If “cheap eats” and “Hawaii vacation” are in the same sentence, there’s a very good chance food trucks are about to enter the chat. And honestly? Waikiki is perfect for it. You get big flavors, fast service, and that unbeatable island bonus: you’re eating outside with trade winds and palm trees doing their thing.
Quick update: what happened to the old 2380 Kūhiō food truck spot?
If you remember the beloved cluster at/near 2380 Kūhiō Ave—that lineup has changed a lot over the years. The old “Pau Hana Market” setup is now listed as closed.
Today, 2380 Kūhiō Ave is home to Waikīkī Market (a full-service grocery + grab-and-go food heaven), which is still super handy for snacks, poke, picnic supplies, and easy meals.
The good news: Waikiki’s food truck scene didn’t disappear—it simply spread out into a couple of easy, visitor-friendly hubs.
Where to find the best food trucks near Waikiki right now
1) Ohana Hale Food Truck Park (closest to Waikiki)
If you want the easiest “walk over, order, and feast” option near Waikiki, start here. Ohana Hale Food Truck Park is a dedicated food truck park with lots of variety and a casual, family-friendly vibe.
Why you’ll love it
- Big mix of cuisines (great for groups and picky eaters)
- Outdoor seating and a relaxed, come-as-you-are feel
- Typically open daily (check the park for the most current vendor hours)
2) The Street Food Market (Ala Moana Blvd & Ward Ave area)
Shopping at Ala Moana Center? Skip the mall food court at least once and head to The Street Food Market instead. This spot is a popular open-air “food truck-style” stop right around the Ala Moana/Ward area. (MapQuest)
Location note: It’s listed at 1011 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu (with open-air dining and a fun, casual setup). (MapQuest)
3) Eat The Street (monthly food truck rally in Kaka‘ako)
Want maximum variety in one night? Eat The Street is the big, monthly food truck rally vibe—great energy, tons of vendors, and a fun “try everything” atmosphere.
According to the event organizers, it happens the last Friday of every month, 4–9 pm, at 555 South St (behind Restaurant Row) in Kaka‘ako.
What to eat: crowd-pleasers you can build a whole trip around
Garlic shrimp + local seafood (the “you’re in Hawaii” order)
If you only do one “Waikiki food truck meal,” make it garlic shrimp. It’s iconic for a reason: buttery, garlicky, messy in the best way.
- Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak (Waikiki area) is a long-time favorite style of stop for seafood plates, shrimp, and big “feed the whole family” menus.
- Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market (Ala Moana/Ward area listing) is another popular shrimp-and-seafood option in that neighborhood.
(Island reality check: truck lineups and locations can shift—especially over time—so if a specific truck is on your must-eat list, peek at their latest updates before you go.)
Tacos, burritos, and “one hand free for your shaved ice”
Food truck tacos just hit different when you’re sun-kissed and starving. Look for fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and anything with a bright citrusy slaw.
Tip: In a group, order 2–3 different proteins and share. You’ll “taste-tour” without needing a nap after.
Sweet treats (because vacation calories don’t count)
If you’ve never tried Hawaii-style fruit-forward desserts, this is your moment.
- Banán (Waikiki) is famous for banana-based soft serve (“nice cream”) and tropical toppings—an easy post-beach treat.
How much do Waikiki food trucks cost?
Most plates today usually land somewhere in the “one entrée = a full meal” zone. Expect many meals to be roughly in the low-to-mid teens and up, depending on seafood and portion size. (Seafood plates tend to run higher—still often a great value when you see the serving size.)
Food truck tips that make your life easier
Go early (or late) for dinner.
Peak dinner can get busy, especially near Waikiki and on weekends. Earlier = faster ordering + better seating.
Bring a plan for the table.
One person grabs seats while another orders—food truck parks are basically built for this strategy.
Pack wipes + hand sanitizer.
Garlic shrimp is delicious… and also determined to live on your fingers forever.
Cash is nice, cards are common.
Most places take cards, but having a little cash never hurts (especially for quick add-ons or busy nights).
After you eat: easy, nearby things to do in Waikiki
Turn dinner into a full “Waikiki night out” with a few easy stops:
Catch the Kuhio Beach Hula Show (free!)
A classic Waikiki evening: ocean breeze, Hawaiian music, and hula under the sky. The official event listing notes it’s typically held Saturdays, 6:30–7:30 pm, weather permitting, at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound.
Pop into the Lucoral Museum (hidden gem)
If you like quirky, unexpected finds, the Lucoral Museum is a fun little surprise in Waikiki (and it’s been highlighted as a free-admission stop). (https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com)
Related questions (updated)
When is Eat The Street Festival?
Per the organizers, Eat The Street happens the last Friday of every month, 4–9 pm, in Kaka‘ako at 555 South St (behind Restaurant Row).
When is 5-Star Park opening?
This one has been “coming soon” for a long time. The project’s website still references a “grand opening” from years ago and lists the address as TBD, with a “check back soon” message. In other words: don’t plan your trip around it unless you see fresh, confirmed updates.
Final bite
Whether you’re hunting down garlic shrimp, chasing the perfect taco, or bribing the kids with dessert after a long beach day, Waikiki’s food truck scene is one of the easiest ways to eat well without overthinking it. Start with Ohana Hale if you want close-and-simple, head to Ala Moana/Ward if you’re shopping and want an easy detour, and if your trip lines up with it—make Eat The Street your “one big food adventure night.”
