An integral part of Hawaiian culture since the 1970s, food trucks and fruit stands are now almost as synonymous with Oʻahu’s iconic North Shore as surfing itself! Low overheads - generally passed on to the consumer in lower prices - have continued to make mobile units a profitable business option for restauranteurs, and the chance to sample local ono grinds at prices that won’t break the bank has helped to popularize this culinary tradition with visitors and residents alike.

From garlic shrimp to shave ice, açaí bowls to the perfect plate lunch, the North Shore’s eclectic mix of mobile food stands offers something to suit every taste. Here - in no particular order - we showcase five North Shore food trucks you don’t want to miss…!

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

Probably Hawaiʻi’s most famous food truck, Giovanni’s - established in 1993 and permanently located at Kahuku Sugar Mill since 1995 - offers a limited menu of sumptuous shrimp-based plates plus a delicious garlic hotdog for the non-shrimp eaters in your party. Renowned for its Shrimp Scampi (a dozen jumbo shrimp marinated in olive oil, fresh garlic and lemon butter, and served with two scoops of rice), this popular truck regularly ranks amongst the best on the island, and justifiably so. Expect generous portions, friendly service and a fun, no-frills atmosphere. And be prepared to wait in line, particularly at peak times. If you’re not able to visit the the original graffiti-laden truck at Kahuku, Giovanni’s has two more locations on Oʻahu - one in the charming town of Haleʻiwa; the other on the second floor of H-Mart in Honolulu’s vibrant Kakaʻako district.

Mike’s Huli Chicken

Founded by Mike Fuse in 2010, this popular Kahuku food truck offers a host of island inspired plate lunches led by the mouthwatering chicken that gives the truck its name. Broiled over fragrant Kiawe wood and seasoned to perfection with local sea salt, Mike’s smoky, juicy, huli-huli chicken is a favorite with both in-the-know locals and visiting foodies looking for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience. As well as the fall-off-the-bone tender chicken, a fairly extensive menu includes plates of shrimp, steak, ahi, Kalua pork and combinations thereof, served with rice, macaroni salad and a slice of fresh pineapple. The truck is also well known for offering discounts to military personnel and kamaʻāina.

Sunrise Shack

59-712 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

Founded in 2016, and now operating from five locations on Oʻahu, the Sunrise Shack serves signature speciality coffees, smoothie bowls, salads and sandwiches, along with good vibes and a bunch of branded merchandise from ball caps and coffee mugs, to tote bags and temporary tattoos! The perfect way to re-energize after hitting the local surf spots, the shack’s superfood-rich menu not only showcases fresh, local produce but also promotes good health and wellbeing. Try the Berry Toast, Blue Dream Smoothie or Paradise Punch Bowl for a taste of island goodness, or give yourself a boost with a local favorite, the Mac Nut Bullet Coffee! The brainchild of brothers Travis, Alex and Koa Smith, and their friend Koa Rothman, the original distinctive bright yellow shack at Shark’s Cove now has four siblings on the island, at Kailua, in the Honolulu neighborhoods of Waikiki and Kapahulu, and at the Ala Moana Center.

Big Wave Shrimp Truck

Located in the laid back surf town of Haleʻiwa, Big Wave has been doling out delectable Hawaiian-style dishes for the past two decades. In addition to their popular shrimp plates (typically garlic, coconut, lemon & pepper and spicy), this long-established food truck also serves a diverse menu of internationally-inspired dishes including short ribs, chicken wings, spring rolls and fish & chips, along with Hawaiian Sun and Aloha Maid juices. An abundance of outdoor seating, a famously relaxed atmosphere and live local music all add to the truck’s appeal, and if you still have room for dessert after devouring a plate of local deliciousness, owners Max and Jake Nowicki also run the neighboring Kaimana shave ice shop, which offers a 10% discount for customers on production of their Big Wave receipt.

North Shore Crêpes Cafe

In 2006, Jonathan Pajot transported the taste of his homeland to historic Haleʻiwa town. Brought up in a fishing village on the French coast, Pajot fulfilled a long held dream when he opened North Shore Crêpes Cafe on Oʻahu’s most famous stretch of shoreline. Known for its deliciously authentic French crêpes and speciality coffees served from a remodeled VW bus, this friendly food truck is all about fresh farm flavors and abundant Aloha! Choose from a wide range of sweet and savory toppings, including classic French numbers Bonjour (ham, mozzarella, scrambled egg) and Paris (butter, sugar, fresh lemon juice), as well as local favorites Hawaiian (Kalua pig, mozzarella, coleslaw, sautéed onion, barbecue sauce), Waikiki (Nutella, banana, strawberry, vanilla ice cream) and Banana Mac (honey, banana, macadamia nut). Everything is meticulously prepared and cooked to perfection, there’s plenty of vegan / gluten-free options for those on restricted diet plans and service - whilst prioritizing quality over quickness - is super-friendly and efficient. And if you don’t make it to Haleʻiwa, North Shore Crêpes Cafe also has a second location, at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie.

So there you have it, a fleeting glance at Hawaiʻi’s colorful culinary scene through five North Shore food trucks you don’t want to miss! But as good as these trucks are - and they really are good - this quintet represents only a tiny fraction of the countless high quality trucks and stands parked up in clusters at outdoor food courts or scattered along the side of the highway between Haleʻiwa and Kualoa Ranch. Find your favorite food truck on your next Oʻahu vacation and make certain to check back here for more Hawaiʻi restaurant recommendations and other stories from the islands. Better still, follow us on Instagram to ensure you never miss a post… Aloha!