17 Best Food Trucks in Kauai You Won’t Want to Miss
Are you looking for the best food trucks in Kauai but need help figuring out where to start? Look no further! We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best food trucks on the island.
Kauai is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and exceptional local cuisine. For locals and tourists alike, food trucks offer an exciting way to explore the culinary diversity of Kauai’s diverse culture.
From Hawaiian-style poke bowls and barbecue to Mexican tacos and more, plenty of delicious options are available to satisfy your cravings.
How did we come up with this list? I’m glad you asked! We researched the best restaurants in Kauai and consulted locals about their favorite places. From the best coffee in Kauai to the best breakfast options, poke bowls, and more, we got the inside scoop from seasoned local foodies.
We then took it upon ourselves to try the food trucks and ensured we recommended locations of the highest quality.
Note About Food Trucks
The hours of operation and locations of food trucks may change without notice. Please be sure to call the food trucks ahead of time if you are driving out of your way to try them.
Also, if the food trucks sell out early, they might close for the day before their posted hours—just something to keep in mind, as these are common food truck issues.
Also, if you do not like waiting in line or are in a hurry, we recommend calling your order in to avoid waiting. Some of these food trucks are very popular, with long wait times.
Now, let’s get to it! Here’s our list of the best food trucks in Kauai:
Kauai Food Trucks Map
Overall Best Food Trucks in Kauai
Note: The food trucks in this article are organized based on location to make it easier for you depending on which side of the island you’re on. Below are our top ten food trucks in Kauai, regardless of location.
- Carlito’s Way
- Namaste Indian Food
- Da Fazenda
- Small Town Coffee
- AL Pastor Tacos
- Anatta’s Thai Street Food
- Aloha Juice Bar
- Holey Grail Donuts
- Dim ‘N’ Den Sum
- Nourish Hanalei
Continue reading below to learn more about each food truck and its location!
Best Food Trucks in Kapa’a and Lihue (East Shore of Kauai)
Kicking off our list are two of the most popular towns on the east shore—Lihue and Kapa’a.
1) Namaste Indian Food
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 4-1638 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Cuisine: Indian, Gluten-free
Hours of Operation: Daily, 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Namaste Indian Food is one of the best authentic Indian food trucks on the island of Kauai.
If you’re an Indian food enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! The menu is diverse and inclusive, featuring almost all the much-loved dishes of Indian cuisine. They also offer various vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
And no matter what your taste buds crave, you’re guaranteed to be fully satisfied with your order – as every dish on the menu is impeccably prepared.
We couldn’t resist trying the chicken tikka masala, which did not disappoint! This delicious meal was prepared with chickpeas cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and served with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
The portion size was generous, and we got two meals from one order.
2) Small Town Coffee
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 4-1543 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Cuisine: Coffee and Tea Juice Bars and Smoothies
Hours of operation: Monday- Saturday: 6:00 am- 12:00 pm
Small Town Coffe has been featured in most of our Kauai food articles, and for a good reason -the coffee is outstanding, and their quick breakfast options are even better.
The mini bacon egg cheese quiches and blueberry muffins are our top picks, receiving a five-star rating. Also, you don’t want to pass up on their delectable housemade pastries and unbeatable breakfast sandwiches – they’re a must-try.
The atmosphere here is relaxed, and the staff is always friendly. We’ve lost track of how often we’ve swung by this food truck for a quick breakfast before going on one of Kauai’s magnificent trails.
Side note: Going to Kauai and need recommendations on a luau? Check out our review of the best luaus on Kauai or the Smith’s Family Luau.
3) Anatta’s Thai Street Food Truck
⭐RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Location: 4100 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
Cuisine: Thai
Hours of operation: Monday- Sunday: 10:00 am- 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm- 7:30 pm
If you love Thai food as much as we do, you’ll want to check out Anatta’s Thai Street Food. This food truck is well known for its delicious traditional pad Thai and a selection of flavorful curries.
We highly recommend the shrimp or chicken pad thai- the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. The drunken noodles are also one of our favorites! Thanks to their robust flavor, every bite will take you on a culinary adventure.
Their menu is also loaded with other delicious options, including spring or summer rolls, fried rice, Thai iced tea, barbecue chicken, and a selection of vegan dishes.
The staff are always friendly and welcoming – they make sure you’re taken care of with a smile.
4) AL Pastor Tacos
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 4-1620 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Cuisine: Mexican
Hours of operation: Tuesday- Sunday 11:00 am- 5:00 pm
When it comes to tacos and Mexican, AL Pastor Tacos is a must-visit food truck. The tacos here are some of the best on the island and are definitely worth your time.
The menu consists of classic tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, and more- all cooked fresh to order.
Our favorite item on the menu is their signature al pastor tacos, served with roasted pork, salsa fresca, avocado sauce, and rice & beans. The fish, shrimp, and steak tacos are also delicious- and worth every penny.
You have the option to order a la carte or choose the plate option that includes two tacos and a side of rice and beans.
5) Kalalea Juice Hale
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5
Location: 4390 Pu U Hale Loop, Anahola, HI 96703
Cuisine: Coffee & Tea, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Acai Bowls
Hours of operation: Wednesday- Friday, 9:00 am- 3:00 pm; Saturday- Sunday, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
Located in the charming town of Anahola, Kalalea Juice Hale is one of our favorite places to get a healthy and delicious pick-me-up.
Their acai bowls are the most popular item on their menu, and we can understand why. We usually order the King Kong acai bowl, and OMG!- it’s delicious and full of exotic flavors. It’s topped with local banana, local granola, crushed mac nuts, cacao nibs, berries, organic peanut butter, local honey, housemade cacao sauce, and a dash of cinnamon.
If you want something lighter, their smoothies and Juices are also delicious.
You also have the option to order fresh coconut water – it’s the perfect way to cool off after a hot day. If you want them to crack open your coconut for the meat inside, they will gladly do so for $2.00.
6) Kauai Boba & Barbeque
⭐RATING: 4.7 out of 5
Location: 3501 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
Cuisine: Barbecue, Bubble Tea
Hours of operation: Monday- Thursday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm; Friday 1:00 pm- 7: 00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
For a unique combination of flavors, head to Kauai Boba & Barbecue. Here you’ll find some of the best boba tea on the island and quality barbecue cooked to perfection.
Their massive menu includes everything from loco moco, teriyaki steak, barbecue short ribs, burgers, seafood, and more options. All their plates come with rice and macaroni or green salad or kimchi.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We usually order the loco moco, teriyaki steak, or the mixed barbecue plate. Their kalua pork is also perfect and comes highly recommended.
The bubble tea is also a must-try and an excellent way to cool off during a hot day- they have a variety of flavors to choose from too.
Best Food Trucks in Hanalei and Princeville (North Shore of Kauai)
Next on our list are the best food trucks on the North Shore of Kauai. The Princeville and Hanalei area is known for its amazing beaches and beautiful landscape- but it’s also home to some of the most delicious food trucks around. Here are our top favorites:
7) Carlito’s Way
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 4970 Pepelani LP, Princeville, HI 96722
Cuisine: Mexican
Hours of Operation: Daily, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
If you are on the North Shore of Kauai and are craving some delicious Mexican, Carlito’s Way is the best place to go.
The tacos and burritos come with your choice of protein (steak, al pastor, chicken, fish, beans, etc.) and are made with fresh ingredients.
By far, these are the best tacos we have ever had—they are flavorful, juicy, and cooked to perfection. We usually order the al pastor tacos, which come with two tacos with rice and beans, and they never disappoint.
Not only are the tacos delicious, but the rice and beans are also cooked perfectly. While some individuals may say it’s just rice, we assure you it’s more than that and should be appreciated distinctly.
This is our favorite food truck in Kauai that we frequent often. Every time we go, it’s a great experience, and the food quality is consistent each time.
Tip: This is one of those food trucks that might sell out before closing. We recommend calling ahead and placing your order before you get there.
8) Da Fazenda
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5
Location: 5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Cuisine: Brazillian
Hours of Operation: Unknown! Hours on Google are incorrect. Call the restaurant directly to confirm. We talked to one of the employees, and they told us they no longer have control of their Google account and cannot update the hours.
Are you looking for the best Brazilian food in Kauai? Look no further than Da Fazenda! The food is delicious and authentic, and the portion sizes are enormous!
The first time we came here, we ordered the rice and beans sides, which was delicious. Of course, we returned multiple times and tried different items on the menu.
Our favorite is the Brazilian plate which includes a choice of grilled protein served with slow-cooked beans, garlic rice, Brazilian salsa, farofa (toasted yuca flour), and one seasonal vegetable.
We opted for the sausage platter, and it surpassed our expectations. The grilled sausage was flawlessly prepared, boasting a smoky taste that blended well with the accompanying sides.
Also, you have to try their in-house sauce, Da Fazenda! We loved it so much that we purchased a bottle for $10 to bring home. You also have the option to buy it from their website (dafazendahi.com), and they ship worldwide.
9) Holey Grail Donuts
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Cuisine: Dessert, American, Cafe, Vegan
Hours of Operation: Weds – Thurs: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm & Fri – Sun, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Holey Grail Donuts is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings and get some good coffee on Kauai.
They offer an extensive selection of mouthwatering handmade donuts made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. The dough is infused with Hawaiian-grown taro which is unique and gives it a soft, fluffy texture.
There are multiple options to choose from, including chocolate and pineapple, miso honey, and strawberry fields flavors. You can even buy tasting boxes to sample all the different flavors!
While you are there, don’t forget to try their coffee. It’s delicious and goes perfectly with the donuts.
Note: Holey Grail Donuts has a location in Hanalei and Kapa’a.
10) Nourish Hanalei
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 5225 Hanalei Plantation Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
Cuisine: Acai Bowls, Breakfast & Brunch
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast or lunch spot in Kauai, look no further than Nourish Hanalei.
Tucked away in the Hanalei Valley, this gem is a must-visit on your Kauai trip. You will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Hanalei and the surrounding mountains.
This popular little food stand is home to some of the best acai bowls on the island. The bowls are huge, delicious, and made with consciously sourced ingredients.
We ordered the Nourish Acai Bowl, which consists of tambor acai blend, housemade granola, coconut shred, berries, local banana, seasonal fruit, organic peanut butter drizzle, and local honey. It was a delicious combination that left us wanting more!
Their coffee, breakfast, and lunch options are also good, but we come here, especially for the acai and green juice.
11) Cafe Turmeric
⭐RATING: 4.8 out of 5
Location: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Cuisine: Indian, gluten-free
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Wednesday: 1:00 pm – 7:30 pm; Saturday 1:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Cafe Tumeric is another one of our favorite Indian food trucks in Kauai. The menu offers an extensive selection of homemade authentic Indian foods with a variety of curries and naturally gluten-free options to choose from.
The food is flavorful and made with fresh ingredients. The portions are generous, and the flavors are bold. We love the creamy coconut vegetable curry and the coconut shrimp curry in mild.
Their turmeric hibiscus tea is also a great option to quench your thirst. The mango lassi drink is also delicious and perfect for a hot day!
12) Tiki Tzatziki
⭐RATING: 4.9 out of 5
Location: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 11:30 am – 2:45 pm
Tiki Tzatziki arguably has the best gyro in Kauai. It’s made with fresh ingredients, and the prices are reasonable too.
You can get your gyro sandwich stuffed with lamb/ beef, chicken, falafel, or jackfruit. Each dish is served with shredded cabbage, organic feta, organic tzatziki, aroma tomatoes, Japanese cucumber, pickled onion, and sesame.
They offer a Greek salad and watermelon couscous salad options as well. We ordered the lamb and beef gyro with a Greek salad, and both were excellent.
Side note: Going to Kauai and need recommendations on what to do? Check out our review of the best ziplines in Kauai and Queen’s Bath Kauai: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit.
13) Aloha Juice Bar
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Location: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Cuisine: Juice Bar and Smoothies
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Aloha Juice Bar is the perfect spot if you are looking for a quick, healthy option on your Kauai vacation. Located right in the heart of Hanalei, this food stand is your go-to place for acai, dole whip, and smoothies on the north shore of Kauai.
We usually come here for the dole whip and acai bowls, but the local fruit smoothies are also delicious. They offer a variety of flavors made with fresh local ingredients. The portions are generous, so you get your money’s worth.
Whether you are looking for a quick snack to tide you over until dinner or need something to cool you down on a hot day, Aloha Juice Bar has got you covered!
As a note, this is one of the most popular food stands on the island, so there is usually a line. Be patient, and you will be rewarded with some of the best food on Kauai!
Best Food Trucks in Poipu/Koloa (South Shore of Kauai)
Next on our list are the best food trucks on Kauai’s South Shore. The Poipu and Koloa area is home to some of the best food trucks on the island.
14) Dim ‘N’ Den Sum
⭐RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Location: 5371 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Poke
Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
If you are looking for a unique Asian fusion experience on the south side of Kauai, Dim ‘N’ Den Sum is the place to go.
Their menu varies weekly, but you can expect to see items such as the dim sum pack, coconut shrimp, egg rolls, shrimp tempura bao, shumai sticks, salads, beef teriyaki, and more. The food is so fresh and flavorful that you can taste the love and passion in every bite.
If you like poke, their poke nachos are also an excellent option. It’s a mix of ahi over wonton chips topped with seaweed salad, sweet soy, wasabi aiolo, masago, and green onion.
We highly recommend stopping by and trying some of their unique dishes. You won’t be disappointed! Also, the prices are very reasonable too.
15) Kickshaws
⭐RATING: 4.8 out of 5
Location: 5371 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Cuisine: Burgers and Sandwiches
Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
If you are looking for a good old burger, sandwiches, and some fries, Kickshaws is the place to go. They also offer other items on the menu, such as tacos, nachos, waffles, gourmet grilled cheese, brussels sprouts, and more.
The burgers here are some of the best we have ever had, and we highly recommend them. The sandwiches are also excellent, and the fries are crispy and flavorful.
Our go-to items on the menu are the 100% awesome burger and the Wagyu steak sandwich. The portions are generous, and the flavors are out of this world.
16) Naruto Noodles
⭐RATING: 4.1 out of 5
Location: 5371 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Cuisine: Noodles
Hours of Operation: Friday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Are you in the mood for some delicious noodles? Look no further than Naruto Noodles. This is a small food truck with big flavors serving up some of the best noodles in Koloa.
Their menu includes noodles such as Thai green curry, pork wonton ramen, shrimp tempura ramen, and their signature Naruto ramen. Our favorite items on the menu are the green curry noodles and the creamy basil pesto spaghetti.
Note: We saw some complaints that the wait time is long here. But it’s worth the wait if you are in the mood for some delicious noodles! Also, this is very typical for Kauai food trucks since most meals are made fresh to order. To avoid waiting, always place your order in advance for pick up.
17) Kauai Poke Co.
⭐RATING: 4.7 out of 5
Location: 2250 Ainako St, Koloa, HI 96756
Cuisine: Japanese, Poke, Hawaiian
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 10:30 am; 11:00 am- 3:00 pm
While not a food truck today, Kauai Poke Co. was one of the best food trucks on the island. They now have a permanent location next to the Poipu Bay Golf Course and are now considered one of the best restaurants on the island.
You can get everything here, from delicious breakfast options such as loco moco and Japanese mochi pancakes and numerous lunch options, ahi poke bowls. Additional items on the menu include fried tofu, Okinawan purple potato, calamari, fried wontons, and more.
If you like poke, the plantation poke comes highly recommended. It’s a Hawaiian-style poke mixed with inamona nuts, avocado, drizzled kabayaki sauce, spicy aioli, crispy onions, and tobiko.
Overall, Kauai Poke Co. is a great spot to visit if you want some delicious food. So while not a food truck, it deserves a place on this list. Hopefully, they will never forget their roots! We will be rooting for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Food Trucks in Kauai Take Credit Cards?
Yes, many food trucks in Kauai accept credit cards. However, it is always best to have cash on hand, just in case. All of the food trucks we visited during our most recent visit accepted credit cards as payment.
What are Kauai Food Trucks Prices? How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Kauai food trucks vary in price depending on the type of cuisine and menu items. Generally, prices range from $15 – $20 for an entrée. Keep in mind that Kauai is usually not a budget-friendly destination, so it is more expensive than most places. However, with food trucks, you can generally get a meal cheaper than dining at a restaurant.
Are Food Trucks in Kauai Good?
Yes! Going to food trucks in Kauai is one of our top things to do on the island. We had some excellent meals from the food trucks in Kauai and highly recommend trying them if you visit the island. While there are some that may not be as good, We highly recommend the ones listed in this article.
Final Thoughts
Kauai is known for many things, including its delicious food, and the food trucks on this list are no exception. Each one of these trucks offers something unique and brings a special flavor to the island.
There is something for everyone here, whether it’s unique burgers, poke bowls, noodles, or salads.
So be sure to check them out if you ever find yourself in Kauai! Bon appétit! You won’t be disappointed.
