Giovanni's Shrimp Truck Kahuku
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Giovanni's Shrimp Truck Kahuku

4.3
·7k reviews·Kahuku, United States

Iconic, graffiti-covered food truck on Oahu's North Shore serving legendary garlic shrimp plates.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Shorter lines, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Giovanni's Shrimp Truck Kahuku

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck Kahuku

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Shorter lines, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic, graffiti-covered food truck on Oahu's North Shore serving legendary garlic shrimp plates.

4.3
(7k reviews)

"This hidden gem understood the assignment! There’s so much flavor in their garlic shrimp scampi."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Cash is King (Sometimes)

While they accept cards, having cash can speed up your order. Check if they have an ATM on-site!

👟 Casual Attire Recommended

It's a food truck! Dress comfortably for the Hawaiian heat and humidity.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 7,248 reviews

Type

Seafood Restaurant

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Main Truck

The iconic, finger-licking good butter and garlic shrimp that put Giovanni's on the map. A must-try!

Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Main Truck

For those who like a kick, this version offers a flavorful punch with a side of spicy sauce.

Garlic Hot Dog

Garlic Hot Dog

Main Truck

A unique and popular side option, perfect for pairing with your shrimp plate.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience

Giovanni's is a legendary Kahuku shrimp truck, so expect lines, especially on weekends. Arrive early or during off-peak hours to minimize wait times. Consider visiting their other locations if the North Shore spot is too busy.

Embrace the North Shore Vibe

This isn't fine dining; it's a classic Oahu food truck experience. Come with an appetite and an open mind. The casual, open-air setting is part of the charm, so dress comfortably and be ready for a delicious, no-frills meal.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Shorter lines, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday late afternoons
Why
Beat the dinner rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early or late)
Why
Avoid peak lunch crowds
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

World famous kahuku shrimp!!! The BEST shrimp truck at the sugarmill! Giovannis came second!! Dont @ me!!! Their shrimp plates were so good we drove an hour three times to eat there in The span of three days!!! (My rendition) #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage #kahuku #hawaii #worldfamouskahukushrimp #Recipe #samoan
@samoanfoodsurfer
34.3K likes • 392.9K views

🎯 Cash is King (Sometimes)

While they accept cards, having cash can speed up your order. Check if they have an ATM on-site! Reddit

👟 Casual Attire Recommended

It's a food truck! Dress comfortably for the Hawaiian heat and humidity. TikTok

Best Shrimp on the Island? #giovannisshrimptruck #hawaiianfood #honolulu #oahu #waikiki #foodreview #foodtiktok #eatwithme #asmrmukbang #cajungarlicshrimp
@1hourlunchbreak
26K likes • 442K views
Hungry? 😋 We polled you for your favorite local food trucks across Hawai'i, and here were your answers: 🍤 Giovanni's Shrimp Truck — North Shore, O'ahu 🐟 Flyin' Ahi — Mililani, O'ahu 🍤 Fumi's — Kahuku, O'ahu #LovingLocal #FoodTrucks #SupportLocal #ExploreHawaii
hawaiianairlines
3.4K likes • 65K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water or grab a refreshing drink. Strawberry lemonade is a popular choice! TikTok

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Parking is available, but it can fill up quickly. Be patient and look around. Reddit

Checked out @giovannisshrimptruck and had good time. For less than $20 a plate, you get rice and a good portion of shrimp. This truck is popular for their garlic sauce (scampi) shrimp, and I finally get to taste why! Dont forget the hotsauce too. GIovanni's 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731 #hawaiieats #shrimpeats #eats #reels #shrimpheads #eathawaii #foodblogger #foodblogs #blogwith...
foodie_travel_happiness
374 likes • 769 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Cash is King (Sometimes)

While they accept cards, having cash can speed up your order. Check if they have an ATM on-site! Reddit

👟 Casual Attire Recommended

It's a food truck! Dress comfortably for the Hawaiian heat and humidity. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water or grab a refreshing drink. Strawberry lemonade is a popular choice! TikTok

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Parking is available, but it can fill up quickly. Be patient and look around. Reddit

🧽 Bring Wipes!

Garlic butter shrimp can get messy, so wet wipes are your best friend. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is a beloved Oahu institution, celebrated for its incredibly flavorful garlic shrimp scampi and generous portions. While the wait can be long, most visitors find the experience and the delicious food well worth it. Some reviewers note occasional inconsistencies or prefer other shrimp trucks, but the iconic status and taste keep people coming back.

"This is hands down one of the best garlic shrimp scampi I’ve ever had! I’m a foodie and have traveled to many places for food, I love shrimp scampi but you can’t find real good ones just anywhere. This hidden gem understood the assignment! There’s so much flavor in their garlic shrimp scampi. It was a like a whole party in my mouth. The next day I woke up craving it again, that’s how good it was! The lady at the counter was also very kind and nice. I would highly recommend it this place."

Glenda Lopez-Rodriguez

"We did a last minute drive around the island and ended up here along the way.

ATMOSPHERE:
Look for the white food truck with the Giovanni's name. Driving from the east side of the island, you're gonna see a lot of shrimp trucks, but this one is the best! There's a permanent open-air covered pavilion with tables & seats.

FOOD:
Shrimp Scampi
Total awesomeness. Finger licking good butter & garlic. It comes with 2 scoops of rice topped with chopped garlic, though I'm not a fan of rice with shrimp (maybe do a mac salad?) I could NOT replicate this at home no matter how much I tried.

SERVICE:
The staff were friendly and food service was quick.

OVERALL:
It's all in the fun of driving there, mingling with locals & tourists, all on a lazy Sunday afternoon."

Maui World Travelers

"Went on a Monday at 4pm and there wasn’t a line but felt rushed by the guy taking orders. Although the guy was rude, I can’t deny the fact that they ran like a well oiled machine and food was delicious. By the time my credit card payment went through, my food was being handed to me. We got the scampi shrimp and the spicy sauce on the side. Great flavor and the rice was perfectly cooked. Definitely need to stop here and worth the hype. Didn’t have any trouble finding parking."

Barb P

What People Like

Incredible garlic shrimp
Generous portions
Iconic food truck experience

What People Dislike

Long wait times
Can be oily
Occasional rude staff

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is located on the North Shore of Oahu at 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731.Instagram The best way to get there is by car, as it's a scenic drive from Honolulu. Public transportation is limited in this area. Many visitors combine a visit with exploring other North Shore attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center.Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at the Kahuku location. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Be prepared to circle for a spot or be patient. Reddit

Yes, you can drive from Waikiki to Giovanni's in Kahuku. The drive typically takes about an hour, depending on traffic. It's a popular stop on a North Shore road trip. TikTok

Yes, Giovanni's has multiple locations. Besides Kahuku, you can find them in Haleiwa and Kaka'ako (Honolulu). The Kaka'ako location at H Mart offers a similar experience with less wait time and AC! TikTokInstagram

For many, the drive to the North Shore for Giovanni's is absolutely worth it for the authentic experience and delicious garlic shrimp. However, if you're short on time, consider their Honolulu location. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need to buy tickets. Giovanni's is a food truck, and you order and pay directly at the counter. Be prepared for a potential line, especially during busy times. TikTok

Operating hours can vary, but they are typically open for lunch and dinner. It's always a good idea to check their social media or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially if you're planning a visit during a holiday. Reddit

A plate of shrimp typically costs around $16-$20 and includes two scoops of rice. This is considered a good value for the amount of shrimp you receive. InstagramReddit

Yes, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck generally accepts credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash on hand as a backup, especially if you encounter any technical issues or want to tip. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to enter the area where Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is located. It's a public roadside spot. You only pay for the food you order.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The most popular dish is undoubtedly the Garlic Shrimp Scampi, known for its generous amount of garlic and butter. The Spicy Garlic Shrimp is also a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Instagram+1

Shrimp plates typically come with two scoops of rice, often topped with chopped garlic. Some people prefer mac salad instead of rice, but it's not always an option. Reddit

Giovanni's primarily focuses on shrimp dishes. While they offer a garlic hot dog, there are no dedicated vegetarian or vegan main courses. TikTok

The wait time for food can vary significantly. During peak hours, you might wait an hour or more. However, some visitors have reported quick service, especially during off-peak times or at their other locations. TikTokReddit

The shrimp at Giovanni's is generally considered fresh and flavorful, contributing to its popularity. Many reviewers rave about the quality and taste. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the iconic graffiti-covered truck, the bustling food truck scene, and of course, mouth-watering close-ups of the garlic shrimp plates. The open-air pavilion also offers a relaxed backdrop. TikTok

It can be challenging during peak hours. Try visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon to get clearer shots of the truck and your food without too many people in the background. TikTok

Late afternoon can offer softer lighting, while midday provides bright, direct light. Consider the angle of the sun to avoid harsh shadows on your food shots. TikTok

The front of the truck with its vibrant graffiti is a must. Also, focus on the food itself – the glistening garlic shrimp and fluffy rice make for great close-ups. TikTok

It's always best to ask for permission before taking photos of staff members. They are usually busy serving customers. TikTok

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