Introduction
When I first pointed my rental car up Oʻahu’s North Shore, I assumed I’d be stopping at some beaches, maybe a shave-ice stand, and that’d be it. But what I discovered was that half the magic of the North Shore is on the roadside — more specifically, at the food trucks. These humble mobile kitchens, parked along Kamehameha Highway or tucked by the ocean, serve up some of the most memorable bites I had on the island: garlic-butter shrimp dripping over rice, wood-smoked chicken with that kiawe smell, smoothie bowls fresh from the fruit stand next door. And it wasn’t just the food — it was the experience: the picnic tables under palm trees, the surf boards leaning nearby, the locals chatting about waves while I waited in line.
If you’re planning a day (or two) on the North Shore, set aside your “sit-down restaurant” mindset. Grab a picnic blanket, bring some wet wipes (you’ll want them), and prepare for one of the most fun food-crawl stops of your Hawaiian trip. Here are 12 of the best food trucks up north — in no particular order — that deliver not just food, but a full Hawaiian-roadside experience.
Top 12 North Shore Food Trucks (Oahu) With Amazing Experience (2025)
1. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Kahuku
This is the truck that launched the “North Shore shrimp plate” craze. Located at Kahuku (56-505 Kamehameha Hwy) it’s iconic for its garlic-butter shrimp served up with rice, a lemon wedge and a mountain of crusty garlic bits.
What I loved: the wall of signed graffiti on the side of the truck, the smell of garlic in the air, and the sense that I was doing the North Shore food truck stop.
Tip: expect a wait around lunchtime; bring cash (some trucks are cash-only).
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2. Romy’s Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp – Kahuku
Just down the road from Giovanni’s, Romy’s offers prawns and shrimp sourced from their nearby farm. They’re known for fresh flavour and slightly less hustle than the busiest trucks.
What I loved: choosing the “half garlic, half spicy” option and splitting the plate with a friend so we could taste both.
Tip: Ask for a side of grilled corn if available — it’s a local favourite.
3. Mike’s Huli Chicken – Kahuku
If you crave something smoky rather than buttery garlic, this truck nails it. The chicken is roasted over kiawe wood, glazed, juicy, and perfect after a morning on the beach.
What I loved: the smell of the wood fire as soon as I parked, the lilikoi (passion fruit) hot sauce, and the laid-back picnic benches under the trees.
Tip: Come a little before peak lunch to avoid running out — trucks sometimes sell out.
4. Aji Limo Truck – Haleʻiwa
This truck is a delicious change of pace: Peruvian-Japanese fusion with fresh seafood, ceviche, poke bowls and fish tacos. Located at 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleʻiwa.
What I loved: the vibrant flavours, the bright picnic tables, and the sense of “local but special”.
Tip: For lighter fare, this is a good stop between heavier shrimp plates.
5. Sunrise Shack – Shark’s Cove / Sunset Beach
Want something fresh, early and light? Sunshine-vibes only here. Smoothie bowls, acai, bullet coffee and healthy eats — perfect morning stop. 59-712 Kamehameha Hwy.
What I loved: having a smoothie bowl right after a snorkel session at Shark’s Cove, watching sunlight hit the water behind the truck.
Tip: Come early (before beach time) and grab a seat facing the coral reef waves.
6. North Shore Tacos – Kahuku / Haleʻiwa
Bold, fun, tasty tacos with island twist. Shrimp tacos, fish tacos, burritos — this truck mixes Hawaiian and Mexican in the best way. Location: 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku.
What I loved: seafood tacos with salsa that had a surprise kick, and watching surfers walk by after their session.
Tip: Share a few taco varieties so you can try more flavours.
7. Kalena’s Hut – Sunset Beach area
Off the beaten path a bit, this local-start truck serves up authentic Hawaiian plate lunches: kalua pork, loco moco, garlic shrimp too. It sits near Sunset Beach.
What I loved: the few picnic tables under palms, the less crowded vibe, and the sense that locals love it too (not just tourists).
Tip: Ask the locals what the “plate special” of the day is — it might be something extra good.
8. Papi’s Tacos – Kahuku
Another great taco-centric truck, located in the same general zone as the shrimp trucks (56-565 Kamehameha Hwy). It’s especially good for groups where everyone wants something slightly different.
What I loved: the crisp fish taco with mango salsa, friends getting burritos, and the shared picnic bench experience.
Tip: If someone in your party doesn’t want seafood, this is a good “everyone wins” stop.
9. Ry’s Poke Shack – Kahuku trucks area
Want something raw, fresh and Hawaiian-style? This truck specialises in authentic poke bowls — fresh tuna cubes, sesame oil, seaweed, local seasoning.
What I loved: the bright fish colours, the contrast to heavier garlic plates, and thinking “yes, I’m eating Hawaii.”
Tip: If you’re doing a beach day, grab the poke bowl, a drink, and have a picnic by the sand.
10. Elephant Shack Thai Food Truck – Haleʻiwa / North Shore cluster
Time for something a little different: authentic Thai street-food served from a colourfully painted truck. Pad Kee Mao, curry, noodles — a break from the shrimp-and-plate-lunch theme.
What I loved: the spice, the coconut-milk curry, the sense that this was a “locals know about” spot rather than the tourist line.
Tip: If you want a flavour change mid-trip, this is your stop.
11. Sunset Beach Shrimp Truck (Big Wave Shrimp) – North Shore
Among the many shrimp truck options this one is highly rated by locals for flavour and portion size.
What I loved: the “messy hands, happy mouth” moments, sharing a plate with friends, and sitting under a palm just meters from the truck with your meal on a paper plate.
Tip: Grab some napkins (and wet wipes) — you will need them!
12. North Shore Crêpes Cafe – Haleʻiwa
Sweet and savoury crêpes served from a converted VW bus in Haleʻiwa. Offers ham & cheese, Nutella & banana, Kalua pig & mozzarella — fun and different.
What I loved: the beachside dessert vibe, grabbing a sweet crêpe after a surf or beach walk, and the charming “food truck with character” setup.
Tip: Great for families or for dessert after a heavier meal.
How to Make the Most of Your Food Truck Crawl
- Go at off-peak times: Aim for late morning or early afternoon to avoid the longest waits.
- Mix heavy + light: Shrimp plates are glorious but heavy. Pair with smoothie bowls or crêpes to balance.
- Bring cash and cards: Some trucks are still cash-only. Reddit travellers noted this.
- Stay flexible: Some trucks close when they sell out. If one has a long line, hop to another.
- Picnic mindset: Bring your own water, maybe a blanket or towel, and enjoy the vibe. Many trucks have shaded picnic tables.
- Protect yourself: Wet wipes help, sunscreen essential, and beach flip-flops even if you’re just stopping by after surf.
- Walk off the food: Drive a little, park, walk to nearby beach or viewpoint after eating — helps beat the “full-plate fatigue”.
- Respect the locals: These are small local businesses; leave the spot tidy, be patient, and enjoy the Aloha spirit.
Final Thoughts
The North Shore food truck scene is more than just an easy meal stop — it’s part of the island’s culture, flavour, and laid-back pace. Each truck listed above doesn’t just serve food, it serves a moment: sitting under palms eating garlic shrimp, waiting in line with surfers, grabbing an acai bowl after the beach before the crowds roll in, or simply indulging in a sweet crêpe with the ocean breeze behind you.
If you asked me to pick one theme from my day eating up the North Shore: “Flavor, freedom, and the road”. The road drives you through swaying palms, ocean vistas, and then you pull off to a simple picnic table, a truck, and an unforgettable plate. There’s no stuffy restaurant. No strict schedule. Just you, the food, and the waves.
If you’ve got one day on the North Shore, choose 2-3 trucks (one heavy, one light, one dessert) and build your beach/stop sequence around it. If you’ve got two or more days — you’re set for a mini food-adventure.
So grab your appetite, bring your sense of fun, and make sure you leave room for the unexpected. Because somewhere between the garlic shrimp and the smoothie bowl you’ll find one of those travel “yes, I did that” moments.
Aloha & happy food-truck hopping!