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It was our 1st time to eat here.So when we planed to come here I so was excited!..We came here for a Mother's Day luncheon.It was quite bz.Luckily we didn't have to wait that long for a table..So here you have to place your orders then you go and find an open table.Also I didn't know you have to get your own water and condiments.Also Sadly they were sold out of almost everything on the menu.So we had to settle for either chili or Portuguese bean soup.Of course we were disappointed.So with the soup's we also got there corn bread.I must say everything was good!.Although The portions were alittle skimpy for the price.Customer service is okay.At least we got complimentary chocolate covered strawberries. Hopefully next time they won't be sold out?.
This is a great place to eat after a hike on any of the trails from the lookout points along Waimea Canyon. It can get busy and the line can get long around lunch, so be prepared to wait just in case. They had live music when we were there which was a nice touch. There's plenty of seating and also a gift shop to buy any souvenirs. The food was delicious. The potatoes were crispy and loaded with the toppings which gave a lot of flavor. The cornbread came out super quick and is a nice appetizer to hold you over while waiting for food. This place is quick service, so you order at a counter and then wait at a table with a number for your food. It didn't take too long, but it was nice to enjoy the lodge atmosphere while waiting for food. Parking can be a little difficult if you choose a nice day as the spots are shared with a museum and field. Overall, this place is a great place to grab a bite for lunch.
We like it here. It was our 2nd time. Service has been very nice. Its the only place to eat when u come up to Waimea Canyon but its beautiful and has a cozy library type of feel. I read Plato to my daughter here the first time and Shel Silverstein Falling Up and a Keiki Hawaii book the second time. You can tell they care about the food and service. We heart you Koke'e Lodge.
This place was awesome! We're surrounded by beautiful forest, meadows, and wild chickens throughout!! The service was prompt and excellent! I had a cheeseburger, we had some loaded, mashed potatoes, and the grilled cheese sandwich with the soup. I highly recommend this place, though you may not have many options out here. They have Wi-Fi so I am reporting directly from there.
We almost didn't stop here! On a tour through Waimea Canyon getting our hike on and we had planned to get food on the way back to our hotel. The plan was to do one more hike so we decided to stop for food fuel and so glad we did! Love the general store when you walk in, ended up getting some cool bamboo stickers there. Got in line to order and got to listen to some beautiful music being sung live! Staff was incredibly friendly! Food: Poke bowl : the best one I had my entire trip to Kauai! The veggies and pickled items that came with it were a perfect pair! Kahlua pork, that extra crisp gave such great flavor and texture! Best I also had on the island! I noticed there were some cabins nearby so I would consider a stay that way if you want a quiet remote experience!
Very nice little spot for this location. They have free wifi, which is awesome because there is no cell service. Live music was also fantastic Food was very good, we got the blackened fish and the garlic aioli was so good we asked for extra. The view is beautiful. Gift shop. A museum. Clean bathrooms
Kokee Lodge is a cozy cabin type structure in Waimea Canyon State Park serving up home style Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine. I ordered the Kalua Pork with rice and purple potato (taro). My sister ordered the pork chop, which I tried a bit and it was very good tender and juicy. My parents split the chili. I thought that was pretty good as well. But it was just chilly and nothing special. The one thing I will say is the food was extremely salty and could have been significantly less. I think the service was pretty good, friendly but nothing much more than that. The best thing I ate was the lilikoi chiffon. It was light and fruity and not overly sweet. Personality was not recommend going to Kokee Lodge but it's the only readily available place to get food in the park.
We got here early before 10 am on a Wednesday. There were people roaming around the area because nothing else was open. Once Kokee Lodge opened, everyone was in line waiting to order food. We were first in line to order at the register. Their menu is a bit of everything from curry, to chili, and kahlua pig. We ordered the chili, smashed potatoes, strata, and grilled cheese (that came with a cup of tomato bisque). For drinks I wanted to try their matcha latte. The food came out nothing 10-15 minutes. I really liked the strata because of the veggies and flavor. The salad was light and not filling. The grilled cheese was good because of the sourdough bread - nice and tangy. The tomato bisque I enjoyed but some didn't like it. It was probably because of the amount of cream in soup. I also enjoyed the smashed potatoes with aioli. The kids enjoyed the chili with rice which is a Hawaii thing. But there is an option for corn bread. The interior of the restaurant is huge and very inviting, almost like a home. There is a gift shop located inside as well which helped pass the time waiting for our food. Parking can get a little crowded but we got there early enough for a spot. Overall we were happy to make the long drive from Lihue and be able to stop at a place in Waimea to get a fresh/hot meal. I would like to note that I had no reception while at the lodge and had to send a text to my husband who was hiking in the area via satellite notifying him where we were. My iPhone 17 pro was able to do it with Verizon but not sure if other carriers/phone versions have this option. If you are meeting another group, make sure to have a scheduled plan.
Highly rec stopping here for food while you're visiting. I had the loco moco 10/10!!! If I go back I will be reordering. Had coconut pie for dessert. Dried shaved coconut with chocolate drizzle. It was good but will try the passion fruit cream pie next time. There's a small gift shop inside lodge as well. Restrooms available and well kept.
Monday, 8/4/2025 - checked out Kokee Lodge. Address is 3600 Kokee Rd, Waimea, HI 96796. We were driving around and exploring Kauai. Saw this and stopped by here. There was a little museum across from the lodge. We didn't go into the museum. But we did grab some drinks to cool off in Kokee Lodge. There a little market in there, someone singing, and a lithe restaurant.
The Kokee Sate Park is beautiful, we have made a point to go on each trip that I have taken to Kauai. It's a really pleasant place to be and I love the grassy area. Each time we also make a point to eat at the Kokee Lodge. It's always been a good place to stop, but this last time both the food and service were not great. The first thing we noticed was the menu was reduced, so there were not as many options as before. That was ok, we managed to order a burger and a pulled pork plate. The food was pretty bland. The service was just lacking, I'm not sure what happened that day, but I was met with frustration and rudeness from the littlest things. I asked for a paper cup for my child, even offering to pay for it and not one but two people gave me a hard time for asking. I get back to my table and the food is served, the server asks if we need anything else and I asked for a spoon. She gave me an awful look for asking her to go grab something that was not accessible for me to grab myself. We left just feeling like it's just not the same as the previous visits. We spent over $60 on lunch, only to feel unwelcomed and let down. Oh well, we decided next time we will still visit the park, but pack our own lunch to enjoy.
We've been to this restaurant on each of our Kauai trips and it's been consistently excellent after our hikes and a must see when visiting Waimea. We hiked the canyon trail this trip a little over 3 1/2 miles of decent elevation gain and loss, and we were hungry to say the least. This lodge reminds me of my hometown in Reno Nevada and is something that you might see at Lake Tahoe. It is woodsy and quaint with large Hawaiian Christmas trees around a beautiful grassy green area at the top of Kokee road / Waimea canyon. I had the line caught panko mahi-mahi fresh special bowl with a glass of crisp and light Pinot Grigio and my husband had their classic burger with an IPA on tap. We sat at the bar and got to talk to the owner and learn about the longtime family owned restaurant that had been resurrected and brought back to life. There was wonderful live music playing on this day which was a treat during the lunch hour. The grounds are beautiful as well. There were a lot of folks that were just enjoying the large grassy area, picnicking. They were busy this day and we were able to sit at the bar without a reservation. Waimea is cooler bring a light rain jacket! We hope to be back again soon!
Had a quick weekend getaway to Kauai over the weekend for the Waimea Town Christmas Parade and wanted to go up to Koke'e to get some fresh mountain air. We drove up to the Kalalau lookout to get some views and then went back down to the Koke'e Lodge for breakfast. When you get to the restaurant you order at the counter and then you seat yourself. I decided to order Pancakes, Portuguese Sausage and Eggs and a Midnight Magic coffee (4 Shots Espresso) Everything was so delicious. The restaurant is so warm and inviting, the vibe is really relaxing that you forget that you're in a restaurant. Everyone that works here is so friendly too. This restaurant is a must if you are visiting Koke'e!
1 year ago
A good place to stop on your drive for a place to eat and even live music. We were hungry and got the kalua plate which was pretty good. I've gotten coffee from here in the past and would recommend that as well. Food isn't anything special but a good place to stop if you're hungry! read more
The timing was good for us to pop into Kokee Lodge for lunch during our visit to Waimea Canyon. Cute place with a limited menu. We were pleased with our choices of the kalua pork plate, served with rice, sweet potato salad and coleslaw (which had a spicy kick!) and the island burger. The mai tai was disappointing however. You order at the counter and receive a number to have your food delivered to you. The staff buses your table here. There was a live musician which added a nice touch. We were there about 40 mins in total and visited the small museum next door afterward. read more
What a great find! Such a cute and quant ambiance. Enjoyed a break from the exploration of Waimea Canyon. Was able to enjoy the delicious food and the live music made for such a true Hawaiian experience. Highly recommend the moco loco as well as any of their lemonades. The staff was so kind and welcoming. It's an order at the counter situation and they bring your food to your table. Any drinks ordered are picked up at their drink counter. There was a crowd but still felt there was plenty of space to accommodate everyone. Also, you can buy chicken feed to feed the chickens that roam the area. The kids loved feeding them after lunch and will remember the experience for a lifetime. Must Try!!! read more
My personal favorite restaurant we visited on our trip to the island. Farm to table dishes, friendly staff, and warming atmosphere. Made the drive up to the lodge a few times during our visit just to get their chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies. read more
Fun little place to find up in the mountains. And wow the Portuguese stew was delicious and they make a mighty good bloody Mary. The woman that worked at the bar was also a delight to chat with... Took her a little time I think to trust us, I'm sure there's a lot of tourists that come through but everybody was very nice and friendly. It was a great stop and glad we had the experience. read more
For some place as far as this it was such an incredible experience to see and witness everything up at Kokee. The park was amazing, the food was great, the service was amazing and the atmosphere was very family style oriented. It checked off all my boxes in a great place to be. There was also live music that I enjoyed and up here was slightly colder then usual so if heading up to Kokee especially the lodges be sure to bring something warm for yourself. I had the time of my life learning and reading about this history here it was definitely an experience to have when in Kauai. read more
4 years ago
10/18/22 For years we've passed by this Koke'e Lodge & I've often wondered & wanted to try because it looks inviting. It's what I had pictured it, rustic & cozy as we entered, country music is playing. Hubby wanted an oat milk latte & I saw Koke'e pancakes on the menu, it peaked my interest. I wanted to try it so if it's any good then we'll know if we'll come by again the next time we're visiting. Hubby's oat milk latte came out piping hot & he says, "loved it, it's beautiful" That surprised me coz I thought it was just okay. I had asked for the pancakes to go but when it came out (see photo), we couldn't resist. We figured it's best to eat while fresh & hot. I'm torn whether to give it a 3.5 or a 4 star coz the texture of the pancake is not what I'm used to. It might've been made with corn bread (grainy) flour but it was good & satisfying. It paired so well with the candied macadamia nuts, whipped cream & blueberry preserves. Great balance of flavors. Okay, deal, the pancakes deserve a 4 star. The staff are very friendly (I wasn't expecting that either). I really love the vibe here because it's rustic & it feels warm. It makes a difference when the staff have a positive attitude towards customers, it makes me want to come back & try other stuff on the menu. It's definitely off the beaten path & the only place for a sit down meal in Koke'e/Waimea. The lush surrounding is very inviting. There cabins for rent nearby. This place does not feel like Kaua'i because it's 64 degrees, amidst pine trees (while it's 87 degrees when you come down the canyon). Definitely worth another look/try--we'll sit & dine next time. read more
2 years ago
Surprisingly great place to stop if you're exploring Waimea Canyon SP. It was busy, but we still got a table and our food didn't take long to come out. We got the loco moco and Kalua plate and both were really good. The little gift shop area is cute too. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
This place is brilliant! Breakfast and lunch. Coffee and full bar. I had the pork and a beer and it's the best pork I've had in all of Hawaii! Small-ish hours, check ahead. Very friendly. Highly recommend. Cute lodge-y feel. Worth a stop for sure. read more
1 year ago
8 months ago
2 years ago
Nice surprise at almost the end of the road. My husband and I enjoyed the Portuguese bean soup and lilikoi merengue pie, both equally delicious. Great pleasant and fast service, makes everyone feel like a local and the ambiance is rustic and today we had the pleasure to have live Hawaiian music. Definitely a must STOP if you're driving through the island of Kauai. read more
3 years ago
Omg we LOVED Kokee Lodge!!! After trekking through Waimea Canyon, we stopped here for some refreshments. THE PEOPLE WERE SO HAPPY AND NICE! One of them overheard it was my birthday and told my sister to tell me happy birthday, ha! We had a drink, bought some snacks and merch, and used the facilities before heading out of the park. Excellent stop, you must! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
We didn't use the restaurant but Did The gift shop and restrooms. 2 Nice bikes parked out side. I found a nice little stuffed Turtle that will be a gift for a little girl in Vermont. Lots of tables inside. read more
2 years ago
Ordered a Paniolo Latte with extra shot & macadamia nut milk ... the double shot espresso was unique and tasty... they had great music and awesome patio seating... highly recommend this cafe... read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
The lodge quickly became our favorite place to kick back and dine after long hikes nearby. Cozy, friendly, and lots of food and drink options, friendly staff. read more
4 years ago
Don't recommend going out of your way to try this establishment. If you're already visiting Waimea Canyon and hungry, then why not. Cashier wasn't the nicest and menu item were kind of pricy for just decent food. Kalua Plate was small for $19.50. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Cute little mountain stop for a meal and chilling. Awesome rustic vibe and nice folks. The Kokee pancakes were awesome! Stop have fun and food. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Great place to eat and enjoy live music in a mountain setting. It is great for brunch, lunch, happy hour. We stopped for a nosh today. I had the chili. It was made with local beef. It was the best chili I have ever eaten. Fresh beef makes the difference. It was so flavorful. My friend had the Portuguese bean soup. It too had lots of flavor, full of vegetables and ham. read more
2 years ago
Great location, Very cozy and relaxing. if you are driving to Waimea Canyon make sure to check out. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Wow, reading the other reviews here, all I can think to say is "You MONSTERS." Never has a Yelp review score been so deceptive. This is one of the easiest 5-stars I've ever given. Let me count the ways: - Killer Ambiance: old and historical meets new and trendy, it's the perfect blend. - Amazing staff: need a hiking recommendation? Need ideas for where to camp? Need a drink? They got you. The man running the food register had an encyclopedic knowledge of the park, and gave great advice on the food as well...it seemed like he was the owner? Either that, or someone that took a LOT of pride in their work! - Great gifts: some of the most thoughtful "souvenir" style gifts I've ever seen. Almost everything is handmade and local. This is the place I would want someone to "bring back" a gift from Kaua'i from. - Awesome food: perfect blend of Hawaiian classics (Loco Moco) and American staples (Burger with Kaua'i beef) - Drinks: great coffee and great adult beverages (try an Ola Ginger Hard Seltzer, perfect tonic after a hot morning hike) My only criticism is: the hours. They open too late and close too early! I'd love to catch dinner here after a brutal 16 mile hike, or catch breakfast before a pre-sunrise hike. Neither are possible given their 9am-4pm hours. read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Rustic, comfortable, and a must-stop whenever visiting Koke'e, the Lodge is wonderful for meals, both hearty and light, souvenirs, coffee, smoothies, and a little bar. Service is ALWAYS friendly, no matter what time of day you come in (and they're open 365 days a year!). Try to sit near the fireplace for warmth and people watching, or sit by the picture windows in the front to see the forests. Or be reclusive and sit in the back and cozy up with a loved one with food, board games, and books. Parking is plentiful, but can quickly become scarce during rushes and holidays. read more
More info about Kokee Lodge
3600 Kokee Rd
Waimea, HI 96796
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(808) 335-6061
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http://kokeelodge.com
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