Tahiti Nui

Went there on a Monday night, didn't expect much to be happening and not much was.
I get the relaxed island vibe and really am very chill as far as service expectations go on the island, but having to wait 20 min on a slow night for drinks and over 45 min for our entree fish plates is just not cool.
The seared tuna had no seasoning--it was just a big hunk of fish. The ono was good, but nothing special.
This place will always be busy because there are not a lot of choices in Hanalei, but if you have a kitchen in the place you're staying, buy some booze and fresh fish from the market and make your own...

LOVED this place!  

This is exactly what we were looking for - a laid back place with great food, great drinks and live music.  The place has a true local feel to it even though it's a big tourist stop.  

We got there around 7:00 and only had to wait 20 minutes before our table was ready (we live in Chicago, so 20 minutes is nothing).  We got Mai Tais, because how can you not get one at a place famous for them?!  I don't know that I've ever had a Mai Tai, so I don't have a basis for comparison... but it was very good!  

This place just had a really good vibe to it, and if/when we're back on Kauai we will definitely be back!

= MAI TAI & LIVE MUSIC =

TAHITI NUI is exactly how I imagine Hawaii should be like.  Nice relaxing SOUTH PACIFIC theme, chilling at the patio with one hand on my Mai Tai and listening to live music.  Who cares if you can't catch every word on the Hawaiian version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow".  Just chill and enjoy!

Yes, this restaurant is filled with tourist, but I can totally see the people complaining about TAHITI NUI is an overpriced tourist trap also complaining about everything else when they are sitting at a local restaurant.  Instead of complaining about the overpriced food or drinks, think of it as you paying for the live entertainment and awesome ambiance.

Ordered the following:
- SEARED AHI STEAK ($25):  Decent size, I loved the wasabi mash that came with the perfectly seared ahi.
- MAI TAI ($8):  Like someone had pointed out, every restaurant claim that they have the "Best Mai Tai" on the island.  It is subjective.  Some people like their cocktails mixed without a tint of alcohol in them.  I personally prefer my Mai Tai with more rum to it.  Nevertheless, it was still good and refreshing.  Was definitely the perfect drink as I sit and chill at the patio.

Would definitely recommend this restaurant to my friends if they come to Kauai.