Top pick1$$Kalapawai Market
Kailua·Food Store
Full-service deli & grocer with a large selection of dry goods, plus sandwiches.
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Kailua might be best known for its beaches, but the town punches well above its weight when it comes to a solid sandwich. I pulled together 8 spots worth knowing — from the beloved deli counter at Kalapawai Market to the stacked gourmet grinders at Timmy T's Gourmet Grinders Sandwich Shop — so you can eat well whether you're heading out to Lanikai or just hanging around town.
This is a curated guide that blends the area's best-rated spots with Nate's personally verified picks. Any restaurant carrying the NateEatsHawaii badge is a spot Nate recommends firsthand — look for that marker as you browse the list. The rest of the spots are included based on their reputation and how visitors rate them on the site.
From fresh-baked bagels at Tali's Bagels and Schmear to health-forward wraps at Nalu Health Bar & Cafe, Kailua's sandwich scene covers a surprising range of cravings. Whether you want something hearty, wholesome, or somewhere in between, this guide has you covered.
The ranking
Top pick1$$Full-service deli & grocer with a large selection of dry goods, plus sandwiches.
2$$Juice blends, açaí bowls & wraps incorporating local ingredients in a cheery, counter-serve space.
3$$Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.
4$$Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.
5$$Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.
6$$
7$
8$$Contemporary Hawaiian fare, plus plate lunches & Sunday brunch in a cozy, casual setting.
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FAQ
Kalapawai Market is widely regarded as a Kailua institution, offering a large deli selection in a full-service market setting — it's a great first stop for sandwiches in the area. Timmy T's Gourmet Grinders Sandwich Shop is another well-known option dedicated entirely to the craft of a great sub.
For budget-friendly options, the deli counters at Safeway locations in the Kailua and Windward area offer convenient, wallet-friendly sandwiches without the wait. Nalu Health Bar & Cafe is also a solid counter-serve choice if you're after something fresh and light.
This is a curated guide combining Nate's personally verified picks (marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge) with the highest-rated sandwich spots in Kailua according to visitor ratings on the site. The list is reviewed regularly to keep it accurate and useful.