Lawai'a Fish Co.
About This Spot
Stepping into Lawai'a Fish Co. feels like arriving at a cherished neighborhood secret—one where the everyday rhythms of island life mingle effortlessly with the hum of genuine connections and shared local stories. The modest storefront on Peleke Street might not catch your eye at first glance, but once inside, there’s a welcoming warmth that resonates through the simple wooden counters and bustling display of fresh fish. It’s a place where time slows just enough to savor the essence of Kauai’s ocean bounty without fuss or pretense.
The pace here is unhurried but purposeful, shaped by a community that knows what’s worth waiting for—a poke bowl that’s not just food but a personal introduction to the island’s flavors, or smoked fish with a whisper of fire and sea salt. Behind the counter, familiar faces greet visitors with smiles that feel sincere, as if sharing a piece of their daily life with newcomers and longtime locals alike. Whether you wander in after a rainy morning or seek a quick, satisfying meal before heading off on an island adventure, the atmosphere is quietly comforting and refreshingly real.
There’s a tactile joy in choosing from the colorful array of poke, where each bite reflects a harmony of tradition and subtle twists—seasonings that surprise without overwhelming, freshness that simply can’t be rushed. And beyond the raw offerings, the ever-changing selection of hot dishes stitches together the kind of variety that honors both the sea and the heart of home cooking. Lawai'a isn’t aiming to dazzle with fancy plating; instead, it invites you to slow down, taste deeply, and find your own favorite among its flavors.
Local regulars and island visitors alike find something quietly special here—whether it’s a hearty lunch box brimming with the day’s best catches or a moment of respite from the hectic pace of travel. It’s a reminder that some places endure because they offer more than just food; they offer a grounded experience, woven through with kindness and the simple, shared love of the sea.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as women-owned - Small Business
- On-site services
- Delivery
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 06:30 AM - 02:30 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 06:30 AM - 02:30 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | Closed | |
| Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Guest Reviews
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Jennifer Jackson 08 Nov 2025
This is the best Poke on island, I have gone to most of the others, but I kind of just went once. Lawai'a though I keep coming back to. Their best stuff is the bottom row of poke, it is their most unique flavors, and all really good. Their smoked fish is also really good. I also often get their hot food, which changes constantly in selection, their fired chicken and salmon belly is tasty. The staff is friendly, when I got some ama ebi from them to cook, when I came back for poke they asked about what I did with them.
Craig 05 Nov 2025
Was recommended this place by one of my tour guides while visiting the Island. I decided to check it out and walked in the pouring rain to get there. I was soaking wet but greeted with smiles and was asked if I needed a towel. I took them up on the offer and I asked if this was a normal occurrence and they said no. I get to ordering my poke bowl with the garlic scallops my tour guide recommended and also got the spicy ahi that was recommended by the staff as well as a bowl of clam chowder. After I paid they then offered to give me a ride back so I didn't have to walk back in the pouring rain. The food was amazing and somehow the staff was even better. I hope to return again because this will be a spot I rave about to people.
Xiaoli Le (抱抱博士不知道) 27 Oct 2025
Absolutely the best experience we had during our stay in Kauai! We had just missed our flight and were feeling really down—until we stumbled upon Lawai'a Fish Co. This place completely turned our day around. The seafood here is incredibly fresh and perfectly seasoned. Everything we tried was delicious, especially the poke, the soy sauce crab, and even the fried chicken! Prices are very reasonable for the quality, and the location is super convenient—just a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from the airport. But what truly sets this place apart is the kindness and warmth of the owners. When they saw us struggling to get a taxi, the lovely owner generously offered to drive my husband and me to our car rental spot. It was such a genuine act of kindness and made us feel so cared for. This isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to feel welcome. 10/10 stars. If you’re in Kauai, don’t miss this gem!
Anthony Bonnett 23 Oct 2025
First thing we did when got off the plane was go here for lunch. This not just a market but a hidden gem that many of the locals love and frequent often. You do see a few tourists here but they are the exception not the norm. When you get a lunch special they pile a pound or two of food into your box and you will not go hungry along with whoever you are sharing it with. If the lunch specials are not to your taste, then start trying their Poke which is the freshest on the island. They give free samples to find the one or more that fits your taste. It is a locally owned family fish market that just happens to serve food. No seating inside, just picnic tables outside with umbrellas. As always watch out for the chickens they are sneaky. In the picture is the ahi tuna belly daily special with spicy baby scallops. The sauce was absolutely wonderful.
Mike Ropicky 24 Sep 2025
For starters. This is not a tourist place. It’s a no nonsense fish store with a food service counter. If you’re looking for a nice sit down establishment with tablecloths. Don’t come here. But if you want some of the freshest seafood and best Poke’ on Kauai, then you found a winner. I am hesitant to write a review because this place is so good I want to keep it to the locals and myself when I visit. We love down to earth places with no pretentiousness. This was sooooo local — and sits in an industrial park area - no where near the ocean or where a typical tourist would roam. And that’s also what makes it so special. The staff is wonderful - and very helpful. And the seafood and Poke’ choices are abundant. Everything is super fresh! I don’t think the Ahi or Salmon had stopped swimming an hour earlier! If you want the softshell crab, you better be there before 7:30am. Otherwise it’s sold out for the day! We each ordered a poke’ bowl w 2 choices, sat outside on a picnic table while watching the cars go by. Absolutely loved it. Make sure you get the added sauces they make and some dried onion added in! Others we noted were standing and eating in the parking lot! It’s worth it! Highly Highly recommend! I plan to go back and try the fried chicken and some other variants of the poke. If I can get up early enough, I will get the softshell crab!
Calvin Ho 23 Sep 2025
My poke bowl came with rice by mistake, but it was still good. Staff are kind and friendly. There was a good variety of options on the menu which made it hard to choose. Would return to try more.
J M 16 Sep 2025
Been in Kaua’i 4 days and have come here 4 days in a row. Fish is super fresh. Can’t go wrong with anything. Great prices, great service, great selection! So far my favorite is the spicy ahi poke with all of the toppings!