Kilauea Fish Market was born for good luck, fulfilling a community wish for healthy local-style food with fresh ingredients. At the time Kilauea was one of the only towns on Kaua‘i without its own fish market. So on April, 4,
Kilauea Fish Market was born for good luck, fulfilling a community wish for healthy local-style food with fresh ingredients. At the time Kilauea was one of the only towns on Kaua‘i without its own fish market. So on April, 4, 2004 (4/4/04) owners Corrina MacNeil and Steve Knox opened their doors to a long line of expectant and joyful customers, who had all heard of the opening via the “coconut wireless” with no advertising whatsoever, MacNeil recalled.
“Some people were even arguing about who would give the first dollar,” said MacNeil, who runs Kilauea Fish Market along with her partner, Knox.
“He does the business stuff and I am the chef,” MacNeil said.
Located in the historic stone building in Kilauea Plantation Center, the Kilauea Fish Market is a little hidden, so just head down Kilauea Lighthouse Road and hang a left on Keneke Street. You will see a little gravel parking area in back of the stone building and the Fish Market sign to your left.
The concept for the Kilauea Fish Market arose out of a desire to support local fisherman and farmers, promoting a more sustainable, community-minded business model. Kailani and Kaua‘i Fresh Farms provide all the veggies and salad greens, while the fish is purchased regularly from Kaua‘i fisherman’s ‘day troll’ catch rather than ‘long line’, which is not as fresh or sustainable. Many things are made from scratch including the creamy oriental dressing, the potato, mac salad and the fresh salsa to name a few.
The menu is an example of community input.
“I wasn’t sure what to put on the permanent menu,” MacNeil said, “so I just made a lot of different things everyday and let the customers decide.”
The Ahi/organic tofu wrap was one of the first items to go on the menu and is still the number one seller. The wrap is made with sauteed Ahi or tofu, brown rice and veggies then drizzled with MacNeil’s famous creamy oriental dressing (aka ‘The Caesar of Hawai‘i’) all wrapped up in a sun-dried tomato tortilla.
Other popular items include the Korean Bar-B-Que Chicken plate, Fish Tacos and Seared Ahi Poke Salad (my favorite). Gluten-free? No problem, the Fish Market offers gluten-free tortillas and can easily adjust their other menu items to support your dietary needs. Sides include brown or jasmine rice, potato, mac salad or Kilauea green salad.
Fans of the Fish Market abound and MacNeil is graciously accepting of the numerous compliments she receives.
“I’m overwhelmed at how excited people are about the food,” she said.
Thirsty? How about an ice-cold coconut? You can drink the sweet, refreshing coconut water right out of the husk with a straw, but don’t throw it in the trash when you’re done!
“The people we buy the coconuts from come by every week and pick up the old husks to use in compost,” MacNeil said. “So we just set them aside.”
Refreshingly unique iced teas are also available such as mate or herbal tangerine. However, you won’t find soft drinks here. So if that’s what you crave then bring your own (they don’t mind).
Locally-caught fresh fish, hormone-free beef and marinaded meats are sold by the pound and ready to grill. There is also freshly made poke, cucumber kim- chee, Kilauea greens, fresh homemade salsa and more available from the deli.
The sheltered outdoor seating area is nice and shady. There is also a lawn nearby if you want to sit in the sun. If you come for dinner, try arriving early enough to see the sunset while you eat. Little candles are placed on the tables after dark, giving its setting a casually romantic feel.
Keep your eyes and ears open. MacNeil and Knox are planning to open a new plate lunch restaurant in the Coconut Marketplace. No specific date has been set but MacNeil said it will be within the next few months.
The Kilauea Fish Market is located at 4270 Kilauea Lighthouse Rd. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call them at 828-6244.
The Kilauea Fish Market is open Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. -8 p.m.
Call them at: 828-6244
Cost: $ (6-17 per person)
Green: 3 of 4 leaves
(Recycles, biodegradable to-go, local ingredients.)
