Whether you’re planning the ultimate North Shore day trip from Waikiki or staying on the best part of Oahu for several days, use this guide to hit some of the best food stops.

Where to Eat on Oahu’s North Shore

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Haleiwa Bowls

My #1 goal when I’m in Hawaii is always to eat as many acai bowls as possible. I’ve had them a LOT of places, and this is the gold standard.

These bowls are hearty, made fresh right in front of you, and have the PERFECT ratio of base to toppings.

Giovanni’s

Oahu’s North Shore is famous for their shrimp trucks. Giovanni’s (with locations in Kahuku and Haleiwa) is the original and most popular.

Lines get long during the day with all of the day trippers, but if you’re staying on the North Shore, it clears out in the evenings.

They do several different varieties, but I think the “shrimp scamp” is the best. I’ll be honest, it’s VERY good. But there are other spots I like better that don’t have the lines ; )

Famous Kahuku Shrimp

So far, this is my personal favorite shrimp truck. They butterfly their shrimp so it’s easier to peel and the garlic really soaks in.

They also have really good coconut shrimp.

Some other places known for their shrimp: Romys, Tanaka (formerly Fumi’s), Honos, and Jenny’s.

Sunrise Shack

If you’re looking for the most “instagram famous” spot on Oahu’s North Shore, it’s the Sunrise Shack.

Famous for their acai bowls and charming, tropical aesthetic, this place is just a day dream.

The original shack across from Sunset Beach (the first photo in this post) has been closed, but the location across from Shark’s Cove is just as cute. There’s more parking, and they have more space so there are places to sit plus they have a slightly bigger menu.

I always get a bowl (they have a variety besides just acai), but their avocado toast is phenomenal as well.

Matsumoto

This family shop, in business since 1951, is probably the most iconic place to get shave ice in Hawaii.

Lines get long in the afternoons, but they move quickly. And it’s worth it to try this tasty treat with local toppings like ice cream, azuki beans, condensed milk, and mochi balls in addition to the ice and syrups.

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Da Bald Guy

If you’re a foodie, this is probably the #1 food truck you don’t want to miss. Located at the Kahuku Sugar Mill on the North Shore.

This place is popular and it regularly sells out so go early! The braised boneless Kalbi and chopped steak were both delicious and I have to go back to try the salmon next time.

Ted’s

This north shore staple has been a local and tourist favorite for decades. I was a little disappointed this last time I ate there. It’s not bad at all, but with all of the places to eat on the north shore, I don’t think I’d pick it over other places nowadays.

Their coconut cake IS worth stopping for though! Although, ask for a fresh slice out of the bakery case…sometimes the ones in the fridges are still a bit frozen.

Jenny’s

People who think Giovanni’s is overrated usually recommend Jenny’s as their favorite garlic shrimp truck on the north shore. I’ll be honest…I think most shrimp trucks are more or less the same (it’s like pizza in New York), but if you’re looking for a spot at this end of Haleiwa, it’s a great stop.

I do love that they serve it with salad and pineapple.

Surf and Salsa

Yes, it’s a food truck, but Surf and Salsa is a whole vibe. It’s got a large seating area and since there’s quite a few food trucks here, there’s a decent number of parking spots.

The menu is pretty large and I definitely need to keep going back to try more, but I really like the taco salad with steak.

Banzai Bowl

Located in a gas station across from Sunset Beach (there’s also a location in Haleiwa), it’s not my #1 recommendation for a smoothie bowl on north shore (I would do Haleiwa Bowls and Sunrise Shack first), but it’s solid.

Also, their bowls are not as sweet here as other places which may be good if you’re looking for that.

Kono’s

If you’re a BBQ connoisseur (a whole subset of “foodies”), you need to check out Kono’s. Pig is their specialty and their kalua pork sliders are SO GOOD.

They do breakfast and lunch, and their menu is pretty varied for just focusing on pork. They also do great milkshakes and limeades/lemonades.

Off the Lip

This spot is a departure from the food trucks and more “local” spots on this list, but it’s special.

The newly renovated (and rebranded) Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay is STUNNING and the best part is how they’ve polished up the lobby area to be the coziest hang out spot with views everywhere you look.

The Off the Lip bar is spectacular and not to be missed. Plan to arrive well before sunset to snag one of the little tables or a spot at the bar and prepare to be dazzled.

The mai tais are stout (and well flavored). And all of the small bites are yummy, but be sure to save room for the turtle cheesecake.

Beach House

There’s one in Haleiwa, but the one at Turtle Bay has a better view.

I had a really nice dinner here on my last trip. The burrata with beet hummus, Banzai roll, lobster mac and cheese, and crispy brussel sprouts were all big hits.

Seven Brothers

If I had to pick a “final meal” it would probably be a cheeseburger. It’s my go to comfort food. So of course a North Shore burger joint makes the list.

Their burgers are decadent and creative, but even the plain ones are GOOD. Plus their fries are a winner.

Their setting at the Kahuku Sugar Mill is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy.

Mom’s Bakery

This extension of Seven Brothers is a MUST for their cookies and baked goods.

They also have gelato. And the store is super cute.

Crouching Lion

Not technically on the North Shore, but just around the corner on the Windward Coast, Crouching Lion is worth the drive.

I love a good destination restaurant, and this is one of my favorites on Oahu.

It looks more like an Irish pub than something you’d expect to find in Hawaii, but they reopened last year after a lengthy closure and their menu is now a take on modern Hawaiian cuisine and craft cocktails.

The view from the restaurant (and looking up at the restaurant from the street) is incredible.

Waiahole Poi Factory

And, one more spot on the windward coast…this is the perfect place to try authentic Hawaiian food (not local style food). The drive up the Windward coast is beautiful, and it’s convenient if you’re coming or going from Kualoa Ranch.

Don’t miss their shop just behind the restaurant. They have a lot of locally made products and gifts.

P.S. One of the reasons I’m able to travel to Hawaii so often is because I get free flights with my Southwest credit card AND I can fly someone with me for free with my Companion Pass.

I have this Southwest Premier Rapid Rewards Visa card through Chase. The current sign up offer is 50,000 points. Depending on where you live and fly from, that’s at least one completely FREE ticket to Hawaii and it could be two depending on the time of year (or more if you catch a crazy sale).

But the real pro travel hack is getting the Southwest Companion Pass.

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P.P.S. Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii and a lot of state and national parks have instituted reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to help manage the crowds and make things a little more sustainable.

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan.

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too.
Get that info >> HERE