Food Review: Travel Edition Hawaii

This post is long long long overdue... Last year we went on a family trip to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. We rented a home on the North Sore, rented a car and hit the road to see some sights and of course ate at some local spots.

I had done my research previously to leaving and had found out that if you are headed to the sleepy surf town of Haleiwa on the North Shore of Hawaii than Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is a must stop. Here you can get plates filled with a dozen shrimp and scoops of white rice to enjoy on picnic benches situated on the side of the road. You will dine with locals and tourists alike, and while their are other food trucks in the area. Word on the alanui is Giovanni's is the one to try.

The "No Refunds" Hot & Spicy Shrimp were seriously spicy, and seriously good. Some mac salad would have been the perfect accompaniment but fortunately they were sold out.

The Kamehameha Hwy on the North Shore boasts several food trucks that feed the beach bum masses. Just down the street from the local grocery store Foodland is another food truck stop with a few options to choose from.

Here we enjoyed a shrimp burrito from Surf N Salsa, because a burrito on the beach sounds good know matter where you are.

Of course if you are in Hawaii you gotta try a poke bowl. This one here is from Aji Limo Truck.

You also can't leave Hawaii without enjoying a tasty tropical drink inside a pineapple. This one is from North Shore Tacos.

Another food lovers must stop while in Hawaii is Shirokiya Japanese Village Walk in Honolulu. Picture a Japanese food court, that's what this place is. An indoor food mall with various food stands you can stroll through, and imagine you are walking down a foodie street in Japan.

It's a little overwhelming to the senses and one wishes they could try it all.

I settled for a Japanese bento style packed lunch and a spicy tuna bowl...

and nibbled off this giant cotton candy. During our trip we visited the Polynesian Cultural Center and had some more yummy eats at the entrance. This beast of a hotdog topped with Kalua pork...

and these poke nachos.

Anyone that goes to Hawaii wants to experience a Hawaiian luau. At the Polynesian Cultural Center you can enjoy a traditional luau complete with hula dancers, fire eaters, and the revealing of the infamous kalua pig as the banana leaves are removed and it emerges from the emu. It's a feast for your eyes and your mouth.

Finally we finished our Hawaiian vacation with a stop at the popular Nico's Pier 38.

Here you can stop by the fish market and purchase some fresh catch or dine at the restaurant. You will want to sit outside where you can enjoy the view while feasting on some Hawaiian favorites.

Fish & Chips

Orange Fried Chicken

Combo Plate

While visiting Hawaii we also made our way to some breath taking beaches, tropical rain forests and strolled along the laid back streets, went deep sea fishing, didn't catch a fish, but let's face it, you're only here for the food anyway.