So, you’re coming to the North Shore! You have your bags packed, and your activities planned. But 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
Shrimp Taco from North Shore Tacos, Hauula, Oahu, Hawaii
North Shore Taco
- It’s said that they have the #1 fish taco on the North Shore. Judging by the crowds, they just might be right! Open daily 11a – 9p
Korean BBQ
- Wide variety of yummy Korean food. Limited seating. Open M – Sat 10a – 8p. Closed Sunday. You’ll find them 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 one of our roadside fruit or food stands just ½ mile north of the shopping center. There you’ll find fresh fruit directly from the farm, cold coconuts, frozen otais. And don’t miss Guadalajara Grill, a groovy little Mexican food stand that has quickly become a local favorite.
Laie
Boneless Kalbi with Ulu Mashed Potatoes from Pounders Restaurant
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 our many food trucks and kiosks. You’ll find Polynesian barbecue, seafood, crepes, roasted chicken, burgers, and some of the best mango otai (oh-tie) on the island (think Polynesian smoothie). There’s something delicious for everyone in your family! Open M-Sat from 11a – 930p.
The Polynesian Cultural Center
- Of course, the Polynesian Cultural Center is more than just food. It is a full day of fun, beauty and culture. But don’t dismiss the fact that we have great things to eat throughout the day as you visit.
- Most visitors choose the amazing 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 gorgeous tropical flowers. The fact that it also includes entertainment with live music and dance makes the experience truly magical.
- Another great choice is the Ambassador Prime Dining with delicious dishes centered around our beautiful all-you-can eat prime rib – and for our Ambassador Ticket Holders, the extra treat of 1/2 pound of crab legs. The food is fantastic! The indoor venue is stunning!
- Or you may want to consider the family friendly Island Buffet, an economical but delicious dinner that is sure to please the whole family.
- How about lunch? The Polynesian Cultural Center has you covered! Come enjoy a BBQ Lunch buffet that is truly ono and includes bbq’d chicken cooked on a grill right there in front of you as well as numerous other dishes sure to please any palate.
Each venue has specific hours. Check your ticket to see what time your meal is scheduled for.
The Bistro at the Courtyard Oahu North Shore
- Walk-up counter open for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus specialty beverages made with Starbucks® coffee
McDonalds
- I know, CRAZY, right? But McDonalds is smart enough to place some aloha into their menu. All your favorites plus fruit punch, saimin and a Portuguese sausage and rice breakfast. Don’t forget to try the taro pie! Open daily from 430a – 12a.
Laie Shopping Center
- Foodland (grocery store), Seven Brothers (fresh burgers), Laie Chop Suey (Chinese), Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (plate lunch/dinner), Angel’s (smoothies, ice cream, shave ice), Subway. Open M-Sat; Closed Sunday. Times vary.
Hukilau Cafe
- Eat what the locals eat at this popular local café serving breakfast and lunch only. Get there early – it’s packed! Open T-Fri 630a – 2p, Sat 7-1130a, Sun-Mon closed.
Ken’s Fish
- Just north of the world famous Hukilau Beach is a place that the locals consider the best fish plate on the island. Open Friday and Saturdays afternoons only – unless they aren’t. Okay, it’s quirky, but when you’re the best, you get to call the shots.
Kahuku
Kahuku Superette
- Who knew you could find poke heaven inside an obscure little corner market? Another local secret we’re happy to share with you! Open M-F 630a – 10p, Sat-Sun 7a-10p
Kahuku Open Air Market
- Come visit this informal yet robust outdoor market where you will find Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Ono Yo freshly made frozen yogurt, some outrageous barbecue plates and lots more. Open daily 1030a – 630p
Kahuku Sugar Mill
- Fiji Market
- Tucked in the back area of a tiny store just around the corner (on the right) from Vulu Express gas station is where you can snag some authentic curry, roti and more delights direct from Fiji. Great prices and lots of food. The store also have an assortment of treats from around the Pacific. Open M-Sat 11a – 9p. Closed Sundays.
- Seven Brothers
- Everything is made fresh daily. Servings are generous and delicious. Actually owned by a family of seven surfing brothers, so you know its ‘cool’. Open M-Thurs, Sat 11a-11p, Fridays 11a – 12a (closed every day from 4p-5p) Closed Sundays.
Wili Wili’s Shave Ice
- Go to the side window of Vulu’s, over by Seven Brothers and design a special treat to beat the heat! Lots of flavors and variations to make your shave ice a one of a kind treat!
Kahuku Farms
- A unique cafe across from the Kahuku shrimp farms that uses their own produce to make delicious lunch dishes, smoothies, liliko’i jelly, flavored syrups and more. Healthy never tasted so good!
Kahuku Shrimp Trucks
- This is shrimp at its best – so many styles to choose from: garlic, tempura, sweet n’ sour, and more! No matter which truck you pick, you’re sure to see why people from all over the world come here.
Other places along the way:
Turtle Bay – lots of great choices from elegant to a quiet dinner on the beach. It’s definitely pricey, but perfect for those nights you want to feel pampered.
Ted’s Bakery (near Sunset Beach) – THE place for an amazing piece of chocolate haupia or lilikoi cheese pie along with some other awesome baked items, plus some great main dishes too. The line forms at the counter and wraps around the outdoor eating area – but it is so worth it!
Food trucks at Sharks Cove – A wonderful little community feel, perfect after a day of you name it, they have it!
Haleiwa – A mecca of food, shopping and fun with an amazing 60s vibe. So many choices, we couldn’t possibly fit them all here. But that’s alright, because you’ll find them on the Go Hawaii website, right HERE
Nina S Jones
Nina Jones, a mainland gal from way back, is now 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 what she is learning from the various Polynesian cultures. Her blogs focus on their history, beliefs, practices and – as an added bonus – delicious food! To her, Polynesia is not just a place to visit, it is a way to live and she is very honored to be able to be a part of their amazing world.
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