What it is
This Safeway is a full-service, 24-hour supermarket in Lihue, Kauai. It is an anchor tenant of the Hokulei Village shopping center, a major retail hub conveniently located near the Lihue Airport (LIH). It functions as a primary logistical stop for both residents and visitors, offering groceries, a pharmacy, a bakery, a deli with prepared foods, a floral department, and an in-store Starbucks.
Visitor experience
Travelers use this Safeway as a one-stop shop, particularly upon arriving on Kauai. It is a popular first stop for those staying in vacation rentals or condos to stock up on essentials like breakfast items, snacks, beverages, and beach-day supplies.
The store offers a range of prepared foods that are convenient for quick meals, including a well-regarded poke counter, grab-and-go sushi trays, a full-service deli, and hot food options. Visitors can also find a wide selection of local Hawaiian products, such as Kaua'i Coffee, Hawaiian Sun drinks, and Aloha Shoyu, which can be purchased for their stay or as take-home gifts. The in-store Starbucks is a common stop for arriving travelers.
Beyond groceries, the store provides several practical services, including a full-service pharmacy, a Western Union, a Coinstar machine, and a DMV kiosk.
Logistics
Location: 4454 Nuhou St, Lihue, HI 96766, in the Hokulei Village shopping center. It is located less than three miles from the Lihue airport.
Hours:
- Main Store: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Pharmacy: Hours are limited and vary. Typical hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors should verify current pharmacy hours before visiting.
- Other departments like the bakery and meat counter also have hours shorter than the main store.
Parking: There is a large, free surface parking lot that serves the entire shopping center.
Timing: The store is busiest during late afternoons and on weekends. The 24-hour operation allows for quiet shopping late at night or early in the morning, which is ideal for those arriving on late flights.
Duration: A quick stop for prepared food might take 15-20 minutes, while a full grocery stock-up for a vacation rental could take an hour or more.
Safety and cautions
Plastic Bag Ban: Kauai County has a long-standing ordinance that prohibits retailers from providing single-use plastic checkout bags. Shoppers must bring their own reusable bags or purchase paper or reusable bags at the checkout.
Alcohol Sales Hours: Although the store is open 24 hours, off-premise alcohol sales in Kauai County are restricted. Sales are generally permitted only between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
Pricing: As with most goods in Hawaii, grocery prices are typically higher than on the U.S. mainland due to shipping costs. Visitors can use the Safeway for U digital app for coupons and discounts.
Editorial take
Who should prioritize it: This Safeway is an essential, highly practical stop for nearly all independent travelers to Kauai. It is especially vital for visitors staying in condos or vacation rentals who need to stock a kitchen, and for anyone arriving on a late-night flight. The convenience of its 24-hour schedule, proximity to the airport, and wide range of products—from poke to pharmaceuticals—make it a key logistical hub.
Who should skip it: Travelers staying at all-inclusive or full-service resorts with no need for groceries can skip it. Those seeking exclusively local, artisanal products or a farmers' market experience should look to smaller, specialized shops, though this Safeway does carry a good selection of local brands.
Don't confuse it with:
- Costco (Lihue): A membership-based warehouse club for buying in bulk.
- Times Supermarket (Lihue): Another full-service grocery store in the Kukui Grove Center.
- Foodland (Kapa'a or Princeville): Another Hawaii-based supermarket chain also known for its excellent poke selection, but locations are further from the Lihue airport.
Source notes
- Official Store Website: https://local.safeway.com/safeway/hi/lihue/4454-nuhou-st-suite-301.html
- Official Pharmacy Page: https://local.pharmacy.safeway.com/safeway/hi/lihue/4454-nuhou-st-suite-301.html
- Shopping Center Website: https://www.hokuleivillage.com/
- Kauai County Plastic Bag Ordinance: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Public-Works/Solid-Waste/Recycling/Plastic-Bag-Ban
- Kauai County Liquor Control: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Liquor-Control
- Hawaii Alcohol Sales Rules (Reputable Industry Source): https://www.gettips.com/blog/hawaii-liquor-laws
