I am hoping fellow Fodorites can help. We'll be visiting Kauai next month staying in Poipu and need some help finding restaurants that can accommodate a special diet. One family member has a medical condition that requires very low fat food or problems could be triggered that require hospitalization. We can try to order heart healthy but so far are not finding a lot of options on the menus for Tidepools, Dukes, Roy's or the Beach House. What we need are simple dishes like roast chicken, turkey, fresh vegetables, shrimp, salads, low fat fish (no salmon), dry cereals and toast for breakfast, simple sandwiches for lunch. Taking this into account can you suggest any restaurants for us? We would really appreciate your help.

Also can anyone tell us what local Kauai stores carry Ensure?

I have a friend with similar issues.

He looks at the menu, then has a talk with the waiter. He usually orders plain pasta, no salt or butter; steamed vegetables, ditto; steamed fish, ditto. I have eaten with him on a number of occasions, and this has never been a problem.

You can't expect to order off the menu itself. You can only use it as a guide for the kinds of things they have in the kitchen. It is usually easier for them to do a special than to modify an existing recipe.

It helps to explain that this is a medical issue, not just spoiled entitlement.

I think that is a good suggestion ackislander, because it also puts the waiter on notice of the special restrictions and he can pass it onto the chef. Just ordering something you think might be low fat or healthy from the menu might not be.

Thank you. Once we narrow down the restaurants I will call a couple of them and ask how they can accommodate us.

Will they have access to a frig in the hotel room? Shopping at a grocery store can be a really good idea, to supplement always trying to get what you need in restaurants.

I do agree that you need to talk with the waiter/chef, not expect to see just what you need on a printed menu.

I agree with the above. We have a friend with a special needs diet that we often dine with. He has never had a problem. He speaks with the waiter and always gets what he needs.

Thanks all. Yes we will have refrigerators in our rooms, that was an important element in our choice of hotel.

We also need to find some lowfat Ensure on the island and are hoping to hit a grocery store between the airport and Poipu. Anyone know where they stock that?

http://www.yellowpages.com/poipu-hi/...Fe4-MgodwTYAsg

This is a list of grocery stores in your area. You could email or call asking about the Ensure.

Thanks CD, very much appreciated!

Aloha from Kauai
I recently helped a family of 18 from Colorado staying at the Marriott Waiohai with specific dietary concerns due to an elderly heart patient (no sodium/fat free)and a child with digetive restrictions(lactose intolerant/gluten free). Happy to report that Roy's, Josselins in Poipu and Hukilau in Kapaa were extremely accomodating. All the ingredients for any specific requests are usually there waiting to be cooked/combined/served in whatever combination or specifics. Simple grilled fish, steamed veggies, no butter, no salt, have all been dealt with by awesome chefs. Most reputable restaurants will do anything per request and are familiar with the unusual and will graciously accomodate. Definitely call ahead or speak with the floor manager upon arrival and share your requests. Eateries that have been thriving for awhile with ensure you are styled. Harvest markets are abundant with local products. have a fun vacation.

Thank you Kauaistyle--much appreciated!

too ad you are renting a condo where you could cook what you need. I hope you find that the restaurants on Kauai are accommodating. Please report back when you return home. I love this Island and would hope that they can help you enjoy it.....

Shar, it was the relative's choice to stay in a hotel rather than condo--couldn't find one with the same level of amenities as the Hyatt. And they don't want to spend their vacation cooking. We shall see how it all turns out and I will report.

Just want to report that we had an excellent experience for the family birthday dinner at The Beach House. DH called them one day before the trip and spoke to one of the chefs. As it turned out he has a relative with a similar condition and assured us they could prepare a wonderful dinner for all of our party--and they did. We had great meals at sunset and fabulous desserts.