Hawaii Specialty

Done in the Japanese style (Shave Ice Tege Tege's owner brought his hand-crank ice machine from Japan when he set up shop in Kauai), this popular stand—just across the street from the main beach in Kapaa, is all organic. Using a condensed milk base, you can have everything from dragon fruit to mango mixed in. It's in the same food court parking lot as Al Pastor Tacos, which makes it a perfect pit-stop for a quick lunch.

Occupying a former glass factory in Lawai, this sweet community center is home to food trucks and stands like Roots in Culture (healthy comfort food), Chipwrecked (Hawaiian nachos), The Fresh Shave (shave ice), and Dark Roost Coffee. There are also a handful of cute, local boutiques offering everything from shell jewelry to bathing suits and stationery. They also do storytime for little kids, offer a farmer's market on Friday, and host community events like live music.

There are a lot of shave stands throughout the islands, and so it only makes sense that many are pushing the art form, and giving up high fructose corn syrup for cleaner and healthier options. At The Fresh Shave, they use organic options wherever possible and interesting combinations, like chai tea, kauai cold brew coffee, and coconut chia seed cream.

While you'll certainly find larger grocery stores in Kauai, you won't find nearly the same sort of health-centric offering, from organic and local produce, to bio-dynamic wines. There's also a prepared food counter where you can pick up fresh juice, sandwiches, smoothies, and salads, including pretty excellent egg and cheese sandwiches and gluten-free crepes.

This brand-new, open-air coffee shop café—from the same people as Bar Acuda—is one of those spots that's perpetually packed, though you can generally always snag a spot (they also do a lot of perfect pre-packed beach picnic fare). While it's not exclusively allergen-free, there are tons of options for the gluten- and dairy-averse, including really good almond milk lattes and delicious rolls and breads. Brunch-time is particularly prime (consider a stop on your way to hike the Napali coast), as they offer very kid-friendly crepes, as well as lots of egg dishes.

This farmers market (which has been a community staple for more than 40 years) has a lot of prepared food options, which is a great reason to check it out even if you're not staying somewhere that allows for home cooking—it seems counterintuitive, but the Indian food at the Star Anise stall is bar-none. In addition to the standard locally grown fruits and veggies, you'll find Hawaii-specific items like coconuts, macadmia nuts, coffee, and lilikoi butter, a curd-like spread made from passionfruit that tastes great on pretty much anything.

With a few locations, on multiple islands, Eskimo Candy is one of the best places in town for off-the-docks fish. They're famous for a hearty seafood chowder, but all the seafood on their menu is great, from battered fish- and shrimp-and-chips to fresh grilled shrimp tacos with coleslaw. The kitschy décor, like the pirate mannequin coming out of the bar tables or the shark swimming out of the counter, just add to the appeal.

Ok, so Foodland is really just a plain old regular grocery store, but locals told us that this is actually where you can get the best poke on the island—we recommend picking up an order of the fresh ahi for a quick pit-stop on your way to the beach. Bonus: There are locations all over the island, and many of them have space devoted to Beard Papas, which specializes in made-to-order cream puffs.

There are so many good cold-pressed juices and kombucha teas at this Kauai shop, which has locations in Kappa and Kilauea. Most of their drinks are made from local, organic produce, and they are all served in glass bottles, which you can return to Kauai Juice Co. to be recycled, and for a refund. Bonus: A portion of proceeds goes to Hawai‘i SEED, a nonprofit that supports local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and GMO education and labeling legislation.

This local grocery has the most comprehensive selection of healthy eats on the island. It also conveniently has multiple locations: in Hilo and Pahoa on the east side of the island, and Kailua-Kona on the west, plus a kiosk at the University of Hawaii. The stores are a nice option if your hotel suite/Airbnb is equipped with a kitchen, and you’re looking to eat/entertain there for a meal or two. Each Island Naturals Market & Deli store sells an array of organic groceries (including many gluten-free and vegan-friendly products) from shelved goods like pastas and sauces, to fruits and veggies from nearby farms, line-caught fish, and grass-fed beef. You can also stock up on breakfast items and organic wine and beer here. If you’re not interested in doing any cooking, the deli has easy already-made meals, or you can order custom sandwiches, smoothies, and juices, or grab a treat and Kona coffee from the in-house bakery.