Taco Del Mar planning to open

LIHUE — Taco Del Mar is hoping to open its doors during the peak of the holiday season adjacent to MasterCuts and Longs Drugstores at the Kukui Grove Center.

“Having Taco Del Mar join our expanding Kukui Grove ohana is energizing,” said Wade Lord, Kukui Grove Center general manager. “We have always been committed to bringing exciting new merchants to the center, and this year has been all about that. I am optimistic about what the future will bring.”

The announcement of Taco Del Mar’s opening comes on the announcement that The Sports Authority will open in the space formerly occupied by the Sears electronics department.

Earlier, Kukui Grove announced plans for Pier 1 Imports to open in the former Borders Books & Music location, and American Mattress is operating in the space formerly occupied by the Borders cafe.

Taco Del Mar, meaning “taco of the sea,” is best known for its fish tacos and giant “Mondo” burritos. They will operate a 946-square-foot suite between MasterCuts and Longs Drugstore.

“Our taco shells are baked, not fried,” said a Kauai representative for Taco Del Mar, in a release. “Diners can enjoy the efforts we put forth to be health conscious. In fact, absolutely no lard is used in our recipes. We are excited to open the first Taco Del Mar on Kauai in the Kukui Grove Shopping Center.”

Taco Del Mar first came to Hawaii in 2006 with its Waipahu location on Oahu. The opening of the Kukui Grove location will be the ninth in the state of Hawaii. It has 179 locations in the United States and Canada.

• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.