Keoki’s Paradise is an open-air Hawaiian restaurant at 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Koloa, HI 96756, in Poipu Shopping Village on Kauai’s south shore. Opened in 1986 and part of the T S Restaurants group, it combines island seafood, tropical cocktails and family dining with waterfalls, foliage and thatched-roof details. Travelers come for a leisurely meal near the beach, live hula and the restaurant group’s signature Hula Pie.
What to Expect at Keoki’s Paradise
The dining room feels more like a tropical garden pavilion than a conventional shopping-center restaurant. Open sides, timber structures, planted borders and cascading water create distinct seating pockets; tiki torches reinforce the evening atmosphere. This is not an oceanfront restaurant, so choose it for its garden setting rather than a sunset-over-the-water view. Live hula takes place almost every night, adding a cultural performance to dinner without requiring a separate show booking.
Chef Shalei’s island-inspired kitchen emphasizes ingredients from Hawaii’s farmers, fishermen and ranchers. Fresh fish is a central draw, with species and preparations changing according to the menu and catch. Finish with Kimo’s Original Hula Pie: macadamia-nut ice cream on a chocolate-cookie crust, with chocolate fudge, whipped cream and macadamia nuts. Tropical cocktails, including mai tais, suit the setting. Separate lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and children’s menus make this an adaptable stop for couples or multigenerational groups.
- Garden dining: Open-air seating surrounds tropical planting and cascading water, away from the beachfront restaurant strip.
- Island seafood: Fresh-fish selections connect the menu to Hawaii’s fishing fleet and seasonal availability.
- Hula Pie: The substantial macadamia-nut ice-cream dessert is an easy choice for sharing.
- Live hula: Performances occur almost nightly; ask about the schedule when reserving.
- Early chef’s tasting: A dedicated tasting-menu service runs daily from 4–5 p.m.
Keoki’s Paradise at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Koloa, HI 96756 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Poipu Shopping Village, south Kauai |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Dinner menu daily 4–9 p.m.; weekend brunch 9 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining; $$, moderate overall, with seafood dinners and cocktails increasing the total. See current menus for prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Shared Poipu Shopping Village parking off Kiahuna Plantation Drive; check current Kauai Bus connections before relying on transit. |
| Official Website & Phone | Keoki’s Paradise; +1 808-742-7534 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve dinner ahead, particularly for larger parties and holiday evenings. The restaurant offers online reservations and a waitlist through its official website; call if your preferred time does not appear online. Arriving around 4 p.m. gives you access to the chef’s tasting service and daylight views of the landscaping. Lunch runs Monday–Friday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., including Taco Tuesday and Burger & Beer Wednesday specials. Check the official menus for current offerings, dietary choices and prices rather than assuming a special applies all day.
Drivers use the shopping village’s shared surface lot rather than a dedicated restaurant garage. For bus travel, consult Kauai County’s transportation portal for current Poipu-area stops and connections; service is less convenient than driving for a late dinner. The restaurant’s open-air layout includes planted areas and water features: request step-free table access and space for a wheelchair or stroller when booking. Pair your meal with Moir Gardens at the neighboring Kiahuna Plantation, roughly a 5–10-minute walk, or Kiahuna Beach, approximately 10–15 minutes away via public beach access. Use pedestrian routes rather than cutting across resort lawns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when is the best time to visit?
Keoki’s opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, with closing listed at 9:30 p.m.; dinner service ends at 9 p.m. Choose early dinner for the 4–5 p.m. chef’s tasting, or weekend mornings for brunch.
How expensive is it, and do I need a reservation?
Expect moderate, $$ pricing overall, with the bill depending on fish selections, drinks and dessert. Reservations are advisable for dinner; the restaurant also provides a waitlist and telephone assistance.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1.5–2 hours for dinner with drinks and dessert. Add walking time separately if you plan to visit the beach or gardens before eating.
Is it suitable for children and travelers with mobility needs?
A daily keiki menu makes families welcome, while the garden setting gives children plenty to notice. Request an accessible table arrangement directly, and discuss allergies or vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free requirements before ordering.
When planning your Hawaii travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Hawaii, pair this stop with standout local spots including Kahala Mall, The Shops at Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and Poipu Shopping Village (nearby).
