Lihue

This old-school ramen shop has been a Kauai stand-by for 70-odd years and counting (they're also known for lilikoi pie). There's typically a long line of locals, and it is completely frill-free, but it's a great post-airport choice after a long ride (or in advance of a red eye back to the states). By Hawaii standards, they're also open quite late.

If you've got littles in tow who are tired from the beach—or are train-obsessed, then Kilohana Plantation is a great way to kill an afternoon. There's a 40-minute train route which meanders through groves of orchards, vegetable gardens, and flower beds, and they host a traditional luau, complete with dancers, something every family needs to experience at least once during a trip to Hawaii.