Cuisine & Specialties
- Type: Upscale sushi lounge – mainly Japanese-inspired with Hawaiian/local flair. Premium seafood and island ingredients are signature.
- Focus: High-end sushi and sashimi (often sourced daily from local waters or Tokyo’s Tsukiji market). Expect classic nigiri and sashimi platters (chef’s choice “moriawase” style) alongside inventive rolls.
- Highlights: Customers single out the Lobster Dynamite roll (lobster, scallop, crab with spicy sauce) and other house rolls, plus fresh Ahi (tuna) and Hamachi (yellowtail) sashimi. Creative starters like Sushi Pizza (seared seafood on crispy flatbread) and marinated octopus salad (tako sunomono) also feature.
- Drinks: Craft cocktail list (often with literary-themed names) complements the menu, along with a wide sake and whisky selection. Signature drinks like the “Grape Gatsby” or “You Had Me at Othello” are part of the experience.
Notable Features & Ambiance
- Price: Moderate-to-high (roughly $$$ on a scale where most entrées run $30–$50). It’s considered pricy but in line with other fine-dining spots on Kauai’s South Shore.
- Setting: Located inside the Grand Hyatt Kauai (Poipu), Stevenson’s Library has a polished, “gentleman’s club” vibe. Rich koa wood paneling, leather seating, and cozy book-lined rooms give it an intimate, Victorian-inspired feel. A 27-foot handcrafted bar is a focal point.
- Views & Seating: Outdoor lanai seating looks over the hotel’s pools and the Pacific Ocean. Guests often come for sunset views – tiki torches and an ocean breeze create a romantic atmosphere. There’s also indoor seating with high-top tables and lounge areas.
- Amenities: Full bar with specialty cocktails and premium spirits; table service with attentive staff; pool and chess tables for guest use. High chairs are available, so families with kids are welcome, though the lounge feel tends toward an adult crowd in the evening.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible with ramps and wide doorways. Hotel parking is available. Dress is resort casual – no strict code, but most diners wear smart-casual attire (flip-flops or swimsuits are uncommon at dinner).
History & Background
- Origin: Stevenson’s Library opened in early 2016 after a Grand Hyatt Kauai renovation, revitalizing the resort’s nightlife. It honors author Robert Louis Stevenson (who lived in Hawaii) with its name and lounge theme.
- Owners/Chef: The restaurant is part of the Hyatt family of resorts. The sushi bar is led by Chef David “Jay” Ledee, a veteran sushi master known locally for teaching periodic “Sushi 101” classes. Under his guidance the bar emphasizes top-tier ingredients (e.g. micro-planed fresh wasabi, premium nori).
- Theme: The design and menu are literary-themed (menus are styled like a book, cocktails have punny names like “Gin Eyre” and “War & Peach”). This storytelling motif and the library-style décor are distinctive.
- Reputation: Since opening, Stevenson’s Library has become known as one of Kauai’s top spots for sushi and cocktails. (It’s often recommended in travel guides and lauded for its food and views.) Anecdotally, the lounge’s ponzu sauce is touted as a six-month house recipe once served to Japanese royalty, reflecting the upscale, detail-oriented approach.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
- What guests praise: Nearly every review highlights the sushi quality and freshness. Diners rave about the creative rolls (especially the Lobster Dynamite and sushi pizza) and silky sashimi. The cocktails and full bar also earn compliments. Many note the ambiance – moonlit ocean views from the lanai, polished wood interiors, and a cozy, romantic mood – as reasons to return. Service is generally described as friendly and professional when the lounge isn’t crowded.
- Common criticisms: The biggest gripe is busy nights and service pace. Reviewers say the lounge fills up quickly, which can lead to cramped tables and slower service. Reservations are a must – several guests report being turned away if they show up without one. A few find the menu pricey for portion size (Kauai is known to be expensive), though most feel the quality justifies it. Overall, even critics admit the food and setting make it worth it, just plan ahead.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours: Dinner-only service; generally open nightly around 5:30–10:00 PM. (Exact hours can vary by season or resort events, so check the current schedule.)
- Reservations: Highly recommended. The restaurant is small and popular, so book a table days in advance (especially on weekends). OpenTable and the hotel concierge can arrange reservations. Walk-ins are possible at the bar if space allows, but don’t count on it.
- Timing: A great choice for sunset dining – plan to arrive early enough to grab a lanai seat with a view. If you miss an open table, guests note calling in take-out orders on short notice (the sushi travels well to enjoy by the pool or beach).
- Payment & Policies: Credit cards accepted (no need for cash). The lounge is not BYOB (it has a full bar). Tipping is customary. Children are welcome (highchairs available), but there’s no kids menu – sushi dishes are shareable but some seaweed and raw items may not suit very young palates.
- Dress Code: Resort-casual. Men typically wear khakis or nice shorts with a shirt, women nice tops or sundresses. Avoid swimwear, tank tops or anything too beach-towel casual if you want to blend with the generally upscale crowd.
- Parking: Free hotel parking (self-park or valet) is available. Plan extra time for finding a spot if the resort lot is full.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms are provided. Level flooring makes it easy to move between indoor and outdoor areas.
- Special Touches: Take note of the literary theme – the drinks menu is formatted like chapters of a book and cocktails have playful names tied to famous novels. It’s a fun detail that adds character to the visit.
Overall, Stevenson’s Library offers high-end sushi and a unique lounge atmosphere in Poipu. Book ahead, come for the sunset views and signature rolls, and enjoy a taste of Kauai’s twist on fine Japanese dining.
