Exercise Your Taste Buds on Oahu’s North Shore
So, you are coming to the North Shore. You have your bags packed and your activities planned. To truly immerse yourself in the flavor of this magical place, you also need to grab a fork and dig in.
We are pleased to provide you with an overview of some of the best food Oahu’s North Shore has to offer. We have something for everyone.
Hauula
North Shore Taco
It is said that they have the number one fish taco on the North Shore. Judging by the crowds, they just might be right. Open daily 11a to 9p.
Korean BBQ
Wide variety of Korean food. Limited seating. Open Monday to Saturday 10a to 8p. Closed Sunday. Located across from the Hauula Shopping Center.
Hauula Shopping Center
Tamura’s Market (grocery store), Longs (CVS), Domino’s Pizza, Papa Ole’s (delicious local food, try the garlic chicken and kalbi ribs). Times vary. Open daily.
Or you might want to try roadside fruit and food stands located just half a mile north of the shopping center. There you will find fresh fruit directly from the farm, cold coconuts, and frozen otais. And do not miss Guadalajara Grill, a groovy Mexican food stand that has quickly become a local favorite.
Laie
Hukilau Marketplace
Situated at the entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Hukilau Marketplace offers everything from formal dining at Pounders Restaurant to casual fare at food trucks and kiosks. You will find Polynesian barbecue, seafood, crepes, roasted chicken, burgers, and some of the best mango otai (Polynesian smoothie) on the island. Open Monday to Saturday from 11a to 9:30p.
The Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a full day of fun, beauty, and culture, with great food throughout the day.
Most visitors choose the Ali’i Luau with freshly cooked pua’a (pig) cooked all day in an authentic imu (underground oven) and numerous Polynesian, American, and Asian selections in a covered outdoor setting with waterfalls, lagoons, and tropical flowers. The experience includes live music and dance.
Another option is Ambassador Prime Dining with delicious dishes centered around all-you-can-eat prime rib, plus half a pound of crab legs for Ambassador Ticket Holders. The indoor venue is beautiful.
You may also consider the family friendly Island Buffet, an economical but delicious dinner with options sure to please the whole family.
For lunch, enjoy the BBQ Lunch Buffet which includes barbecued chicken cooked on a grill right in front of you along with numerous other dishes. Check your ticket to confirm scheduled dining times.
The Bistro at the Courtyard Oahu North Shore
Walk-up counter open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus specialty beverages made with Starbucks coffee.
McDonald’s
Yes, really. McDonald’s includes some aloha in their menu. You will find fruit punch, saimin, and a Portuguese sausage and rice breakfast. Do not forget to try the taro pie. Open daily from 4:30a to 12a.
Laie Shopping Center
Foodland (grocery store), Seven Brothers (fresh burgers), Laie Chop Suey (Chinese), Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Angel’s (smoothies, ice cream, shave ice), Subway. Open Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday. Times vary.
Hukilau Cafe
Popular local cafe serving breakfast and lunch only. Get there early because it is packed. Open Tuesday to Friday 6:30a to 2p, Saturday 7a to 11:30a. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Ken’s Fish
Just north of Hukilau Beach, Ken’s Fish is considered the best fish plate on the island. Open Friday and Saturday afternoons only. Hours may vary.
Kahuku
Kahuku Superette
Surprisingly great poke at this small corner market. Open Monday to Friday 6:30a to 10p, Saturday to Sunday 7a to 10p.
Kahuku Open Air Market
Outdoor market with Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Ono Yo yogurt, barbecue plates, and more. Open daily 10:30a to 6:30p.
Kahuku Sugar Mill
Fiji Market
Located behind Vulu Express gas station. Find authentic curry, roti, and other Fiji dishes. Great prices and large servings. The store also has treats from around the Pacific. Open Monday to Saturday 11a to 9p. Closed Sunday.
Seven Brothers
Everything made fresh daily. Generous servings. Owned by a family of seven surfing brothers. Open Monday to Thursday and Saturday 11a to 11p, Friday 11a to 12a. Closed daily 4p to 5p. Closed Sunday.
Wili Wili’s Shave Ice
Located at the side window of Vulu’s near Seven Brothers. Create your own shave ice with lots of flavors.
Kahuku Farms
Unique cafe that uses farm-grown produce to make fresh lunch dishes, smoothies, liliko’i jelly, flavored syrups, and more.
Kahuku Shrimp Trucks
Some of the best shrimp on the island with options like garlic, tempura, and sweet and sour. No matter which truck you pick, you will see why people come from all over the world.
Other Places
Turtle Bay
Multiple great dining choices, from elegant restaurants to quiet beachside meals. More expensive but great for a special night.
Ted’s Bakery
Near Sunset Beach. Famous for chocolate haupia and lilikoi cheese pie along with other baked goods and main dishes. Lines can be long but worth it.
Food Trucks at Sharks Cove
Community style eating with great food, perfect after a day at the beach.
Haleiwa
A mecca of shopping, food, and fun with a 60s vibe. So many choices that we could not list them all here. You will find more on the Go Hawaii website.
About the Author
Nina S. Jones is a mainland gal who has become a transplanted Islander. With her husband of 39 years, she volunteers at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Her hobbies include swimming, traveling, studying, and writing about Polynesian cultures. Her blogs focus on their history, beliefs, practices, and delicious foods. To her, Polynesia is not just a place to visit, it is a way to live, and she is honored to be part of this amazing world.