Hukilau Marketplace: Eating International on the North Shore – Part I
Hukilau Marketplace: Eating International on the North Shore – Part I
By Keanu Gauthier
Eating international cuisine on the North Shore is a delightful treat, especially at the Hukilau Marketplace. Come visit this joyful market in beautiful Lāʻie, Oʻahu, where locals and tourists meet to share the spirit of Aloha through cultural activities, food, and the history of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands. It is the place to feel the excitement of living as pure Islanders.
Although the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Hukilau Marketplace focus mainly on the cultures of Polynesia, international influences are present throughout the islands. Why highlight international cuisine? Because it is an integral part of Polynesian history. Tahitians commonly speak French, and their cuisine reflects their history under French rule. About 38 percent of Fiji’s residents are of Indian descent. New Zealand, home of the Maori people, was a British colony from 1841 to 1907. Hawaiʻi has welcomed migrant workers from Asia, Portugal, and Latin and South America. One way to experience this blend of cultures is through the diverse food offered.
Pounders Restaurant is the main event
The place that resonates the most in dining choices is the unique Pounders Restaurant. 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 imposing Crispy Whole Sunfish, the delicious Vanilla Crème Brulée, along with many other favorites.
Want to know more about Pounders Restaurant?
SodaBomb sits right at the entrance
SodaBomb is one of the most popular trucks on the island, known for mixing soda with exotic flavors. Their motto is simple: take your favorite soda and make it better.
Want to learn more about SodaBomb’s flavors?
Tita’s Grill: A Lāʻie tradition
Tita’s Grill is just across from Pounder’s Restaurant, so its easy to find. It was founded in 2010 by former Arizona State and Kahuku High School standout football player Junior Ah You. Tita’s opens early so that you can enjoy both breakfast and lunch dishes that reflect both authentic local flavors and generous servings. Their heaving serving of French Toast will remind you of egg based custard and you can never go wrong with their well-known garlic shrimp. Looking for the most traditional of dishes? You’re in for a treat with their Samoan bread and cocoa rice!
Want to know more about Tita’s Grill?
Delice Crepe serves Tahitian crepe delights
Maybe your taste buds prefer a trip to the Delice Crepe for a sweet or even a savory crepe. You will find a great selection of both savory and sweet items. There are crepes for every time of the day-a Bonjour Crepe for breakfast with ham, eggs, and cheese. Get the Tahiti crepe as dessert with coconut, peanut butter, banana, and chocolate. And here’s a tip: I always ask for a side of vanilla ice-cream.
Want to explore the Delice Crepe menu?
Kiwi Style Fish and Chips
Kiwi Style Fish & Chips offers you a taste of New Zealand style meals including fish, chips, and burgers made from quality ingredients. You won’t want to miss their classic fish and chips, which are made with premium-cut fish covered in a light, crispy batter.
Want to know more about Kiwi Style Fish & Chips?
The Guadalajara Grill
The word that describes the food available here is “authentic”. Take a quick hiatus in Mexico when you order a delicious shrimp taco, beef chimichangas, or the well-known “Red Raider” burrito (which refers to the famous Football team from nearby Kahuku High School) from the Guadalajara Grill food truck. Introduced in the Hukilau Marketplace in 2018, this food truck is a mainstay of the Marketplace through the tasty and diverse meals it offers to locals and tourists. Don’t forget to add more hot sauce if you like it spicy!
Want to know more about the Guadalajara Grill?
Hapas Sushi and Poke: Where dreams come true
Our newest flavor-filled food kiosk serves some incredible ocean based meals with a great splash of localized creativity. There are 10 rolls to choose from. A sure favorite is their Lilikoi Miso Salmon Roll – but maybe you’d like something with a little bite to it, like the Kiiluea Roll. There are also 4 kinds of poke bowls and 4 choices of sashimi. One thing is for sure, they have it all. You’ll find it next at the north end of the Marketplace next to the entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Want to know more about Hapas Sushi and Poke?
Conclusion
These are only a few of the various activities, food trucks and restaurants that you can find in this magical place. The Spirit of Aloha can be felt through the happiness and the warm welcome of all the workers here. They simply love to take care of people and share their culture. As a Tahitian, I tell you Welcome, Manava e Maeva to the Hukilau Marketplace and may you feel the Spirit of Aloha!
About the Author
Keanu Gauthier is from Tahiti, with French and Tahitian heritage. He values family, love, perseverance, creativity, and empathy. He loves sharing cultures with others and is currently studying Marketing at Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi.