Is Giovanni's worth it?
Skip itOverhyped · −16Graffiti-covered Kahuku food truck famous for shell-on garlic shrimp scampi plates
Usually not worth it. Google 4.4 is solid, but Beat of Hawaii (2026) found it average and called a tourist trap by locals; Honolulu Magazine ranked it last of three.
Hype52How famous and hyped it is
Reality36Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.4 ★ Google · 7,800 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Giovanni's? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth it if…Editorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
The famous name is the draw; go if you want the photo-op truck, but food writers rank nearby Kahuku trucks higher.
Why Reality is 36
Lives up to its fame2/5Google 4.4 is solid, but Beat of Hawaii (2026) found it average and called a tourist trap by locals; Honolulu Magazine ranked it last of three.
Value for money3/5$17.50 for 12 shrimp with rice is fair for Oʻahu, but card surcharge and quality complaints dent it.
Can’t get it elsewhere2/5Several Kahuku shrimp trucks sit nearby; Jenny's and Tanaka's beat it in a 2025 head-to-head.
Easy to do3/5Open daily with a free lot, but it's a long drive from town, lines are common and the lot fills.
What people loved
Generous, garlic-heavy shrimp scampi with plenty of shrimp and riceIconic North Shore stop with a graffiti-covered truck and shaded seatingConvenient hand-washing stations for the messy, peel-and-eat shrimpLine moves fairly quickly and food comes out fastWhat wore them down
Often labeled a tourist trap; locals and food writers rate nearby trucks higherRanked last of three North Shore shrimp plates by Honolulu Magazine: burnt taste, oily sauce, mushy riceShell-on shrimp in garlic butter is very messy to eatLong lines and a parking lot that fills up, especially when tours arriveCard payments cost extra; bring cashKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Walk-up food truck; no reservations.
Scampi plate$17.50 for 12 shrimp with two scoops of rice (Feb 2025)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
PaymentCards accepted, but card payments cost more than cashSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
WaitExpect a line; a recent reviewer waited about 15–25 min to orderSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HistoryStarted from a converted 1953 bread truck; parked at this Kahuku site since 1996, covered pavilion added 2010Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
SeatingShaded picnic tables in a lot shared with other food trucks; hand-washing stationsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
In their words
“…some say this truck caters to tourists and that is probably true, but why not have some tasty shrimp?”
“The shrimp is very decently sized and it’s peel & eat so it can get a little messy but it really was so delicious.”
“You'll wait about 15-25 mins til you get to order, but it's all worth the wait”
“Hot and Spicy is REALLY HOT AND SPICY…”
“tastes burnt”
Tips from people who went
No tips yet. Be the first to share one.
0/400 · no links · posts right away
Questions people ask
How much is the shrimp scampi at Giovanni's?
Honolulu Magazine reported $17.50 for 12 shrimp with two scoops of rice in February 2025; prices may have changed.
Does Giovanni's Shrimp Truck take credit cards?
Yes, but card payments cost more; recent visitors recommend bringing cash.
What are Giovanni's Shrimp Truck hours in Kahuku?
Google lists daily 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Is Giovanni's Hot & Spicy really spicy?
Yes. Reviewers describe it as extremely hot; a safer option is scampi with spicy sauce on the side.
Is Giovanni's Shrimp Truck worth it?
Opinions split: Google reviewers rate it 4.4, but Beat of Hawaii (2026) found the shrimp average and Honolulu Magazine ranked it behind Jenny's and Tanaka's.
Nearby and worth a look
Sources
- Giovanni's Shrimp Truck — History
- Honolulu Magazine — Ranking 3 Garlic Shrimp Plates on Oʻahu's North Shore (Feb 2025)
- Beat of Hawaii — Giovanni's famous garlic shrimp was not what we expected (Mar 2026)
- The Infatuation — Giovanni's Shrimp Truck (Nov 2022)
- Google Maps — Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Kahuku