First time to Kauai
 

We will be making our first trip to Kauai at the end of June. We will be staying at the Hyatt. We are looking for ideas for restaurants. We like a good hamburger to fine dining prefer (Italian)
Also we love the beach and snorkeling. Where are the best snorkeling spots?

We like Keoki's Paradise in Poipu Shopping Village. Had the best Hula Pie there. Also, we always try every Roy's restaurant we find on our travels.

All of the restaurants at the Hyatt are high on our list -- and you'll have excellent Italian food at their Dondero's (with ocean/sunset views). Roy's is just down the road...same shopping center as the aforementioned Keoki's Paradise. Drive into Koloa and you'll find even more places for casual dining...from burgers to pizza and beyond. 8-)

Joe's on the Green at the Poipu Golf Course is a nice spot for breakfast.

Casa di Amici in Poipu was tasty and interesting.

-Bill

We found Ke'e to have the very best snorkeling. I also really enjoyed Tunnels, but it was hard to get to.

Tidepools was an amazing restaurant.

I agree with the above comments on dining. For Italian, we also like Pomodoro and Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo.
The best snorkeling on the South Shore is at Koloa Landing, but there is no beach there. You park nearby, put on your fins, et al, snorkel, then get back in your car and go somewhere else. Second best site is in front of the Beach House Restaurant. There, when not snorkeling, you have a choice of lying on the beach or the nice grass (with some shade) in front of the restaurant.
We'll be back for the 7th time in 3 weeks and can't wait. You will love Kauai.

How about BBQ? We really enjoyed Scott's Beachside BBQ in Kapaa. The view was outstanding and the BBQ was good.

Mike Honeycutt

Is A Pacific Cafe still around? We loved it when we were there, 7 years ago. We also liked the Beach House restaurant and the snorkeling next to it.

I second Iamq's Casa d'Amici. Love their Procini encrusted chicken with cherry glaze. Also, like Cafe Portofino's next to Duke's at Kalapaki Bay.

A Pacific Cafe closed 2 or so years ago.

Postcards up in dreaded Hanalei is a great spot for fish and other non-meat items.

-Bill

Hamura's Saimin for noodles and local color for less than 10 bucks a person.
Duane's Ono Burger in Anahola for great burgers (long wait is usual, however).
Kintaro's for excellent Japanese at mid-range prices.
Roy's for superb Asian fusion at high prices.
Beach House for combo of food and ambience--pricey.
Sushi Blues in Hanalei--nice food in great atmosphere, not too expensive.
Hanalei Dolphin for solid fish at mid-range-plus prices.
Brick Oven for yummy pizza at okay prices.
Jo Jo's Shave Ice -- simply the best.
Overrated: Keoki's, Duke's, Coconuts, Zelos.

My wife and I don't snorkel much, but for overall beach ambience, don't miss: Maha-ulepu, Hanalei, Tunnels-Kee, Larsen's, Secret, Lumahai, Moloaa, Poipu Park, Salt Pond, Kekaha, Polihale.