We are a small establishment with a 30 seat capacity. Reservations are accepted. Reservations are highly recommended. Reservations are encouraged.
Originally opened in 2018 at The Shops at Kukui’ula in Poipu. Re-established in 2021 in the old Matsuura store in Lawai, Hi.
Kiawe Roots is reminiscent of the days when ‘ohana (family) and friends get together and “cookout”. Served with a modern flare, we bring forth tastes from our childhood past mixed with food we’ve grown to love through our cultural and culinary experiences. Taste the ono (delicious) food grilled over Kiawe, Hawaiian for mesquite.
Laid-back eatery serving a hybrid of local Hawaiian & Texas mesquite-smoked meats, salads & sides. Based on 462 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.8 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No delivery
Address:
2-3687 Kaumualii Hwy, Lawai, HI 96765
Phone: (808) 855-5055
Website:
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Saturday |
4–8:30 PM |
| Sunday |
Closed |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed
Holiday hours
|
| Tuesday |
8 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday |
8 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday |
8 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday |
8 AM–2 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
A T
Really tasty fresh food, which in the cases of the dishes we chose, were elevated by the sauces selected (pulled pork plate and tofu bowl). I would have liked even more if there were some added ingredients in the bowl and vegetables included in the pulled pork plate but they were still great. Not so many tables but the queue was short at the time we arrived (13:30).
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Jenny Newman
Delicious food but it’s so loud inside because it’s not that spacious and there isn’t anything to dampen the sound on the walls or floor. I would gladly pick-up in the future – especially the smoked meats and cheese pasta!
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Tiffany Gunawan
Casual dinner spot that truly hits the spot! We had the wasabi crusted fish and the pulled pork, both of which were fantastic. the fish was really fresh while the lilikoi sauce on the pork was quite unique! Our server was also very friendly they were out of the huli huli chicken while we were there but would love to go back for that
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David
Hands down the best restaurant we ate at in Hawaii. Super small, hole in the wall, elevated dining. The food was fabulous and the service was great. The coffee is served in individual French presses, which is a nice touch. We got there at the right time, there wasn’t any line around 8:30am but by the time we left it was getting packed. Make a reservation!
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Eric Pratt
If you’re looking for an amazing brunch spot in Kauai, look no further than Kiawe Roots.
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Raymond Chen
We came here after stumbling on restaurant with only 1 review and it was the BEST decision we made with our time here in Kauai.
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K C
It was good. We had 7 in our party. The huli huli chicken was about a 4. The herb shrimp bowl was a 3. The shrimp was a bit overcooked. The loco moco was a 3. The eggs were slightly over cooked with hardly any yokes and hamburger was overcooked. Sunrise pulled pork was interesting. Da shredder had hardly any flavoring from the pulled pork. The Portuguese sausage was interesting and over powered the flavor in this sandwich. Potato salad like mainland style not local style. The Dad’s Chicken was very good. Should make a dinner plate with this chicken. Total 3.5 stars. Service wasn’t that tentative. Had to ask for soda refill. If you have to ask for a refill then that’s not paying attention. The place wasn’t that big too. Had probably about 20 total, 3 separate parties. Not like had 50-70 people and was banging. Maybe as Kauai action but if you going pay the big bucks for dinner we as customers expect the service. Don’t expect a 20% tip if you not going at least be attentative to your guests.
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Kayla Drewry
We got lucky with a table for breakfast shortly after they opened. They have a very small dining area so call ahead for reservations or order take out. The avocado toast was phenomenal and the lilikoi pancakes were fluffy and buttery. We’ve also had their fried chicken and smoked meats before. Never been disappointed!
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Brandon Hansen
Nice location en route towards the southern side of the island.
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Kellyn Will
The food and drinks were amazing! It was vegan friendly too. We got the Mac n cheese app, and it was so tasty. The smoked salmon was super yummy. The staff noticed someone in our group was cold so they moved us to an empty table in the corner so we’d be more comfortable. They were super nice!
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