Any conversation about the can’t-miss attractions on Oahu’s North Shore is likely to include the island’s big-wave beaches — such as Banzai Pipeline, of surf competition fame — and its well-respected food truck scene. The most talked about of these offerings is usually Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp, though the iconic dish is just one of the many delicious dining options travelers will find on this part of the island.
Whether clients are staying on the North Shore or just visiting for the day, here are four tasty spots that are sure to enhance any itinerary.
Food Trucks
Anytime I’m on the North Shore, I make it a point to stop at Mike’s Huli Chicken truck along Kamehameha Highway for one of my favorite bites on Oahu. Grilled huli huli chicken is a Hawaiian favorite (“huli” means “turn,” as the chicken was originally cooked on a spit), and Mike’s version is both perfectly cooked and absolutely packed with flavor. A zippy hot sauce is served alongside for even more punch, though honestly, the chicken is just as delicious on its own.
Diners can opt for the classic shrimp scampi or the the spicy shrimp plate at Giovanni's.
Credit: 2023 Kelly RosenfeldJust a few steps away from Mike’s is another must-visit: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. The signature shrimp scampi (Giovanni’s take on Hawaiian garlic shrimp) is the go-to order here, with fat prawns swimming in enough buttery garlic sauce to ward off vampires for a week. Those who like a little extra kick can try the hot and spicy shrimp plate, too — just know that the heat level packs an impressive punch, leading to the “no refunds” warning on the menu.
Kula Shave Ice
To cool things down a bit, clients need only follow Kamehameha Highway down to Kula Shave Ice, found across the road from Turtle Bay Resort at Kuilima Farm (the land and farm are owned by Turtle Bay, but host a few local farmstands, as well). I was drawn to Kula by the sign highlighting the use of local and organic ingredients, as well as homemade syrups with fresh fruit and without high-fructose corn syrup or artificial colors — the marks of truly great shave ice. But I grew even more excited when the local resident in line ahead of me shared that Kula serves her favorite shave ice, even beating out Oahu’s iconic Matsumoto.
Kula Shave Ice uses fresh fruit to make its syrups, while avoiding high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors.
Credit: 2023 Kelly RosenfeldOnce I got a taste of my treat, I had to agree with her. Mounds of pillowy shaved ice had been dressed with not-too-sweet syrups featuring lilikoi (passionfruit) and lychee, delighting me with every bite. Plenty of other flavors and toppings are available, though I’d opt for tropical staples every time.
Seven Brothers
While I generally aim to eat as much fresh seafood as possible in Hawaii, sometimes there’s no substitute for a good burger. For those moments, there’s Seven Brothers at Kahuku, a family-run business that does, in fact, include seven real-life brothers. Burger toppings run the gamut from giant, crunchy onion rings (my personal pick) to teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, blue cheese, bacon and grilled mushrooms. There’s also a vegetarian option, an ahi tuna burger, salads topped with coconut macadamia nut shrimp and other Hawaiian ingredients, home fries and more. The casual counter-service spot can draw a crowd at peak times, attracting a mix of locals and visitors alike.
