My Top 5: Places to eat on the North Shore

I spend a lot of time on the North Shore of Oahu. Normally, I'm in the ocean as soon as the sun rays hit the water. As a photographer, once the sun gets overhead and the lighting is harsh it becomes a perfect time to take a break, grab something to eat and fuel up for the next session which can sometimes last till sunset. 

Skip the overhyped shrimp trucks and try my top 5 places to eat on the North Shore.

(In no particular order)

No. 5: Pupukea Grill



This food truck is a go-to within the surf community and probably the busiest on the list around lunch time because of it. Located directly across Pupukea Beach Park, their menu consists of a wide range of items from Kalua Pork Tacos (Shown Above) to an Ahi Loco Moco using, you guessed it, a fresh slab of ahi instead of the usual hamburger patty. They also have daily specials and you can follow their Instagram @pupukeagrill to stay up to date.

No. 4: Sandy's Sandwiches

A lot of times when the ocean conditions are good, I just want to get back in the water and not be weighed down by a big lunch. Tucked away just to the right of Pupukea Beach Park is a little wooden trailer called Sandy's Sandwiches. Using fresh vegetables from local farms around the area, owner Ryan artistically creates salads and sandwiches that are not only Instagram worthy but taste delicious as well! This Turkey Brie Salad (shown above) gave me the fuel I need to stay on the go and included the creamiest avocado I have ever eaten, so creamy it's a perfect substitute for the Brie Cheese if you're lactose or just want a healthier option.

(808) 499-4722

No. 3: The Elephant Shack

You know that one restaurant where you try something so good you struggle to try anything else off their menu? This is that place for me. Once a food truck I used to frequent often near Pupukea, it's now an established brick and mortar located in Haleiwa town. The dish is called "Yum Pla"(shown above), crispy fried fish tossed in a spicy Thai lime sauce. 

*Update: They apparently moved again, now outside of the Polynesian Culture Center in Laie. I have yet to visit this location.

No. 2: Waialua Bakery & Juice Bar

$4 smoothies, fresh fruits, and vegetables from their family-owned farm, not to mention their freshly baked bread? There's a reason this is my go-to spot when I have beach days with the ohana. Grab some sandwiches to throw in the cooler, smoothies for the Keiki and we're off to enjoy the rest of the day at the beach!

No. 1: Paalaa Kai Bakery

I couldn't end this list without mentioning one of the best desserts in the world! The Snow Puffie, light flaky custard filled pastries topped with chocolate and powdered sugar. If you're visiting Hawaii, grab a box and throw it in the fridge to have every morning with a cup of coffee. Obviously, they're better fresh but can last a day or two in the fridge.

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