Are you planning a trip to Kauai and want to know the best places to eat? Keep scrolling to find out the best Kauai food trucks totally worth checking out!
This Kauai food trucks post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ve been visiting Kauai since I was 10 years old, and honestly, the food truck scene here is one of the best things about the island.
After 40+ trips to Hawaii, I can tell you that some of my most memorable meals have come from these little trucks scattered across the Garden Isle.
The beauty of Kauai food trucks is that you get restaurant-quality food without the restaurant prices (or the wait for a table).
Plus, there’s something so perfectly Hawaiian about grabbing your food and heading straight to the beach to eat it with your toes in the sand.
I’m a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert, and I’m about to share my favorite Kauai food trucks with you.
These aren’t just random picks. I’ve eaten at every single one of these spots with my family, and we keep going back year after year.
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What You Need to Know About Kauai Food Trucks
Before we get into the specific trucks, here’s what you should know.
Food truck prices on Kauai typically range from $10-$22 per plate or meal.
That’s actually a steal compared to sit-down restaurants where you’re easily spending $25-$40 per person.
Hours can be unpredictable. Trucks might close early if they sell out (which happens more often than you’d think). Some close when the owner decides to go surfing. It’s just part of the charm.
Most trucks are cash or card, but I always carry some cash just in case. A few are still cash-only.
The portions are generous. Like, really generous. My kids and I often split meals at food trucks because they’re so filling.
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Best Food Trucks on Kauai’s North Shore
The North Shore is where you’ll find some of the best food on the island. Period. The area around Hanalei is food truck heaven.
Hanalei Taro & Juice Company
Location: 5-5070 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 10am-3pm (closed Mon-Wed)
Price Range: $12-$18 per plate
This is my absolute favorite for authentic Hawaiian food. The kalua pork with lomi lomi salmon and poi bowl is SO satisfying.
It’s the kind of meal that just makes you feel good after a morning at the beach.
The family behind this truck has been farming taro in Hanalei Valley for six generations.
Everything they serve comes straight from their farm or other local Kauai farms. You can actually taste the difference.
Their taro smoothies are dairy-free and made with fresh fruit. My kids love them.
And if you’ve never tried taro mochi cake, get it here. It’s like nothing you’ve had before.
The truck is right across from the Hanalei Rice Mill, and there are picnic tables where you can eat.
Pro tip: get there before 2pm because they often sell out of the most popular items.
Wishing Well Shave Ice
Location: 5-5080 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei
Hours: Daily, hours vary (typically 11am-6pm)
Price Range: $6-$10
This truck has been at the entrance to Hanalei since 1983. It’s an old bus that’s become a North Shore landmark.
The organic homemade syrups are what set this place apart. No artificial dyes or high-fructose corn syrup here. Just real fruit and cane sugar.
Get the Tropical Bliss with macnut ice cream at the bottom. Or try the Sunset with haupia foam on top. Both are incredible after a morning at Hanalei Bay.
The truck also has a coffee shop nearby if you need your caffeine fix.
Aloha Juice Bar
Location: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei (Ching Young Village Shopping Center)
Hours: Daily 9:30am-4:30pm (Friday until 5:30pm)
Price Range: $10-$15
This juice stand always hits the spot after a morning at the beach. The acai bowls are fresh and not overly sweet. The dole whip is dangerously good.
We usually stop here after Hanalei Bay or Tunnels Beach. It’s the perfect refreshing treat when you’re hot and salty from the ocean.
The smoothies are made without added sugar or dairy, so they’re actually pretty healthy. My kids get the fruit smoothies and I usually go for an acai bowl.
Holey Grail Donuts
Two Locations:
- Hanalei: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy (daily 7am-1pm)
- Kapaa: 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy (daily 7am-2pm)
Price Range: $4.50 per donut
These taro donuts are made to order and fried in coconut oil. They’re vegan, but you’d never know it. They taste like heaven.
The donuts come out hot and fresh, which means you need to wait about 10 minutes. It’s worth it.
The menu changes weekly with different flavors, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. The lilikoi (passion fruit) is my personal favorite.
They open early, so this is a great breakfast stop before heading out for the day.
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Fresh Bite Kauai
Location: Hanalei food truck park (near Hanalei Liquor Store)
Hours: Varies (typically lunch hours)
Price Range: $10-$14
Fresh Bite is all about healthy options. Salads, wraps, and sandwiches with local ingredients.
Their Kauaian Salad has local kale, roasted vegetables, and macadamia nuts with honey mustard dressing. Add grilled chicken or fish to make it more filling.
This is a great option if you’ve been eating too much fried food and need something lighter. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.
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Best Food Trucks on Kauai’s East Side
The east side (around Kapaa and Wailua) has a great mix of food trucks. This is also where you’ll find some of the best deals.
Small Town Coffee
Location: 4-1543 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa
Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-12pm (closed Sunday)
Price Range: $5-$10
This has been serving Kapaa since 2004. It’s where locals go for their morning coffee, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality.
They serve lattes, cold brew, and homemade pastries. Aunty M’s Paradise Pies are savory breakfast pies that are really filling. Perfect before a big hiking day.
The Musubi Truck
Three Locations:
- Kapaa: 4548 Kukui St (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm)
- Koloa: 3450 Poipu Rd
- Kalapaki/Lihue: 3474 Rice St
Price Range: $3-$12
This truck is always a hit with my kids. The portions are perfect for them, and honestly, even I’m impressed by how good everything is.
The OG Spam Musubi is only $3. THREE DOLLARS. And it’s actually really good. They also have fancier versions with kalbi beef, miso chicken, and even deep-fried spam musubi.
The poke bowls here are fresh and delicious. And the truffle tots? Get them.
They’ve expanded to three locations now, so you can find them pretty much anywhere on the island.
The Kapaa location is the original, and it has picnic tables with misters to keep you cool.
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Al Pastor Tacos
Location: 4-1602 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa (in the Kapaa Food Trucks Court)
Hours: Most days 11am-5pm (Tue & Thu open at 9am)
Price Range: $10-$15
This husband-and-wife team serves authentic Mexican food that locals rave about. The fish tacos are fresh (caught locally), and the garlic shrimp tacos are fantastic.
The ahi fish burritos are huge and packed with flavor. Everything is made to order, so expect a short wait.
Best Food Trucks in Central Kauai (Lihue Area)
Lihue has some hidden gems in the food truck department.
Thai Street Food
Locations: 4100 Rice Street, Lihue + Kapaa
Hours: Daily 10am-8pm
Price Range: $12-$18
This used to be called Anatta’s Thai Street Food, but same owners, same delicious food. Every Thai dish you can think of is here and done well.
The Pad Thai is legit. The curries are creamy and flavorful. The Papaya Salad has the perfect amount of spice.
They have combo plates where you can get curry with rice and your choice of Pad Thai or Papaya Salad. It’s a lot of food for the price.
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Best Food Trucks on Kauai’s South Shore
The south shore (Poipu and Koloa area) is where most tourists stay, so there are plenty of food truck options here.
Kickshaws
Location: 5371 Koloa Rd (at Warehouse 3540 in Lawai)
Hours: Wed-Fri 11am-3pm
Price Range: $12-$18
Kickshaws has some of the best burgers I’ve had in Hawaii. Seriously. The 100% Awesome Burger is cured for 30 hours, and you can taste the difference.
Chef Seth uses molecular gastronomy techniques to create unique flavor combinations. The menu changes weekly, but whatever’s on it will be good.
The Hot Totty tater tots with cheese sauce are dangerous. We order them every time.
This truck is all about science-forward food, but in a really approachable way. Even my picky eaters love it here.
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Chalupa’s
Location: 3477 Weliweli Road, Old Koloa Town
Hours: Varies (check their social media)
Price Range: $10-$16
Authentic Mexican food in a picture-perfect setting. The fish tacos are the bestseller for good reason. Fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned.
There’s usually a line, but it moves pretty quickly. The truck itself is super cute and makes for great photos if you’re into that.
Waikomo Shave Ice
Location: Near 2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa (near Da Crack)
Hours: Daily, afternoon hours
Price Range: $7-$12
Waikomo makes their own syrups with organic cane sugar and real fruit. No high-fructose corn syrup here.
They top their shave ice with fresh fruit and coconut cream sauce, then drizzle local honey over it. You can also add macadamia nut ice cream to the bottom.
This is just a short drive from Poipu Beach, making it the perfect afternoon treat after a beach day.
Kauai Food Truck FAQs
How much should I budget for food trucks in Kauai?
Plan on $15-$20 per person per meal. That’s significantly cheaper than restaurants where you’re looking at $30-$50+ per person.
Are Kauai food trucks family-friendly?
Absolutely. Most have options for kids, and the casual atmosphere is perfect for families. My kids actually prefer food trucks to fancy restaurants.
Do I need cash for food trucks?
Most take cards now, but I always carry some cash just in case. A few trucks are still cash-only.
What time do food trucks open?
It varies. Breakfast trucks open around 7am. Lunch trucks typically open around 11am. Most close by 5-6pm or when they sell out.
Which food trucks are best for breakfast?
Small Town Coffee and Holey Grail Donuts are both great breakfast options.
Where can I find the most food trucks in one place?
The Kapaa Food Trucks Court on the east side has multiple trucks in one location. Hanalei also has several trucks clustered together near the liquor store.
Final Thoughts on Kauai Food Trucks
The food truck scene on Kauai is incredible.
You’re getting fresh, local ingredients prepared by talented chefs who are passionate about what they do. And you’re paying way less than you would at a sit-down restaurant.
My advice? Try as many as you can. Some of my best Kauai memories involve sitting at a picnic table at a food truck, eating amazing food with my family, with the mountains in the background.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed planning your Kauai trip, I get it. There’s a lot to figure out. I’ve put together guides to help you:
- Free 7-Day Kauai Planning Email Course
- Complete Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Hawaii Travel Consultation Services (if you want me to plan everything for you)
You can also listen to my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast for more tips on planning your perfect Hawaii vacation.
Now get out there and eat some incredible food. Your taste buds will thank you.
Find more Kauai resources:
Save on your Kauai trip:
- Discount Hawaii Car Rental
- Book Kauai hotels on Expedia
- Kauai tours on Viator
- Kauai activities on Get Your Guide
- Save $20 on vacation photos with Flytographer
