When I was in Hawaii, I suddenly craved garlic shrimp. So, I decided to make the journey from Waikiki to Haleiwa by bus. It was a long ride, but my excitement for the famous shrimp truck kept me going. After visiting Haleiwa, I also stopped by Kahuku, but that’s a story for another time.
When I arrived in Haleiwa, I was surprised to find so many Japanese tourists—it felt like there were even more than in Waikiki! 😄
My main reason for visiting Haleiwa was to try Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, located in the Haleiwa Food Court along Kamehameha Highway. This iconic truck is considered the origin of Hawaii’s garlic shrimp trend, having started in 1993. The food court had about six trucks, but Giovanni’s had the longest line.
At first, there were only about five people in line when I arrived. However, by the time I finished ordering, the line had grown significantly.
Giovanni’s is easily accessible by The Bus. From Waikiki, take Bus No. 52 from Kapiolani Blvd + Piikoi St, near Ala Moana Center. The ride takes about two hours, and the closest stop is “Kamehameha Hwy + 66-520,” just a short walk to the food court.
The ordering process is straightforward. First, line up at the left-side window to place your order. Note that it’s cash-only, so come prepared. After ordering, you’ll receive a number card. When your number is called, pick up your food at the right-side window. Simple!
The wait time can be long, especially during busy hours. I waited about 15 minutes, but it could be longer if there’s a crowd.
The menu is simple but mouthwatering. The top choice is SCAMPI ($14), their classic garlic shrimp. For those who love spicy food, there’s HOT & SPICY, and if you prefer something lighter, LEMON & BUTTER has no garlic. They also offer garlic hot dogs ($4.50) and salads.
I ordered the SCAMPI, which came with 10 shrimps and rice. The shrimp had their shells on, but they were soft enough to eat, except for the tails. The dish was drenched in garlicky oil, soaking into the shrimp and rice—absolutely delicious but quite oily. Be sure to bring wet wipes for easy cleanup!
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa lived up to the hype. While I visited the Haleiwa branch, their original location is in Kahuku, a town known for its shrimp farms. Both locations offer a unique and delicious experience for garlic shrimp lovers.
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