With Love From Hanalei
Blog 2 - Eating Gluten-Free in Hanalei - My Personal Guide
Here’s a look at my personal experience with eating gluten-free in Hanalei. Honestly, gluten-free travel has been one of the most challenging parts of my life. I’ve been gluten-free for about 14 years now, and while it has gotten easier, it’s still pretty tough to eat out in most places.
What I’ve learned is that research is everything. So I hope this blog helps you figure out what you can and can’t eat in Hanalei—without the stress.
Because I’m a visual person, I’m going to walk you through town from one end to the other, listing my favorite gluten-free stops as you go. Here we go!
First Stop: Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market
Right as you enter Hanalei town, the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market is one of the easiest and most convenient places to stop. They sell beautiful, fresh sushi rolls that are perfect for grab-and-go. I love taking them to the beach for sunset or tossing them into a cooler for later.
It’s kind of like having sushi sandwich-style—super portable.
Bonus: They offer gluten-free soy sauce, and all of the rolls (except the soft shell crab) are gluten-free.
This place is definitely a must-stop for an easy, delicious option.
Next Stop: Slow Yourself Down
Just down the road is Slow Yourself Down, where they serve açaí bowls and (in the mornings) usually have gluten-free pastries or cookies. It depends on the day, but I’ve found great options here.
My go-to drink? The Magic Dragon Juice—so good! And they also have great coffee.
Hanalei Liquor Store Food Truck Lot
Further down is the little food truck area near the Hanalei liquor store. One of my absolute favorites here is:
Fresh Bite
This truck gives you four ways to order: salad, bowl, sandwich, or wrap.
The gluten-free options are the salad and the quinoa bowl. Both are fresh, flavorful, and filling.
They also have specials, and you can usually get fries or even fresh Ulu fries which is Hawaiian word for breadfruit! Yum!
(As always, double-check for cross-contamination if you’re super sensitive.)
Da Fazenda
Next to Fresh Bite is Da Fazenda, a Brazilian Food Truck. Everything I’ve tried is amazing, and everything on their menu is gluten-free.
My favorites:
Moqueca - their fish stew
Brazilian Plate - beef or chicken skewer with rice, beans, salad, and collard greens
And now for the best part:
👉 The Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) – it’s gluten-free and completely addictive.
Pro tip: Don’t share. You get 3 pieces per order, and you’ll wish you had more.
I also love their Brazilian iced tea—definitely worth trying.
Hanalei Burger
They’ll wrap your burger in lettuce upon request, and the fries are super tasty. Just be aware of potential cross-contamination depending on your sensitivity—ask when ordering.
Thai elephant
If they’re open (hours can vary), I love their Pad Thai with tofu—I’m not vegetarian, but it’s honestly that good. The green papaya salad is gluten-free, and of course:
✨ Mango sticky rice. Don’t skip it.
Holey Grail Donuts – Read This First
There’s a lot of confusion online about whether Holy Grail Donuts are gluten-free. They aren’t. They use a low-gluten flour, so there’s still gluten present.
If you’re highly sensitive (like me), I suggest you skip the donuts and don’t risk it—especially while you’re on vacation.
However: Their chai is delicious, and their house-made nut milks are amazing. So definitely stop in for a drink.
Wake Up Delicious
Driving past the food trucks right next to a cute surf shop (Hawaiian Surfing Adventures!) is Wake Up Delicious! I don’t eat here often for lunch, as there aren’t many gluten-free options, but…
The Kalua pig is usually gluten-free
For breakfast, they often have gluten-free bread (not fancy, but it hits the spot)
Sometimes you just need toast with your eggs, and they’ve got you covered.
Hanalei Poke @ Ching Young Marketplace
I love this spot for poke bowls. I usually order half salad, half rice. They used to serve sushi rice, and if you’re reading this, Jeremy—please bring it back!
For now, I usually stick to salad since I’m not a big fan of plain rice.
Everything is served with gluten-free tamari, and the salad dressing is usually gluten-free too.
Hanalei Market
This is one of my go-to spots. It’s a small natural food store with a hot food bar in the back, and there are often several clearly labeled gluten-free options.
Everything I’ve had here has been so good—I honestly wish the woman who cooks there could just make all my meals!
They also stock gluten-free sandwiches in the cooler for quick grab-and-go meals.
If you see the gluten-free chocolate cake or carrot cake, BUY IT. Don’t think—just get it and eat the whole thing. It’s that good.
Also a great place to stock up on snacks for hikes or beach days—bars, chips, cookies, etc.
Hanalei Bread Co.
Hanalei Bread Co. is a great morning spot to check out.
They usually have gluten-free bread, so you can enjoy any of their toast/sandwich options gluten-free. They also carry some gluten-free pastries—although, sadly, they’ve discontinued my favorite almond cake. (AJ, if you’re reading this, please bring it back!) Even though the almond cake is gone, I still love their gluten-free banana bread. It’s perfect to grab on your way out so you have a little snack for the beach.
Last Stop: Quick Dinner Note – Ama
One of my favorite dinner spots in town is Ama, tucked behind Barracuda.
They have gluten-free ramen (!!) and can modify most dishes to be gluten-free.
They’re super accommodating and everything I’ve tried has been delicious. Make a reservation early, or plan to show up right at 5 p.m. and hope for a walk-in table—they usually keep a few open.
Final Thoughts
That’s my personal gluten-free lunch and snack roundup for Hanalei! I hope it makes your trip easier, tastier, and less stressful.
Let me know if you try any of these spots or discover new ones—I’d love to hear what works for you!
Instructor Highlight
Tapuarii “Tapu” Laughlin
If you're booking surf lessons in Kauai with Hawaiian Surfing Adventures, you might get lucky and catch some waves with Tapuarii Laughlin, known by most as Tapu. Born and raised on the North Shore of Kauai, Tapu has been surfing his whole life—and brings that deep island connection to every lesson he teaches.
Meet Tapu:
Age: 27
From: North Shore, Kauai
Nickname: Tapu
Surfing Since: Day one
Vibe in Three Words: Aquaman’s chubby double 😄
Spirit Animal: Killer whale 🐋
Why He Loves Teaching Surf Lessons
Tapu loves teaching because of the “surf stoke smile” people get while surfing—it’s that look people get the moment they catch their first wave. As one of our most passionate surf instructors in Hanalei Bay, he brings a fun, relaxed energy that makes learning to surf feel natural and exciting.
Island Insights from Tapu
Pro Tip for Visitors: “Surf at least once in Kauai… and try some poke!”
Favorite Day Off: Hanging at the beach with his family (including his three boys—all under age three!)
Surf Style Inspiration: His mom 🤙
Kauai in One Sentence: “The Garden Isle… or God’s country.”
Fun Fact:
Most people are surprised to learn that Tapu is a proud father of three young boys—and yes, they’re all under the age of three!
Favorite Surf Memory:
“Surfing in Tahiti with killer whales.” Doesn’t get more epic than that!
Want to surf with Tapu? Book your next lesson with us by visiting the surf lessons page or click book a lesson at the top of your screen!
