Hawai'i's Best Restaurants

	2006 'ILIMA AWARD WINNER - BEST KAUA'I RESTAURANT: PEOPLE'S CHOICE
	Every year, Advertiser readers are asked to vote for their favorite restaurants in the 'Ilima Awards poll. Meanwhile, our in-house food experts debate to select the critics' choice 'Ilimas, primarily focused on restaurants recently reviewed or revisited. With a few exceptions, categories change each year to keep readers interested and keep the winner list fresh.

BEST KAUA'I RESTAURANT: PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Hamura Saimin Stand

This third-generation noodle shop is composed of two U-shaped Formica counters, a short wall-mounted menu and members of the Hamura/Hiraoka clan presiding over steaming pots. Aside from the classic saimin created by the late Aiko Hamura (dense noodles in a full-bodied broth sprinkled with onions), there's won ton mein, BBQ stick, and the tall, house-made liliko'i chiffon pies.

2956 Kress St., Lihu'e. (808) 245-3271. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday. No reservations. No credit cards. No checks. $.

Legend:

VS: Visa
MC: Mastercard
AX: American Express
DC: Diners Club
DS: Discover Card
JCB: JCB Card
Olioli: Olioli Card

$$$: Pricey; entrées mostly more than $17
$$: Moderate; entrées $10-$16
$: Budget-friendly; entrées mostly less than $10

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only

Past 'Ilima Award winner

"Cheap eats" restaurant

"Local classic" eatery