To the surfers chasing the winter swells at Pipeline and the families soaking up the sun at Waimea Bay, the search for the perfect post-beach meal is a serious ritual. We know the North Shore food scene is legendary, packed with everything from garlic shrimp trucks to roadside fruit stands. But when the craving hits for something that captures the true taste of the ocean, the locals—from the lifeguards at Sunset Beach to the residents of Laie—point in one direction.
They send you to us.
What Makes North Shore Tacos Different
We aren’t just another roadside stand tossing frozen fillets onto a grill. Our founder, Joey Fullmer, built this business in 2010 with a construction background and a simple vision: to bring the authentic flavors of Baja California to the islands, but with a freshness you can only get in the middle of the Pacific.
This commitment starts before most of our guests are even awake. We work directly with local suppliers like Ken’s Fresh Fish in Hauʻula, ensuring that the mahi-mahi on your plate was often swimming in Hawaiian waters just hours earlier. That direct connection to the local fishing community is the only way to guarantee the kind of quality that earned us the title of #1 Fish Tacos in Hawaii from Sunset Magazine.
The Baja-Style Difference
Our tacos are rooted in the Baja tradition—simple, flavorful, and texture-driven. You choose between beer-battered or grilled fresh fish, which we nestle into a warm corn tortilla and top with crisp shredded cabbage, house-made pico de gallo, and our famous Surf Sauce. This white, creamy sauce provides the necessary tang to cut through the richness of the fish.
The “Hawaiian twist” is where the magic happens. We swap the traditional mild white fish found in Mexico for local Mahi-Mahi, a fish prized for its firm texture and naturally sweet flavor. Then, we offer a Pineapple Salsa option made with fresh, golden Hawaiian pineapples. The acidity and sweetness of the fruit perfectly balance the savory seasoning of the fish.
Insider Customization Tips
- Go Grilled for Lunch: If you plan on surfing or snorkeling after eating, ask for the grilled fish. It’s lighter than the beer-battered version but still packed with flavor.
- Spice it Up: Ask for a side of our “Lava Sauce” if you want to kick the heat level up a notch.
- The “Plate” Upgrade: Locals know that turning any taco order into a “plate” adds rice and beans, making it a full dinner for just a few dollars more.
Our Signature Plates
When you step up to the counter, you might feel overwhelmed by the options. Here is a breakdown of what our regulars order and why:
| Menu Item | Best For… | The “Insider” Detail |
|---|---|---|
| The Original Fish Taco | First-timers & Purists | The beer batter is a light tempura style, not heavy or bready. |
| The Surf & Turf Plate | Big Appetites | You get the best of both worlds: two fresh fish tacos and one grilled steak taco. |
| The North Shore Burrito | Post-Surf Fuel | We bake it “enchilada style” with extra sauce and cheese on top. |
| Gnarly Nachos | Sharing | These are massive. We pile them high with beans, cheese, and your choice of protein—perfect for a group. |
Check out our full menu for all the options, including our keiki (kids) quesadillas and plates for the little groms.
Why Fresh Fish Matters
Most visitors don’t realize that a shocking amount of “fresh” fish served in Hawaii is actually frozen and imported from overseas. It arrives on container ships, sometimes weeks after being caught.
We refuse to operate that way. Because we are surrounded by some of the most fertile fishing grounds on earth, we have a responsibility to showcase what real Hawaiian seafood tastes like. Fresh Mahi-Mahi has a clean, oceanic sweetness and a firm flake that frozen fish simply loses. You can taste the difference in the texture immediately—it doesn’t mush; it yields perfectly to the bite.
Where to Find Us
We operate two distinct locations along the Kamehameha Highway. Each spot offers a different vibe depending on what you’re looking for.
Hau’ula Restaurant (The Flagship)
- Location: 54-396 Kamehameha Highway (Windward side)
- The Vibe: This is where it all started. Joey converted an old fast-food building here, even hand-laying the stonework mosaic of the Hawaiian Islands you’ll see at the front desk.
- Why Go Here: It’s a full sit-down experience with indoor and outdoor seating. You can order from our full bar, which features tropical cocktails like our signature Pineapple Tiki drink.
- Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM.
Shark’s Cove Food Truck
- Location: 59-712 Kamehameha Highway (North Shore, near Pupukea)
- The Vibe: Pure island casual. You’ll be eating at picnic tables under the trees, likely accompanied by the North Shore’s famous feral chickens and roosters roaming around.
- Why Go Here: It is located directly across from the Shark’s Cove snorkeling spots. It’s the perfect place to grab a Lilikoi Lemonade and a burrito while watching the sunset.
- Hours: Open Wednesday through Monday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
- Parking Tip: The lot at Shark’s Cove fills up by 10:30 AM. If you can’t find a spot, try the street parking along the highway, but always respect the “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket.
What the Locals Say
We work hard to earn our reputation every single day. With a 4.8-star rating on Google and hundreds of five-star reviews, the community seems to agree that we are on the right track:
“These are legitimately the best fish tacos I’ve ever had, and I’ve eaten tacos all over California and Mexico.” — Mike D., North Shore resident
“The fish is so fresh, you can tell it was caught that morning. Nothing else on the island even comes close.” — Sarah K., Honolulu
“We bring every visitor here. It’s the one must-eat spot on the North Shore.” — The Tanaka Family, Hau’ula
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are a local resident looking for a quick lunch or a visitor driving up from Waikiki for the day, we are ready to serve you. You don’t need a reservation—just come as you are, sandy feet and all.
We accept all major credit cards and Apple Pay at both locations, so you don’t need to worry about carrying cash. For groups of 10 or more, check out our catering options and let us bring the taco bar to your next event or beach party.
We’ll see you at the counter. Aloha and mahalo!
