An Island Favorite for Over 30 Years

Since the early 1970’s The Dolphin Restaurant has welcomed visitor and local alike to its pristine Hanalei riverside location. Know for the freshest cuts in seafood, second-to-none service and ambiance, one can enjoy a peaceful riverside meal on umbrella shaded tables, outstanding dinner fare in a tropical, romantic setting or just hang out in the stylish world class sushi lounge.

To this day that spirit has not changed. Your culinary experience at The Dolphin will include the freshest local produce, fruits, vegetables, seafood and steaks as we are committed to supporting the small Island growers, farmers and fishermen.

The First AND Last Stop in Hanalei

The Dolphin is a non-smoking restaurant and does not take reservations – operating on a first come, first served basis. You are welcomed to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine in the garden. So, whether you are just arriving on Kauai’s fabulous north shore or saying goodbye to it, be sure to make the time to enjoy Hanalei’s premier dining establishment.

We look forward to serving you. The Dolphin Restaurant accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Traveler’s Checks and Cash. No off-island checks please. A 20% gratuity will be added for parties of 6 or more.

Dining on the Banks of the Hanalei River

Enjoy lazy afternoon cocktails, pupus and the freshest fish and sushi on Kauai on the banks of the idyllic Hanalei River. Spend some time sampling the creative genius of a master sushi chef at The Dolphin’s world class sushi lounge or plan on a dinner that might include a fresh charbroiled catch-of-the-day, sautéed Calamari, Scallops, Broiled Shrimp, Crab Legs, Lobster or choose from chicken dishes or the finest cuts of Filet Mignon and New York steak.

The Dolphin features Kailani Farms locally grown organic greens and serves them with The Dolphin’s own homemade dressings. The choice of roasted veggies, baked potato, seasoned steak fries or steamed white rice accompanies every meal. The Dolphin provides an extensive selection of fine wines and sake to compliment your meal selection.

The Dolphin Fish Market

Both of our locations feature an in-house Fish Market offering a large selection of local Hawaiian Fish, cut daily by our master fish cutters, a variety of seafood & choice cut steaks, sushi rolls, local organic greens, gourmet accouterments and a fine selection of specialty cheeses.

HAWAIIAN FISH LIST

The Dolphin features an incredible selection of fresh fish from local waters and local fishermen. Each variety has its own unique and delicious flavor and the master Chefs at The Dolphin Restaurant feel the best way to experience these tastes is to refrain from “drowning” the fish in sauce, but rather to prepare it simply and deliciously broiled. The following is a list of the varieties of fresh fish typically available at The Dolphin Restaurant.

ONO

Also known as Wahoo or King Mackerel. White meat, mild flavored and firm textured.

AHI

Yellow fin tuna. Red meat, lean firm and flaky.

ONAGA

Red Snapper. This deep-water fish yields a very light meat, delicate in flavor and texture.

SHUTOME

Broadbill Swordfish. Mild, moist and slightly oily white meat.

MAHI-MAHI

Also known as Dorado. Mild tender, moist, white meat.

OPAKAPAKA

Pink Snapper. Opakapaka is a moist, delicate white meat.

MONCHONG

Sickle Pomfret. Mild, sweet and flaky white meat.

OPAH

Moon Fish. Orange color meat, moist, mild and flaky.

UKU

Grey Snapper. Firm in texture -mild white meat.

HAPU

Hawaiian Black Sea Bass. It is said to have the flavor and consistency of “Spiny Lobster” firm white meat.

SEAFOOD CHOWDER
Our own creation of shrimp, calamari, scallops, clams, bell peppers and onions in a creamy white sauce!
SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Served with our homemade cocktail sauce.
SASHIMI
Ask your server what is fresh tonight.
4 oz. of our Sushi Chefs top grade fish, served over organic greens with ponzu sauce and fresh wasabi.
ARTICHOKE
Seasonal Fresh steamed artichoke served with drawn butter and mayonnaise.
ARTICHOKE CROWNS
Stuffed with garlic, butter, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS
Mushroom caps stuffed with garlic, butter, bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
FRIED SHRIMP
Four shrimp butterflied and breaded served with cocktail sauce.
CALAMARI APPETIZER
Served with cocktail sauce.
DOLPHIN SALAD
Kailani Farms organic greens, bean sprouts, tomatoes, homemade Thousand Island, Blue Chesse, Oil and Vinegar dressings and croutons.

Entrees are served with your choice of one of the following: roasted veggies, baked potato, seasoned steak fries or steamed white rice.

FRESH FISH
Fish of the day from our Fish Market. Charbroiled or rolled in cajun seasonings and blackened served with drawn butter.
TERIYAKI AHI
Our House Specialty for over thirty years. Ahi steak marinated in our homemade teriyaki. Charbroiled medium rare served with drawn butter.
BEER BATTERED FRESH FISH
Fresh island fish, cut and skewered, then deep fried in beer batter, served with tartar sauce.
CALAMARI
Breaded squid steak fillets from giant squid, sautéed and served with cocktail sauce.
SCALLOPS
Baked in wine, smothered with mozzarella.

FRIED SHRIMP
Butterflied and breaded, served with cocktail sauce.
HAWAIIAN CHICKEN
Two 6 oz. boneless breasts of chicken lightly marinated in soy sauce and ginger, charbroiled, served with teriyaki sauce. Menehune portion – One 6 oz. breast.
HAOLE CHICKEN
Two 6 oz. boneless breasts of chicken, breaded with seasonings and parmesan cheese, sautéed, served with side of sweet and sour sauce. Menehune portion – One 6 oz. breast.
BEEF TENDERLOIN
8 oz. cut of midwestern grain fed beef.
NEW YORK CUT
12 oz. cut of mid-western grain fed beef.
COMBO DINNERS
LOBSTER AND STEAK
KING CRAB AND STEAK
FRIED SHRIMP AND STEAK
FRESH FISH AND STEAK

HOMEMADE DOLPHIN ICE CREAM PIE
Three flavors, Haupia, Oreo Cookie Crunch, Macadamia Nut on a Oreo cookie crust with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
LAPPERT’S VANILLA BEAN SUNDAE
Chocolate, strawberry, or lilikoi topping and whipped cream.
HAWAIIAN BUTTER MOCHI
Our home made mochi with a delicious chewy center and golden crispy crust topped with a Lilikoi glaze served with a scoop of Lappert’s Vanilla Bean ice cream.

MACNUT CHOCOLATE BROWNIE
Our homemade rich, moist and chewy brownie served with a scoop of Lappert’s Vanilla Bean ice cream.
LAPPERT’S MANGO SORBET
Light and refreshing island favorite.
LAPPERT’S GREEN TEA ICE CREAM
Cool and satisfying flavor