Paco's Tacos Authentic Mexican Food
About This Spot
Nestled just off the main road in Hanapepe, Paco’s Tacos Authentic Mexican Food welcomes you with a relaxed, unpretentious vibe perfect for a laid-back meal after a day exploring Kauai’s natural beauty. It’s the kind of spot where conversations flow easily around simple picnic tables, and the pace slows down to match the quiet rhythm of the small town.
The moment you arrive, the informal taco stand setup invites you to order at the window and watch as fresh, vibrant Mexican flavors come together with care and heart. There’s a warmth here that comes not from fancy surroundings, but from the genuine ease of shared moments—whether it’s families gathering for a quick bite, travelers unwinding after a long hike, or locals stopping by for a familiar taste of home.
What makes Paco’s special isn’t just the food—it’s the way those classic flavors feel deeply connected to place. Fish and shrimp tacos, generously portioned with flaky fresh catches, bring the ocean’s essence onto your plate, while hearty bowls and burritos offer comfort in every bite. The fresh guacamole, crispy taquitos, and vibrant accompaniments echo the joyous simplicity of Mexican street food, with a Hawaiian touch in the air.
Though seating is straightforward—a handful of picnic tables inviting informal gatherings—the atmosphere encourages you to linger a bit, savoring the balance between the robust, authentic dishes and the gentle island breeze. It’s a neighborhood spot in the truest sense: familiar, approachable, and just the right kind of casual to make you feel at ease.
If you’re seeking more than just a meal, Paco’s Tacos creates a space where local flavor melds with heartfelt hospitality, turning every visit into a small celebration of good food and genuine moments.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Fast service
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Comfort food
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Healthy options
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Vegetarian options
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Family friendly
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Stephen S 09 Jan 2026
We really enjoyed the food here. Excellent flavor. Reasonable for Kauai price. The horchata was a bit too sweet. The seating a bit rough and low to comfortably eat. Staff was nice. We got our food almost immediately. We will likely come back.
Ryan M. Watt (Rhino) 30 Dec 2025
I'm glad I asked for extra meat because there wasn't going to be enough regular meat. Light on the beans. The taste was good no complaints there. 28 bucks for a burrito, sprite and chips.
junior lopez 08 Dec 2025
Stopped here after a long hike and got the fish tacos. Absolutely the best fish tacos I've had in a long time the portions were huge the sauce is on point and the fish was fresh flakey and delicious would absolutely recommend this spot.
Jim Riesterer 03 Dec 2025
A cute little taco stand advertising “authentic Mexican food” located just off the main highway in Hanapepe (although I think there are other locations elsewhere on the island). On a Monday at 11:45 we were the only customers and each ordered two tacos, fish and carnitas. You order at the window and they call you when the food is ready. There are a handful of picnic tables scattered around the taco shack or get the food to go. The fish taco was good, but the pork with big chunks of tender pork was fantastic-highly recommended. They were pretty quick and reasonably priced with tacos around $7 each.
Giavana DeBello 28 Nov 2025
Stopped here on our way back from a road trip. AMAZING fish/shrimp tacos! Ordered ceviche as well and they give you a whole box full!!! So great! Would come back every time visiting the island! Highly recommend!
Navin Sekhon 12 Nov 2025
Whew! Real good. I don’t know what’s going on but Kaua’i has really good Mexican food! Ordered the two taco plate with rice and beans. Rice and beans were very very good. You could taste the depth of flavour in the broths that were the foundation of the two side dishes. I asked whether to go with the carne asada or the chicken and was told the carne asada. I also asked about whether to choose the fish or the shrimp and was told the fish. Carne asada and the fish (mahi mahi) was so tasty. They also have incredible hot sauces. Eat this food.
Peyton Lowery 15 Oct 2025
This food was great! Our family stopped in on our way to Salt Pond Beach for lunch and it was delicious. It was reasonably priced and decent portion sizes.