Grab a Taste of Paradise: Must-Try Kauai Food Trucks

Explore the flavors of this popular food truck known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, especially their signature al pastor tacos. Look for Al Pastor located in the Kapaa Food Truck Court next to Ostuka’s. Run by husband and wife team, Paulino and Faun Hernandez, Al Pastor Tacos are considered among locals as the best on the Island with roasted, marinated pork, house-made pico de gallo and perfect guacamole. It doesn’t matter what meat choice you choose, you won’t be disappointed!

Seth Peterson, the creative force behind a local food truck, continuously innovates to craft surprising and delightful dishes. Operating within the confines of his compact food truck, Peterson showcases his culinary prowess by conjuring edible smoke and foam reminiscent of science fiction. While the indulgent foie gras ice cream is reserved for exclusive tasting events, patrons of Kickshaws, Peterson's mobile food lab based in Kaua'i, can regularly enjoy inventive offerings like green tea-smoked yogurt and Gorgonzola foam. Describing himself as a "chef who detests traditional cooking," Peterson more aptly resembles a culinary mad scientist, employing the principles of chemistry and physics to concoct dishes that are simultaneously unconventional and mouthwatering. "It's all about playful experimentation," says Peterson, whose eclectic menu has featured exotic items such as an Australian-sourced camel burger and pressure-cooked frog legs. "Ordinary cooking simply doesn't ignite my passion."

Hanalei Taro, founded in 2000 as a value-added venture to the over 100+ year old, 6 generation family farm, W.T. Haraguchi Farm. Hanalei Taro provides unique family recipes that customers, as well as tour guests, can enjoy. Being a family farm with a daily lifestyle that embodies the "Farm to Table" concept, the Grandparents and Great-Grandparents tell stories of how they ate whatever crop was in season. This holds true today with the lunch wagons and a menu that is constantly changing with the seasons so there's always something new, fresh and delicious for you to come and try!

Among Hanalei Taro’s products are Taro Mochi Cake, Zesty Taro Hummus, Hanalei Taro Veggie Burgers, Kūlolo, & Taro Smoothies. The taro smoothies are made of fresh fruits, fruit juices and a special kalo base — high in calcium and dairy free. All of these products are original creations of Hanalei Taro, based on family recipes and use fresh taro, fruits, and vegetables from Haraguchi Farms, fresh pork from Kaneshiro Farms, fruits and vegetables from various Kauaʻi Grown farmers, local beef and lamb from various Kauaʻi ranchers. The menu features authentic Hawaiian food such as laulau, kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, and Kūlolo.
Local favorite daily specials include roast pork with gravy, shoyu chicken, furikake baked fish, and kalua tacos.
New and Unique Taro Products include Taro Hummus, Taro Veggie Burgers, Taro Mochi Cake, and Taro Fruit Smoothies. Fresh juice and homemade local fruit sorbets are also available.

If you have time, you can also check out the family’s Nonprofit Ho`opulapula Haraguchi (historic) Rice Mill & Taro Farm tours as a way to increase awareness of the agricultural history of Hanalei and the current taro farming challenges today. They have been contributing back to the local community for over 40 years by providing school tours & educational programs to children across the state of Hawaiʻi and Kūpuna (elders). Our visitor ecotours & donations help to sustain these educational programs and restoration efforts. There are 2 locations, one in Hanalei, and the Puhi Park Farmer’s Market.

Food trucks have become a hot trend, even among the restaurants in Kauai, and Porky’s Kaua‘i is certainly raising the bar for gourmet food on wheels. Situated conveniently for those traveling to or from Waimea Canyon, Porky’s is the ultimate destination when you're craving over-the-top gourmet Kauai hot dogs. Shaded picnic tables under large white canopies provide a comfortable spot to escape the west side sun and enjoy a satisfying lunch. With a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, this award-winning food truck has become a local favorite and is definitely worth a stop.
Specializing in locally sourced kalua pork, Porky’s Kauai tops all of their gourmet creations with this flavorful delicacy. Kalua, meaning "the pit" in Hawaiian, involves slow-roasting wild boar in an earthen pit until the meat is tender and succulent. Porky’s menu boasts three mouthwatering options: Grilled Pineapple Pork Sausage, Grilled All-Beef Kauai Hot Dogs, and Kalua Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Each sandwich is served on a toasted French roll or bun, generously topped with slow-cooked kalua pork, homemade barbecue sauce, cheese, caramelized sweet onions, Hawaiian pineapple relish, and a drink. For an extra indulgence, bacon or Portuguese sausage can be added, and a variety of condiments are readily available. Porky’s is an affordable and delectable lunch spot for families exploring Kauai's culinary scene.
To find Porky’s, take Pōʻipu Road north to Kōloa Road (HI-530) from Pōʻipu. Turn left onto Kōloa Road and travel 3.1 miles to Kaumualiʻi Highway (HI-50). Turn left onto Kaumualiʻi Highway and head west for 12.7 miles toward Waimea. After crossing the Waimea River and entering Waimea Town, keep an eye out for a big open field and a gray food truck on your left, just past Makeke Road. You can't miss it, except on Sundays when they're closed.

At the heart of downtown Kapaa stands a "sleek" silver food truck named Scorpacciata, where family bonds form the essence of its operation. Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Chef Cory and Michelle Stokes uphold their truck's namesake, promising an abundance of delectable dishes made with the finest local produce.
Chef Cory, drawing from his extensive culinary background in both resort and local restaurant settings, has curated a menu of unique pizzas that exemplify Scorpacciata's commitment to quality. Indulge in creations like the Lawai Mushroom, featuring local oyster mushrooms, caramelized onions, Kauai Kunana Dairy goat cheese, farmer's market kale, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and a hint of truffle oil. Or savor the Mediterranean, adorned with pesto, mozzarella, artichokes, kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, pepperoncini, and crumbled feta cheese. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free crust options are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the flavors of Scorpacciata. Additionally, daily specials showcase the freshest and most seasonal ingredients, promising a tantalizing experience with each visit.

Nestled in Hanalei on the picturesque island of Kauai, Fresh Bite Farm to Beach has been serving up delicious fare since 2016. Dedicated to the farm-to-beach ethos, this food truck prides itself on offering locally sourced, organic cuisine whenever feasible. Embracing the vibrant spirit of Kauai's agricultural community, Fresh Bite wholeheartedly supports local farms and vendors, ensuring that each dish bursts with the flavors of the island's freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables. More than just a business, Fresh Bite is a family affair, with every member lending a hand to create a welcoming and wholesome dining experience for all who visit.

Nestled in Koloa, Hawaii, Da Crack Mexican Grinds stands out as a vibrant takeout eatery, dishing up Mexican cuisine with a commitment to freshness and quality. With an emphasis on all-natural ingredients—eschewing MSG, trans fatty oils, and table salt in favor of Hawaiian sea salt—Da Crack ensures that every meal is a wholesome delight.
Catering to a diverse clientele, including both vegans and meat enthusiasts, Da Crack prides itself on its unique approach to cooking. Everything is crafted fresh in-house from scratch each day, with a special emphasis on locally caught, fresh fish. The team's mission is simple: to deliver the freshest fare at an affordable price, all within a quick-service environment. At Da Crack, freshness isn't just a promise—it's a way of life.

Located in Kapaa, you can indulge in the ultimate Hawaiian treat with their All Natural Hawaiian Style Shave Ice, crafted with care using fresh, locally sourced fruit. Delight in a rainbow of flavors including coconut, lilikoi, pineapple, guava, strawberry, and many more! Each icy creation is not only refreshingly delicious but also guilt-free, ensuring a satisfying experience that captures the essence of paradise.

Made from scratch, and bringing a taste of India to Hanalei, Cafe Turmeric chooses a variety of locally grown organic greens to add to their curries. Their goal was to create a fusion of locally grown veggies and herbs with the traditional spices and flavors of India. A combination of organic veggies and homemade curries and dal that would nourish your body and satisfy your soul keep this food truck popular as a home to great Indian comfort food.

Satisfy your cravings with Kikuchi's Steam Bun Sandwiches, where homemade steamed buns filled with savory delights await. Whether you're tempted by the smoky allure of pulled pork or the crispy goodness of karaage chicken, these airy and light buns promise a taste sensation like no other. And if that isn't enough to entice you, indulge in their unique sushi sandwiches for a fusion experience that's sure to delight. Conveniently located in a charming lot in Nawiliwili, just across from the stunning Kalapaki Bay, Kikuchi's is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.

Located in Old Koloa Town, this Food Truck specializes in Asian Street Food - and then some! If you are craving some Dim Sum style street food, this is the place for you! Enjoy a variety of Asian treats like Tempura Sushi rolls, Spring rolls, Tempura Shrimp Bowls, or Steamed Pork Su Mai. Their menu boasts an array of satisfying options, and the menu changes weekly! Open Monday to Thursday for your dining experience.

Fresh, made to order pizza - all wood fired by Chef Brandon. This truck specializes in authentic thin crust pizza, and offers organic and gluten free crust options. Although Live Fire Pizza does not have a fixed location, they are available at markets, time shares, and events around the island. They are also available for catering options.