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Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Food Stands Seafood, Food Stands [Edit]
56-580 Kamehameha HwyKahuku, HI 96731
(808) 389-1173
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
91 reviews for Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck
Review Highlights
"I thoroughly enjoyed the garlic butter shrimp."
(in 33 reviews)
"...BEST, BEST, BEST, BEST place for HOT & SPICY SHRIMP on Oahu."
(in 24 reviews)
"Loved the flavors and $2 cheaper than Giovanni's."
(in 37 reviews)
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91 reviews in English
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Review from Caryn W.
Updated - 11/18/2011 3 photos
It's been a while since HC and I visited our favorite shrimp truck. Having tried several other trucks, we've decided this one is the best with value and taste.
We were the only ones there on Friday morning (11/11/11) a little before 11 a.m. We noticed there were small crowds at Romy's and Fumi's, so we were expecting at least a few people at Famous Kahuku. We put in our order, a garlic butter shrimp plate and a spicy shrimp plate with 2 drinks. Total was $24.
Food came out quickly and I was in food heaven for a while. I had forgotten how good the shrimp tasted. The spicy shrimp was just hot enough and I love how I can put the hot sauce on to the rice too.
The service is always really good here. The ladies are really nice and always have smiles on. We leave a few dollars for tip every time we come.
Will definitely be returning here any time I'm craving shrimp.Listed in: Places to eat on the Leeward…, Shrimp Trucks
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/22/2010
My bf and I love this shrimp truck! We always make the trek out here whenever one of us is craving… Read more »
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Review from Christine E.
San Jose, CA
1/27/2012 2 photos
We found this roadside shrimp truck through Yelp because it received pretty good reviews. The service was a bit slow but that was probably due to the long line of people and the fact there was only one cook and the person at the window taking the orders.
Seating consists of picnic benches outdoors situated underneath tarps.
A plate lunch will start at around $12 not including drink and side of corn on the cob.
They most likely cook the shrimp in advance and have sitting in a pot of hot water. It was a bit tough and if you don't mind peeling your own shrimp and getting your hands a little dirty, then it shouldn't be a problem!
Bathrooms are outhouses on the property and a sink with soap and paper towels are located right in the middle of the seating area. I guess people need to wash their hands a lot while eating!
There are actually two locations right next to each other. As we drove further down the road we saw a larger sitting area with a raised built-in wooden seating area for protection from the rain and wind.
It can get quite windy out there so definitely bring a jacket!
Otherwise it's a fun experience to dine off of one of these shrimp trucks! -
Review from Phoebe Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/16/2011
Just thinking about the coconut shrimp makes my mouth water. The coconut shrimp come deep fried in batter and covered in golden brown shreds of coconut. It comes with some sort of sweet lemon juice to dip in - SO delicious. We tried the garllic butter squid which was tender and garlicky, although not as flavorful as the shrimp scampi from Giovanni's.
I think this would be the first shrimp truck I'd hit if I were ever to come back to Oahu. -
Review from Monica B.
New York, NY
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Despite this truck being so far away, it is a definite must. Every time we come to Hawaii, we visit this truck and are never disappointed. This time around we decided to give another shrimp truck a chance and tried a shrimp plate but were so disappointed we came here right after for the spicy shrimp and mahi mahi. So so good! I'll never deviate again!
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Review from Bella L.
Honolulu, HI
2/5/2012
I usually really don't care for shrimp but man was the shrimp here DELICIOUS. Got the hot and spicy one and the sauce for it is so damn GOOD! After finishing one plate I wanted another one! The price was $11.00 and everyone I came with enjoyed it as well. The garlic butter one was pretty good too but I'm more of a spicy person.
I honestly think this place is way better than Giovanni's. Now I crave for the hot and spicy shrimp now! so so so GOOOD! -
Review from Jess M.
Thank you Famous Kahuku Shrimp for being our favorite shrimp truck, EVER!
Thank you for being so conveniently placed between either direction to head back to Waikiki! We've stopped here more times than you know!
Thank you for always adding an extra scoop of rice to our plates for the little one and topping them off with the garlic butter! My biggrr belly than I want it to be and thighs don't thank you as much though...
Thank you for feeding us the best garlic shrimp and steak and garlic shrimp combo we've ever had! The best among the rest! The cabbage alone drenched in the garlic butter has me forever hooked! And I love how the garlic is a perfect texture and coats each bit of the shrimp! Lip-smacking good!
Thank you for still letting your customers brand the tents and tables! I swear we didn't leave our numbers to "call for a good time".
We will drive to you any day when we're back there on vacay! Thoughts of ordering extra to take home to the hotel have crossed our minds but we know it's best eaten there and just not the same nuked! Still perfect for after the beach and still the perfect spot for our shrimp truck cravings!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/29/2010
This is always always always one of our stops/daily meals when we're in Hawaii! I'd say a good six… Read more »
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Review from Timothy C.
Washington, DC
10/30/2011 1 photo
We read about Kahuka Shrimp in Sunset magazine, but we almost ignored it because of it's... style? decorations? or lack of both?
We wanted to stop and get some shrimp for dinner on our way back from the North Shore, but my father-in-law specified that wherever we stopped should 'look like it got a passing grade.'
Well, Famous Kahuka Shrimp looks like a dump! The truck is covered in stickers and graffiti, and not in a cool, Santa-Cruzy way or a hip food truck way, but more of a old 1980's, crappy motor-home, 'Do people live in there?' kinda way. A family of cats live underneath it. Their canopy is jimmy-rigged over a mound of dirt and the tables built into the ground are 'made from scratch.' Their menu looks like it was a summer camp art project, and that the kid who made it was a bad artist.
But, HOLY SMOKES THOSE SHRIMPS ARE GOOD! We tried the garlic shrimp (smooth, buttery AMAZINGNESS with enough garlic to give it a kick) and the spicy shrimp (a sweet chili sauce that has a perfect burn and also serves as a great dressing for the bed of cabbage the shrimp is served on)
YUMMERS!
PS. Now I've reviewed places in 4 states! -
Review from Michelle E.
Soquel, CA
12/23/2011
Love love love garlic shrimp! The lines were really long when I arrived, but the food is definitely worth it. I can't say the price is the greatest, but I only eat here once in a while so it doesn't bother me. I love the shrimp scampi with rice and a side of mac salad!
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Review from Reina W.
Antioch, CA
10/17/2011
We've been here twice so far and find that it's good enough to keep returning to. The service is fast and they cook everything fresh when you order.
The garlic butter shrimp is really good...i suggest sucking all the flavor off the shrimp while the shell is still on and then drenching the shrimp back into the garlic butter once it's peeled. Or...you can do what my hubby does and eat everything (including the shell) so as not to waste a single bite.
The last time we visited Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck we were the only ones sitting there eating. It was kind of nice because we could drool on ourselves as much as we wanted without anybody shooting ugly glances at us. Definite plus when you have drool and garlic butter running down your chin!
Besides the garlic butter shrimp we ordered the shrimp and squid combo. I didn't have high expectations for the squid, but i was pleasantly surprised by it. The tentacles were chewy, but tender and seemed to absord every bit of flavor possible...super ono! Definitely will be a part of our order next time.
The only negative about this place is the mac salad...too much mayo for my taste, but since it's not the star of the show it didn't matter too much to me.
The ladies working this truck are friendly and provide great service. When my hubby went to pick up or order they asked if we needed any extra rice since each plate only comes with 1 scoop. He declined because the 2 scoops were plenty for us, but the fact that they asked was really nice and show that they care about their customers needs.
5 stars for their service alone, but add a few more for the actual food. -
Review from Mali T.
Sacramento, CA
7/9/2011 6 photos
Sorry...To me this place is better than Giovanni's! I love their spicy squid and shrimp and steak! SOOOOOO GOOOD!
Always have to stop here, the only thing I like about Giovanni's are their Extra spicy shrimp! That burns good, other then that Famous shrimp truck is the way to go!
Garlic Butter Shrimp is also tasty! Everything is and they cook their steak just right =( -
Review from kat t.
8/8/2011
I don't know why I fool myself when i try other trucks. I should just give up and say "hey snap out of it! your true heart is Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck.." Stop fooling yourself.
I love the way they prepare it! The price is cheaper and yeah you only get 11 shrimp compared to Giovanni's 13 piece but you pay more (and you gotta wait) . I do agree with everyone else on the butter and garlic it's damn good. I just can't figure out why it's so good. It's lightly battered oh so ONO.. I will and have driven more than 50 miles for this good stuff. I don't know why people go to Giovanni's and wait while you can go .5 miles to FKST. like they say here in HI.. IT'S MO BETTAH!!! (i totally agree). You can put the cabbage and sauce on top of the rice and damn it's it's own separate meal.
The ladies are much friendlier and they smile. They cook faster and the shrimp does not stick to the skin. Everything was just "MO BETTAH"!!
I can't wait til you are in my hands and mouth again. (wow that doesn't sound right. LOL.. after reading the reviews I may have to try the other good eats on this truck.
For those of you who are Giovanni's and other shrimp truck lover. Please come and try FKST.. you may have a new love.. thank you come again!! -
Review from Jonathan D.
Honolulu, HI
5/25/2011
Talk about garlic and butter over load to the max!
But so so so so good!!!!!!!!
After I found out Giovanni's was frozen shrimp from my moms friend that use to work there my friend introduced me to this place.
So if you crave shrimp, butter, and garlic. Great place to fulfill your cravings!!!
Great thing I love about it is that the people that take your money, not only take your money but if you don't want the mac salad that comes with it they give you an extra scoop of rice and Im asian so I love rice.
Glad theres a sink there and semi soap to wash your hands at after peeling like 12 shrimps.
You can bring your own food and drinks. BYOB. It's great.
PS : Dirty benches and tables for peoplee that hate dirty but hey it's outside. Suck it up and enjoy the food.
PSPS: ANOTHER GREAT THING ABOUT IT is that if you have a party over 60 people they well stay out late no matter what time cooking for you! -
Review from Jerome B.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
OmG - My wife and I did a day trip around the island. We were hell bent on trying one of these famous shrimp trucks. I have to admit - it was well worth the day trip.
We tried two different types of the shrimp. We said all we wanted was shrimp and no sides - so the piled on extra shrimp.
Long story short - this food was @#$)(#*@$ing amazing!!!! we had the hot n spicey and the garlic shrimp. out of this world and highly recommended! -
Review from Noah C.
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
The only shrimp truck I'd ever dined at in Hawaii is Giovanni's, as that truck's legendary status makes it a must-stop for tourists. I first went there wayyyyy back in 1999, too early for me to have reviewed it on Yelp. I also hadn't gone back to an island shrimp truck since, despite coming to Oahu almost once a year.
On my most recent trip, we stopped at this truck. A few other friends who were touring the island stopped here after eating at Giovanni's earlier, and told us to come by, since they found Famous Kahuku to be more delicious. I like things that are delicious, so my group headed over.
I immediately decided to go for the spicy shrimp. I like spicy. Actually, I prefer to eat food spicy enough that it hurts me both going down and coming out. The workers here were clearly Korean, and being a half-Korean myself, thought that was an indication that they wouldn't fuck around with the heat.
The heat on the shrimp, though, was sadly mild. The shrimp themselves were of varying quality, as some tasted really fresh and some tasted like they had been left over from the week before. A lot of them hadn't been properly deveined.
I will say, though, that the garlic butter sauce was outrageously delicious. One of the other members of our group had ordered it, and I managed to swindle away three of his garlic shrimp in exchange for three of my meh spicy shrimp. This made me happy, and him sad.
On a side note, apparently my feeble Korean language skills were enough to get my group a scoop of mac salad that was denied the other group of friends that had his this truck earlier. The mac salad was crap, though, so maybe that was more of a commentary on me than I'd like to think.Listed in: Oahu!
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Review from Kalei T.
Mililani, HI
11/25/2011
The Hot and Spicy Shrimp and Squid is the best tasting in Kahuku. I tried them all. But once a couple of friends and I were the only ones there when we ordered. Not 5 minutes later, busload after busload of asian tourists came in and got served before us. When we asked the worker if they could "squeeze" us in, she said they PREORDERED. We waited a pretty long time and it was aggravating. But the food is great. Just dont be surprised if this happens to you.
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Review from Serena F.
Honolulu, HI
6/13/2011
Don't get thrown off by the truck full of graffiti and the smaller area of outdoor benches. Giovanni's caters to the tourists and advertises well, but most locals I know swear by THIS shrimp truck!
I love the garlic butter shrimp. I was bad and broke my diet today, and temporarily switched to a seefood diet. I see food, I eat it!
You get about a dozen large shrimp smothered in garlic and butter, sitting on top of a small bunch of cabbage and two scoops of rice. Smile and ask real nicely, and the nice korean lady who takes your order will give you a side of their famous hot&spicy sauce on the side for free. That way, you get the best of both worlds!
Ah... back to my diet. Anyone ever notice you can't spell diet without die? :( -
Review from Caitlin L.
Kailua, HI
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sweet mother of garlic butter shrimp!
Leave it to Hawaiian culture to take one of the most healthful things to eat and turn it into a mouthful of fabulous that will make you a candidate for The Biggest Loser in no time!
I was covering for another nurse in a clinic out in Kahuku and found I had an hour to kill in between poking babies, healing wounds, and lecturing people on diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. What to do? What to do? Much to my delight I found Famous Kahuku Shrimp was across the parking lot! Oh the irony!!
Apparently all my patients took my scolding to heart, as there was no one else in line. I spent exactly zero time contemplating my order thanks to previous yelp reviews and seeming endless praise for the garlic butter shrimp...add me to the list! I drank the kool-aid and am wearing the Nikes! I don't care that I sat alone, on a picnic table in my scrubs, and was covered in garlic and butter by the end of it, cause my friends, if you want the goods, you're gonna have to work for them a peel those suckers yourself. It's messy, but I think it makes you appreciate it that much more!
They also brought their A game when it came to the rice today! There has seemingly been an island wide breakdown when it comes to cooking white rice...ie: making it too sticky or soggy!...but today, I fell in love all over again!
Maybe tomorrow I'll stray from the path and try the coconut shrimp...I consider my eating there research, you know, getting to know my patient population and their culture!
Eat at Famous', but bring your paper! No plastic accepted! -
Review from Danny Y.
Irvine, CA
8/3/2011
So I did my own head to head review of Giovanni's and Famous Kohuku Shrimp, but I guess it was a bit unfair because I chose the regular shrimp scampi at Giovanni's and the Spicy Shrimp at Famous Kohuku's.
I can't deny that I loved both dishes from both trucks and I was happy that I tried both. But famous Kohuku might take it away for me because it was much less crowded and it was also $2 less.
There were a few other dishes like their steak and calamari that I would love to try if I am ever in town again. All in all, this place is not a bad choice if you have already tried the Giovanni's hype. -
Review from Jessica D.
Reisterstown, MD
6/2/2011
If I lived in Hawaii, I'd be here every day!!!
The shrimp truck was amazing. It met my expectations!!! Oh Yes!!!
We tried the Garlic Butter as well as the Coconut Shrimp plates. Only $11 per plate. The Coconut Shrimp was good, but the GARLIC BUTTER! Amazing! We got two extra plates after we finished the first!
The macaroni salad they serve---I want the recipe.
Heard from a local that this is the best shrimp truck around. I couldn't agree more. Definitely check this place out. -
Review from Nancy F.
Honolulu, HI
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
You know...
Back in the day, when it was just the truck and a couple of tables & chairs, their garlic shrimp was the best ever. EVER.
Having paid a visit to that ghetto graffiti'd truck on my last trip home, I was mildly surprised to find that they've upgraded their dining area to a real lanai. I mean, thank god the truck's still the same. But damn! They went and built a little lanai and a makeshift sink. Whoa! Glad to know business is good (IN THIS ECONOMY!).
That said, I'm kind of bummed to report that my garlic shrimp plate was kind of... dry. I don't know if the shrimp's been hanging out on the hotplate for a while or if home girl needed to add more of that garlic butter sauce to my rice...
My brother was all about it though. He destroyed his plate lunch in a nano-second. Like, he taught those shrimps a lesson they'll never forget. In between inhalations, I think I caught a "ho. this rice is cooked real good."
I know, right?
Whatever. I still consider myself a fan. All those other hipster food trucks need to bow down. -
Review from Kelly M.
Closter, NJ
9/18/2011
If you head to the north shore you have to eat at a shrimp truck. It was worth the experience but I have had better shrimp elsewhere! Try the garlic shrimp and get ready to get messy!
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Review from Bunny H.
San Jose, CA
6/20/2011
Oh my word!! YEEEEUMMMM! The truck may throw you off, but the food oh so delish!!!
Ordered the got hot and spicy shrimp, garlic shrimp and squid, and another portion of the garlic squid. WoW!!! So garlicky, so buttery, so worth it!!!
You get for what you pay for......and stop by the Quizno's restroom to wah up..it's immaculate ...see my yelp on Quizno's!
Happy Eating! -
Review from Michael L.
Boston, MA
The only reason why i came to this truck was because it was my friends favorite. The rest of the shrimp trucks in the area probably sell the same thing! lol.
Anyways i got the garlic butter shrimp which was bursting with flavor. God was that garlic butter sauce good. They even put some of that sauce on the rice. yum. The food was great and the lady in the truck was nice. i dont really have anything bad to say about the place besides the fact that if you eat more than 1 dish of the garlic butter shrimp you might feel sick because it has a strong butter taste haha.
Next time I come here im going to get the mahi mahi and ask them if they would put the garlic butter sauce on that...............i imagine it would be scrumptious. -
Review from Emiko T.
8/14/2011 2 photos
After having multiple rounds of Macky's, Giovanni's and the others, I was finally treated to an awesome experience at the Famous Kahuku truck. Let's get the one downside out of the way: you must wait patiently for your plate of seafood deliciousness. But with service so sweet and kind you'd be the grinch if you thought it wasn't worth the wait.
I was finally happy to see something offered on the menu other than the usual spicy, garlic butter and lemon pepper. They have...wait for it...COCONUT! Hell to the yeah it's about time. Perhaps I had missed this offering on other trucks but I couldn't be happier that I had my first plate of coconut shrimp from Kahuku's. (Check my pictures for more evidence). It was so crispy but chock-full of coconut flavor and covered in real flakes. (No wonder it took so long to make). The shrimp was piping hot and one upside about ordering the coconut shrimp is that it's already peeled, so if you're having one of those lazy "i don't want to work for my food" days, this will solve that problem and you get an amazing taste as a bonus. I think the location and set up here is also more quaint and nice than other truck stops as they're up on a small hill which closes you off from the street. There's a also an actual parking lot below from the shopping center so you won't have to off-road your car into a dusty lot to get a plate of shrimp.
And biggest plus of all? Yes, they are the cheapest I've seen so far. $11 bucks for a plate that has just as many shrimp as the others with a better quality. The lady who takes your order will also make you feel special, like she was waiting the whole day for you to drop by. That makes me want to make the extra fifteen minute drive past the other trucks just to eat from this one.
Yelp challenge: #14/365Listed in: Yelp 365 Challenge
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Review from Ralph W.
9/12/2011
Probably some of the best shrimp ive ever had. visited this spot during our honeymoon in hawaii. we recommend it to all our friends and family.
Listed in: Bomb spots
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Review from Courtney H.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hot and spicy squid! Yummmmay! It was cooked in some kind of chili sauce. Slightly oily but still soooo good!
Don't worry about the fact that the truck itself has been super tagged with all kinds of graffiti. And one of the women working there was really friendly, while another was not.
I am home now and just thinking about this squid is making my mouth water. -
Review from Will H.
Pearl City, HI
10/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Forget the Hype of Giovanni's......If you want the best Shrimp on the North Shore it has to be "FAMOUS KAHUKU SHRIMP TRUCK!"
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Review from Lisa C.
7/22/2011 1 photo
I'm still drooling over their coconut shrimp! I love coconut, so imagine coconut-breaded shrimp that's been deep fried...ahh-mazing! The coconut flakes left a hint of sweetness while at the same time you get the crunchy, savory taste of the shrimp. The best part, we came at a time when there was no rush, so our shrimp was freshly fried without having to wait too long.
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Review from Kelly Y.
Honolulu, HI
12/6/2011
SO FREAKIN YUMMY! i would literally die for this place. It's garlicy and buttery yummm my favorite! Every time I cook shrimp, I try to imitate this place but nothing comes close. So worth the drive from town! I even bought 2 plates one time (1 for lunch and 1 for dinner) haha :P My boyfriend wanted to compare so he got one from Giovanni's....sorry we both agreed this one's better :) Writing this review makes me want one right now! :9
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Review from cary i.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 7/11/2011
so i had to make an update cause i have TON's of friends telling thier friends that when they go to hawaii they GOTTA go to Giovanni's... but i have done some experimenting of my own:
i usually take my friends there first and tell them to just get one plate... choose anyone you like... after we're done i take them to this truck
basically everyone i have done this to says that not only is this truck BETTER... it's CHEAPER too!!! so basically i wanted to write this review so i can have my friends see this instead of me always having to tell them where to go.
so there you have it... your choice but i have yet to have a friend disagree with me on this choice!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2009
Always take my out of town friends here. I say out of town loosely cause I live out of town too.
On… Read more »
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Review from Windel D.
Honolulu, HI
10/7/2010 1 photo
If you are a GARLIC FANATIC THIS IS YOUR PLACE!!
I've been coming here for YEARS! and Every time I visit, Its like It's my first time!!
The Shrimp here are so Fresh and Plump (They don't precook to serve!). When you order your plate, they will pull out a fresh batch of Shrimp and cook it GARLIC-Y & BUTTERY! I have no idea what they do to that Shimp but Its just so SrumpDilliOmptious! NO FAIL here! So if your on a Diet....don't come here. Otherwise, you will absolutely love this place!
This place is usually empty....only because everyone thinks Giovanni is the best....NOPE. (thats tourist Advertisement!) If you want your taste buds to EXPLODE, Visit this place! the plates are a little pricey but what Shrimp Truck isnt?
I go hear at least twice a Month!! and its a good Lunch in-between Beach Hopping!
My Boyfriend LOVES this Place & will Go here anytime of the day! :-) -
Review from jasmine s.
Setauket- East Setauket, NY
10/11/2010
On every single one of my vacation/trips, I make food a priority. North shore shrimp trucks are legendary and I've been wanting to try them all ever since my first visit to Hawaii, but somehow we never found the time to make a special trip up there.
Well, the time has come. We finally made it here to try a few trucks, and I have to say they are all freakin good. Fresh plump shrimp with garlic and butter... how can anything with that combo be bad??? We had the hot and spicy shrimp here and it certainly had a kick! Be sure to load up on water beforehand. Loved the flavors and $2 cheaper than Giovanni's! I'm going on a no-shrimp diet after I get back home... gotta watch that cholesterol! -
Review from Angela A.
Los Angeles, CA
6/21/2011
The garlic shrimp plate is more buttery than garlicy - unless u ask for more garlic. I actually like this truck better than Giovanni's just because of the butter, less crowded, and more tender shrimp.
Listed in: I'm Eating In Paradise
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Review from Michelle T.
Monterey Park, CA
9/10/2011
So I coerced my sister to go with me to try these shrimp shacks. I tried the garlic butter shrimp! It was sooo good. It was the perfect summery meal. I thought to myself "Yum, this is really good! I feel so awful that my sis is allergic to shellfish!"
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Review from Zar A.
11/7/2010
BEST, BEST, BEST, BEST, BEST place for HOT & SPICY SHRIMP on Oahu!!!!
The hot & spicy shrimp plate is very FLAVORFUL, not burning hot. It does not burn your tongue! I just want to scoop every bit of the hot & spicy sauce from my plate when I'm through with the shrimps. How can you waste this wonderful sauce and just dump it?? You can order this plate with all rice or with rice and macaroni salad.
The other key thing about this place is that they do not pre-boil their shrimp prior to sautéing it with the sauce. Boiled shrimps have a hard shell, requiring you to peel off the shell before eating it. Kahuku Shrimp Truck does not boil their shrimp before hand. Their shrimps are crispy and edible. This enhances your experience since you don't have to waste time taking off the shells and most importantly, the ALL of the sauce is still on your shrimp and consumed in your belly!!
I've also had the coconut shrimp plate and that is very well made here too. Minus the sauce that it comes with. I don't use it, I don't think it's necessary, but that is a preference thing.
Price wise, they are cheapest out of all the shrimp trucks nearby. Super plus in my book. -
Review from Travis M.
1/18/2011
If you want hot and spicy shrimp this is the place to go. If you want scampi, go to Giovannis. If you wanna do it at home buy your shrimp at Costo (its already devained maybe cut it a lil more so it opens up nicely when grilled and shell is easy to take off), use Pietro Shoyu Dressing, and marinate it for 2+ hours.
If you want me to put these shrimps in order, I'd take my home cooked shrimp first, then Famous Kahuku Shrimp, then Giovannis. Save your time and do it at home, I got a solid hot and spicy shrimp receipe, but I ain't sharing it on here. But if your looking for something to eat on the north side, this is the place to go. -
Review from Matt T.
Hayward, CA
2/19/2011 1 photo
The graffiti covered, run down appearance of the truck is definitely enough to give one pause before eating at this food truck. Nonetheless they're supposed to be the real deal so I gave it a shot.
I ordered the Garlic Butter Shrimp plate for $11.00, which is a bit steep considering the portion size and lack of ambiance or amenities. The garlic butter sauce is damn tasty, though most of it gets removed while fighting with and removing the shell. Maybe I'm just lazy, but the whole experience would have been a lot more enjoyable (and less messy) if the shrimps were already shelled. To their credit the shrimp were as fresh as it gets and cooked well. The tasty sauces are very good, though they end up masking the subtler flavor of the shrimp itself which is a shame.
Definitely worth a try if you're looking for some local Kahuku shrimp and aren't scared away by the appearance of the whole operation! -
Review from Masato I.
Got the garlic shrimp on a weekend.
It was good, but not THAT good. Maybe it's the style, but having to peel the shrimp means you peel off most of the garlic butter which is the seasoning...
After the messy ordeal, normal people like to wash their hands. Their accommodations here are less than sanitary with a communal towel thrown on the bushes and water fed from a garden hose that drains on to some rocks right by your feet... It's reminiscent of the airport tinkle you get when wearing sandals when the urinal next yo you is occupied... (Guys know what I'm talking about).
Anyway, I think the few prawns, steamed rice and mac salad for 11 bucks is a bit steep given the facilities, or lack thereof. Certainly not impressed and I'll be trying one of the other trucks next trip. -
Review from Patricia M.
Kirkland, WA
11/14/2010 3 photos
Stopped by the truck at noon on a Saturday and was surprised to see the truck was not crowded at all like the other trucks. It was nice to not fight off the crowd.
And the food.......AMAZING! We ordered the coconut shrimp and the garlic shrimp. Both were very tasty ! I would definitely stop by and give it a try. If you like coconut shrimp....Kahuku is the only truck that offers it! -
Review from Sheri U.
Los Angeles, CA
6/19/2010
This is by far the BEST and my most FAVORITE shrimp truck EVER! We always make a point to stop by when we're driving around the island...which is what we did today. YAY!
We got 4 plates of the Hot and Spicy shrimp... no surprise there since I ALWAYS get the same plate each time we visit. OMG...It's soooooooooo good! It has just the right amount of kick and buttery garlicky goodness! YUM! Their other menu items such as the garlic butter sauce, squid, and steak plates are also great and worth trying out in case you're not in the mood for some shrimpalicious treat. At $11 a plate, it's also one of the cheaper shrimp trucks in Kahuku AND comes in a generous portion.
Delicious AND cheap? Well, GOOD GOLLY GEE, I'M THERE! Wait... I WAS! YAY!
My tummy is so happy right now!
