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    Raised By The Waves

    4.3 (284 reviews)
    Open 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Raised By The Waves Photos

    RAISED BY THE WAVES ATMOSPHERE

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    Reviews With Photos - Raised By The Waves

    Single fin salad
    Kelly G.

    Love this place ! We drive out from town weekly for our RBTW fix .. best shakes, raw vegan nachos & pounders panini is our "go to" ! Quality food and best vibes ever

    Deb B.

    Spent the afternoon with some much needed couple time and stopped in Kahuku for some Raised by the Waves. It was a bit later in the afternoon so they were out of what I would have preferred but the food was so good just the same. Places the order there to share for raw nachos and Kawelo Flat Bread. (I should have said no daiya cheese... I picked it off though) It took a bit longer for my order, about thirty minutes, but it was good, I'm never in a rush and if so, I'll order ahead. It's always a casual vibe- and they weren't busy at all. Was lucky to have a table in the shade, woot! I appreciate being able to find high quality vegan food, locally sourced, and consistently good.

    Aloha bowl. Pounders paining. Acai bowl
    Lorena M.

    Stopped by this little spot to try the panini, salad, and an acai bowl. It hit the spot! Light and healthy. You order up at a table and pick up the items at another window. There's seating under a roofed patio so you won't get rained on, or too much sun. Plenty of parking at the area and other options too.

    Amy F.

    Delicious vegan food. Gluten free options abound. The poke nachos and island rolls are my favorite. I do order the chips and poke separate when I get it to go. No soggy chips for me.

    Jessica D.

    Cute vegan cafe in Kahuku! They have a big menu ranging from smoothies to acai bowls to sandwhiches. We ordered protein smoothies and they were so refreshing on such a hot day.

    Outside the cafe
    Kalanikealoha N.

    So thoughtful every ingredient put into this super delicious vegan food! the service ambiance everything was wonderful! Mahalo nui loa

    Carver B.

    delicious açaí and coffee! quick service and a great playlist too! Would definitely come back!

    Burrito (2/26/2026, $18.61 w/ tax)

    Summary: Good, not great, food. Lively interesting location, easy to access. Worth trying once. Highly recommend ordering ahead for pickup. What I liked: The location at the Sugar Mill is scenic and diverse with easy parking. The burrito I had was tasty, served warm, but not to my expectations nor as advertised. What I didn't like: Raised by the Waves is expensive. For an $18 burrito, I expect a larger portion or a wider variety of textures and flavors. The description on the menu includes avocado, which could add a pleasant creamy texture to the dry chickpea fritter. Mine did not have avocado, and without any additional sauces to add a tangy, spicy contrast, the taste was monotonous. Service was slow, but cordial. Food came out in 30 minutes. Recommendations: The freshness and quality are good, but not worth the price or wait. The business should offer pre-made sauces (salsas, tahini, or chutney) to improve their portfolio. Ordering ahead online is highly recommend to relieve the long order times. Overall, good vegan food worth trying once. Stop by if you are in the area, but not worth a repeat visit.

    Hunky monkey protein shake
    Ashley J.

    I have come before for the kualoa quesadilla and it was amazing. This time though it was pretty sad. Too sad that I didn't even want to take a picture. There were barely any ingredients in the quesadilla this time. It wasn't stuffed. I did try the chunky monkey protein shake and it was delicious.

    Vitamin Sea, HoloHolo and Cold Brew Cinnamon

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    24 days ago

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    8 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    5 days ago

    Delicious plant-based food and super friendly service. Pounders panini and side salad was great. Nice outdoor seating as well.

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    3 months ago

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    15 days ago

    Great food and drinks - a must visit and get the aloha bowl. Great location on your road trip

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    11 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 month ago

    Seamoss lava flow is a great non alcoholic and healthy option! I also love the seed cheeze

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    1 month ago

    Cute little coffee shop up at the north shore! The coffee and service was good!!!!!!!!!

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    2 months ago

    Love the Vitamin C Acai bowl! The Aloha Bowl is a MUST! Awesome customer service! GREAT VIBE... Clean place. Very eco friendly.

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    4 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Only tried out the drinks here but they were good and not overly sweet. The OG reminded me of an oatmeal like flavor

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    9 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Must visit for your morning coffee! Can't wait to visit again tomorrow and try something new!

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    5 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Food and service is wonderful! I got the spicy beet poke bowl, delicious! Great variety of plant based food

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    Amazing! And outdoor seating! Love it here. The vibes are excellent. I love this place

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    8 months ago

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    Page 1 of 8

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    Maly’s Kitchen

    Maly’s Kitchen

    5.0
    (19 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    My review is solely on the chilled fresh coconut experience…read more We were greeted with a sweet smile and welcoming spirit from the second we walked up to this open air hut. The owner asked me to pick out my own coconut out of the cooler that was filled with ice cold water. I obviously went for the largest one and then she asked " do you want more water or more meat in your coconut?" I wanted more coconut water than the pulp "meat" so she suggested that I grab a younger coconut "smaller" one. She explained that the bigger /older The coconut is, the less water it has but the more "meat" it contains. I went ahead and opted for a younger one and this thing was FULL of water. She grabbed a huge machete style knife and went to work on it.. it was a bit scary seeing the danger that these small businesses owners go through in opening these things to please us tourists. She was amazing at it. I do need to note the following. My husband does not like the taste of coconut, because obviously we are used to a certain taste which is what we are taught to believe coconuts taste like... but her loved this one! young fresh coconuts do not taste like anything "mainstream coconut flavor". It is a refreshing soft, delicate flesh which has a soft set jelly type of texture. It is slightly watery and you will taste the coconut water in it, think of Chinese jelly with very little sugar, almost buttery and melty. The water itself is very refreshing with a very little hint of flavor. We both really enjoyed our island fresh coconut experience and highly recommend you buy at least one!

    Pad Mee Combo - DEEELICIOUS!!!! Hidden gem north shore…read moreKahuku. Have to try it. Freshest food by the food trucks. Vegetarian options too

    Photos
    Front
    Front
    Laos khaopoon on left Kao soi on thr right. Delicious
    Laos khaopoon on left Kao soi on thr right. Delicious
    Lunch at North Shore Food trucks

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    Lunch at North Shore Food trucks
    Papi's Taco's

    Papi's Taco's

    4.5
    (206 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I first came across Papi's Tacos back in 2019 when I came to this area to check out Cheesus Chrust…read morefood truck (no longer there) and had dessert at Aloha Rolls (no longer there either). Papi's Tacos was across from Aloha Rolls. Alex had the football game on (Philadelphia vs someone), and we just started talking. We sat there for an hour talking. He was super friendly and cool. He even offered me a beer. I was skeptical that the food would be as good as back home (I'm from Southern California), but, upon learning he was from Santa Ana, I figured he knew what good Mexican food should taste like. I didn't buy anything then, as I was already full and had food left over, but lamented it. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I specifically drove from Waikiki to this area to get food from Papi's Tacos. I do recommend the drive along the windward side of the island if you aren't pressed for time. I got the super burrito with carne asada and my GF got two carne asada tacos. Both were amazing. If you're on Oahu, make the trip, you won't regret it. Hale'iwa is a nice little time to check out in the area as well.

    Papi's is a food truck in a North Shore neighborhood institution that includes the famous…read moreGiovanni's (too buttery for me). You will find food trucks aplenty anchored by Seven Brothers kitchen and market. We got the three taco combo to try the shrimp, fish, and carnitas. They are relatively small and come in threes. Made with corn tortillas, cilantro, and a sour cream- guacamole sauce they are full of flavor. Beans and rice come on the side and being from Phoenix I know tacos and these stand up. Seating is plentiful on this Sunday with picnic tables everywhere and beautiful weather. The aloha service was suspect and didn't really feel like the lady was there to do anything but take orders. At the End of the Day this is a taste choice out of the plethora of food trucks. Look for my review of Deez Bowls too. Solid choice if you're craving a taco spread at a reasonable cost!

    Photos
    Papi's Taco's
    Fish and shrimp tacos
    Fish and shrimp tacos
    Papi's Taco's

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    Taro Hut

    Taro Hut

    4.6
    (117 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    Free parking
    Locally owned & operated

    I really enjoyed my burger combo here. I've been wanting to try taro hut for the longest so today I…read morefinally was in the area. They serve their burgers with taro buns AND fries!!! So so good! I got the best seller bacon burger and WOW! Soooo fresh and juicy. Their homemade sauce goes so well with the burger. They also give extra home made sauce on the side with the fries. The fries was extra crispy but the potato on the inside stayed soft. So perfect! I really enjoyed the texture on the fries too because the potato ratio was a lot! They are located in the kahuku sugar mill in a food truck right next to rys poke. friendly staff and this combo was only $18 with fries & a drink

    My friends and I started our island food tour in Kahuku. We were at another truck, and after, Jeri…read moresuggested here. Jeri: We'll take Da Fun Guy burger, and can you add a slice of taro in it. He: Ummmm, excuse me...what? Jeri: We want Da Fun Guy, and add a slice of taro. Also an order of taro fries. Da Fun Guy is a great burger! The worker grilled a slice of taro, and it was on the side. We put it in ourselves and cut the burger into four pieces. So good! But man, those taro fries were amaaaaaaazing! Nice and crispy and very hot! I almost want to say they're double fried! This is a great place in the sea of food trucks that are all around the Sugar Mill Center. Lots of options! Mahalo Tara Hut!

    Photos
    Kicken Chicken!
    Kicken Chicken!
    LOCO MOCO BURGER!
    LOCO MOCO BURGER!
    Burger Combo

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    Burger Combo
    Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

    Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

    3.9
    (5.5k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Literally the best shrimp I ever had. Absolutely delicious!!…read more I don't say that lightly either. It was otherworldly!! The staff was great too!!!! I'll be back!

    Giovanni's is one of those places where memory does a remarkable amount of the seasoning. I've been…read moreeating here across decades. Enough visits that this is no longer about catching them on a bad afternoon, ordering the wrong thing or failing to understand what the place is supposed to be. I've tried the different shrimp, stood in the lines, eaten at the tables, navigated the parking, brought people here and returned because, for a very long time, Giovanni's was simply one of those places you went when you were on this side of the island. At some point, repetition becomes evidence. The truck itself has become an artifact. Covered in signatures, battered by time, photographed millions of times. There was probably a period when all of that felt charming. Now it mostly feels tired. There is a difference between patina and neglect and the surrounding experience has increasingly crossed that line for me. Flies, crowded tables, overflowing activity, rough parking, heat, trash nearby. You can romanticize rustic only so far before rustic starts asking for a pressure washer. Then there is the service, which has consistently been the hardest part for me to understand. I don't need anyone performing hospitality like they're auditioning for a resort commercial, but basic warmth costs nothing. Too often the interaction here feels impatient and transactional, as though the customer is somehow inconveniencing the operation by showing up to buy the food. After enough visits, you stop calling that an off day. And then there is the plate. The shrimp itself is actually the least offensive part. It is generally cooked reasonably well. Tender enough, rarely destroyed and when you get a good batch you can understand why this formula became so popular. Everything around it drags it down. The rice has repeatedly been soft, clumped and bordering on mushy. I am annoyingly particular about rice, but rice is not some decorative substance placed beneath the main event. It matters. When half the plate is rice, screwing it up is not a minor detail. The garlic is abundant, certainly, but abundance and care are different things. It often arrives more like a wet mass of processed garlic than the fragrance and texture you get from properly chopped fresh cloves. Add the butter and oil and you certainly get intensity, but after several bites the whole thing becomes heavy rather than interesting. The little salad on the side generally feels like an afterthought that has been waiting for someone to remember it. And that is ultimately my problem with Giovanni's. The entire experience feels as though its reputation arrived at the destination years before the restaurant did and everyone decided there was no longer much reason to keep improving. People will continue coming. Of course they will. The name is famous, the truck is recognizable, the photographs are practically mandatory and nostalgia is one hell of a business model. I understand it because it worked on me for years. But strip away the mythology and ask a brutally simple question: If this exact plate came from an unknown truck with no history, no signatures and no reputation, would you still wait in line for it? I wouldn't. Two stars. The shrimp can still be decent and I have too many memories here to pretend the place means nothing to me. But nostalgia should bring you back to a restaurant. It shouldn't be responsible for making the food taste better. I kept returning because tradition can turn habit into taste. I'm done confusing the two.

    Photos
    Giovanni's Shrimp Truck order wait line
    Giovanni's Shrimp Truck order wait line
    Garlic Shrimp Scampi
    Garlic Shrimp Scampi
    Shrimp Scampi

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    Shrimp Scampi

    Raised By The Waves - cafes - Updated July 2026

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