an ideal pit stop for surfers coming off the waves or families seeking a quick, satisfying bite without the tourist-heavy price tag.

The Menu Philosophy

The kitchen leans into traditional preparations, with their al pastor and carnitas being the clear standouts. The pork is slow-cooked until it achieves that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, juice-laden centers. You will notice the cilantro and onion ratios are generous, just as they should be, and their house-made salsas vary from a gentle tang to a heat that demands a cold soda to extinguish. Expect to see the locals lining up early, especially during the lunch rush.

Practical Kauai Dining

While the food justifies the visit, keep in mind that space is limited. The seating area is compact and can get a bit noisy when the afternoon trade winds kick up or the shop fills with hungry patrons. Parking in this part of town can be a bit of a dance, so bring some patience if you are driving a rental jeep. It is a genuine local haunt—authentic, unpretentious, and deeply integrated into the daily rhythm of Kapaa life.

Location

4-1415 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746-1714

Directions

Reviews

Showing 5 of 257 community reviews
C

Cynthia MitchellGoogle Maps

Recently

Service was great but the food was not. Ceviche was just fish, onions and cilantro — no shrimp (which was on the menu) or pico. The fish tacos had zero flavor (despite the alleged cilantro sauce) and nothing but fish and slaw. Again no picó, and the two sauces they offered were lame. I asked for salsa verde, looking for some tang, and they had none but offered a sauce-sized chile verde, for which I got charged nearly $5. (And it had no tang.) Also charged $3.75 for an extra bowl of red salsa in an attempt to add some flavor. My husband’s tacos al pastor were better — maybe three stars — but nothing special for the price. All in all, w tip we paid $100 for chips and salsa (which were good and a pleasant surprise to get free), ceviche, four tacos, one order of rice and beans and one OK Mai Tai. Bottom line, handy to Pono Kai resort, but you’ll get much better food — for half the price — at the food truck court next door.

N

Noelys RiveraGoogle Maps

Recently

Paco’s Tacos is hands down a 10/10! The food is incredibly delicious everything is fresh, flavorful, and made with care. The atmosphere is lively, and super inviting, making it the perfect place to enjoy a great meal. What really stood out to me was the amazing service. Our waitress was absolutely phenomenal so kind, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. The fact that she spoke Spanish was such a huge plus for us and made the experience even more comfortable and enjoyable.

D

Doug DatheGoogle Maps

Recently

The steak burrito done enchilada style was truly a solid meal! The fact that it was our cheapest meal (possibly the biggest portion too) on the island to date only made it that much better. Packed with tender pcs of steak that had been thrown with pico de gallo, wrapped and smothered in a molè inspired enchilada sauce! I will definitely be back here!

L

LDM Creations & CooksGoogle Maps

Recently

I had the Al pastor taco plate and the meat was seasoned perfectly. They were very tasty. My dad had the steak and shrimp fajitas and he said they were delicious.

S

SolomocaGoogle Maps

Recently

Not much to say. The food was phenomenal. I almost started to lick my plate. The chips for my salsa were so warm and good. The shrimp were a healthy size and plentiful. Overall an enjoyable experience. Highly recommend.

Comments & Reviews

Please sign in to write a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

Frequently Asked Questions about Paco's Tacos

Common questions from diners about Paco's Tacos in Kapaa.

They are known for having the best fresh fish tacos in Hawaii.

Nearby Restaurants

8E88Thai&poke - Kauai Restaurant Image
$$$$
0.0(0)

8E88Thai&poke

Thai

Kapaa
The Flying Saucer
$$
5.0(1)

The Flying Saucer

Restaurant

Kapaa
Chicken In A Barrel BBQ-Kapaa - Kauai Restaurant Image
$
4.4(3)

Chicken In A Barrel BBQ-Kapaa

American • Barbecue • Quick Bites

Kapaa