Seaside Tapas Under Kauai Skies
Nalu Kai offers poolside dining overlooking Hanalei Bay. Daniel Lane photo
Nalu Kai is a hidden gem that’s only open from June through September. The casual, outdoor restaurant faces Hanalei Bay and is tucked along the pool of the St. Regis Resort. You wouldn’t know it was there unless you went through the hotel, and even then you might miss it. You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the restaurant or complementary valet parking.
Diners sit under a gazebo that’s bedecked with white curtains and bossa nova music rides the trade winds. Stars shine as the sun sets over Hanalei Bay and flames from tiki torches dance on the breeze. Couples dine in cabanas that line the perimeter while white hibiscus and plumeria trees cradle them in showy privacy.
“It’s St Regis, but it’s a really fun concept,” says Maxime Michaud executive chef of Kauai Grill. “It’s open to any kind of clientele, families, couples. They come here and watch the sunset, have a couple of drinks, and a couple of tapas. They’re sharing everything, it’s a really cool ambiance.”
Nalu Kai just opened for the summer and here’s a sneak peek at the new menu:
Seared fresh ahi kebabs at Nalu Kai. Daniel Lane photo
nalu kai TAPAS
Cajun Pork Sliders 15
chorizo aioli, pepper jack cheese, bibb lettuce, Roma tomato confit
Coconut Curry Clams Fricassee 17
cilantro, garlic, toasted ciabatta
Artisan Cheese Plate 16
mango-fig chutney, honey, low-fat wisecracker
Nalu Kai Flatbread 18
French onion spread, bacon, Kauai shrimp, mozzarella cheese, kale salad
Prosciutto Mini Crab Cake 17
red pepper mayonnaise, Napa cabbage remoulade, San Daniele ham crisp
Yukon Potato Brandade 16
toasted focaccia, roasted garlic, organic field greens salad
Nalu Kai’s Mediterranean-style tapas combine classic European flavors with Hawaiian ingredients. Daniel Lane photo
Kailani Flatbread 17
marinated artichokes, fontina cheese, corn and chives, Alii mushrooms
Margarita Glazed Lollipop Wings 15
cucumber, carrots sticks, buttermilk ranch dressing
Nori Panko Crusted Ahi Tuna 17
Mediterranean slaw, citrus srirracha aioli
NALU KAI entrees
Rainbow Kale Salad 21
roasted chicken breast, carrots, tomato, radishes, dried cranberries, honey sherry dressing
North Shore Caesar Salad 19
soy marinated tofu, ginger & garlic Caesar dressing, crunchy rice noodles, compressed watermelon
Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Nalu Kai. Daniel Lane photo
Creamy Tagliatelles Carbonara 21
Alii mushrooms, smoked bacon, Maui onions
Signature Mediterranean Burger 27
Kalamatas beef patty, piquillos piperade, artichoke aioli, cheddar cheese, lava-salt brioche bun, Roma tomato confit
Vegetarian Gnocchi Paella 20
oven dried cherry tomatoes, saffron, peas, eggplant, bell peppers
Roasted Fresh Island Mero 26
celery salsa, Yukon potato and fennel puree, aromatic sauce
Chorizo Spices Crusted Ahi Tuna 23
“Herbes de Provence” rice cake, sangria-glazed black mission figs
Black Angus Braised Short Rib 26
caramelized Maui onions, oyster mushrooms, shaved Parmesan cheese
Open Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Nights for the summer months. For more information or reservations, call 808-826-9644.