This post is sponsored by Cox Communications, but all opinions expressed in this article are my own. More information on Cox HomeLife Security system can be found here and Cox’s internet services can be found here.
Wondering where to eat on the North Shore in Oahu, Hawaii? Known for its stunning beaches, incredible food and active lifestyle, I was excited for our trip to the North Shore for many reasons. One being the amazing food. From colorful açaí bowls to fresh poke, Hawaii is known for their delicious cuisine.
Both Matt and I had work in Hawaii, but also wanted to enjoy a vacation during our visit so we booked our trip for two weeks. Cox HomeLife makes us feel safe and secure leaving our home vacant for extended periods of time. Their total home security package includes an alarm system, 24/7 monitoring, and glass break sensors. Not only does Cox communications offer incredible home security, but you can make every room “smart” by installing HD Cameras, Smart Door Locks, Smart Plugs and more.
We flew into Honolulu Monday evening. We were supposed to get in by noon but our early morning flight was canceled due to weather. This landed us in Hawaii just before sunset. By the time we got off the plane and picked up our rental car we only had 30 minutes until most of the restaurants on the North Shore closed. Tired from our long travel day with limited time to get dinner and check into our condo, we decided to pick up a quick meal at FoodLand.
Grocery Favorites
FoodLand is the main grocery store on the island. They carry everyday grocery items and are known for their assortment of poke bowls and other fresh foods. We pulled into the parking lot just 10 minutes before they closed. Matt waited in the car with Olive while I quickly ran in to grab something for dinner. I went for their veggie rice paper rolls and got Matt a poke bowl. I also picked up some food to stock the fridge at our condo rental. In addition to kitchen staples, when I’m in Hawaii I always buy plantain chips, coconut yogurt, mochi, greens with papaya seed salad dressing, pickled mango, Ube bread, fresh pineapple and other Hawaiian favorites we love!
The next morning we went sightseeing. I was excited to take photos but somehow in the rush of planning the trip and our original flight be canceled last minute, I forgot a camera lens I need. At first I was disappointed but then remembered with our Cox HomeLife Smart Locks I can unlock and lock doors from anywhere! Luckily I was able to have Matt’s brother get the lens from our house and mail it overnight. Just in time to head to breakfast at my favorite local spot.
Where to eat breakfast on the North Shore, Oahu
The Sunshine Shack
There are many great places for breakfast on the North Shore, but nothing quite like the Sunrise Shack. This is my favorite food truck on the island. Known for organic Acai bowls, avocado toast and bullet coffee. They have incredible food and a great mission including holistic nutrition and an active lifestyle.
We ordered a blue dream bowl, (my go-to) a matcha bowl for Matt, and tropical bowl for Olive. All the bowls are incredible, however, my favorite is the blue dream bowl featuring creamy coconut, local banana, mango and blue algae topped with hemp seeds, goji berries, blueberries, local granola, and coconut flakes. It’s heaven in Acai bowl form!
We also ordered an almond bullet and classic bullet coffee. The almond bullet mixes coffee with almond butter and cinnamon. The classic bullet has coffee, MCT oil, coconut oil, and GHEE. Additionally we shared a loaded avocado toast, served on freshly toasted bread with mashed avocado, feta, micro greens and a lemon wedge. The Sunrise Shack is a must visit food truck on the North Shore!
Working from anywhere with Cox Communications
I was thrilled to partner with the Sunshine Shack to create content. Cox Communications high speed internet makes it easy for me to work while I travel. They offer Wifi where I need it, including dozens of hotspots on Oahu. Every internet plan comes with access to over 3 million Cox Hotspots around the country! I could easily connect to nearby hotspots and look up restaurants to visit, take photos and upload them directly to my computer or phone to edit and share. Cox Communication hotspots include extra security, too!
Ted’s Bakery
If you visit Ted’s Bakery go early (they open at 8:00am!) or be prepared to wait in line. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! They’ve won first place for “Best of Hawaii” the past 6 years. Whenever we are on the North Shore we always pick up a breakfast sandwich from Teds. Their potato, egg and cheese is amazing. Delicious chopped potatoes are cooked into eggs and served on a fresh baked bun. I don’t eat dairy often so order mine without cheese and add ketchup. The ultimate breakfast sandwich. So fresh and delicious! They also have omelettes, lunch plates and fresh baked desserts.
Where to eat lunch or dinner on the North Shore, Oahu
Food Trucks
The North Shore has an assortment of food trucks with outside seating. Offering everything from tacos and pizza to Thai food. Perfect for lunch or dinner. Two of my favorite food trucks are North Shore Tacos and Panda’s Thai Food truck. We also enjoyed Turtle Bay’s resort restaurants.
North Shore Tacos
If you visit Oahu you have to visit North Shore Tacos. They serve the best Mexican food on the island. They have award-winning fish tacos and must-try pineapple tiki drink served in a pineapple! I went for the Sunset Salad with cooked ahi and Matt enjoyed the Beach Burrito with sweet pork. My salad came in a fresh warm flour tortilla bowl layered with rice, beans, ahi and topped with lots of greens, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Each meal is served with either green mild or red hot sauce (both are amazing) and come with a side of their famous “surf sauce” which is a housemade garlicy ranch dressing. Trust me when I say you will want to put this sauce on everything! Luckily they sell bottles of it : )
Panda’s Thai Food Truck
Look no further for Thai Food than Panda’s Thai Food Truck. Delicious and affordable. They serve vegan-friendly dishes! We tried their Tofu Thai Basil stir fry, Yellow Curry, and Pineapple Fried Rice. Everything was amazing!
Turtle Bay Resort
Sunset Pool Bar and Grill
We were staying at Turtle Bay Resort condo’s so Olive and I walked to the hotel pool for a swim then sat down at the Sunset Bar and Grill for lunch. They have a great menu with a variety of small bites and entrees to choose from. We ordered the veggie wrap with sweet potato fries. Served in a spinach wrap with cooked zucchini, red pepper, mushrooms, avocado and hummus. The sweet potato fries were some of the best I’ve had. I washed it down with a classic Mai Tai and Olive enjoyed pineapple juice!
Lei Lei’s
The last night of our trip we made our way to Lei Lei’s for dinner. Lei Lei’s is a fine dining restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. It’s a fun, casual place to dine. We sat outside under twinkling lights just off the golf course. Lei Lei’s always supplies an incredible dining experience with top notch service! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We ordered the salmon with garlic mash and veggies as well as the cooked ahi plate with rice. We celebrated our last night in Hawaii with their mouthwatering cookie sundae for dessert. It’s incredibly decadent, but a dessert you should try at least once.
There are endless must-try restaurants to enjoy in Hawaii. I wish I could include all of the amazing places to eat on the North Shore, but I recommend you explore the island and try some for yourself! The gorgeous restaurants and unique food trucks do not disappoint.
Looking for a tropical recipe at home? Try my Strawberry Pina Colada Popsicles
