The food truck, with its bright colors and mouthwatering aromas, is a common sight throughout Hawaii. These mobile eateries have become a beloved part of island life. For those fascinated by this type of dining, here is a brief history of food trucks in Hawaii.

How Food Trucks Spread in Hawaii

Origins

The first Hawaii food trucks appeared during the 1970s. These trucks became iconic features on the streets of Honolulu and beyond, greeted with cries of, "The Manapua Man is here!" Manapua is the local name for char siu bao, a steamed bun stuffed with barbecued pork. Fried noodles, burgers, hot dogs, and various types of dumplings were also available. To this day, "Manapua Man" refers to any mobile seller of traditional Asian cuisine, although their actual numbers have vastly diminished since their heyday.

Today

Hawaiian food trucks today are just as prominent as they were four decades ago, but they have evolved beyond the noodles and dumplings stage. They now serve all manner of cuisine, from fried shrimp and tender brisket to acai bowls. Many food trucks have gained such popularity that they’ve found permanent homes and become tourist attractions themselves.

To enjoy the food truck experience while you're on Oahu, stop by Laverne's in the Waikele Shopping Center in Waipahu. For more than 20 years, they have served the finest traditional Hawaiian food, including their popular squid luau, kalua pig, and beef stew. They now also offer delicious, affordable catering service. Visit the website to check out their menu, which features a wide selection of entrees like beef, chicken, pork, and seafood served with rice, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia. Call (808) 551-8214 to order in advance or inquire about daily specials. Follow their Instagram to see the latest dishes and updates on their new lunch wagon set to hit the streets soon.