By Laura Nowak
Couples often escape to Hawaii for
romance and relaxation, and Kauai is one of the more secluded and
romantic islands in the state. It offers several romantic dining options with ocean or garden views. Specialty dishes may cater toward island fresh fish or tropical fruit. Other restaurants may plan special dinners especially for couples, so enjoy the relaxing meal.
Bali Hai Restaurant
Diners can gaze at the colorful sunset over Hanalei Bay as they enjoy a leisurely, romantic dinner at Bali Hai Restaurant. Bali Hai is open to the outside on three sides and features two-tiered arrangements of tables so that the restaurant always appears airy, even when it gets crowded. They prepare their fresh fish in five different Pacific Rim specialties: Ha'ena Hanapa'a, covered with crabmeat, cheese and mushrooms; Rock Jumping Fisherman, in a Thai fashion with a coconut sauce; Pele Goddess of Fire, which is blackened fish; Bali Hai Sunset, sautéed in papaya ginger sauce; or Tropical Breeze, grilled fish garnished with fruit salsa. These dishes cost around $27 to $31 in 2009. They serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Bali Hai Restaurant
Hanalei Bay resort
5380 Honoiki Rd
Princeville, HI 96722
(808) 826-6522
Beach House Restaurant
The beach House, which is a favorite on the south shore, has been rebuilt and changed ownership through two hurricanes, but it still remains extremely successful. Diners enjoy gazing at the ocean while savoring their cuisine and looking at decorative artwork. Diners may wish to begin their meal with either of Beach House's famous appetizers: crab cakes with tomato compote or Hoisin beef wontons, perfected with an Asian guacamole. The Beach House is well known for its tender grilled fish rolled in macadamia nuts. Prices in 2009 are moderate, with appetizers ranging around $8 and fresh fish starting around $20. Diners choose to dress up, or arrive more casually in resort wear. The restaurant serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
The Beach House Restaurant
5022 Lawai Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-1424
Gaylord's Restaurant
This garden-view restaurant is nestled among the Kilohana Plantation, which sits on 35 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds for guests to enjoy. Gaylord's offers a variety of options on their menu, including fresh vegetables and herbs from their garden, prime rib, fresh fish and delectable desserts. If diners prefer, they may choose Gaylord's special Romantic Dinner for Two which includes a professional photo, a bottle of wine and a five-course meal for $289 a couple (including tax and gratuity) in 2009. They also offer a fixed-priced menu for their specialized Sunday Brunch Menu. Reservations are recommended and may be made by phone or on their website.
Gaylord's Restaurant
Gaylord's at Kilohana
3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy
Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766
(808) 245-9593
Resources
About the Author:
Laura Nowak is a freelance writer who combines her love of travel and research to write travel articles. She has been published in various print and online publications, including the "Western Herald," where she wrote arts and entertainment articles. Nowak earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in practical writing from Western Michigan University.
