Food trucks are culinary phenomena that have been sweeping the country over the last few years. Just as they have gained popularity throughout the continental US, food trucks have become a staple in Hawaii. Serving as casual eateries, these mobile restaurants are a great way to enjoy real island flavors without breaking the bank.
During your stay in Oahu, try to find a balance between the roving fare of food trucks and the upscale waterfront restaurants so that you can experience all aspects of excellent Hawaiian cuisine and the savory influences of Hawaii's Asian neighbors.Food trucks are a particularly great lunchtime option, and they are generally parked in central locations. Some of the best to sample from include:
1. Haili's Hawaiian Foods: Haili's Hawaiian Foods is a very local Hawaiian food truck that first got its start as a catering business for Oahu luaus. Located under a hall tree near Ward Theater, this truck is open during lunch hours on weekdays. Feature dishes include pork and chicken laulau, Lomi salmon, and other seafood dishes.
2. Elena's Restaurant: Elena's Restaurant includes a range of dishes inspired by Head Chef Elena's Filipino heritage. Elena's location rotates among key destinations, including the airport, Ko Olina, and Waipio, and exact details are available on the website. Some favorite dishes include the pork adobo fried rice omelet and sari-sari.
3. Opal Thai: Opal Thai, originally a mobile food truck, is now a casual, stand-alone restaurant. However, it provides an exceptional experience as each dish is customized by the chef according to your own food preferences and tastes. Its low-key atmosphere has managed to preserve the food truck environment.
