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Tahiti Nui Restaurant

About

  • 4.7 ( 45 reviews)
  • $$, $$$
Day of the Week Opening Hours
Monday 11:00 - 22:00
Tuesday 11:00 - 22:00
Wednesday 11:00 - 22:00
Thursday 11:00 - 22:00
Friday 11:00 - 0:00
Saturday 11:00 - 0:00
Sunday 11:00 - 22:00

Cuisines

  • 🍔 American
  • 🍸 Bar
  • 🏝️ Hawaiian
  • 🏝️ Polynesian

Dining Options

  • 💺 Seating
  • 🥡 Takeout
  • 🍽️ Table service
  • 🍷 Serves Alcohol
  • 🅿️ Parking Available
  • 💳 Accepts Credit Cards
  • 🌳 Outdoor Seating
  • 🍸 Full Bar
  • 📺 Television
  • 🎶 Live Music
  • 🍱 Lunch
  • 🍽️ Dinner

Accepts Credit Cards

Recommended Reviews

5
71%
4
24%
3
4%
2
0%
1
0%
4.7
45 reviews
😍
Brian Doegen
2018-11-26 on google

Great music and local staff. Highly recommend. Far better than the overpriced restaurants in the Rea.

😍
Jeff Wooden
2018-09-25 on google

Wasn't sure how the Nui would stand up to the buzz. Happy to say we had a memorable meal here. Busy, even on a Monday night. Still, it only took 10 minutes to be seated. The server was attentive and took good care of us. Food was very good, though not upscale. My fish dinner was a good portion of Ono, a really good sauce, some tasty veggies and pretty inedible potatoes. Great except for the potatoes. My wife chose the kalua pork pizza. Really good crust, sauce, and toppings. Prices were reasonable (for Hawaii) and there was a small band playing Hawaiian music. Very good meal and experience.

😀
Michael Blackburn
2018-09-23 on google

Casual atmosphere. Had the Oh So ‘Ono Roll, which was a nicely crusted, great piece of fish. Grilled shrimp were also great. Very solid mai tai as well

😍
Dan P
2018-09-22 on google

We enjoyed great live music and dinner on a Tuesday night. Everything we ordered was great - coconut shrimp, fresh catch of the day (ono), mai tai, lilikoi martini and coconut cream pie. The staff was very friendly and the musician sang happy birthday for my wife! 🤙

😍
Adam Hasper
2018-09-21 on google

This just might be one of the best places on the planet! We love you so much Tahiti Nui 🤙🤟

😍
Rania Katbi
2018-09-09 on google

Rib eye poke bowl was super tasty! Great views in a cozy spot. Mai Tai's are the best on the island. Pricey.

😍
Jamie Burkhart
2018-09-01 on google

AMAZZZZZZING MAI TAI!! They have great food, live music and mai tai!!

😍
Spencer Stapleton
2018-08-26 on google

Fun small island vibe up on the North shore of Kauai.

😍
J.M.G
2018-08-14 on google

What an experience. If you like intimate, slightly rowdy places with great live music and high energy, this place is for you. Food and drinks were great. It’s hustling and bustling so just relax and enjoy the live entertainment.

😍
Robert Fischer
2018-08-14 on google

A classic experience on North shore Kauai. Tahitian Nui is a landmark restaurant in Hanalei town. After the passing of the original owner, the new proprietors carry on and have upgraded the historic establishment. The pizzas and Burgers tasty and we'll prepared. As well you can enjoy a cold beer including a bottle of Tahitian Hinanu, or our personal favorite Kona Firerock on tap. Table service can be a bit slow but the food and mountain view makes up for the inconvenience. I am glad to see this little piece of history thriving and maintained with a strong future ahead.

😀
Paul Harris
2018-08-05 on google

Past this place for years, delightfully surprised by the food

😍
Ryan Kirkham
2018-06-06 on google

Loves this place. Came on a Wednesday night and he live music was awesome. We stayed an hour longer because it was fun. Food was excellent. Beet salad was probably best I’ve had. The shrimp was amazing. Highly recommend.

😀
daniel archer
2018-04-21 on google

Tahiti Nui has been a cornerstone of the Hanalei bar and music scene for about 50 years. It's near the start of the strip as you enter town on the right. The space is a bit divided up with a large double sided bar in the middle. The food is just ok with the pizzas being the better option of what we tried. The staff was super helpful even though the place was packed and many waiting for seats outside. We have been here before and arrived early. Our goal was the live music and the "Aunties" didn't disappoint. We had a great time and I highly recommend it.

😍
maryjane jan
2018-03-24 on google

Relaxing time with a few drink. Watched the rain. service was great. Friendly staff

😀
Ken Kostick
2018-03-10 on google

Poke chips are decent. Cool place to chill

😍
Pierre Decote
2017-11-15 on google

Loved that place. Great vibes. Food was excellent. And there was a live Hawaiian duo doing guitar and dances, it was so much fun. Highly recommended

😍
Anthony Altemara
2017-09-12 on google

Their luau was a wonderful experience. The people were lovely and made us feel very welcome.

😍
Jarod Jones
2017-08-02 on google

Phenomenal food and drink from an unsuspecting looking joint. I had the best coconut shrimp of my life at this place. It was so good we went back twice during our stay. Drinks were great and fresh as well as the fish. I got the coconut and mac nut encrusted fish and my wife who hates fish loved it. Also, their coconut pie/cheesecake they have for dessert is to die for!

😀
Jessica Golden
2017-07-27 on google

The place itself was a little warm and the food was just the slightest bit more expensive than it should be. Other than that, everything was great. The food was delicious and we got our food relatively quickly. The staff weren't exceptionally friendly, but they weren't rude either.

😍
IndianaJenz R
2017-06-18 on google

We went to the Luau and it was very nice. It is very personable, small and not commercial. It is like you have crashed someone's family gathering. We loved it, but it would not be for everyone. If you want big, slick and commercial go to Smith's. If you want the guitar players and dancers to interact with you go to Tahiti Nui.

😍
Becky Paul
2017-06-11 on google

Best local experience we had on Kauai. Tuna Carpacio, Oh So Ono Rolls, Burger and Fresh Fish all exceeded expectations. Place was super busy but we didn't mind waiting for food. Just enjoyed some great live music while we waited. Don't go here looking for mainland service. It's a way more laid back vibe and the staff treated us like we were family. Prices were extremely fair, especially for drinks.

😍
chris crim
2017-05-14 on google

This place hasn't changed in 20 Years! And that is a very good thing! Their beet salad is fabulous and enough to share. Maitais are an old secret recipe and very nice. Beverage selection very original and extensive.

🙂
EddieSan
2017-04-24 on google

It needs a big clean up, the burger was great and the Ceviche with Coconut was kind of a different approach for me as a Latin American folk, it was good and very little but worth it.Like I said, I wish someone clean this place

😍
Balaji Thulasinathan
2017-04-18 on google

They have delicious veg dishes. We tried the portobello mushroom ravioli and full house veggie pizza. They were delicious

😍
jen priddy
2017-03-20 on google

Went twice in three days, excellent food and service both times.

😍
Nicholas Matlock
2017-02-06 on google

Delicious food and excellent Mai Tai's! So good that we even came back a second night.

😍
Catherine Devine
2017-02-05 on google

Great atmosphere so fun was totally the Hawaiian vibe I was looking for !! Amazing food ,creative , yummy, and portions are huge!! Some of the best food I’ve ever had!!!.Bartender was so nice and welcoming. The drinks were tasty and well made!! Music was so great! They had a live band!! Next time you visit Kauai make sure you drop by it will be the best thing you do in a long time!!

😀
Michelle Altemara
2017-01-24 on google

Excellent Luau! Be sure to tell them if you are vegetarian. They will bring you a special plate, which far exceeds anything you can piece together at the buffet. They definitely have something for everyone!

😀
Stephen Li
2016-11-26 on google

Nice spot for a relaxed lunch. Good food, good drinks, nice atmosphere. Service a little spotty. Parking lot for customers only.

😍
Thierry Dubugnon
2016-10-19 on google

Excellent food, probably the best we had in Kaua'i. Nice ambiance too with local musicians. The service was a bit too chill, but no stress when you're on vacation...

😀
Michael Callahan
2016-10-17 on google

This is the bar that was featured in the movie "The Descendants." It's 2 steps above a dive bar, but it has a great local feel and good food. It is worth stopping in here for a quick bite and and a drink. Everyone loves their Mai Tai drinks.

😍
Maureen Thornton
2016-10-12 on google

Great range of food at reasonable prices. Very helpful staff. Happy buzzy atmosphere.

😍
Simon Fletcher
2016-09-10 on google

During our recent visit to Hanalei we enjoyed a Sunday evening watching some highly talented young gents perform a wide array of music. Definitely an evening filled with aloha. Would strongly recommend a visit on Sundays. Excellent wine next door at the small connected Wine Bar. Has a bottle of Belle Glos recommended by Patrick.

😍
Cynde Evans
2016-09-02 on google

The food and atmosphere was great. We had a fantastic time. Can't wait to go back again!

😀
Jaimee Barwood
2016-08-09 on google

Popilar place with good food and live music.

😀
Jacob Denys
2016-07-18 on google

Visited this iconic restaurant because we liked the movie"The Descendants". Food was great but a bit overpriced. It's a casual and laid-back place to eat.

😍
Jeremy Stitt
2016-06-24 on google

This local spot is worth checking out. We were hesitant because of our previous nights dinner at a different restaurant (mediocre food, weak service). This place tho! Definitely got the Hawaiian experience. The live music was fun and memorable. The food was delicious. I don’t mean it was good, I mean it was delicious. Our ribs fell off the bone....so juicy and tender. The fish was cooked perfectly with great taste and flavor. We realized after we ate that this place was on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. We see why. The restaurant is cozy, which makes everyone who is there like family. Don’t miss going here is you have the chance. We will be back

😍
Stephanie Brown
2016-06-02 on google

Great local feel! Awesome music and drinks! (Food looks delicious but didn't have any :)

😍
Morgan Myrmo
2016-05-21 on google

Literally the best burger (but not cooked to temp here), fries were amazing too. My girlfriend had a beet salad, excellent. Service slow but friendly, busier than they expected I guess. Worth the wait.

😍
Jen Deburgh
2016-04-02 on google

A great authentic luau with amazing friendly staff. A fun night had by all, you'll definitely leave with a smile on your face.

😍
Ryan Lynn
2016-03-20 on google

Just an all out fun spot, with great food and variety of drinks. There were two women tearing up a guitar and ukulele for a few hours, which set the mood. We didn’t want to leave! We had a pizza and salad, and we almost ordered another pizza to go it was that good! Will def try and make it back here before our honeymoon ends!

🙂
Deb Correia
2016-03-13 on google

I had the ahi poke bowl. The fish was good quality, but it could have used more seasoning, as it was pretty bland. The greens it was served with were fresh, but the avocado wasn't very ripe. My husband shared a burger with my sister, and they thought it was delicious, and were glad they split it. They were busy, so service was a little slow, but very friendly.

😍
Reviewer Klb
2016-03-13 on google

I first went to this classic over 40 years ago on my first trip to Kauai. I was last there 20+ years ago. If is almost unchanged. I did miss the piano on which guests would play entertaining their fellow diners. But, times change and I understand that there are just not that many people who are interested in doing that now. The Maitais are a specialty and the ahi poke bowl is one of the best on the island.

😍
N. W.
2016-01-26 on google

Perfect spot for delicious eats and great live music! Small spot that is a hit in the area and can fill up quite quickly. Had such a great time and would come back here again. Highly recommend!

😀
Armand M
2016-01-17 on google

The pizza is great, the drinks are good and the live bands are awesome. Good over all spot to hang out and have some comfort food.

Questions & Answers

I hear it's bubonic.

You might want to call them about that, they are very nice. My guess is no, but only because it doesn't seem like that type of place...Ive only eaten lunch there and sat at the bar. I definitely recommend their Mai Tai, best on the island in my opinion.

The correct answer is Tapu and Tapu jr. They play some saturday nights.

No

Yes it exists! It is on Kauai Island

Happy hour for sure, not any longer

They do not serve breakfast. They are open at 11:00. They have a menu of lunch and dinner. https://thenui.com/

No
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