Restaurants open on Xmas eve/day?

Question

Any recommendation for restaurants that are open on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day in poipu or Kapaa area?

Answer

Good question. Finding restaurants open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day on Kauai can be a little tricky, especially for smaller or local spots. There’s not always a definitive “list” for every restaurant for those dates, and things can change year-to-year, but here are some places in Poʻipū and Kapā‘a (Kapaʻa) that are frequently noted as open or recommended by locals/visitors, plus some tips and caveats.

Restaurants to Consider in Poʻipū or Kapā‘a That Might Be Open on Christmas Eve / Day

Merriman’s Fish House (Poʻipū) — This is one of the more frequently mentioned restaurants for Christmas dinner. Several travelers on forums recommend it for its fine-dining island feel.
Red Salt (Koa Kea Hotel, Poʻipū) — Known to offer special holiday dining in prior years (Christmas Eve / Day).
Naupaka Terrace – Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort (Līhuʻe area) — While not right in Poʻipū or Kapā‘a, this resort restaurant is known to host a Christmas Eve dinner special.
Keoki’s Paradise (Poʻipū) — A long-standing favorite in Poʻipū. While I didn’t find public confirmation for every Christmas, it’s a pretty solid bet given its resort-vibe and popularity.

What Locals & Longtime Visitors Say

Based on TripAdvisor and other local travel-forum threads:

Many say that “99.9% of the restaurants on the island are open on Christmas Eve / Christmas Day,” though smaller mom-and-pop places or food trucks may close.
It’s strongly recommended to make reservations well in advance for sit-down restaurants on those dates. (Especially for places like Merriman’s or Red Salt.) One user suggested checking OpenTable.
Some people staying in Kapā‘a have mentioned Hukilau Lānaʻi, but note that in some older management-company dining guides it is *closed* on certain holidays / days of week — it’s very important to call ahead.

Tips to Plan Ahead for Christmas Dining on Kauai

Call the restaurant directly a few months (or weeks) in advance to check holiday hours and whether they’re doing a special Christmas Eve or Day menu.
Use OpenTable, Resy, or similar reservation platforms — many restaurants run special holiday menus and may require a deposit or credit-card guarantee.
If you don’t secure a reservation, you might plan on a more relaxed holiday meal at your condo or vacation rental (cooking, takeout, or groceries), then go out for dinner earlier in the evening when things are likely to be less crowded. Several locals suggest this as a practical fallback.

Restaurants open on Xmas eve/day?

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