Princeville Kauai Stay

Princeville Kauai Stay · Groceries Guide

Groceries & Daily Essentials

a few smart stops between the airport and your front door and you'll have everything you need for the whole stay — here's exactly where we go and why

Stocking up on arrival makes a real difference on a Kauai trip — and knowing which stores are actually close, which have the best prices, and which carry the specialty items you're after saves time and stress. From Foodland Princeville at the top of the hill to Costco in Lihue for bulk runs, these are the stores we use ourselves.

Closest to Home · Princeville

⭐ Closest Store · Princeville · North Shore

Foodland Princeville

★★★★★

The largest grocery store on the North Shore and your most convenient day-to-day option — right in the Princeville Shopping Center, less than 5 minutes from the properties. Foodland is the go-to chain for locals island-wide, and the Princeville location carries a full range including fresh produce, local fish and poke, prepared foods, deli, bakery, and pharmacy. Their Makai rewards card saves meaningfully on every visit and is free to get at the register.

💎 Host Tip: Stop here first on arrival day to stock the kitchen before settling in — it's right on the way from the highway. The poke counter is excellent and one of the best quick dinners on the North Shore. Pick up a Makai card at the register on your first visit; it pays for itself quickly.
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Grocery note for Kauai: Prices island-wide run higher than the mainland — it's the reality of shipping everything across the Pacific. For the best value on staples, paper goods, sunscreen, and bulk items, Costco in Lihue is worth a dedicated stop early in your trip. Bring a cooler bag for the drive back north.

North Shore — Princeville, Hanalei & Kilauea

Hanalei · North Shore Full Service

Big Save Market — Hanalei

★★★★☆

Hanalei's main grocery store, tucked inside Ching Young Village shopping center in the heart of town. Part of the Times Supermarket family, Big Save is a solid full-service option with good produce, meat, beer and wine, and all the staples you need. Convenient when you're already in Hanalei — easy to pop in before or after the beach.

  • Ching Young Village, 5-5172 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
  • Check current hours before visiting
  • Full service — produce, meat, deli, beer & wine

💎 Host Tip: Great for a mid-trip Hanalei top-up. Parking in Ching Young can be tight on busy summer days — go early morning or late afternoon.

Directions →
Hanalei · North Shore Natural · Organic

Harvest Market

★★★★★

Hanalei's beloved natural and organic grocery — just steps from Hanalei Bay and a five-minute walk to the beach. Harvest Market is the North Shore's source for the best organic produce, natural groceries, nutritional supplements, and body care. Their soup and salad bar deli is excellent for a quick healthy lunch, and the staff are genuinely knowledgeable and warm.

  • 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
  • Organic produce, supplements, body care, natural deli
  • Walk to Hanalei Bay from the front door

💎 Host Tip: Our favorite for organic produce and deli grab-and-go on Hanalei beach days. Smaller than Papaya's but more curated and deeply local in feel.

Directions →
Hanalei · North Shore Local · Specialty

Hanalei Market

★★★★☆

A full-service grocery in the Hanalei Dolphin Center with an exceptional fresh-cut local fish counter — one of the best places on the North Shore to pick up sashimi-grade ahi, mahi-mahi, and fresh island catch to cook at the villa. Also carries organic salad mixes, sushi, garlic bread, and seafood chowder. Has a Subway inside for quick sandwiches.

  • Hanalei Dolphin Center, 5-5016 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
  • Fresh-cut local Hawaiian fish — excellent quality
  • Organic salad mixes, sushi, seafood chowder

💎 Host Tip: If you're cooking fish at the villa, this is the best stop on the North Shore. The fish counter staff are knowledgeable and will cut to order.

Directions →
Kilauea · North Shore Full Service · New

Kilauea Market & Cafe

★★★★★

The newest and most exciting full-service grocery on the North Shore — anchoring the beautiful Kilauea Plantation Center which opened in 2021. A full supermarket with an excellent organic and local selection, fresh produce, meat, deli, and an in-store cafe. The Plantation Center setting makes this one of the most pleasant grocery runs on the island — surrounded by other great shops including Java Kai Coffee and Island Soap & Candle.

  • 4270 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea Plantation Center
  • Full service — strong organic and local product selection
  • In-store cafe · Beautiful open-air center setting

💎 Host Tip: Worth making a dedicated trip — grab groceries, then coffee at Java Kai and browse the shops. One of the most enjoyable errand stops on the North Shore.

Directions →
Kilauea · North Shore Natural · Organic

Healthy Hut Market & Cafe

★★★★★

A gem of a natural foods store tucked just off Kuhio Highway in Kilauea — warm, community-rooted, and stocked with an excellent selection of organic groceries, local produce, bulk foods, gluten-free items, raw foods, supplements, natural beauty products, and quality chocolate. Their cafe and fresh juice bar are wonderful for a mid-errand refresh. The kind of store where the staff actually know what they're talking about.

  • 4480 Hookui Road, Kilauea
  • Organic produce, bulk, gluten-free, raw, supplements
  • In-store cafe and fresh juice bar
  • Beer, wine, natural beauty, sunscreen

💎 Host Tip: This is the North Shore's best-kept natural foods secret. Less expensive and more authentically local than Harvest Market — and the juice bar makes the whole stop worthwhile.

Directions →
Wainiha · North Shore General Store

Wainiha General Store

★★★★☆

The last stop before the road ends at Haena — a no-frills, wonderfully old-school general store that has been serving the far North Shore since 1975. If you're heading to Ke'e Beach or Na Pali and need ice, beer, sunscreen, ice cream, or a quick snack, this is your only option past Hanalei. Part of the charm of the drive.

  • 5-5785A Kuhio Hwy, Wainiha — past Hanalei toward Na Pali
  • Beer, ice, snacks, ice cream, basic essentials
  • Last store before Haena State Park — since 1975

💎 Host Tip: Stock the cooler here before Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau trailhead. Don't expect mainland prices or selection — just cold drinks and good stories.

Directions →

East Side & Lihue — Kapaa, Waipouli & Lihue

Lihue · Best Value Bulk · Best Prices

Costco

★★★★★

The single best value stop on the island — and well worth a dedicated early-trip visit from the North Shore. Costco Kauai carries local fish, fresh fruit, produce, bakery, prepared meals, wine and spirits, sunscreen, and household essentials at prices that make everything else feel steep. Their local fish and poke selection is genuinely excellent. Membership required but pays back immediately on Kauai prices.

  • Lihue · Membership required
  • Local fish, poke, produce, wine, spirits, household
  • Sunscreen at a fraction of North Shore pharmacy prices
  • Hot dog + soda still $1.50 — an island institution

💎 Host Tip: Make this your first major stop after landing — stock the big items here, then supplement locally throughout the week. Bring a cooler bag for the drive north. Get sunscreen here; it's a fraction of the price anywhere else on island.

Directions →
Lihue · East Side Full Service · Chain

Safeway — Lihue

★★★★☆

A large, modern 24-hour Safeway at Hokulei Village in Lihue — 122,400 square feet of full-service shopping including deli, bakery, pharmacy, Starbucks, and bank. One of the most complete grocery stores on the island and the most convenient chain option near the airport. Get a free Club Card at the register to unlock weekly sale prices.

  • 4454 Nuhou St, Lihue (Hokulei Village)
  • Full deli, bakery, pharmacy, Starbucks, bank
  • Free Club Card for sale pricing — link to your home Safeway

💎 Host Tip: Convenient landing-day stop near the airport. Download the Safeway app before your trip to unlock additional Just for You savings on top of the Club Card.

Directions →
Kapaa · East Side Full Service · Chain

Safeway — Kapaa

★★★★☆

A second Safeway location on the East Side in Kapaa — a convenient mid-island stop if you're heading back north and realize you forgot something after a Lihue run. Same full-service format as the Lihue location, with fresh deli, produce, bakery, and full grocery. Good fallback when you don't want to drive all the way to Lihue.

  • Kapaa · Full service grocery chain
  • Convenient northbound stop on Kuhio Hwy
  • Same Club Card and app savings as Lihue location

💎 Host Tip: The East Side location is less crowded than Lihue. Good for a quick top-up on the drive back from a South or East Side day.

Directions →
Kapaa · East Side Natural · Organic

Papaya's Natural Foods & Cafe

★★★★★

The largest natural foods store on the island — a Kapaa institution in the Kauai Village Shopping Center courtyard. Papaya's carries the best selection of Kauai Grown and Kauai Made products anywhere, daily deliveries from local farmers, a full salad and soup bar, smoothies, juices, and legendary fish tacos and taro burgers from their cafe. Over 100 local vendors represented.

  • 4-831 Kuhio Hwy, Kauai Village, Kapaa
  • Largest natural foods store on Kauai — 100+ local vendors
  • In-store cafe: fish tacos, taro burgers, smoothies, salad bar
  • Bulk section, vitamins, supplements, natural beauty

💎 Host Tip: The fish tacos and salad bar are a meal in themselves — this is a great lunch destination as much as a grocery stop. The cafe's smoothie bowls are outstanding.

Directions →
Kapaa · East Side Natural · Best Value

Hoku Foods Natural Market

★★★★★

The best-value natural foods store on the island — consistently praised for having organic and GMO-free products at prices that don't punish you for eating well. A local favorite with a beautiful 40-foot mural on the facade, excellent bulk section, local produce, fermented foods, supplements, and eco-friendly household products. Two locations: Kapaa and Koloa.

  • Kapaa location on Kuhio Hwy
  • Best organic prices on island — no markup gouging
  • Bulk section, fermented foods, local produce
  • Also in Koloa — convenient for South Shore days

💎 Host Tip: If you care about eating organic without breaking the bank, make this your regular stop. Far better value than Harvest Market or Papaya's for the same quality products.

Directions →
Kapaa · East Side Full Service

Big Save Market — Kapaa

★★★★☆

A reliable full-service Big Save on the East Side — part of the Times Supermarket family and a trusted local staple. Good produce, fresh meat, deli, and all the essentials at reasonable prices. A solid everyday option for guests staying on the East Side or making a Kapaa stop on a North Shore drive.

  • Kapaa · Full service everyday grocery
  • Produce, meat, deli, beer & wine
  • Reliable and well-priced for a mid-island stop

💎 Host Tip: Good backup when Safeway feels too busy. The Kapaa Big Save is less crowded and easy to navigate for a quick shop.

Directions →
Lihue · East Side Big Box · Household

Target

★★★★☆

Lihue's Target is a great stop for household essentials, toiletries, sunscreen, beach gear, and a limited but useful grocery section covering dry goods, snacks, drinks, and frozen food. Not a full grocery store, but excellent for restocking non-food essentials without Costco prices or membership requirements.

  • Lihue · Household, toiletries, limited grocery
  • Great for sunscreen, beach gear, travel essentials
  • No membership required · Order pickup available

💎 Host Tip: Pair with a Costco run nearby for a complete Lihue provision day. Beware of spotty cell service inside — download your list before entering.

Directions →
Lihue · East Side Big Box · Dry Goods

Walmart

★★★☆☆

Lihue's Walmart is a standard location — not a Supercenter, so no fresh produce, deli, or meat. Useful for dry goods, canned food, frozen items, household products, and paper goods at low prices. If you need a large flat of bottled water, bulk snacks, or cleaning supplies, this is the most affordable option on the island.

  • Lihue · Dry goods, canned, frozen, household only
  • No fresh produce, deli, or fresh meat
  • Best for bulk dry goods and household supplies

💎 Host Tip: Go here for paper towels, trash bags, and bottled water. For actual groceries go to Safeway or Costco instead.

Directions →

South Shore — Poipu, Koloa & Kalaheo

Poipu · South Shore Gourmet · Organic

Living Foods Market & Cafe

★★★★★

The most refined grocery experience on the island — tucked inside The Shops at Kukuiula in Poipu. Living Foods carries an extensive curated wine selection, gourmet pantry goods, organic produce, natural groceries, and a deli and cafe with a European-style menu. This is where you come when you want to cook something genuinely special at the villa, or pick up an exceptional bottle of wine for a Poipu evening.

  • The Shops at Kukuiula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka, Poipu
  • Extensive wine cellar — best wine selection on island
  • Gourmet pantry, organic produce, artisan deli cafe
  • European-style cafe menu — breakfast and lunch

💎 Host Tip: Stop here for a beautiful bottle of Kauai wine night or a gourmet cheese and charcuterie spread on the lanai. The cafe is also a lovely breakfast stop before Poipu beach.

Directions →
Koloa · South Shore Local · Organic

Kukuiula Market

★★★★★

A locally owned South Shore gem in Koloa — the southside's best source for organic produce, gluten-free products, and local goods at reasonable prices. Kukuiula Market has a good meat selection, a fresh juice bar, and a curated natural grocery section. Beloved by Poipu and Koloa regulars who want local quality without the full gourmet markup of Living Foods.

  • 2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa
  • Organic produce, gluten-free, local goods, juice bar
  • Good meat selection — locally owned and operated

💎 Host Tip: The juice bar is one of the best quick stops in Koloa. Great for a morning green juice before heading to Poipu Beach.

Directions →
Koloa · South Shore Local · Family Owned

Sueoka Store

★★★★★

A Koloa institution with 90 years of family ownership — one of the most beloved local stores on the island. Sueoka's carries an outstanding selection of Asian and Filipino groceries, cooking staples, seasonings, and local products you won't find anywhere else. Shopping here feels like stepping into the real Kauai — warm staff, incredible selection, and a genuine community anchor.

  • 5392 Koloa Rd, Koloa
  • 90 years of family ownership — Koloa institution
  • Asian and Filipino specialty groceries and seasonings
  • Local products and staples not found in chain stores

💎 Host Tip: Don't miss the local specialty aisle — the selection of Hawaiian seasonings, sauces, and shelf-stable local products makes for exceptional souvenirs to bring home.

Directions →
Koloa · South Shore Full Service

Big Save Market — Koloa

★★★★☆

The full-service grocery anchor in Koloa — a dependable everyday option for South Shore guests. Good produce, fresh meat, deli, beer and wine, and all the staples. Conveniently located on Koloa Road near Old Koloa Town, making it an easy fold-in on any South Shore day.

  • 5516 Koloa Rd, Koloa
  • Full service — produce, meat, deli, beer & wine
  • Convenient to Old Koloa Town and Poipu

💎 Host Tip: The most convenient full grocery run when you're on the South Shore. Pair with a walk through Old Koloa Town after.

Directions →
Koloa · South Shore Natural · Organic

Hoku Foods — Koloa

★★★★★

The South Shore outpost of the island's best-value natural foods store. Same excellent organic and GMO-free selection as the Kapaa location — local produce, bulk foods, fermented items, supplements, and eco-friendly household products at the fairest organic prices on the island. A reliable South Shore option for health-conscious guests.

  • Koloa location
  • Best-value organic grocery on the South Shore
  • Bulk foods, local produce, supplements

💎 Host Tip: If you're staying South Shore and eating organic, this is your anchor store. The prices make a real difference over a week-long stay.

Directions →
Poipu · South Shore Convenience

Whalers General Store

★★★★☆

A convenient grab-and-go general store in Poipu Shopping Village — perfect for picking up snacks, drinks, sunscreen, beach essentials, and basic pantry items without driving to Koloa. Not a full grocery store, but a reliable last-minute stop when you're already in Poipu and realize you need something quick.

  • Poipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr
  • Snacks, drinks, sunscreen, beach essentials
  • Convenient Poipu grab-and-go

💎 Host Tip: Great for a quick top-up before Poipu Beach without backtracking to Koloa. Prices are convenience-store level — stock the big items elsewhere.

Directions →

West Side — Waimea, Eleele & Hanapepe

Waimea · West Side Local · Poke Famous

Ishihara Market

★★★★★

A legendary local market in Waimea with a poke counter that many consider the best on the entire island — a bold claim that is regularly backed up by both locals and visitors. Ishihara's is a full-service local grocery with fresh produce, meat, and a deli, but the poke is the reason people make special trips. If you're heading to Waimea Canyon, a poke stop here is essential.

  • Waimea · Full service with legendary poke counter
  • Widely regarded as the best poke on Kauai
  • Fresh produce, meat, deli

💎 Host Tip: Get the poke before heading up Waimea Canyon — grab a container and eat it at one of the canyon lookouts. One of the best meals on the island for under $15.

Directions →
Waimea · West Side Full Service

Big Save Market — Waimea

★★★★☆

The main full-service grocery on the West Side — a dependable everyday option for guests spending time in Waimea or heading to the canyon. Good produce, meat, deli, and all the staples at reliable Big Save prices. The most practical grocery stop on the western end of the island.

  • Waimea · Full service everyday grocery
  • Best full grocery option on the West Side
  • Convenient for Waimea Canyon day trips

💎 Host Tip: Stock up here before canyon hikes — it's the last real grocery store before heading into the mountains.

Directions →
Eleele · West Side Full Service

Big Save Market — Eleele

★★★★☆

The Big Save serving the Eleele and Port Allen area — a full-service grocery covering all the essentials for the west side of the island. Useful for guests passing through on the way to or from Waimea, Hanapepe, or the Glass Beach area.

  • Eleele · Full service everyday grocery
  • Serves Port Allen and Hanapepe area
  • Good mid-West Side stop

💎 Host Tip: Handy if you're doing a full West Side day hitting Hanapepe, Glass Beach, and Waimea — stock snacks and drinks here before heading further west.

Directions →

Regions

North Shore — Princeville, Hanalei & Kilauea
Lihue & East Side — Kapaa, Waipouli & Lihue
South Shore — Poipu, Koloa & Kalaheo
West Side — Waimea, Eleele & Hanapepe

Store hours, locations, and offerings change periodically. We recommend confirming current hours before making a dedicated trip. Prices on Kauai run higher than mainland averages due to shipping costs — Costco and Safeway generally offer the best value for staples. Your hosts are always happy to give a current recommendation — just ask.

7203105381

4919 Pepelani Loop, Princeville, USA, United States 96722.
[email protected]
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