Eating international cuisine on the North Shore is a delightful treat, and especially so at the Hukilau Marketplace (https://hukilaumarketplace.com/). Come visit this joyful market in beautiful, Lāʻie Oʻahu, Hawaiʽi, where locals and tourists meet to share the spirit of Aloha. 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 beautiful cultures of Polynesia, international influences are present throughout the islands. So we highlighting international cuisine because sharing food is an integral part of Polynesian history. One way to experience the excitement of living in a place with many cultures is through the diversity of the food.

Pounders Restaurant is the main event for eateries at the Hukilau Marketplace

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. Pounders’ menu offers the notoriously popular Hawaiian Mango Pizza, the tasty Kalbi Ribs with amazing Ulu Mashed Potatoes, and the imposing Crispy Whole Sunfish.

You can also order on line.

 

Chunky Cookie

Located inside Pounders is Chucky Cookie, providing the perfect dessert after a sumptuous meal. Choose your favorite cookie from their luscious list of possibilities, and add ice cream!

 

So’Da Bomb is a favorite stopping place for tourists

So’ Da Bomb is probably the most popular truck on the whole island for its mix of soda and exotic flavors. Their motto is simple: “Take your favorite soda and make it better!”  Standard basics and a whole boatload of options to take your drink up a notch.

If you come early enough, you might get to enjoy some of their fresh bake goods. But when they’re gone, that’s all for the day. Worth the effort to get a head start!

 

Tita’s Grill: A Lāʻie tradition built by a local legend

Tita’s Grill may be the first place you see when you enter the Marketplace. It was founded in 2010 by former Arizona State and Kahuku High School standout football player Junior Ah You. Tita’s opens early so you can enjoy both breakfast and lunch dishes that reflect authentic local flavors and generous servings. Then they come back later to serve you dinner. Their heaping 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 dishes? You’re in for a treat with their Samoan bread and cocoa rice!

 

North Shore Crepes Café serves Tahitian delights

Tahiti was once ruled by French monarchs, so their food reflects a French flair. Maybe your taste buds prefer a trip to the North Shores Crepes Café for a sweet or even a savory crepe. There are crepes for every time of the day: the Bonjour Crepe for breakfast has ham, eggs, and cheese. Other options will take you through the day, clear down to the Waikiki dessert crepe with Nutella, strawberries, banana, and vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate. And here’s a tip: If it’s not offered in the menu item, you can always ask for a side of vanilla ice cream.

 

Kiwi Style Fish & Chips offers you a taste of New Zealand

You won’t want to miss this Kiwi Style Fish & Chips classic: premium-cut fish covered in a light, crispy batter, and meaty, mouthwatering chips. It’s delicious and definitely a favorite among the locals.

Other options include amazing burgers—beef, fish, vegetarian, and even calamari.

On days you can’t come in, you can order on line.

 

The Guadalajara Grill serves olé in the land of aloha

The word that describes the food available at Guadalajara Grill is “authentic Mexican.” While at the Polynesian Cultural Center, take a quick hiatus to 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). Introduced in the Hukilau Marketplace in 2018, this food truck has become 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!

 

Hapas Sushi & Poke: Where dreams come true

Closest to the gate into the Polynesian Cultural Center is our flavor-filled Hapas Sushi & Poke, serving incredible ocean-based meals with a great splash of localized creativity. There are 10 varieties 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 Kiluea Roll. There are also 4 kinds of poke bowls and 4 choices of sashimi. One thing is for sure, they have it all.

 

Conclusion

These are only a few of the food options 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. They simply love to take care of people and share their culture. As the Tahitians say, Manava e Maeva (Welcome) to the Hukilau Marketplace. May you feel the Spirit of Aloha!

Biography of Peggy Arsenault

Peggy Arsenault, recognized she could be 50 years old with or without a college degree. She holds a masters in Adult Education. Living her best life, she is volunteering with the Polynesian Cultural Center. She loves dessert for breakfast, traveling, reading, trying new things, and hanging with grandchildren. A baker, research editor, and college professor, her blogs profile new adventures with food, travel, and culture, expressing the joy of living on the North Shore.