Where to Find the Best Sunset Dinner on Kauai

Picture of Clean Plate Club

Clean Plate Club

The job of delivering the best possible content for our restaurant recommendations can not be left to one person. Click here to meet the team behind the Clean Plate Club.

Imagine watching the sunset from the westernmost part of the country (well, technically Niihau is the westernmost part of the United States, but good luck finding a decent martini). Now imagine you are on a beautiful tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Island famous for romance. The good news is that if you’re on Kauai, this dream manifested into reality! Here’s our favorite places to enjoy a romantic sunset from one of the most beautiful places on Earth. That’s something to celebrate!

But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes

If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.

For more suggestions on best restaurants in Kauai, the best things to do in Kauai, and the best places to stay in Kauai, click here.

Featured Photo: RumFire Poipu Beach Club

TIP: Be sure to sure to make your reservations about thirty minutes before the sun sets.

Sunset Dining on Kauai's North Shore

A group of people sit around a fire pit at dusk, the sky lit with the hues of sunset, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background. It’s an idyllic setting for their Kauai retreat. Some engage in conversation while others relax in Adirondack chairs, enjoying the serene ambiance of their dinner gathering.
Photo: @baracudahanalei

Bar Acuda

The menu is based around Hawaii’s freshest local and seasonal ingredients. For the past 15 years, Bar Acuda has been serving some amazing meals. The tapas style menu is designed to be shared amongst friends, the wine list is great and the cocktails really set the tone for a great meal in Hanalei. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 530pm to 9:30pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday. 

A person is using chopsticks to pick up ginger from a small pile on a wooden board. The board also has three pieces of grilled meat wrapped in lettuce leaves, garnished with a green sauce. Nearby, there are lemon slices, mint leaves, and other dishes—all set against the picturesque backdrop of a Sunset Dinner in Kauai.
Photo: Courtesy of The Dolphin

The Dolphin

Family-owned and -operated for over 20 years, the Dolphin is serving seriously “ono-licious” (really tasty) food. The vibe is hip, the fish is as fresh as it gets, and the menu has got something for everyone, including all you plant-loving folk. Open daily 5pm to 8pm with hours subject to change.

Sunset Dining on Kauai's South Shore

An outdoor sunset dinner event at night under a warmly-lit pavilion draped with white fabric and string lights. People are seated at tables inside, surrounded by palm trees and lit by soft, ambient lighting. The sky over Kauai is dark with hints of an evening glow.
Photo: Courtesy of Beach House Restaurant

Beach House Restaurant

The Beach House Restaurant keeps things simple with a classic Pacific Rim dining experience mixed with Hawaiian Hospitality. Passionate about their locally sourced ingredients,  try one of their freshly caught makai (towards the sea) options complimented with a Monkeypod Mai Tai. Open daily 3:30pm to 8:30pm. 

A spread of food and drinks is displayed on a table against a backdrop of the ocean and greenery. The spread includes burgers, fries, fish and chips, and a taco, accompanied by a beer, a tropical cocktail, a bottle of white wine, and a glass of white wine.
Photo: @brenneckes

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler has both oceanfront views and outdoor seating. It’s just the place to sip on some Mai Tais and snack on friend coconut shrimp as the sun goes down. This American style cuisine has all the basics, including some gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Open Monday through Friday 11am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 9pm. 

A cozy restaurant with blue, patterned booth seating overlooks a breathtaking coastal view during sunset dinner in Kauai. Large blue pendant lights hang from the ceiling. The tables are set with glasses, plates, and folded napkins. Palm trees are visible outside the window.
Photo: @rumfirepoipu

RumFire Poipu

With each seat featuring a 180 degree oceanfront view, it’s hard to beat Rumfire Poipu for sunset dining. Executive Chef Gabe Balenzuela brings a global influence to the locally sourced cuisine and the diverse craft cocktail list has a beverage for everyone. Open Thursday through Sunday 5pm to 9pm. 

Sunset Dining in Central Kauai

A family of three enjoys a sunset dinner at a tropical-themed restaurant in Kauai. The man has a beer, the woman sips a colorful cocktail with a blue umbrella, and the young girl indulges in a milkshake. Lush greenery and other diners are visible in the background.
Photo: @dukeskauai

Duke’s Kauai

Duke’s is serving Global cuisine beachfront and offers 2-tier outdoor seating. This is just the place for a delightful dinner while watching the sunset over the crystal blue waters of Nawiwili Bay. Enjoy live entertainment Monday through Saturday 5pm to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 2pm. There’s a lot of tasty items to choose from, but whatever you get, make sure you save room for the Hula Pie. Open Monday through Saturday 11am to 10pm and Sunday 9am to 10pm. 

A colorful quinoa salad topped with sprouts, microgreens, sliced vegetables, and edible flowers. The dish is artistically arranged on a white plate, showcasing a vibrant and fresh presentation—perfect for a Sunset Dinner in Kauai.
Photo: @hukilau_kauai

Hukilau Lanai

Hukilau Lanai sources only sustainably caught fish and is part of The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. The views here are great, and everything is made on site from scratch. There are several gluten-free options on the menu, and every night there’s a five-course tasting menu for $65, offered from 5-5:45pm. Reservations are recommended. Open Tuesday through Saturday 5pm to 9pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant? 
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.

For more Local-inspired Hawaii travel tips? Subscribe to our Aloha Friday Newsletter?

Follow us on Instagram @localgetaways!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top