Nawiliwili

One of the pleasures of calling at Nawiliwili on the beautiful Garden Isle, Kauai, is the nearby Kalapaki Beach in front of the Marriott  Hotel. Pack some towels and sun block, walk right on Nawiliwili Road and look right. Have lunch at the beachside restaurant.

From Port: Less than 2 miles. Head east on Waapa Rd toward Kanoa Rd., Continue on Kanoa Rd. Turn right at Wilcox Rd. Turn right at HI-58/Nawiliwili Rd. Slight right at HI-58 / Waapa Rd. Continue on HI-51 / Rice St. Turn left at Kress St. Look left. It is easier to find walking that driving, if that's any consolation.

Must Try: Well, saimin. Add a teriyaki stick. Lilikoi pie for dessert.

Review: The humble dish saimin can be traced back to the plantation days when Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Hawai'ian and Portuguese laborers would pool their resources to create a communal bowl of this hearty soup.

Generally conceded as the best purveyor of the traditional saimin soup in the islands, Hamura's may be hard to find but it is well worth the effort. Seated at a large winding counter you are bound to meet Kauai locals. Ask  to have what they are having. $

From Port: Not near Nawiliwili but worth the trip if you can arrange it.

Must Try: Well, Bubba's burgers.

Review: Their slogan is "Always Juicy--Never Greasy, Where the food's hot, the service is cold, and the music's too DAMN LOUD!" So true. $