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32 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Kauai

If you’re planning a Kauai vacation and looking for the best gluten-free restaurants in Kauai, this guide has you covered. Whether you’re visiting Kauai with celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or you simply feel better avoiding gluten, 

Kauai is smaller and much less developed than Oahu or even Maui, but don’t let that fool you: from dedicated gluten-free taco shops to oceanfront fine dining at the Grand Hyatt, Kauai is surprisingly easy to navigate as a celiac or gluten-free traveler.

I’ve organized this list by region so you can easily find gluten-free food in Kauai no matter where you’re staying, whether that’s Poipu, Kapaa, Princeville, or Lihue. I’ve written guides for the other islands too, so make sure to check them out:

• 50 best gluten-free restaurants in Maui
• Gluten-Free in Hawaii: What you need to know!

Book with a Hawaii Travel Agent

Who am I? I’m glad you asked! My name is Amy, and I’m a travel agent specializing in honeymoons and Hawaii vacations. More importantly to the topic at hand, I have Celiac disease, so I’m strictly gluten-free!

I’ve also helped many clients with Celiac or gluten intolerance, along with other dietary restrictions. Contact me today for help with your Hawaii vacation – gluten-free or not!

A car is a must on Kauai since the restaurants are spread out around the island’s one main road. Make sure to grab one from Discount Hawaii Rental Cars!

Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants in Kauai

If you have celiac disease or are especially sensitive to cross-contact, these are the safest bets on the island since gluten isn’t even part of the equation.

1. Tiki Taco

Address: 4-971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

Tiki Taco is the gold standard for gluten-free Kauai. This casual taco shack makes its own corn tortillas in-house, and there is no flour anywhere on the premises, making the entire restaurant 100% gluten-free. This is an absolute must-visit, whether you’re gluten-free or not.

2. Sweet Marie’s Hawaii

Address: 3-4251 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766

Conveniently located near Lihue Airport, Sweet Marie’s is Hawaii’s first 100% dedicated gluten-free and allergen-friendly bakery and restaurant. It’s a fantastic first or last stop on your trip for breads, pastries, and baked goods you can trust completely.

Best Gluten-Free Breakfast, Juice & Bakery Spots in Kauai

Start your day off right with these gluten-free-friendly breakfast spots, juice bars, and bakeries scattered across the island.

3. Kauai Juice Co.

Address: Locations in Kapaa (4-1384 Kuhio Hwy), Kilauea (4270 Kilauea Rd), and Koloa/Poipu (5460 Koloa Rd)

With three locations around the island, Kauai Juice Co. is a lifesaver for gluten-free travelers. They serve fresh cold-pressed juices, kombucha, smoothies, and gluten-free snacks and energy bars, perfect for stocking up before a hike or beach day.

4. Kilauea Bakery & Pizzeria

Address: 2484 Keneke St Ste 205, Kilauea, HI 96754

This beloved North Shore bakery offers gluten-free bread, bagels, and even pizza crust made with local ulu (breadfruit). Don’t skip the poi malasadas made with Hanalei-grown taro.

5. Java Kai

Address: 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

A popular coffee shop right on the main drag in Kapaa, Java Kai offers gluten-free tortillas along with coffee drinks and smoothies. It’s a great light breakfast option, especially their Black Lava smoothie.

6. Littlefish Coffee

Address: 2294 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

A cute teal shack near Kiahuna Plantation, Littlefish Coffee is known for its acai bowls, smoothies, and coffee drinks. Much of the menu is gluten-free friendly, making it a great pre-hike or post-beach stop in the Poipu area.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Kapaa & the East Side

Kapaa is the busiest town on the island and sits roughly in the middle, making it a convenient home base with plenty of gluten-free options.

7. Chicken in a Barrel BBQ

Address: 4-1586 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 (also a location in Hanalei)

This unique BBQ joint slow-cooks its meats in a barrel, and many of the sides are gluten-free. Just skip the fries, since the fryer isn’t dedicated. The chicken and rice plate is filling, delicious, and convenient for a quick dinner.

8. Papaya’s Natural Foods & Cafe

Address: 4-901 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

Part grocery store, part café, Papaya’s is renowned for its expansive gluten-free selection, including gluten-free pizza and salads. Stock up on gluten-free snacks here for beach days and road trips around the island.

9. Hukilau Lanai

Address: 520 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI 96746

A standout for special-occasion dining, Hukilau Lanai offers a gluten-free prix-fixe multi-course meal that even comes with homemade gluten-free bread. Excellent portions, quality food, and friendly, allergy-aware service.

10. Lava Lava Beach Club

Address: 420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746

One of the restaurants I had to include, and for good reason: Lava Lava Beach Club at the Kauai Shores Hotel is Kauai’s only toes-in-the-sand dining experience.

They offer gluten-free buns, salads, and gluten-free fryer-made chips. It’s not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, but it’s a beautiful spot for a sunset meal.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Poipu & Koloa (South Shore)

The sunny South Shore is home to some of Kauai’s best resorts and a great concentration of gluten-free-friendly dining.

11. Tidepools at Grand Hyatt Kauai

Address: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Another restaurant on my must-include list! Tidepools is a romantic, thatched-roof restaurant surrounded by torch-lit fish ponds at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Known for macadamia nut-crusted fish and prime steaks seared with Hawaiian sea salt, it has plenty of gluten-free options and is a wonderful choice for a special dinner.

12. Stephenson’s Library

Address: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Also located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Stephenson’s Library serves up arguably the best sushi on the island along with gluten-free soy sauce and top-shelf cocktails in a sophisticated lounge setting.

13. Merriman’s Poipu

Address: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Koloa, HI 96756

Merriman’s is a love letter to Hawaii, with fresh, local, farm-to-table ingredients. Their gluten-free options are as delicious as they are beautiful, and the staff can modify most dishes to be gluten-free.

14. The Beach House

Address: 5022 Lawai Rd, Poipu, HI 96756

With spectacular oceanfront views and a menu just as stunning, The Beach House offers plenty of gluten-free seafood and Pacific Rim dishes. Order a Monkeypod Mai Tai and watch the sunset.

15. Eating House 1849

Address: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, The Shops at Kukui’ula, Koloa, HI 96756

This restaurant from chef Roy Yamaguchi offers a handful of gluten-free dishes, including a sizzling ribeye tataki and a tomato and mozzarella salad. Be sure to ask your server which menu items can be made gluten-free.

16. RumFire Poipu Beach

Address: 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Located at the Sheraton Kauai Resort right on Poipu Beach, RumFire has a menu with plenty of clearly marked gluten-free items, and the kitchen and servers are well-practiced at handling celiac requests. Grab a table on the oceanfront lanai for sunset and one of their tropical drinks.

17. Koloa Fish Market

Address: 3390 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

This casual takeout spot is one of the most popular poke destinations on the island, so expect a line, but it’s worth it. Several poke options and sides are gluten-free, and the haupia pudding is naturally gluten-free too.

18. Holoholo Grill

Address: 2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Holoholo Grill offers a large number of clearly marked gluten-free options, including burgers, buns, poke, salads, steak, and tacos. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about cross-contact, though note there isn’t a dedicated fryer.

19. Da Crack

Address: 2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

A literal hole-in-the-wall, takeout-only spot with addictive Mexican food and plenty of gluten-free options. Don’t miss the burrito bowls.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants near Lihue

These are the best gluten-free restaurants in Kauai near the airport. 

20. Duke’s Kauai

Address: 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766

One of the most popular restaurants on the island, Duke’s sits right on Kalapaki Beach at the Kauai Marriott. The kitchen isn’t dedicated gluten-free, but the cooks are used to working around it and can point out which dishes can be made gluten-free. Just let your server know when you arrive, and try to snag a table on the open-air lanai overlooking the beach.

I have a post with the best oceanfront restaurants in Kauai, and you know Duke’s makes that list!

21. Naupaka Terrace

Address: 4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI 96766

Located at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort, Naupaka Terrace overlooks a koi pond, pool, and the ocean, and offers quite a few gluten-free menu items, from fresh catch of the day to citrus-marinated roasted chicken.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants on the North Shore (Princeville & Hanalei)

The North Shore is home to some of Kauai’s most scenic dining, along with several gluten-free-friendly spots in and around Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei.

22. Avalon Gastropub

Address: 2555 Ala Namahana Pkwy, Kilauea, HI 96754

A true gem for gluten-free diners, Avalon Gastropub clearly marks gluten-free items on its menu and has a dedicated fryer. The fried Brussels sprouts and truffle fries get rave reviews. It gets busy, so make a reservation for dinner.

23. Bar Acuda

Address: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

Mediterranean meets Hawaiian charm at this sophisticated tapas restaurant, with a variety of gluten-free options that are both elegant and delicious. Reservations are a must, so book well in advance.

24. Tahiti Nui

Address: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

A local dive-bar favorite with live music and a fun, laid-back vibe, Tahiti Nui serves gluten-free Hawaiian dishes and pizzas. Go during happy hour for a cheaper Mai Tai.

25. Trilogy Coffee

Address: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy #E, Hanalei, HI 96714

A charming coffee shop with gluten-free pastries, perfect for a relaxing North Shore morning. 

26. Nanea Restaurant and Bar

Address: 3838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville, HI 96722

The Westin Princeville’s signature restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan menus, with chefs happy to personalize dishes based on dietary needs. The ocean views from the terrace make it worth the splurge.

27. Ally’s Cocina Venezuelan Cuisine

Address: 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754

A hidden gem located on a mini-golf course at a community center on the road to Hanalei, Ally’s serves Venezuelan arepas with a Hawaiian twist, and arepas are often naturally gluten-free. Check the community center’s hours before you go, since it isn’t always open.

Gluten-Free Food Trucks in Hanalei

Hanalei has one of the best food truck scenes on the island, clustered together near the Hanalei Center, and several of them are excellent for gluten-free diners.

28. Fresh Bite Kauai

Address: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

This farm-to-beach food truck offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free salads, wraps, sandwiches, and bowls, plus French fries and purple sweet potato fries cooked in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. They even have a celiac protocol for cleaning the grill and changing gloves. Open Friday through Monday, 11 am to 3 pm.

29. Cafe Turmeric

Address: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

An authentic Indian food truck with gluten-free and vegan options, including gluten-free naan and curries that add a totally different flavor to the Hanalei food truck lineup. This is my personal favorite food truck in Hanalei, so don’t skip it!

30. Da Fazenda

Address: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

This Brazilian food truck, parked right next to Fresh Bite, has a menu where everything is gluten-free. A great way to try a taste of Brazil in the middle of Hanalei.

31. Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.

Address: 5-5070 Kuhio Hwy B, Hanalei, HI 96714

Located across from Postcards Cafe, this lunch wagon serves fruity taro smoothies and daily specials that are high in calcium, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Restaurants on the West Side

There aren’t as many options on the west side, but there’s a great coffee shop if you’re heading to Waimea Canyon!

32. Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company

Address: 2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741

An oasis on the drive between Kapaa and Waimea Canyon, this popular café gets busy but is worth it for breakfast and brunch. Order takeout if you can, and grab an extra muffin for the road.

Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Kauai

Always mention celiac disease or a gluten allergy when ordering, even at places with a gluten-free menu. Most restaurants are knowledgeable, but always confirm cross-contamination practices, especially for fryers.

Reservations are never a bad idea for popular spots like Bar Acuda, Merriman’s, and Tidepools. Pack gluten-free snacks for days exploring Waimea Canyon or the North Shore, since restaurants and shops thin out the farther you get from town. 

Gluten-free restaurants in Kauai

I hope this list of gluten-free restaurants in Kauai helps you when planning a Hawaii honeymoon or vacation. Even though Kauai is smaller and quieter than the other Hawaiian islands, it’s every bit as gluten-free friendly. If you want to work with a travel agent who really knows what it’s like to eat gluten-free in Hawaii, I’d love to help you plan your Kauai vacation or honeymoon! You can contact me to learn more.

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More Kauai Travel Tips:

• 10 free things to do on Kauai
• The best helicopter tours in Kauai
• 7 things to do in Hanapepe Kauai
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Review

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