If you’re anything like us, trying local restaurants is one of the best parts of vacation. And on Kauai, planning at least a few meals around the food trucks scene is a must. Not only are they fast and convenient, they’re also full of flavor and an easy way to sample dishes you won’t always find in traditional sit-down restaurants.
With Kauai’s dining scene busier than ever—especially in Poipu and Koloa—food trucks offer a relaxed alternative where you can grab something great between beach time, hikes, or long afternoon drives up the coast. Below, we’re sharing seven of our favorite food trucks across the island, including several close to Suite Paradise vacation rentals and a few worth visiting when you’re exploring the North Shore.
Here are Our Top 7 Kauai Food Trucks to Try:
1. Big Monster Sushi
Located in Lihue, Big Monster Sushi offers fresh and tasty cuisine. You can try classic sushi rolls like the Salmon Avocado Roll or one of their signature rolls like the I'm Hungry Roll, made with spicy tuna, salmon, cream cheese, avocado, jalapeno, spicy mayo, and unagi sauce. Can you say yum! They also offer great vegetarian options. This food truck is on the pricier side, but the fast service and quality taste make it worth it. We highly recommend the Poke Bowl or the Duo Sushi Burrito. Its central location in Lihue makes this food truck in Kauai a must-stop.
- Open: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2 PM | 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Closed: Monday
- See the Food: @bigmonstersushifoodtruck
- Location: 3477 Weliweli Rd, Koloa, HI
- 4.5 ⭐️
2. Taco Libre
If you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine, Taco Libre has the best Mexican food on the island! We highly recommend the Carne Asada fries. The best part is that they're located in Koloa, only three minutes away from any Suite Paradise vacation rental.
- Open: Thursday: 11 AM – 2 PM and 4:30 PM – 7 PM | Friday & Tuesday, 11 AM – 3 PM
- Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
- See the Food: @tacolibrefoodtruck
- Location: 5371 koloa road, Koloa, HI
- 4.9 ⭐️
3. 'Da Melting Pot'
Da Melting Pot specializes in seafood and offers an array of items on the menu from fish burgers to butter garlic shrimp to Ahi Katsu. One of our team members' favorite dishes is their soft-shell crab sandwich. You can find Da Melting Pot located next to Otsukas in Kapa'a.
- Open: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM or until sold out
- See the Food: @dameltingpot_kauai
- Location: 4-1602 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI
- 4.3 ⭐️
4. The 'E-N-G' Food Truck
This food truck offers authentic Hawaiian-style food like Pork Laulau and Kalua, and they even offer shaved ice! One of the best things to note about this food truck is that it travels to different beaches on Kauai. As a result, there is no set schedule, so if you happen upon The E-N-G truck, don't miss your chance to try some of the best food on the island!
- See the Food: Eat and Gitt Food Truck Yelp Page
- 5 ⭐️
Planning Your Stay in Poipu?
If you’re exploring Kauai’s food truck scene, staying close to Poipu puts you near several of the best options on this list. At Suite Paradise, we offer thoughtfully furnished condos and private homes in resort communities within minutes of the area’s most popular activities like dining, shopping, hiking, and quality beach parks. Book direct and save thousands in comparison to Airbnb or Vrbo!
See All Poipu Vacation Rentals
5. Hanalei Taro
A North Shore classic, Hanalei Taro serves delicious plate lunches made with locally grown taro from a family operation that’s been farming in the Hanalei Valley for generations. Try the kalua pork, laulau, or taro burger before heading to Hanalei Bay, hiking the Okolehao Trail, or walking the famous pier. It’s a great stop if you’re spending a day exploring the island’s northern coast.
- Open: Thursday and Friday: 10 AM – 3 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM or until sold out
- See the Food: Hanalei Taro Yelp Page
- Location: 5-5070 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI
- 4.4 ⭐️
6. Kickshaws
Kickshaws is one of Kauai’s most inventive trucks, offering “science-forward” comfort food with unique cooking techniques and bold flavor combinations. Expect burgers with brioche buns, deeply savory sauces, and rotating specials. If you enjoy trying something you won’t find anywhere else on the island, this truck should be on your list. They operate in a few locations, so check their schedule to find out exactly where they’re open each day.
- Hours vary by location – website updated weekly
- See the Food: @kickshaws808
- Location: Often at 5371 Koloa Road in the Heart of Koloa Town
- 4.8 ⭐️
7. Shaka Burgers Hawaii
Shaka Burgers Hawaii brings gourmet-style burgers to a laid-back mobile kitchen. They use quality beef, homemade sauces, and toasted buns, and they’re known for keeping things simple and delicious. It’s exactly the kind of satisfying meal you’ll want after a full day in the sun. If you visit, we recommend trying the smash burger with cheddar, grilled onions, pickles, and shaka sauce, or Da Shaka burger—seasoned Makaweli ranch beef, cheddar, local lettuce, pickles, tomato, onions (crispy and raw), bacon jam, and shaka sauce. Pair them with crispy fries and you’ll be in heaven.
- Open: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- See the Food: @shakaburgershawaii
- Location: 2403 Ulu Maika St., Lihue, HI
- 4.8 ⭐️
Plan Your Kauai Vacation with Suite Paradise
Featured Property: Kahala 932
Good food is easy to find on Kauai—especially when you’re staying in Poipu. Take advantage of proximity to these tasty spots when you book your next Kauai getaway directly with Suite Paradise.
In addition to the best rates, our team is available to help you find unique things to do, assist with any home issues that arise during your stay, and offer a concierge level of attention you just don’t get with third-party sites like Airbnb or Vrbo.
We invite you to discover the difference a local team can make. Browse our complete inventory and book your Kauai vacation with Suite Paradise today!