While in Kauai, we ate breakfast at the Grand Hyatt lounge, but we enjoyed three different restaurants for dinner at the resort, had lunch from Koloa Fish Market a couple of times and shave ice from Jojo’s. Here are some quick thoughts on each place.

Tidepools – This is the marquee restaurant at the Grand Hyatt and considered the best restaurant on Kauai by many guides. I made the reservation about six months out as we did not get to eat here on our last trip. My honest opinion is that it reminded me a bit of Mama’s Fish House on Maui – good food that is way overpriced. You have to understand you are paying a Hawaii premium (middle of the ocean), Kauai premium (northernmost island in Hawaii) and a resort premium (always more expensive to eat onsite than elsewhere) so after all that a piece of fish and some vegetables is $60+. To be fair, they did comp us some delicious desserts for our anniversary and the drinks were strong and delicious.

Stevenson’s Library – We ate here on our last night. This is (surprise!) a very expensive sushi restaurant at the resort. We actually found the rolls and sushi better this time than the last time we went there. I also had some sake which was very good. This place also has an interesting cocktail list.

Hale Nalu/Captain’s Bar – One evening, we weren’t that hungry and my wife was tired so we decided just to grab something to go from the Captain’s Bar, which shares a menu with the poolside restaurant at the resort. It was the cheapest dinner we had, but was still $25 for a burger and fries plus a $9 beer. It turned out to be an excellent burger that we shared on our patio while the sun went down.

Koloa Fish Market – Twice on my way back from points west of the resort (Waimea Canyon and Eleele Harbor) I stopped to pick up lunch to go from this great local place. There’s always a line, but it moves fast. It’s to-go only so it’s great to take back to the pool and enjoy with a cold beverage at the resort. The poke is fresh and you can get your bowl customized with lots of traditional fixings for around $15-20. Note that it is closed Thursdays and Sundays.

Jojo’s Shave Ice – Jojo’s has three locations on the island, but we stopped at the Hanalei location twice before we drove back around to the Hyatt. The shave ice is excellent (much better than what passes for shave ice at the Grand Hyatt poolside restaurant) and you can add macadamia ice cream to it as well. It’s a must-visit place if you make it to Kauai.

Up Next: Delta Sky Club Honolulu (reprise) and Delta One HNL-SLC

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