What it is
Foodland Princeville is a full-service supermarket located in the Princeville Center on Kauai's North Shore. It is part of Foodland Super Market, Ltd., Hawaii's largest locally-owned grocery chain. The store serves as a primary grocery for local residents and a critical one-stop-shop for visitors, offering a comprehensive selection of products. Departments include produce, meat and seafood, a bakery, a pharmacy, and a well-known deli with a very popular poke counter. It also stocks beer, wine, and liquor, along with beach essentials and local souvenirs.
Visitor experience
For visitors, Foodland Princeville is the main hub for stocking a vacation rental or grabbing a quick, local-style meal. Its main attraction is the deli's extensive and freshly made poke, which can be purchased by the pound or as part of a poke bowl over rice. The deli also offers other prepared foods like Spam musubi, bento boxes, sushi, and fried chicken.
Beyond the deli, travelers can find local products like Kauai-grown coffee and macadamia nuts, which make for good gifts. The store provides the convenience of getting groceries, picnic/beach supplies (like sunscreen and ice), and a hot meal all in one location. The experience is that of a busy community supermarket, not a tourist-focused boutique.
Logistics
Location: Foodland is located in the Princeville Center at 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722. The center is the main commercial complex for the Princeville area and includes a gas station, hardware store, and various shops and restaurants.
Hours: The store is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is highly advisable to verify the hours of the deli, pharmacy, and poke counter, as they may close earlier than the main store.
Parking: Free parking is readily available in the large lot serving the Princeville Center.
Duration: A quick stop for a poke bowl might take 15-20 minutes, while a full grocery shopping trip could take 45 minutes to an hour. Expect lines at the poke counter, especially around lunchtime.
Loyalty Program: Foodland's Maikaʻi program is a free loyalty program that offers discounts and rewards. Visitors can sign up at the register using a phone number to get instant savings on specially marked items. For every dollar spent, members earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases or other rewards like HawaiianMiles.
Bag Policy: Kauai County has regulations restricting single-use plastic bags. Shoppers should bring reusable bags or expect to purchase them at checkout.
Safety and cautions
Pricing: Visitors should be aware that grocery prices in Hawaii, particularly in a resort area like Princeville, are significantly higher than on the US mainland.
Crowds: The store, and especially the deli counter, can be very busy during peak hours (like midday) and high tourist seasons.
Deli Hours: A crucial point for visitors is that the poke and prepared foods counter may close before the rest of the store. Travelers planning to pick up a late dinner should not wait until just before the 9:00 PM store closing time. The exact closing time of the deli should be verified directly with the store.
Product Availability: Being on an island, the variety and quality of some items, particularly fresh produce, can fluctuate based on shipping schedules.
Editorial take
Who should prioritize it: Foodland Princeville is an essential stop for anyone staying in a vacation rental or condo on the North Shore. It's a must-visit for poke lovers seeking a high-quality, convenient, and relatively affordable meal. It is also perfect for any traveler looking to assemble a beach picnic or grab a quick, authentic local lunch.
Who should skip it: Visitors on a strict budget may find prices high and might prefer to stock up at larger stores like Costco or Walmart in Lihue after arriving at the airport. This is a functional supermarket, so those seeking a gourmet or farmers' market experience should look elsewhere.
Distinctions: Foodland is the largest and most comprehensive supermarket in the Princeville/Hanalei area. It should not be confused with the smaller markets in Hanalei town or the specialty health food stores in Kilauea. Its primary draw compared to other grocery stores on the island is its renowned and extensive poke selection.
Source notes
- Foodland Official Website: Provides general information on company-wide offerings like their poke, Maika'i program, and weekly deals.
- Princeville Center Directory: Confirms the store's location, hours, and its role as the anchor market for the North Shore's main shopping hub.
- Foodland Maika'i Program: Details the terms and benefits of the store's loyalty program, which is accessible to visitors.
- Hawaii's Home for Poke (Foodland): Official page detailing the variety and types of poke available, which is the store's main visitor draw.
- iHeartPrinceville (Local Blog): Describes the Princeville Center and confirms Foodland's status as the largest supermarket on the North Shore.
