Shave ice, breakfast and burgers have been a staple at Kalapaki Beach Hut and you’ve got just a few more days to visit them before the doors close on this seaside restaurant.
Owned by the same family, Kalapaki Beach Hut and the connected Kalapaki Shave Ice are serving their regular menu up until their last day — September 15.
And that menu is stacked with some local favorites and traditional Kauai fare like breakfasts of loco moco and Portuguese sweet bread French toast alongside omelets and pancakes, stacked burgers and fresh fish.
Located just across the street from Harbor Mall and next-door to Nawiliwili Tavern, patrons order from a walk-up window on the ground floor of the yellow building that houses the Kalapaki Beach Hut.
Their Kauai Burger is a simple staple on the menu — charbroiled and served traditionally with mayo, lettuce and onions. It’s fresh and juicy and is served in a red basket with a toasted bun for about $8. Add French fries for another dollar.
Burgers garner more ingredients as you move down the menu, with several types of cheeseburgers and toppings like jalapenos, pineapple and bacon. The menu also offers fish and chips for just under $10, a garden salad and a keiki menu.
For the vegans in the crowd, Kalapaki Beach Hut has a Kauai Taro Burger that is grilled and served with lettuce, tomato and a special, spicy sauce. They also have taro fries on the menu alongside the regular fries and onion rings.
Grab your grub and head upstairs to eat if you’d like a view of Kalapaki Bay, where you’ll most likely see a variety of watersports at play on the waves. People surf with regular surfboards and foilboards, as well as outrigger canoes.
The bay is popular for swimming, beach volleyball and other beach gatherings as well, and Kalapaki Beach Hut is a good spot to get some food midway through the day. Sandy toes are always welcome at the Hut.
Originally an east side restaurant, Kalapaki Beach Hut first opened in 1973 in Anahola. It’s moved and grown since then, and was one of the restaurants to premier Hanalei-raised buffalo on the menu.
The restaurant moved to Nawiliwili in 1990 and changed the name. Since then, the menu has grown and changed — especially with the addition of that breakfast menu.
There’s still a chance to get one last burger at Kalapaki Beach Hut, at least for the next few days, and to splurge on some sweet shave ice after lunch at the Kalapaki Shave Ice stand just outside the back entrance of the restaurant. It’s a good spot to take the family and satisfy pretty much everyone’s taste for a price that’s reasonable and service that’s quick and friendly.
Sad to see the Kalapaki beach hut go. One of my favorite stops on the Island. All good things must pass. Mahalo for years of being a part of the Kauai experience.
20 years ago we were fortunate enough to become friends with the Owners: Steve and Sharon. Our little bizness next door to theirs (Jungle Jack’s) did not make it, however we
we were fortunate enough to receive their support and encouragement.
Congratulations to you and your family and thank you both for your love and friendship. We hope to return someday and talk story! Love Doug, Dawn and the kids.
I, too have enjoyed Kalapaki Beach Hut, especially their ono fish sandwich. However, since it closed on 15 Sep 2019, why is the article about Kalapaki Beach Hut closing still being run in TGI? It’s seems to be too late to enjoy the last meal at Kalapaki Beach Hut.
I am captain for united airlines and could not wait to go to the beach hut for breakfast on my layovers. The owner was always pleasant and nice the food although comfort food was spot on every time I got there. I will miss the Beach Hut …