On the recommendation of my daughter and son-in-law, who had been to Kauai last spring, my husband and I made reservations for dinner at The Beach House restaurant on the south shore of the island as we were planning our trip there last month. Located in the town of Koloa, it is well-known both for its fine dining and as a perfect vantage point for observing colorful sunsets. Before booking, I looked up the time of sunset on the evening we planned to be there — wouldn’t want to get there too late!
We took advantage of the valet parking and spent a few minutes in the art gallery which shares a lobby with the restaurant as we waited for our table to be ready. Entrance to the dining room is on the upper of two levels which step down to a wall of windows (all folded open to allow the cooling breeze in) fronting a wide, grassy expanse dotted with towering palms just feet above the ocean. We passed through the bar — crowded with folks enjoying cocktails and the view. Stepping down to our table, we could see that there really wasn’t a bad seat in the place, with open sight lines to the lowering sun on the horizon. Out in the bay, just beyond the rocky shoreline, we observed a number of surfers catching the waves before darkness fell. Farther out, a catamaran under sail perfected a postcard moment.
We just had time to peruse the menu and place our order before nearly everyone abandoned their tables to gather at the edge of the lawn to witness a stunning sunset, augmented by a drapery of clouds reflecting pink, gold and orange. We couldn’t have asked for a more lovely close to the day.
The nature show wasn’t quite over, though. As the light and color continued to drain from the sky, we noticed swarms of birds flying in over the water — thousands of them. We quickly realized they were coming to roost in the palms just outside the restaurant . . . and making quite a racket, to boot. Our server told us they were parakeets, not native to the islands but which had descended from escaped domesticated birds which have become quite invasive pests.
Turning our attention to our meal, we started off with an appetizer (pupu) of pork potstickers, served with a pineapple and habanero marmalade. The menu features an eclectic range of dishes, reflecting the blend of cultures found in Hawaii and highlighting the bounty of the ocean and locally sourced fruits and produce. I found my arugula and goat cheese macadamia salad a wonderful blend of textures and flavors as well as a feast for the eyes, with chunks of sugarloaf pineapple and vine-ripened tomatoes brightening the greens. Harry ordered a bowl of coconut corn chowder, another beautiful presentation and sooooo creamy and delicious — thankfully, he was willing to share a few spoonfuls.
We both opted for seafood entrées and were very pleased with our choices. My macadamia nut-crusted fresh-caught mahi-mahi filet was moist and tender, served with cilantro sesame rice, bok choy and oyster mushrooms and a citrus miso buerre blanc sauce. Harry said he would order his fish and coconut stew again and again, and after tasting it, I could see why. Hearty chunks of Big Island lobster swam in a spicy Thai curry broth with peanuts and fresh herbs and came with a serving of organic white rice. What a wonderful blend of flavors! We wrapped up our meal with a light and sublime trio of tropical fruit sorbets.
I would certainly recommend visitors to Kauai plan at least one meal at The Beach House (which serves lunch, too, and is a popular spot for weddings and other special events). Be sure to check when the sun sets on the day of your visit!
— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedBhutan
Apr 17, 2024Mindfulness City in Kingdom of Bhutan Unveiled as Future Economic Hub
In front of an audience of 30,000 Kingdom of Bhutan residents and officials, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan. Located between India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Bhutan came late to global tourism. It opened its borders to international visitors in 1974 and, while tourism definitely increased, residents are enduring “light” rush-hour traffic in Thimphu, its capital city, as the only Asian capital without traffic lights.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 17, 2024Amansara Review
It was more than a car journey; it was a transition between worlds. At our first hotel in Siem Reap, huge coaches constantly pulled up outside the lobby to deposit or receive international tour groups; we departed in very different style, in a 1965 black Mercedes limousine once owned by King Sihanouk. The mundanities of mass tourism were left behind. We progressed through the chaotic Cambodian streets in regal comfort and soon arrived at a solid gate.
Daily
Apr 17, 2024Regent Santa Monica Beach to Debut This Summer
Regent Santa Monica Beach is slated to debut this summer, steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Sponsored Content
A New Perspective on Incentive Travel
Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.
eFlyer News
Apr 17, 2024Aurora Expeditions Welcomes Third Small Ship, “Douglas Mawson,” to Fleet
Earlier this month, Aurora Expeditions announced plans to soon welcome its third small ship, Douglas Mawson, to its fleet. Slated to set sail in 2025, the revolutionary small ship will take an average of 154 passengers to the world’s wildest places. The ship, named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, embodies Mawson’s spirit.
Birder’s Delight at Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Love and Let Fly at Sandals, Beaches Resorts
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Ireland
Apr 17, 2024Is Dublin Airport in Ireland Getting a New Terminal?
A proposed third terminal at Dublin Airport was officially submitted to Fingal County Council earlier this year. The plan proposes adding a third terminal between the two current runways, increasing passenger numbers from 28.1 million passengers in 2022 to 40 million by 2030.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Apr 16, 2024All Aboard for Plant-Based Sailing with GetMyBoat
When it comes to private cruises and short-distance excursions, GetMyBoat is regarded as the world’s largest “Airbnb of Boats” and water experiences. Its Wellness on the Sea, a wholly plant-based wellness and fitness eco-tour experience, is among 130,000 listings in 184 countries worldwide that include guided whale-watching trips, kayak and canoe trips, scuba and snorkeling trips, indulgent luxury yacht journeys, and more.
ShareThis