7 Kauai Food Trucks You Need to Try Now
You might be asking yourself, does Kauai have food trucks? Well the quick answer is yes! Kauai food trucks are scattered around the island. There are a wide variety of different cuisines, which means there is undoubtedly something for everyone!
Before we dive in to these amazing Kauai eats, if you haven’t found a place to stay yet check out my post on Kauai hotels for some great options!
Maybe you’re not sure you want to eat meals at a food truck. So lets look at the pros and cons of eating at a food truck on Kauai.
Pros of Kauai Food Trucks
Location
…location, location! Food trucks on Kauai are conveniently located. There are usually at least one in every area, and most locations have several. There is even a Kauai food truck park in Kapa’a, Lihue, Koloa and Hanalei.
Price
Typically you’re going to get more bang for your buck at a food truck. The cost of a meal is usually cheaper than at a sit-down restaurant.
Portions
Most Kauai food trucks offer generous portion sizes, making it easy to share a meal with a family member or friend.
Variety
With very diverse food options, you’ll find everything from poke and pizza to burgers and barbecue!
Quality
Most of the food is made to order and uses local ingredients, so things are always fresh and yummy!
Supporting Local
Most food trucks on Kauai are run by locals, so you’re really helping the local economy when eating there.
Cons of Food Trucks on Kauai
Availability
Kauai food truck schedules can be tricky. While some do operate on a regular schedule, many are run on island time. Which means, their hours can very widely and are often changing.
Seating
Many Kauai food trucks have picnic tables nearby, especially those that are in food truck parks, but not all do. This means you will either have to walk to find a spot to sit and eat (a nearby beach is always a good choice) or even sit in your car to eat.
Weather
Even though it rains a lot in Kauai (after all, it is called The Garden Isle) there’s a chance that some food trucks won’t open if it’s an extremely rainy day. And even if they are open, if there’s no covered area to eat, you might opt for a dine-in restaurant instead.
Limited Quantities
With limited space in a food truck, that usually means the supply of ingredients is limited, too. Sometimes they do run out of certain things, especially as the day progresses.
Best Food Trucks on Kauai
These are my votes for the best Kauai food trucks based on both reviews and personal experience.
Pineapple In Paradise -Various locations. This truck does move around, it was located in Kapa’a at All Saints Episcopal Church parking lot when we visited. They offer pineapple soft serve whip in a variety of ways: cake cone, brownie cone, sugar cone, and a float. Usually there is one other specialty flavor per day but it varies depending on availability. Some of the specialty flavors are lemon, mango, strawberry, coconut, guava, taro, lychee, dragonfruit and more!
We got a regular pineapple whip in a sugar cone and it was delicious!
Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.
The Musubi Truck – With two locations, one in Kapa’a (4548 Kukui Street) and one in Koloa (3450 Poipu Road), this food truck is easy to find. They offer a wide variety of musubi choices including miso chicken, deep fried, chicken katsu and of course the OG, Spam! You can also get Poke bowls and Bentos, tator tots, and an assortment of drinks.
Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Naruto Noodles – located in Koloa at 5371 Koloa Rd. Naruto Noodles comes highly recommended. Whether it’s their tasty ramen such as gyoza or shrimp tempura or their rice bowls such as Kauai Luau or vegetarian, you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied. They also have noodles paired with their homemade signature sauces, local style fried noodles and other dry noodles, pupus (appetizers), boba tea and drinks. The veggie stir fry is on my list of what to get the next time I visit.
Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Big Nick’s – At 4000 Kilauea Road in Kilauea you’ll find this amazing food truck. Big Nick’s is locally owned and operated, and committed to providing quality food at affordable prices. They offer Hawaiian BBQ, Classic hamburgers, sandwiches, and local favorites. Locals and tourists alike sing their praises!
Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Kauai Boba and Barbecue – 3501 Rice Street in Lihue is where you can find this delightful Kauai food truck. True to its name, they offer a wide variety of Boba teas and BBQ plates, bowls, and even burgers. The food is absolutely delicious, as you can see from my photos below. My husband got the BBQ Mixed plate, while I got the teriyaki chicken bowl and devoured it!
Like them on Facebook here.
Pineapple Express – Visit 3-3300 Kuhio Hwy in Lihue and you’ll find this local family owned food truck set up in the Walmart parking lot. Voted best Kauai food truck in 2022 it’s their goal to spread Aloha one plate lunch at a time! Indulge in chili pepper chicken, Hawaiian style smoked meat, surf and turf, and more. Musubi is also on the menu. They even offer catering if you happen to be planning an event on your trip!
Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Carabella’s Pizza – This food truck travels to various locations including Princeville, Kapa’a and Hanapepe, to name a few. Featuring authentic wood fired Naples style pizza made using the finest local ingredients, toppings range from pepperoni and Hawaiian to roasted garlic and pesto goat cheese. I’ve never met a pizza I didn’t like, and I’m looking forward to trying out this food truck on our next visit. It looks delicious!
Follow them on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Kauai food trucks are very popular on the island, for both locals and tourists alike. They provide a simple way to grab awesome food, usually at a cheaper price than a restaurant. If you’ve spent all day at the beach or in the pool, no need to clean up…just come as you are, grab your food, and eat.
Have you tried any of the food trucks on Kauai, or do you plan to? Let me know, leave a comment below! And check out these posts if you’re looking for the best coffee on Kauai or where to shop on Kauai!
