If you’re a fan of the food at the Kilauea Fish Market on Kaua‘s North Shore, but don’t want to drive all the way to Kilauea, you’re in luck. Since the day after Christmas, Kilauea Fish Market Waipouli has been
If you’re a fan of the food at the Kilauea Fish Market on Kaua‘s North Shore, but don’t want to drive all the way to Kilauea, you’re in luck. Since the day after Christmas, Kilauea Fish Market Waipouli has been serving fresh seafood for lunch and dinner on the island’s Eastside just south of Kapa‘a.
As Marvin Gaye sang it (and now I’m dating myself), “We heard it though the grapevine” about the new location and tried it.
It’s a good place to stop if you’ve just met folks at the airport and want to feed them in quiet, pleasant surroundings en route to Kapa‘a, the North Shore or directions south.
The menu is the same as the original Kilauea Fish Market, which has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Conde Naste, and on a “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” show on TV’s Food Network.
Among the restaurant’s popular choices are the fish wraps, which were highlighted on that television show, using the fresh fish of the day and Sesame Island dressing, the ingredients of which remain a secret.
At a recent lunch, some members of our family enjoyed the fish wraps. One had the fish burrito, and another had Seared Fish Salad. There’s a keiki menu for children 12 and under, and two grandchildren ate up their organic tofu and rice.
The owners, Steve Knox and Coriena MacNeil, pride themselves on using organic produce and creating what they call healthy dishes. They also offer gluten-free meals.
Prices range from $5.99 for a child’s bean and cheese burrito to $15.99 for a Cajun Seared Ahi Sashimi salad. Deli items such as sesame fresh ahi poke, salad and salsa are available. It is not a full fish market.
Caffeine-free drinks are available, and patrons are welcome to bring their own beer and wine.
Seating is outside at two picnic tables, or inside, where some of Steve’s dramatic surfing and underwater photographs are on display.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and if you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by the spirited Sheryl Knox, Steve’s mom, who’s the general manager.
The restaurant is located behind, not actually in, the Coconut Marketplace, next to the Islander on the Beach complex.
For take-out orders, the phone number is 822-FISH (3474).
