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Header Image courtesy of Haleiwa Bowls (via Instagram)
Being one of the most well-known vacation places in the United States, Oahu offers everything from beaches and shopping to amazing food. Many would want to visit famous restaurants, but the real local experience is on the streets. Here are the must-try food trucks located throughout the island of Oahu to get a taste of Hawaii.
The list can't start without mentioning one of the most well-known food-trucks in the United States. Known for its lemon butter, hot and spicy, and classic garlic shrimp, Giovanni's is perfect for a taste of the sea and flavour of Hawaii. Located on the North Shore, this shrimp truck has earned the reputation as both a local and tourist spot.
Giovanni’s, 66-472 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States | (+1) 808 293 1839
Although just a food truck, The Elephant Truck serves some of the best Thai food on the island. Filled with so many options, they are most well known for their vegan options like pad thai with tofu. If you are in the North Shore, definitely head to one of their shacks or trucks.
The Elephant Truck, 59-186 Kamehameha Highway, North Shore, Haleiwa, Hawaii, 96712, USA | (+1) 808 638 1854
Hawaii’s best-known dessert is the delicious malasadas—a type of sugar-coated doughnut—and the most popular place that sells this is Leonard's. Leonard's is originally a small bakery on the South Shore, but has recently rented a truck that travels all over the island to deliver different-island inspired filled doughnuts to your neighbourhood.
Leonard's, 7138-7190 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Hawaii Kai, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96825, USA | (+1) 808 737 5591
Serving arguably the best Hawaiian-style barbecued chicken on the island, Mike’s is the place to go for the sweet and smoky grilled meats. Not only do they offer grilled chicken that is plastered with Huli Huli (meaning ‘to turn’) sauce, but they also have an amazing spicy sauce that compliments the chicken to a tee.
Mike’s, 56-565 Kamehameha Highway, Koolauloa, Kahuku, Hawaii, 96731, USA | (+1) 808 277 6720
You can’t come to Hawaii without trying it’s amazing Acai bowls, and Haleiwa Bowls is one of the most popular places in Oahu for the healthy sweet treat. The bowls are always made with fresh organic acai sorbet, topped with tropical fruits and an array of toppings.
Haleiwa, 66-030 Kamehameha Highway, North Shore, Haleiwa, Hawaii, 96712, USA
Offering both sweet and savoury these pies that are baked to perfection every day, Sweet Revenge uses local ingredients to build their pies from scratch. Definitely check out this truck or their shop when wanting something filling and delicious.
Sweet Revenge, 979 Robello Lane, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
Although good Mexican food in Hawaii is hard to find, Surf N Salsa offers a great option for those craving some shrimp tacos or carne asada fries. With a BYOB policy and free chips and salsa with your order, this is the perfect place to have a nice relaxing lunch.
Surf N Salsa, 66521 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States | (+1) 808 692 2471
Located in North Shore, Pupukea Grill is one of the freshest seafood trucks on the island. Not only is the fish fresh-caught, it is served alongside vegetables. They also offer sushi rolls and poke bowls. Pay them a visit and enjoy the nice outdoor setting and ocean views.
Pupukea Grill, 59-680 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI, United States | (+1) 808 636 4908
Permanently located across from Pupukea Beach Park, this truck is known for made-to-order pizzas with big, fluffy crusts. Go early on weekends because they close once they run out of ingredients.
Impossibles Pizza, 59-065 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States | (+1) 808 499 4741
The first-ever Eat the Street event took place in 2011, and has now turned into a major destination spot for thousands of food fans. A monthly food truck rally that gathers over 40 food and retail vendors so you can sample the best street food in Hawaii. On every last Friday of the month from 4pm to 9pm.
Eat the Street, 555 South Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Growing up in Hong Kong, Rosamond is a recent high school graduate who is in the middle of her gap year. She has always been interested in capturing little moments and stories in the places she goes to. Whether it’s her love for film photography or her obsession with making playlists, you will always see Roz with a camera around her neck and lo-fi bops playing on her headphones. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
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