Famous Kahuku Shrimp (Truck)

On our culinary odyssey through the Hawaiian isles, my wife and I decided to try a few shrimp trucks.  Our first attempt was the "Famous Kahuku Shrimp (Truck)" in Kahuku, Oahu - on the North Shore.  We ordered the Hot and Spicy Shrimp, and Coconut Shrimp.  Honestly, it wasn't that great.  It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great.

Looking at those shrimp, you expect there to be an explosion of flavor.  They were good, but the explosion was lacking.  No explosion.  The dish was one note.  My Hawaiian friends over the pond will be disappointed to hear me say this, but the facts are the facts (and by that I mean this is my opinion).  Plates are not cheap at $10-15 each, so it's not a steal of a deal.  And then there was the macaroni salad.  Salt, pepper, elbow noodles, mayo.  It was bad.  

In the end, I would say, drop by if you are in the area and give it a whirl, but don't go out of your way to this truck like we did.  Moreover, tell them to hold the mac salad, and just take an extra scoop of rice.  Yelp, you let us down - another Aloha Bump.  But DO TRY SHRIMP TRUCKS IN HAWAII.  

Famous Kahuku Shrimp (truck)

56-580 Kamehameha Hwy
North Shore, Oahu 
Kahuku, Hawaii 96731 
Hours of Operation: 10 AM - 6 PM Daily

Email: Famouskahukushrimptruck@gmail.com

(808) 389-1173
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Leonard's Bakery

Leonard Jr.'s Bakery on Oahu was not a disappointment.  You needn't fear the Aloha Bump.  Their pride and joy are the traditional Malasadas - a sugar and cinnamon topped fried donut of sorts.  Leondard's fills them with a variety of delicious puddings, and we chose custard, coconut, and macadamia nut.  Having a long drive ahead of us, we also picked up a sausage roll, and blueberry square.  

The other baked treats were ok.  Only ok.  The shop itself (it was Hawaii - granted) had lots of insects running around, and flies in the microwave.  I decided my sausage roll really didn't need heating up.  But, those Malasadas!  Take a peek.  

Soft.  Scrumptious.  Bursting with gooey, yummy pudding.  The coconut and macadamia nut both also had an occasional little piece to add some crunchy yum.  Best fresh (and they pump them out by the dozens).  So, let me just tell you, if you are in Honolulu, stop and grab a box of these things!  I wouldn't bother with their other offerings though :(.

Leonard's Bakery

933 Kapahulu Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96818
(808) 737-5591

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M. Matsumodo Grocery Store (Shaved Ice)

Hawaii had its ups and downs.  Everything from decent to bleh food, and jumping out of an airplane.  Matsumodo Shave Ice from the M. Matsumodo Grocery Store was an absolute up.  

Another location frequented by tourists and locals alike, Matsumodo-son clearly knew what he was doing.  My wife insisted that we make the trek more than once, and together we tried mango, piña colada, lilikoi, lemon, sour li hing mui, coconut, sour apple, and pickled mango.  All with soft serve in the bottom.

A tip, pay the quarter for the plastic protector you see above.  It is worth its weight in a quarter.  This shaved ice institution has earned its stripes, and I would highly recommend getting at least one sour flavor to break up the incredibly sweet, sweet ones.  Our favorite was the Sour Li Hing Mui.  


Wondering what Sour Li Hing Mui is?  It's salty, dried plum.

Matsumodo Shave Ice at M. Matsumodo Grocery Store
66-087 Kamehameha Highway  
Haleiwa, HI 96712
(808) 637-4827
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