Date: April 15, 2020 

The food truck revolution is slowly taking over the restaurant scene and it is better than ever. Some of the best eateries in Hawaii can now be found roadside, in parking lots, markets and special events. There’s the famous Plate Lunch Marketplace on Maui that never disappoints with their multiple trucks always parked. Even events like Oahu’s Eat the Street are bringing the best around to satisfy all cravings, sometimes up to 40 trucks at a time! Spanning across all the islands, from Kauai to Big Island, you are sure to find something to fill your stomachs. Here is a list of five of our favorites on each island. Be sure to check them out!

Kauai

Kauai Food Truck – Serving island comfort foods like Kalua pork, garlic shrimp, fish tacos and breakfast all day, the Kauai Food Truck is one of the originals on the island. It’s located in Old Koloa Town and operates Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm. If you’re lucky you can occasionally catch them on a Saturday.

Hanalei Taro and Juice – This particular truck is located on the north shore of the island in Hanalei and operates every day from 11am to 3pm as well as at a couple of the markets on Saturdays and Wednesdays. They have daily specials that feature authentic Hawaiian style food such as Pork Laulau, Kalua Pork, Poi and Kulolo. There is even some sweet treats like the Taro Mochi Cake, Taro Fruit Smoothies and sorbets that are available. All of the Taro products served come from fresh Taro that is harvested on a 6th generation family farm also located in Hanalei.

The Green Pig – The Green Pig is available Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm and located right across the street from Kealia Beach outside of Kapaa Town. They offer amazing sandwiches, wraps and salads and fresh cut French fries.

Porky’s – A hot commodity, Porky’s can be found in Waimea Town, Kapaa and every Friday at the Hanapepe Art Night. Hours do vary for each location and it is best to check before you head over so not to miss one of the best places to eat. The local favorites include Grilled Pineapple Pork Sausage, Kalua Pork Grilled Cheese and Kaula Pork Hot Dogs, all at great prices!

Chalupa’s Mexican Food- If you are craving some authentic Mexican food fast and fresh this is the truck for you! The owner grew up working on his family’s farm in Mexico and learned how to cook using only the freshest of ingredients. Meats are cooked for hours and prepared in tasty burritos and flavorful tacos and quesadillas using traditional Mexican spices. They are located in Old Koloa Town and open all day 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and on Sundays 10am to 4pm.

Oahu

Giovanni’s – Known for the graffiti ridden white food truck on the north shore Giovanni’s serves up some of the best shrimp on the island! The graffiti are just some of the many customer signatures that have been left behind from visitors all over. They operate every day from 10:30am to 5pm from locations in Haleiwa and Kahuku and offering Jumbo Garlic Shrimp, Hot and Spicy and Lemon Pepper.

Leonard’s Bakery Malasada – Leonard’s are Hawaii’s original malasadas and the best around! For those that don’t know, a malasada is a Portuguese doughnut without a hole made with different fillings and flavors. Beside their bakery there are two trucks located in Pearlridge (7am to 7pm) and Koko Marina (9am to 5pm).

Elenas – Elena’s is home to the finest Filipino food in Hawaii with a main restaurant in Waipahu and three food trucks traveling to different locations. Make sure to check online for their upcoming locations. They have created many popular dishes such as the original Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelette and Sari Sari, a soup of local vegetables.

Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken – Mike’s is said to have the best Huli Huli Chicken around and we agree! It is cooked over local Kiawe wood and flavored naturally with Hawaiian sea salt. There are many combination plates to choose from including chicken, Kalua pork, shrimp, steak and Ahi. You can even grab a bottle of Mike’s Special Dipping Sauce to take home. Catch them all day, every day in Kahuku from 10:30am to 7pm.

Laverne’s Lunch Wagon – Here you can find an extensive menu of authentic Hawaiian foods to fit all needs. They are serving up many different combinations of beef curry and stew, Kalua pork, Laulau, Mahi and even squid as well as many side items to choose from. It is hard to choose just one at Laverne’s! You can visit anytime between 10:30am to 8:30pm every day in Waipahu.

Maui

Like Poke? – Owner Danny offers a very limited menu of fresh Poke, Katsu and Tako. You can normally find this famous Poke truck in Kahului not far from the airport across from Costco at the Plate Marketplace. Definitely arrive early because they do sell out! Serving starts approximately around 10am and can shut down as early as noon on some days.

Thai Mee Up – Best authentic Thai creations around can be found on this lunch wagon. Tom Sribura owner and Chef for over 20 years is serving up options on his massive menu with fried pork ribs, various curries, pad Thai’s and garlic shrimp. This is also located in the infamous parking lot across from Costco in Kahului as well as Kula, hours do vary.

Jawz Fish Tacos – This is the one of the oldest trucks on the island providing a mix of Mexican and Hawaiian wrapped up in their famous tacos and burritos and more! With a store front in Kihei and two trucks usually found around area, including Makena you are bound to find a Jawz near you. Don’t forget to save some room for a shaved ice too! Hours are normally 10am to 5pm every day.

Kiawe Wood Fire Grill – Only super fresh and local products are served for these grilled burgers. Maui Catttle Co. beef burgers, fish and chicken burgers and even one for the vegetarians, there’s a burger for everyone here at this truck! Like many others you can find them at the Plate Marketplace across from Costco in Kahului.

Brekkie Bowls – All organic, fresh and healthy foods are served at this truck. Refresh yourself with one of many Acai bowls and smoothies with all fresh fruits and toppings like granola and coconut. They are great for breakfast or even after a workout. Brekkie is located behind the Gym Maui in Kihei, Monday thru Friday 7:30am to 12pm and Saturdays 8am to 11am.

Big Island

Da Bomb BBQ – Owner Jason is bringing a little bit of Texas to the Big Island with his special style brisket, ribs, pulled pork and barbeque chicken. Da Bomb BBQ can be found all over the Big Island from Kona to Waimea to Hilo. Be sure to track this truck down if you can ahead of time to enjoy some of this slow cooked goodness!

Island Style Grindz – Island Style Grindz is cooking up everything Poke with some amazing Poke Nachos, Poke Bowls, Poke Fries and even Korean chicken and burgers. This traveling truck can be found at different locations throughout the week so make sure to check their schedule ahead of time.

A Whale of a Crepe – Great for brunch! The menu has a very extensive assortment of sweet and savory crepes, fresh fruit smoothies and Kona coffee. There are so many different options of crepes available some including a Pizza, Mediterranean, and Vegetarian’s Paradise, Chocolate Aloha and the Kona Paradise just to name some favorites. Opened from 7am to 3pm and located in the heart of Kona just minutes from Kailua Bay.

On Top of Mauna Kea – This particular truck serves up many authentic tropical creations for anyone looking to satisfy some cravings! Specials include combo plates of Grilled Prime Rib, Lamb Burger, Guava Chicken and Pork Teriyaki featuring Aunty Kana’i’s Famous Teriyaki. The marinade originated right at Aunty Kana’i’s family home but has since become a famous kitchen staple on the island and can be found at the local farmers market. Usual locations are on Sundays and Tuesdays at Waimea Church Row and Wednesday at Waimea Midweek Market, closes at 2pm.

Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. – Best shaved ice around! There are endless options on this menu. Their sweet treats are made with the family’s homemade recipe of natural syrups and your favorite toppings. You can find trucks in Kamuela on Mondays and Tuesdays, Waikoloa on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Hilo Tuesday thru Saturdays.

Of course there are so many more than just what we listed above with many different varieties for each island. So skip the restaurants and join the lunch wagon brigade!

Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Aloha Kai Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.

-Melissa Beahm