The Best North Shore Food Trucks (and Where to Find Them!)

A group of people seated at a table in front of North Shore Food Trucks
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Oahu’s North Shore food trucks have become nearly as famous as the area’s big-wave surfing and laid-back vibes. If you’ve ever driven to the North Shore of Oahu, I’m sure you’ve noticed the trucks scattered along the side of the highway, stretching from Haleiwa to Kualoa Ranch.

Lunch trucks are some of the most popular (and pretty much only) places to eat on this stretch of country road, and more continue to take up residence along the “Seven Mile Miracle,” adding flavor to the mix.

Shrimp Trucks on Oahu

But the most sought-after version of these spots is definitely the shrimp trucks. A few of these famous mobile eateries have been featured on shows such as Man vs. Food, the Travel Channel, and the Cooking Channel. 

Visitors to Oahu seek out the shrimp truck experience and will oftentimes hit up a few of them along their North Shore journey, just to sample the gamut.

A Tour of North Shore Food Trucks

Bruce gathered a group of fellow shrimp lovers to hop from truck to truck and taste the variety of flavors each one had to offer. While the most popular is undeniably the ‘garlic shrimp,’ many of the trucks have signature flavors like pineapple, western BBQ, and coconut. 

And if you’re planning a tour to the North Shore of Oahu, here’s a quick little guide on North Shore Food Trucks, plus some other notable ‘along the way’ stops to (or from) your starting point.

Shrimp Shack (Hauula)

If traveling around the island from the east side, the first shrimp truck stop is the yellow Shrimp Shack in Hauula. With pan-fried garlic shrimp, this is one of the only trucks that offer dipping sauce alongside their shrimp. There is also a small market directly next door, so it’s a good time to grab water, snacks, or other drinks. 

You will have passed Kualoa Ranch, Mokoli’i (Chinaman’s Hat), and the Mac Nut Farm already, but if these landmarks interest you, I recommend stopping beforehand.

Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck (Kahuku)

Cruising along the highway heading north, you’ll also come across the Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck. They have about fifteen different items on their menu, including their signature hot & spicy version and western BBQ shrimp. 

Giovanni’s (Kahuku and Haleiwa)

The most well-known North Shore food truck is Giovanni’s. It’s typically considered the original, as it first started selling roadside shrimp here in Kahuku in 1995. Be sure to plan for a long wait time at this popular spot. 

Most people get shrimp scampi or garlic shrimp, but they have a lot of great flavors. They top their rice with bits of caramelized garlic.

If you miss their Kahaku location, they’ve got other ones in Haleiwa and Honolulu. 

Mike’s Huli Chicken (Kahuku)

If you love BBQ chicken, try Mike’s huli chicken in Kahuku. The chicken here is broiled over a Keawe wood flame. You can also get kalua pig and garlic shrimp at this Oahu food truck. 

Kuilima Farm Stand (Turtle Bay)

If you’ve reached these North Shore trucks, you’ve rounded Laie, so continue on, and you’ll pass an outdoor fresh fruit market right by Turtle Bay Resort. You can find a whole assortment of tropical fruits and vegetables here, and they have delicious fried bananas for sale, cooked up right there on site. The vendors are quiet yet friendly, and this is a great place to stop, if even for a little bit of local culture.

Elephant Shack (Pupukea)

Continue on toward Sunset Beach to find even more North Shore food trucks. The Elephant Shack is near Sunset Beach and has delicious Thai food. 

Impossibles Pizza (Pupukea)

If you’re craving a good old-fashioned pizza while you cruise along the North Shore, Impossibles Pizza is the place to stop. It’s located near Shark’s Cove, so you can sit on the beach while digging into their ginormous pies—also a great way to feed a group on a budget. 

Pupukea Grill (Pupukea)

This delicious spot near Shark’s Cove has a great assortment of fresh fish and local favorites. It’s a good crowd-pleaser, since there is poke, acai bowls, vegetarian wraps, and Mexican dishes. 

North Shore Tacos (Pupukea)

This excellent taco truck in Pupukea has fish, shrimp, and chicken in their tacos. It’s a popular spot (and a bit slow), so consider calling ahead here. 

Haleʻiwa Bowls (Haleiwa)

After your long, food-fueled journey along the North Shore, you’ve finally reached Haleiwa. Why not reward yourself with something cold and fresh? Haleʻiwa Bowls is a great place for acai bowls topped with fresh fruit and local honey. 

Crispy Grindz (Haleiwa)

Grindz is what Hawaii locals call food (really good food), and Crispy Grindz in the North Shore has delicious Brazilian fare that’s unique and delicious. They also have smoothies and acai bowls. 

Haleiwa Seafood & Grill (Haleiwa)

Haleiwa Seafood & Grill has excellent fish options, along with drinks served in pineapples and coconuts—a great way to kick back and enjoy Haleiwa’s relaxed tropical lifestyle. 

What to Do Beyond North Shore Food Trucks

It’s wild to think the North Shore’s restaurants are made up mostly of these little mobile machines, but it sure adds to the charm and laid-back country feel of this part of Oahu. 

Don’t forget to check out Waimea Valley, a beautiful oasis tucked away in the lush valleys of sacred Waimea. You can walk around the area and enjoy the gift shop and restaurant, or pay entrance to make the easy trek through the rainforest to the waterfall.

But wait! There are just a few more stops before you leave the North Shore! You can find local pastries at Paalaa Kai Bakery on the outskirts of Haleiwa, and then make your way through Waialua to North Shore Goodies for tropical-flavored pancake mix, syrups, and local honey. And be sure to check out the Waialua Sugar Mill for awesome shave ice, coffee tours, incredible Hawaiian soaps and much more!

I’ll make the final stop at Green World Farms, a large coffee shop with unique crafts and gifts to peruse. And, of course, a strong cup of coffee to get you out of the food coma and back to the hotel. 

Enjoy!

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