The Hawaiian islands boast a vibrant food‑truck scene where the ocean’s bounty meets the ranch’s best. “Surf & Turf” trucks blend fresh seafood with succulent meats, offering locals and visitors a convenient taste of aloha‑style cuisine on the go. Below is a guide to the most notable trucks, the dishes they specialize in, where to find them, and what you can expect from each stop.
1. Aloha Ahi & Beef Grill
This truck serves a signature ahi‑tuna poke bowl topped with grilled beef strips. Expect a mix of raw, buttery ahi seasoned with soy‑sesame glaze, alongside char‑grilled skirt steak, avocado, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Locations rotate between Waikiki and Kapi‘olani Mall, and the price range sits at $12‑$15 per bowl.
2. Kona Surf & Steak
Kona Surf & Steak focuses on island‑style teriyaki chicken and Pacific cod. Their surf‑turf combo plate pairs a hand‑breaded fish fillet with a honey‑glazed pork chop, served over coconut rice and pineapple salsa. The truck stations nightly at the Kailua‑Kona waterfront, with meals priced between $13‑$16.
3. Maui Mahi & BBQ
At this brightly painted truck, customers can enjoy smoked pulled pork paired with herb‑crusted mahi‑mahi. The Mahi‑Mahi “Luau” sandwich layers the fish with a smoky pork slaw and mango‑chili sauce on a brioche bun. Expect a wait of 5‑10 minutes during lunch rushes; price is $11 per sandwich.
4. Honolulu Halibut & Lamb
Specializing in a Mediterranean twist, this truck offers grilled halibut drizzled with lemon‑olive oil and a side of rosemary‑infused lamb kebabs. Served on a mixed greens salad with feta and kalamata olives, the dish balances light seafood with hearty meat. The truck parks near the Ala Moana venue, and each plate costs $14.
5. Island Fusion Tacos
Island Fusion Tacos blends surf and turf in a handheld format. The “Surf‑Turf Taco” features tempura fish bites, seasoned ground beef, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of wasabi mayo, all wrapped in a soft corn tortilla. Available at the North Shore surf spots, each taco is $4, making it ideal for snacking.
6. Kauai Catch & Cow
This truck’s specialty is a surf‑turf sushi roll that incorporates fresh caught snapper and thinly sliced teriyaki beef, wrapped with avocado and cucumber. The roll is served with a side of seaweed salad and a ginger‑soy dipping sauce. Located near Lihue’s harbor, the roll is $12.
7. Pearl Harbor Poke & Pork
Pearl Harbor Poke & Pork offers a classic poke bowl upgraded with crispy pork belly. The dish blends marinated ahi, pork belly, edamame, and furikake, over jasmine rice. With a location near the historic site and a $13 price tag, it attracts both tourists and locals.
8. Sunset Shrimp & Sausage
Here, the main attraction is a grilled shrimp skewer paired with a smoky Hawaiian sausage link. Both are served over a bed of garlic‑butter quinoa, finished with a citrus‑herb vinaigrette. The truck sets up at sunset near Waikiki Beach, offering a nightly “Sunset Special” for $15.
9. Kaanapali Kalua & Tuna
Kaanapali Kalua & Tuna offers a Hawaiian‑style kalua pork sandwich topped with seared yellowfin tuna sashimi. The sandwich is dressed with pickled red onions and a tangy pineapple relish, served on a toasted ciabatta roll. Prices are $10 per sandwich, and the truck can be found near Kaanapali Beach.
10. Lanai Lobster & Lamb Sliders
This upscale truck focuses on mini‑bites: buttery lobster tail paired with a lamb slider. The lobster is brushed with garlic butter, while the lamb patty sits on a brioche bun with a ginger‑cream sauce. Expect a price of $9 per combo, perfect for bar‑hopping in Lanai City.
11. Hanauma Bay Tuna & Turkey
Serving a healthier hybrid, this truck offers a tuna poke bowl combined with shredded turkey breast. The dish includes mixed greens, brown rice, and a light miso dressing. Situated near the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, it’s priced at $12, catering to active visitors.
12. Haleiwa Halibut & Hotdog
Famous for its novelty “Halibut‑Hotdog,” this truck pairs a lightly battered halibut fillet with a classic all‑beef hotdog, both topped with a wasabi‑mayonnaise drizzle. Served on a toasted bun with seaweed chips, the hybrid costs $8 and is a popular beach‑side snack.
13. Makena Mahi & Meatball Bowl
The Makena Mahi & Meatball Bowl delivers a comforting combination of grilled mahi‑mahi and Italian‑style meatballs, served over a bed of cilantro‑lime rice. Garnished with roasted red peppers and a drizzle of basil‑pesto, the bowl retails for $13 and can be found near Makena State Park.
14. Waikiki Wok & Wild Boar
This Asian‑inspired truck offers a surf‑turf stir‑fry featuring wild boar strips and shrimp, tossed with bok choy, snap peas, and a ginger‑soy glaze. Served over steamed jasmine rice, the dish costs $14 and is popular with late‑night diners near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
15. Lihue Luau & Lamb
Rounding out the list, Lihue Luau & Lamb serves a traditional luau platter that combines kalua pork, grilled lamb chops, and a side of fresh mahi‑mahi ceviche. Accompanied by taro chips and a tropical fruit salsa, the platter is $18 and is a favorite for group meals at the Lihue dock.
