Mexican Food With Hawaiian Heart

Tiki Morales makes a damn fine taco. It’s messy, for sure — loaded with moist, chunky meat, charred and smoky from the grill, and depending on what you get, gobs of guacamole, cabbage, chili peppers or tomatoes. They’re perfection, and maybe that’s because tacos are the only thing on the menu. You won’t find burritos, enchiladas or fajitas at Tiki Tacos in Kapa‘a.

“Our concept is to be an authentic taqueria,” says Morales, who was born and raised in Acapulco, Mexico, and moved to Kaua‘i 18 years ago. “That means only tacos and no fillers like rice, beans, or chips.”

— Midweek Kauai