The North Shore

Kuaaina Sandwich

What A luncheonette with surfboards on the wall, and sandwiches made with fish right out of the sea.

WhoOwner Terry Thompson’s shop now has branches in Tokyo; only at the original location, however, are you guaranteed island-grown ingredients.

Don't miss The enormous charbroiled burgers topped with slices of fresh avocado or pineapple are popular with the protein-loving surf crowd, but the grilled mahimahi steak on a kaiser roll is the real catch. 66-160 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa; 808/637-6067; lunch for two $20.

Romy’s Kahuku prawns & shrimp

What A flaming-red shrimp shack, in Kahuku, near the Turtle Bay Resort, Romy’s serves up its signature giant prawns wok-seared in butter with generous chunks of toasted garlic—it’s a vampire-free zone.

Who The Aguinaldo family has run Romy’s for more than a decade and the adjacent aquaculture ponds for 15 years.

Don't missEnd your meal with a quintessential island dessert: sweet pineapple chunks dusted with dried Chinese plum powder. 56-781 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku; 808/232-2202; lunch for two $25.