Kiawe Roots - KOLOA

Kiawe Roots is a local favorite, has to go to the restaurant right now on the highway in Lawai. They offer amazing modern turns to island dishes. Just to pick up meals, but a lot of a treat. Prices are fair, dishes are unique and quality is high. Drinks – The Trace of Sour was an absolute pleasure. When often everything is offered, more tourist “island style” drinks is its very refreshing to have something else. The single barrel Buffalo Trace bourbon definitely shined and named another place on the island where protein is used in a drink (do not let the fear, just try). I had several. The rest of our party tried the Black Hawk Kamikaze Smash. Both received good reviews. For all alcohol-free drinks, the Kauai Organics Hibiscus Olena Tea (a mouthful to say) was very delicious. Pupus – Every meal should start with a delicious appetizer. The Fried Brussels Sprouts are something we almost always order. Based on the online menu, it looks like it's only available on Friday, so if you go on a Friday you should get this! Our table also recommends the Kiawe chips. We originally ordered 2 but the order for 1 more after the first two disappeared quickly. The chips come with a white BBQ diving sauce that perfectly complements them. Entrée – You can't go wrong here. Our table had Wasabi Pea Crusted Fish, Kalbi bowl and smoked plates of Huli Chicken, Brisket, Prime Rib. The Kalbi (Bef Short Rib) bowl is the favorite of our group. This is often ordered. Kiawe knows how to smoke and the chicken, brisket and prime rib were all amazing. The Pepper Quava sauce was a preferred choice. For fish lovers they have the Wasabi Pea Crusted Fish dish. The spices were remarkable, but not exaggerated. Very nice dish. Quick To-Go Picks – My fast To-Go Picks would have to be the Crispy Pulled Pork Sandwich or the Kalbi Bowl. The sandwich meets the place and the calbi is a favorite for both dunes in our out. Parking – Unlike most places on the island, parking is very easy here. There are many spots in front of Kiawe as well as the Lawai Post.

Very friendly staff and some of the best food on Kauai. Wasabi pea crusted fish was one of the best things I've ever eaten. The smoked gouda pasta and burger was great as well. Great selection of entrees and cocktails!

Stop reading this and order this food now! From Central Texas, and we know BBQ. I kid you not, these are the best ribs I've had in a long, long time. The smoked chicken was incredible, and the burger was too good. Prices are fair, and competitive with anything around. When we ordered, it was online pickup only. Staying about 15 minutes away, and the food traveled well. But please, stop eating at your resort pool bar. If you're a local, you're very lucky to have this in your backyard. If I am lucky enough to come back, I will be eating here as many times as possible. P.S. order the ribs, and get the pepper guava sauce.

Best pulled pork we’ve ever had! Hits the spot if you are craving some Texas-style BBQ but with a Hawaiian twist with the sauces

We came here after stumbling on restaurant with only 1 review and it was the BEST decision we made with our time here in Kauai. Most of the food around Poipu is pricey and ordinary but looking at menu we saw it was pretty well priced for a sit down. We saw a mural on wall and recognized the artist Punky Aloha from an article we read on Hawaii Airlines magazine. We ordered The Med, Crispy Pulled Pork Sandwich, Grilled Vegetables and the Dad's Fried Chicken (our FAVE). It had ghost pepper water dipping sauce which we thought would be crazy spicy but it has a quick spice that disipates into a delicious mouth watering flavor. Would recommend getting the fried chicken starter 100% Staff was friendly and let us dine in during soft opening period. This place is well worth the drive. They do delivery too and it is definitely worth it.