Is Romy's worth it?
Skip itLives up to the hype · +21Kahuku shrimp truck serving garlic-butter shrimp and prawns raised in ponds behind it
Usually not worth it. Google 3.8 across 1,597 reviews is low for a famous food stop; praise for freshness is offset by complaints about waits, salty or bland shrimp and so-so prawns.
Hype9How famous and hyped it is
Reality30Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
3.8 ★ Google · 1,597 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Romy'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 couples vote
Worth it if you want truly farm-fresh, head-on shrimp and have time to wait; otherwise other Kahuku trucks are faster and cheaper.
Why Reality is 30
Lives up to its fame2/5Google 3.8 across 1,597 reviews is low for a famous food stop; praise for freshness is offset by complaints about waits, salty or bland shrimp and so-so prawns.
Value for money2/5Generous shrimp, but described as pricier than other North Shore trucks, and you pay in wait time too.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Its shrimp come from ponds right behind the truck, but the garlic-shrimp plate is available at several Kahuku trucks nearby.
Easy to do2/5About an hour from Waikīkī, 20–40+ minute waits even off-peak, short hours (to 3 p.m. Wed/Thu) and no restrooms.
What people loved
Very fresh, plump shrimp and head-on prawns from the farm ponds right behind the truckGarlic-butter shrimp with crispy fried garlic and a spicy sauce is the standout orderLarge shrimp and generous portionsWhat wore them down
Long waits even when it's not busy; 20–40+ minutes for food is typicalPricier than other North Shore shrimp trucksNo restrooms on siteInconsistent: some reviewers find the shrimp bland or too salty and the prawns just okay; 3.8 on Google is low for a famous stopKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: No reservations; order at the window. Calling ahead (808-219-3293) can cut the wait.
Hours10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. most days; closes 3:00 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays (per Google)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
SourceShrimp and prawns are raised in aquaculture ponds behind the stand and harvested dailySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
WaitCommonly 20–40 minutes or more for food; locals often call aheadSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
PriceGarlic shrimp plate listed from $12.75 in an undated Turtle Bay guide; reviewers say it is pricier than nearby trucks, so expect more todaySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
FacilitiesNow operates from a food truck with outdoor benches and a hand-washing station; reviewers report no restroomsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ParkingFree roadside lotSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
From Waikīkīabout 1 hour by car (Kahuku, about a mile past Kahuku Farms)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
In their words
“Shrimps are plump and juicy, with a sweet taste. Prawns were just okay.”
“A little pricier than we expected for a lunch trucks, but the big shrimp and big servings was worth it”
“I find their shrimp harder to peel and not as delicious as Fumi's.”
“The crispy fried garlic also makes their shrimp stand out from the other shrimp trucks.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
Where does Romy's get its shrimp?
From its own aquaculture ponds behind the stand in Kahuku; shrimp and prawns are harvested daily.
How long is the wait at Romy's?
Typically 20–40 minutes or more for food; some locals call ahead to place orders.
What are Romy's hours?
Google lists 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. most days, closing at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Does Romy's have restrooms?
Recent reviewers report no restrooms, though there are benches and a hand-washing station.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Turtle Bay Resort — Three stops for shrimp on Oʻahu's North Shore
- Hawaii Magazine — Big Shrimpin': North Shore shrimp trucks (Jan 2014)
- Vagobond — The shrimp ponds and food trucks of Kahuku
- Hawaii Travel with Kids — Kahuku Farms guide (drive time to Kahuku)
- Google Maps — Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp