North Shore Food Stands Serve Up Ono Edibles

Life in Hawaii comes with perks — our unlimited beach days being top of the list. Something about all that ocean air makes for hearty appetites, and that means … yes, beach snacks to the max. Luckily, when it comes to food-on-the-go, the North Shore’s diverse — and convenient — options include a variety of food stands along the way. From snacks and sandwich wraps to salads and desserts, there is plenty to satisfy your appetite while you soak in that North Shore Vitamin D.

Surf N Salsa | 66-521 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa
The beach menu at this family food truck offers delicioso Mexican classics — tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Tacos come on handmade corn tortillas — soft or crispy, your choice. Specialty items include a taco salad surf and turf with shrimp and steak, or a fajitas plate with grilled chicken or steak with stir-fried veggies. After a day of surfing, there is nothing more satisfying. Best value: Taco Tuesdays, featuring $1 tacos, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Big Wave Shrimp | 66-521 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa
Loved by locals and tourists, the landmark Big Wave Shrimp truck has been feeding beachgoers for 11 years. Chef Kawita, featured on the Food Network, adds ono-liscious ingredients and aloha to every plate. Famous for their shrimp plates — garlic, spicy or crunchy — more ono choices include a steak plate or short ribs. Check out the spring rolls too. Incredible. Lots of tables, shade, and music make this a great place to order out or “dine in.” Ask about kamaaina and military discounts.

Sharks Cove Grill | 59-712 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa
Hawaii’s sun and surf can sap the energy from even the most veteran beach bums. Luckily, you can replenish your depleted protein and carbs with a kabob from Sharks Cove Grill. A choice of chicken, fresh ahi, tri-tip steak, or shrimp with red bell peppers, onion, zucchini and mushrooms, white or brown rice and a salad. Early risers, check out the breakfasts served 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Warm up with the oatmeal, hearty with cinnamon, raisins and brown sugar. Pancakes and eggs. A veggie scramble. A taro bun breakfast sandwich — great to start the day. Smoothies, salads and sandwiches are all made fresh.

North Shore Tacos  | 59-712 Kamehameha Hwy. Pupukea
For Hawaii’s best fish tacos, North Shore Tacos food truck in Pupukea is legendary. Established in Hauula in 2010, North Shore Taco uses only the freshest ingredients, sashimi-grade fish and choice of meat and sides. To meet demand, the food truck in Pupukea opened in 2015, serving up the same Baja-style fish tacos. The company’s food philosophy is: From the ocean to the table. “Our fish is fresh caught and delivered to the restaurant daily, which enables us to say we have the #1 fresh fish tacos on Oahu.” In addition to awesome tacos, try the gnarly nachos, the beach burrito or the sunset salad. Refreshing drinks include ginger lemonade. For dessert, it’s between the tres leches cake and the coconut caramel flan.

Délice Crêpes | 66-470 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa
Délice Crêpes celebrates more than four years serving the most authentic French crepes on the island. Look for the red Volkswagen bus lunch truck, this will be a meal you won’t soon forget. From-scratch gluten-free crepes have a European fare origin — a family recipe — yet are brimming with local and organic ingredients. Savory options include classic ham and cheese, or the favorite, Chef Special — scrambled egg, cheese, turkey, tomato, avocado, pesto sauce and fresh grinder pepper. Sweet tooth? Opt for one of the dessert crepes — the most popular is the Nutella chocolate, banana, strawberry, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream with powdered sugar. Ask about catering options too. Bon appétit!

Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican | 66-250 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa
Local favorite. Cholo’s Margarita Bar is a great place to rehydrate after a day in the sun. Famous for its margarita menu, the tropical-rita is infused with lilikoi, mango and pineapple, while the peach-berry-rita has peach, strawberry and raspberry — ooh aw refreshing. With the festive ambiance, good food and salt-rimmed drink menu, this place fills up. Cholo’s Carne Asada, with tender strips of grilled, marinated steak, fresh cilantro, guacamole, onions and tortillas is a house favorite.