Puakea Grill
About
A Relaxed Open-Air Hub in Lihue
Positioned right along the rolling fairways of the Puakea Golf Course, this Lihue mainstay is where locals go when they want a straightforward lunch without the pretension of hotel dining. The layout is completely open-air, allowing the trade winds to flow through the dining area while you watch golfers navigate the challenging Ho’iho’i hole nearby.
Island Comfort Food
The menu focuses on local staples that hit the spot after a morning on the greens or a busy workday in town. Expect generous portions of plate lunches, including their signature Loco Moco—a heap of white rice topped with a savory patty, fried eggs, and a rich, dark gravy that coats everything just right. Their kalua pork sliders are a consistent crowd-pleaser, balancing the smoky, salt-cured flavor of the meat with a light, crisp slaw.
The Practical Side of Kauai Dining
The atmosphere is bustling during the mid-day rush, filled with the clatter of silverware and the frequent sound of laughter from nearby tables. It isn’t the place for a quiet, candlelit affair, but it captures the authentic, unhurried pace of Kauai life perfectly. Be prepared for the tropical sun; while there is plenty of roof coverage, the light can get bright in the afternoon, and parking can occasionally become a game of musical chairs when a tournament wraps up. If you are looking for a reliable spot to grab a cold beer and a hearty meal before heading back out to explore the Garden Isle, this remains a go-to choice for those in the know.
Amenities & Features
Location
4150 Nuhou St, Lihue, Hawaii, 96766-8000
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 16 community reviewslisa lockwoodGoogle Maps
Recently
Had a wonderful breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, stuffed French. It did get a little loud and crowded when we were here. But I highly recommend the food. You order at the counter and then the staff brings you your meals. It was very efficient, very quick and they were very very nice. I would definitely eat her again. Came back 2/26 had eggs and pancakes. Very good.
Scott HuntingtonGoogle Maps
Recently
You will NOT regret eating here! Such great food and the people are also amazing! I recommend the Kalua pork breakfast burrito. My family loved the stuffed French toast and mochi waffles! What a gem of a place! 💎
Laura NicholsGoogle Maps
Recently
This place is severely underrated! The food is amazing and made fresh to order. Definitely worth the wait. The mochi pancakes are the best pancakes I’ve ever had hands down. We stopped here for dinner during our trip and my husband got the ginger fried chicken with fried rice (he said it was the best fried chicken he’s ever had) and I had their tofu with rice and salad and it was amazing. If you’re in a rush, they have the option for you to order online. Anyways, great food with great staff!!
Madeline HammerGoogle Maps
Recently
We landed at Lihue and dropped in for a quick lunch. Great choice! I had my first loco moco, my son had chicken teriyaki. Pleasant staff, really clean place, solid food. Not fancy but freshly prepared.
M MasonGoogle Maps
Recently
Great veggie burrito (island style). Delicious 😋 My partner had a 3 egg build your own omelet. Looked amazing.
PatrickGoogle Maps
Recently
Puakea Grill is where we go the most for breakfast on Kauai. It’s fantastic, fairly priced and consistent. Their breakfast burrito is probably my favorite on the island and the mochi waffle is amazing!
RGoogle Maps
Recently
Went here for the gluten friendly Mochi pancakes…. I was in heaven!! They were so soft, chewy, and delicious! I was so happy to get to try them. We also tried the local Gotoberg meat side, which can only found in Kauai. It was some of the best breakfast meat I’ve ever tasted! Highly recommend for a delicious and laid back breakfast.
Erik SimperGoogle Maps
Recently
Clean, great service, but more importantly the breakfast was outstanding. Mochi waffles, Mochi pancakes, stuffed French toast, and the breakfast burrito with bacon were all fabulous. The bacon was cooked to perfection. Whatever sauce they put in the breakfast burrito made it outstanding. The coconut syrup was delicious. It’s the golf course cafe and it is delicious. We didn’t golf. Came for breakfast and would definitely come back.
Jesse SimmonsGoogle Maps
Recently
Food was cold had things on plate that I didn't order. And got food a little over an 1 hour later after being seated. Great views, pack your patience cause your gonna need it. You order at the counter 1st and then wait an 1 hr before you get your food also just know nobody comes to check to see if your okay or if you enjoyed the food. Would not recommend unless you have lot's of time on your hand.
4 “fortyeight” 8Google Maps
Recently
We came hungry straight from the airport and were very pleasantly surprised at how delicious and reasonably priced it was, we will be back.
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Common questions from diners about Puakea Grill in Lihue.
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