Hukilau Marketplace: Eating International on the North Shore – Part II

Welcome to your guide to the Hukilau Marketplace: Eating International on the North Shore, Part 2! Previously, we presented Hukilau Marketplace Eating International on the North Shore – Part 1. In that blog, we shared 7 great places to grab a full-blown meal, a snack, or some refreshing cold drinks. Now it’s time for the other 8! This amazing shopping center is found at the entrance to the world-famous Polynesian Cultural Center in the little country town of Lāʻie, Oʻahu.

This time, we finish up with 8 more outdoor kiosks and food trucks, along with a revisit to the popular Pounders Restaurant.

NOTE: This list was updated March 2025. Changes are inevitable, but we’re sure that you will always find great food at the Hukilau Marketplace!

1. Pounders Restaurant

Pounders Restaurant in Lāʻie, located by the entrance to the Hukilau Marketplace. — You'll find Pounders Restaurant immediately upon entering the Hukilau Marketplace

Pounders was already mentioned in our first blog, but since it is the cornerstone eatery of the Marketplace, we want to mention it here as well.

The diversity of meals served shows how they care about your experience. When you see the dishes of other diners, piled high with fresh and local ingredients, you’ll hear your taste buds desperately calling for you to pick a meal just as tempting. Pounder’s menu offers the notoriously popular Hawaiian Mango Pizza, the tasty Kalbi Ribs with its amazing Ulu Mashed Potatoes, the fresh Macadamia Nut Fish, and the newest edition of a local favorite, Chunky Cookies, along with many other favorites. 

Want to make a reservation at Pounders Restaurant?

2. Elsie’s Smoothie Shack

Elsie's Smoothie Shack's delicious Açai bowl with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and coconut. — Elsie’s Acai Bowl is directly across from the main entrance to Pounders Restaurant

Elsie’s Smoothie Shack has been a staple at the Marketplace for years. Known far and wide for their patented frozen drink, the Mango ʻOtai is made from fresh, tropical fruits grown on their farm just a few blocks down the highway. Or maybe you want a smoothie served in a fresh pineapple? This and more are served daily from their kiosk directly across from the main entrance to Pounders Restaurant.

Want to know more about Elsie’s Smoothie Shack?

3. Sweet As Ice Cream

An assortment of ice cream in waffle cones at Sweet As. — To the left of Elsie’s you will find “Sweet As”

If you haven’t had New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream, get ready for perfection. This is the Rolls-Royce of creaminess, magically infused with your favorite fruit. They even provide an option of a milk-free ice cream. Just ask for the “milk-free” version, made with coconut cream. It’s absolutely incredible!

Want to know more about Sweet As!

4. Tutu's Sweet Shop

An assortment of several treats and delicacies on display at Tutu's Sweet Shop. — Tutu’s Sweet Shop, the home of the famous Pineapple Dole Whip, is tucked in behind the Gazebo on the south end of the Marketplace

Tūtū means "grandma" in Hawaiian, and this little store filled with everything from handmade fudge to dipped chocolates and a variety of island-themed candies, popcorn, and nuts is just what Grandma would serve! Come feel the love! You’ll find this shop in front of the Pacific Theater on the south end of the Marketplace.

Want to know more about Tutu's Sweet Shop?

5. Beachside Shaved Ice

Several colorful syrup options available at Beachside Shaved Ice. — Beachside Shaved Ice is inside the Marketplace over by Nona’s Fine Thread

There is nothing quite as refreshing on a hot Hawaiian day as a fluffy snowball covered in sweetness. With 20 flavors to choose from, it may be difficult to choose a favorite! Look for their kiosk over by the Marketplace gazebo.

Want to know more about Beachside Saved Ice?

6. Hale Pops Hot Dog & Fries

Hot dogs dressed with an variety of different toppings. — Hale Pops is next to Beachside Shave Ice near the south entrance to the Marketplace

This is not your typical hot dog. These bad boys should be considered an art form of deliciousness. Choose from a variety of fascinating combinations of toppings that top these quality, plump and juicy, and perfectly grilled dogs made with premium beef.

Choose from a number of ingenious combinations, like their Cali Dog, made with bacon, avocado, cucumber, french fries, spicy mayo, green onions, and furikake! Who knew hot dogs could be this ono (delicious)?

This food truck is right by the Tahiti Treasures souvenir and craft kiosk.

Want to know more about Hale Pops?

7. The Kiwi Korner

A slice of meat pie from The Kiwi Corner. — The Kiwi Korner is found curbside by the second entrance to Pounders Restaurant

New Zealand is known for its amazing meat pies, and the Kiwi Korner brings some of the best with their flaky, flavorful handpies. And don’t forget desserts, including delicious cream puffs and some amazing truffles. You’ll find them curbside to the left of Pounders Restaurant.

Want to know more about Kiwi Korner?

8. Shaka Shake Korean BBQ

A Korean-style lunch bowl from Shaka Shake. — Shaka Shakes is parked on the Marketplace Peninsula, to the right of Nona’s Fine Threads

Home of the Shaka Shake, which entails "shaking" the bowl to blend all of the wonderful flavors included in a Korean Hawaiian Fusion BBQ, is the story behind this popular food truck. Come enjoy this incredible bowl of heaven served with love and a smile.

This food truck can be found curbside on the ‘food truck peninsula’ near Hukilau Hair Salon.

Want to know more about Shaka Shake?

9.Fat Poi

A plate of different Hawaiian dishes. — Fat Poi is also on the food truck peninsula

Ready for some true Hawaiian dishes? Fat Poi has you covered with an impressive selection of Hawaiian food, including Kailua Pig, poke bowls, seafood, and poi! The ingredients are fresh, and the spice is ‘just right’. This is aloha in a bowl, served curbside between Pounders and Nona’s Fine Threads.

Want to know more about Fat Poi?

10. Manuela Malasadas

A tray of delicious, baked malasada, coated in sugar. — Manulea Malasadas is situated front and center along the Food Truck peninsula in from of the Hukilau Marketplace

Come try “Hawaii’s Ultimate Donut” – made with a pillowy dough with just the right amount of ‘chew’, filled with your choice of incredible fillings, and flavored sugary toppings. Order a couple or grab an entire box for the whole gang. You’re going to savor each and every bite!

Manuela’s is the first food truck on the "food truck peninsula" inside their parking lot area in front of the Hukilau Marketplace.

Want to know more about Manuela Malasadas?

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