Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

Seafood restaurant · Haleiwa

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

Seafood restaurant · Haleiwa

2

66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

Photos

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by Photo courtesy of Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck by null

Highlights

Graffiti-tagged food truck spins buttery, garlicky jumbo shrimp plates and a killer garlic hot dog in a laid-back North Shore vibe.  

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66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 Get directions

giovannisshrimptruck.com

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 Get directions

+1 808 293 1839
giovannisshrimptruck.com

$10–20 · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Aug 1, 2025

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@afar

"Food trucks often frequent the mellow North Shore surf-town of Hale‘iwa—and Giovanni's remains the fan favorite! Each platter contains two scoops of rice and a dozen jumbo shrimp: lemon-butter, hot and spicy, or the classic garlic-rich scampi-style. Add hot sauce or a side of homemade mac salad... or go rogue with a garlic hot dog smothered in scampi sauce. The truck was initially crisp and white, but has been steadily graffitied with the signatures of chefs and customers since the mid-90's. Today it parks across from McDonald's, but has added a pavilion and picnic tables. Or visit the original Giovanni's White Shrimp Truck at 56-505 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku."

The Best Fish Tacos and Food Trucks on Oahu
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@nymag

"Eventually we got hungry, so we headed to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, another place that we love. We got married on Oahu in 2018, and we had our rehearsal dinner there."

Steal My Vacation: Evelynn Escobar
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Jay Shin

Google
Even though we went after lunchtime, there were still a lot of people. At the entrance of the parking lot, an older man collected a $2 parking fee. After parking, we waited about 30 minutes before ordering. We tried their two most popular dishes: Garlic Shrimp and Butter Shrimp—both were delicious! Some visitors were even buying T-shirts and getting the owner’s signature on them. They accept credit cards, which was convenient. It started to rain lightly, but it wasn’t heavy, so we were fine eating outdoors. Even on a weekday, the area was busy with cars since it’s part of a historic district. Expect some traffic when visiting, but it’s definitely worth the stop!

Sara Hidano-Cardinelli

Google
The line is long but moves super quick. Food comes out quick too. We got the shrimp scampi. The shrimp was cooked nicely and it was super garlicky (in a good way). Loved it! Better than some of the shrimp in the nice restaurants! There are other food trucks in the same area if not everyone wants shrimp or hot dog. There is shaded seating which is nice.

Ana B

Google
**Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – A Shrimp Lover’s Stop, But With Room for Improvement** We visited Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck after reading great online reviews. Upon arrival, we found a bustling area filled with several food and drink trucks. Parking is available for $2. At Giovanni’s, we ordered both the **Hot & Spicy Shrimp** and **Scampi Shrimp**. While the portions were okay, we felt the pricing was a bit high for the simplicity of the ingredients, and less butter would have improved the dish. We love food trucks, and a casual setting and atmosphere is expected, but this setting was further than casual—especially in the hot Oahu weather. The dining area was uninviting, with relentless flies and assertive wild chickens imposing themselves on tables. Seating was limited, so standing to eat was sometimes necessary. Additionally, the ordering system—simply yelling out numbers—could be refined to improve the customer experience. While the staff was friendly, there is room for improvement in enhancing the overall customer experience. Adjustments to the dining space, ordering system, and general atmosphere could make this popular spot more enjoyable for visitors. Giovanni’s has built a strong reputation, and shrimp lovers may still appreciate the flavors, but given the current conditions, we wouldn’t return. That said, we’re glad we gave it a try.

Richie Calloway

Google
The most amazing garlic shrimp I've ever had in my life. We're vacationing on all of the islands of Hawaii for a few weeks and this was one of my number one have to stops after watching a lot of YouTube reviews. The shrimp scampi is simply amazing and the rice topped with the garlic sauce and pieces of sauteed garlic is phenomenal as well. We will probably be going back sometime this week while we're spending the week in Oahu. Just go, you won't be disappointed!

BassHunter 22

Google
Disappointed after all the hype on social media. I got the spicy shrimp plate and it was just standard, nothing special about it at all. The rice was sub standard like minute rice. It was all edible I mean I cleaned my plate. But it's nothing to write home about. The spicy shrimp at Ted's bakery had more flavor. When I was there the wait was minimal. Maybe it was an off day?

Christopher Hanson

Google
I highly recommend the shrimp scampi plate, it was fresh and tasty. The macaroni salad was delicious too. You get to eat at benches surrounded by chickens or you can take your shrimp to go. FYI- you have to pay to park here but there are other food and drink trucks to choose from so don’t let that deter you. Overall a very cool experience and I highly recommend.

Shruti Nair

Google
Worth the hype! Fresh juicy shrimp and a good quantity for the price. Garlic is the winner ofcourse, but the hot and spicy is true to its name and great if you can handle it!

Jake Cerson

Google
If you’re visiting Oahu’s North Shore, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is an absolute must. It completely lives up to the hype. From the moment you pull up and see the long line of people waiting, you know you’re in for something special—and trust me, it’s worth the wait. The garlic shrimp is the star of the show—perfectly cooked, packed with flavor, and served with a generous helping of rice to soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness. The portions are hearty and satisfying, making it a great value for the quality and taste. The vibe is super casual and authentic, with picnic tables nearby where you can sit and enjoy your meal outdoors. It’s always buzzing with energy but still feels laid-back and friendly. Service is quick and efficient, even during busy hours, and the staff is helpful and upbeat. There’s also plenty of nearby parking and other food trucks around if you’re in the mood to try a few different things. Giovanni’s is one of those places you’ll find yourself craving long after your trip ends. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re on the island!
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Czarina D.

Yelp
Really enjoyed my meal here! Giovanni's is a super popular place, especially for tourists. Did it live up to the hype? I'd actually say just about. It definitely didn't exceed expectations. But at the end of the day, it's shrimp in garlic butter and that tastes good. Unlike other reviews, the day I came, both the shrimp and rice were cooked to perfection. I ended up splitting a full plate scampi and a half plate hot & spicy with a friend. The scampi sauce was sooo delicious! A shrimp with a load of scampi sauce plus a squeeze of lemon and some rice...HEAVEN. I LOVE spicy food so I also wanted to try the hot and spicy flavor. Unfortunately, the hot and spicy sauce was not my favorite. It was really vinegary. If you like tabasco and tapatio, you will probaby really enjoy this sauce! It did however pack some good heat, so I really enjoyed the spicy level. The line wasn't the longest and it appeared to move quick. Once you order, you wait about a minute or two, and the food is pretty much ready! SIDE NOTE: The lot to park is $2 cash only. Overall, I am glad I tried Giovanni's!
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Evelyn T.

Yelp
We were looking for a place to eat at lunch and decided to stop by here since it looked busy. It's a paid lot and they sometimes do close off entrance to the parking lot if it is full. I was craving some garlic shrimp so I was happy to see Giovanni's as one of the food trucks in this lot. There are picnic tables in front of the truck, but it was full when I was there. Also watch out for flies when eating outside there. I got the Shrimp Scampi plate and it fulfilled my cravings. The garlicky shrimp goes so well with the rice.
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North S.

Yelp
I'm just gonna bunch them all together cause they were all very similar Lemon butter had the sauce, scampi only had lemons and looked most original, hot and spicy is more red and more sauce but it wasnt that spicy. Im not a big fan of peeling your own shrimps, I prefer the act of peeling to happen in the kitchen. Also the flavor doesnt get soaked as much when theres still a shell. Was there flavor then? Sure but not really noticable. Rice was also slightly soggy but still alright, it was barable. Im a huge rice dish fan. Dont have much good to say but the meal was nourishing (cant beat rice and meat) Extra Expensive Picnic tables right across the truck Other food trucks around the area Flies are everywhere Hands get dirty from peeling shrimp and nowhere to wash hands besides wiping with napkins Wanted to give 4/5 but honestly this really was a 3/5 meal 3/5
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Elaine D.

Yelp
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa was a little gem. This food truck with all it's graffiti served up amazing shrimp in a fun outdoor setting. Hope you left you mark on it. The award winning Scampi was amazing. Don't think twice about going. 10
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Crystal K.

Yelp
Super long line and must try Giovanni's food truck shrimp We ordered the sweet and sour and garlic shrimp I recommend the garlic shrimp Pricey for the quantity and the rice was a bit mushy
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Tiffany T.

Yelp
Parking is $2 flat rate, pretty sure it was cash only. I ordered the Scampi, and every plate comes with 12 shrimps and 2 scoops of rice for $17.50. I also ordered a side of their homemade mac salad for $2. The total was $20.42 after taxes. Get the SCAMPI. Super buttery and garlicky in the best way. My friend got the hot and spicy shrimp, it just tasted like they cooked the shrimp in tabasco, it had a strong vinegar flavor. I like vinegar but the best thing on the menu is definitely the scampi shrimp. For every plate the shrimp is cooked to perfection. Not overcooked and not undercooked, all shrimps are also de-veined and the shell comes off super easily. Every order is made fresh! As for the mac salad, it was so plain and flavorless. I think it needed some salt and pepper, I would pass on this as well. There's always a line so be prepared to wait, but once you finish ordering you usually get your food in 5-10 minutes.
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Jeff L.

Yelp
Giovanni's was a popular food truck kind of situation that we had heard a lot about. It came with a lot of fanfare so we were excited to check it out. First of all, I will say the food is good. A lot of butter but the shrimp was delicious. The portions are generous and the price was right. The team was so nice and hard working. I almost hate to say anything else because it's all going to be negative from here. The food truck is going for iconic status or similar by having everyone sign their names with a sharpie. Honestly, it looks gross and makes it feel dirty to me. I thought this was going to be the biggest turn off until I got my food and sat down to eat. There were flies everywhere. Yuck. It was like I was being swarmed. Must be they like shrimp as well. It was overwhelming and I couldn't wait to get out of there. The parking lot and eating area are kind of the perfect environment for flies so I'm not sure what they could have done to fix this, but maybe the solve is to grab and go. The food was good, the service was great, but based on my negatives, I would not return.
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Sierra S.

Yelp
OMG!!!! I was honestly so shocked by just how good this meal was. The shrimp was so buttery smooth and DELICIOUS!! Photos cannot do it justice. We are from Texas and we came to Hawaii on our Honeymoon. Best choice ever to grab this for lunch before heading up the road a little more to sharks cove. The service was fast and the portion is big. Cute little food truck park and had some tables for customers to sit at. Share your table with people, everyone is hungry and looking for a place to eat. I think parking was like $2-3, well worth it!
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Kerwina S.

Yelp
It's all hype. Rude service & underwhelming food. The employees seem like they hate their lives. My number was called so I approached & she gave me attitude saying mine isn't ready yet. The shrimp was tiny and not much flavor. The only thing I liked was the rice. I don't recommend and would try the other trucks instead.
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Dora C.

Yelp
Good Shrimp! We came to Giovanni's to eat some shrimp. There is a small parking lot that costs $2. We were able to easily find parking. There was also a line for the shrimp but it moved quickly. Seating is also very limited but people are courteous and don't stay too long. The customer service was okay. The lady who took our orders was a little rude with the customers in front of us who had a few questions about the dishes. She was also rushing me when I had questions. Our order was ready in 10 minutes. The shrimp itself is good. Our shrimp was a little over cooked but still had a lot of flavor. We liked it. It's served with some white rice. We scooped the sauce and garlic from the shrimp and poured it on top of the rice. It makes a difference. We also ordered the macaroni salad (not included). It was delicious! Loved their macaroni salad. It's a smaller portion but it is good. I recommend this. All in all it was a good meal and cute place to stop and enjoy some good food. The chickens on site will keep you entertained. The roosters prop themselves on the edge of the trash cans while the hens are on stand by waiting for someone to drop their shrimp. We liked the food and experience and will definitely eat at Giovanni's again.
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Angela Y.

Yelp
This is not worth the hype. Got the scampi plate and it tasted like frozen dinner from the grocery store. The whole plate was drenched in butter. You can see a layer of it floating at the bottom of the plate. It was way too much. The shrimp and rice were both soggy. There was very little flavor and seasoning. The rice was extremely overcooked and kinda tasted like porridge.
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Kimberly H.

Yelp
It is $2 parking but it was free that day. Located in an outdoor food truck area. Bathroom and outdoor hand wash by the store. Came here on a Friday at 4pm. Parked and ordered right away. Service was quick efficient and fast. Flavor good but Tabasco based and shrimp slightly overcooked. Overall good tho.
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Pam M.

Yelp
When I think of a famous shrimp truck I was thinking it was going to be good! Real good. But to be honest it was just mid. The line moved quickly and the girl at the window suggested that we not do the spicy but instead the popular scampi. We decided to do both, the spicy was hot a very Tabasco buffalo blend of hot no garlic though. The garlic which they are known for was not bad but I've had better during our trip here in Hawaii. Plus no one talks about the flies!! They are relentless and overwhelming. We had to eat our food in the car. Overall we wouldn't come back.
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Crystal F.

Yelp
Since arriving to the island everyone has recommended Giovanni's to me. I finally had time to go check them out. My family and I drove out there. Which took at 30-40 minutes to get there. The parking was non existent. There was parking right in front but it was blocked off. We ended up parking by the beach and walking down. The line was super long and the flies out there are vicious! There is no restroom being that it's food trucks. However a McDonald is across the street that you can use. There is no slew of food trucks just this one and two others. Several small mom and pops are off the strip. The shrimp still had shells on. So you have to peel them off yourself. Which takes half the flavor off the shrimp and entirely too long when starving. I ordered the spicy, butter garlic and my friend ordered the third on with the teriyaki looking sauce. It tasted okay, definitely overhyped. I would not go back. The drive, parking, walking, long wait time and vicious flies not worth it!
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Rathvon M.

Yelp
Some of the best spicy shrimp on Oahu. It's all been said before and it's all true. A must stop when you're on the island.
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Darlene M.

Yelp
Not a big fan of Giovanni's as I once was years ago. Parking lot was full when we arrived, so we parked down the road about a block. It was free to park, we didn't have to pay $2 which was nice. But that food truck! It gets dingier and dingier every time I come. Rather than looking nostalgic, it's beginning to look a bit trashy - it's almost amusing! Per usually, we got the Scampi Shrimp. The savory flavor just wasn't there for me - I wasn't loving it. In fact, mine was a little undercooked compared to the others in my party. And sadly, I ended up with a stomach ache that evening. Otherwise, service was good. They were a lot faster than usual.
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Kevin A.

Yelp
A must visit during a North Shore visit. Yes, we were still hungry after our Dole Plantation visit, so we swung by Giovanni's yet again. One spicy plate and one scampi plate. The flavor is undeniable and we were lucky not to have a long wait this go around. I wish they'd use a tad less oil and butter- it gets heavy after half of that plate. The servers were kinda and positive as always. It's been a while since I've been here so it's convenient that they take credit card now. One rough patch was that my wife really needed to use the bathroom- and there are none nearby that we know of. Other than that, the area has a nice local vibe to it.
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Dana A.

Yelp
This spot is always our go to when we are in the area. Is it still good? Yes, of course. Have the portions shrunk? Ummm, sadly yes. The line was long but it moved quickly we tried the scampi, spicy shrimp (not spicy at all) and the Mac salad. Mahalo
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Angela F.

Yelp
After being stuck on a long traffic jam near Waimea, we finally arrived at Giovanni's shrimp truck which many have raved about. Luckily, we arrived five minutes before closing and they were still serving customers. Unfortunately the spicy shrimp was sold out so we ordered the garlic shrimp with Mac salad on the side. While waiting I noticed there were so many flies around. There are many wooden picnic tables for seating which is shared with the rest of the food trucks in the area. The garlic shrimp is served on a paper plate, but since this was for takeout I asked for some aluminum foil and another plate to cover the top. The garlic shrimp was very flavourful but on the greasier side for me. The rice was also mushy unfortunately. The Mac salad was okay. As a tourist I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this spot given it is located on the north shore of the island, I found there were similar tasting garlic shrimp in Waikīkī.
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Brian Q.

Yelp
Saw a lot of people raving about this place so decided to hop on the train. Parking can be a bit of a pain during lunch hour with a lot of other food trucks and vendors nearby, but we were able to find a spot. The service is quick, I tried the lemon & butter shrimp. I thought it was pretty good but maybe expected a little more. Definitely a lot of excess butter, but the shrimp was tasty. It could probably use a little more rice to balance it out, but overall it was enjoyable.
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Carissa U.

Yelp
Made the mistake of going during the lunch rush but the line moved quickly. The parking was $3? and is limited but we were able to find a spot still. Service was friendly and quick. There isn't any public restrooms. Looks like the porta potties are for the food truck operators. We ordered a couple the scampi shrimp plates and a garlic dog plate with a half plate shrimp. It was more than enough. Unfortunately, the shrimp was smaller than before and was overcooked. The garlic flavor was still great with the rice, but the hard overcooked shrimp was not good. Maybe an off day or new supplier. But might be awhile before we visit again.
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Naung P.

Yelp
Hot & Spicy - Sour/Tangy/Tabasco tasting Lemon Butter - More sour but plan not much butter taste They do provide extra butter for dipping. Not what I was expecting in flavor. Have tasted better. Service was good, glad I went for the experience. Would choose a different shrimp truck next time.
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Michelle P.

Yelp
A must try when in Hawaii. *Be prepared with 2.00 parking *best to arrive early *some places only do cash... * busy place customer service is great and fast (unless you order the most popular plate) Casual spot outside sitting they gave a variety of roach coaches with plenty to choose from, but this place is a must The spicy Shrimp is the bomb good portion for the price, there was a oarry if 4 in our group we all tried something different to share. We even came back the next day for more!
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Justin K.

Yelp
Ordered the garlic shrimp with the Mac salad on the side. Good flavor on the shrimp but not as much garlic on the rice. Was expecting this to be better considering the hype. Mac salad was a bit plain and lacked salt/flavor. 3/5 for the food. I will bump this up one star as they had the option to call ahead and order. This was a good experience as we were able to get the food ahead of the line that formed in person at the food truck. The parking fee was $2 to enter the food truck area.
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Clara K.

Yelp
You can't expect 5 stars service at the food truck :) Compare to many other food trucks we've tried, this one was actually pretty good. It's a must place to visit for tourist so be ready to wait in long line but that's ok! It's Hawaii and you are on a vacation. Their Garlic shrimp is to die for so go get them!!
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Kingston T.

Yelp
I wanted to see what the hype was about Giovanni's shrimp truck and made it a part of my vacation's itinerary. I think it's one of the rites of passage during your trip. I thought the food was overhyped and salty. However it's a decent spot to snack as you continue your drive through north shore. Shrimp Scampi 3/5. Shrimp is juicy, tender and cooked perfectly. I think the kicker might be the sauce. I found it to be buttery and garlicky, but too salty. I went back and forth to eat the shell and peeling. The shells are fine to eat.
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Hevesy Z.

Yelp
The first time I had Giovanni's, it was disappointing. The hype is not real. However, we came back to try it one more time, one more chance. Major fail. First off, the lady was super rude at the counter. It's okay, bad day. The food came pretty quickly. Just by looking at it, it did not look good. 2 half scoop of rice that's a cup of water away from being porridge. The shrimp was the most disappointing of all. The skin didn't come off easily, which tells me the shrimp isn't fresh. Once I bit into it, it was tough and hard to chew. I'm convinced the shrimp is old or has been sitting for quite some time. We had 3 shrimp and ended up tossing everything away. We hate wasting food but I'm sorry, it was not edible. Seeing so many people eat here is shocking. What once was, is no more. Save your money for better on the island. Walk 10 feet down to Honos, much much better. Never coming here again.
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Dilraj S.

Yelp
Sorry but this place is not that great. Nothing special besides being a food truck. $2 parking with limited spot. That was the most mushy rice I've seen. Overall flavor is okay. Need to peel shrimp. Line is quick. They do accept card. Not worth driving to. Can prob find better food truck or spot after the beach
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Amy Y.

Yelp
Hoo boy, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - the one food blemish in my Hawaii vacation. Honestly, I was first made aware of this shrimp truck from Terrace House: Aloha State, and I was super curious from how they were describing the very popular delicious shrimp. The graffiti truck is also a fun sight, although it's almost impossible to get a clean picture of it since there's always people around it or ordering in front of it. Well, I made the trek here and my total wait was about 50 minutes from the time I got in line to the time I received my order, on a Tuesday at 2pm. They make the shrimp in batches, so people don't get their orders steadily - it's more like, if you're in a batch, you will probably wait for a while and get your order at the same time as a bunch of other people, even if someone ordered like half an hour after you already did. I think my order took longer because I got a half plate of their "NO REFUNDS" hot & spicy; they cooked in flavor batches because I was order 18 and still waiting for my food, but they were calling out numerous completed orders for people up to 32, who had all gotten just scampi. Cooking in careless batches (or being ignorant of how to cook shrimp properly) made all the shrimp overcooked and sad. It just tasted like dried out frozen small Costco shrimp. I'm so happy that I went to another shrimp truck while I was waiting for my Giovanni's order so that I actually got to eat good shrimp, because this wasn't it at all. Yeah, their sauce was very garlicky, lemony, and buttery, but it was on bad shrimp. Their rice sucked too, as it was just overcooked and mushy; the dollops of cooked garlic on top helped it none, and I just simply didn't eat more than one bite. The hot & spicy sauce was a subtle sweet and spicy sauce that gave some tongue burn. Everyone who enjoys their experience here must not understand what good shrimp tastes like, because this is possibly the worst shrimp experience I've ever had, and I eat a lot of shrimp - even shrimp from cheap buffets. I got a few mosquito bites while standing in line, so bring bug spray if you're here. The main reason this is not a one star experience is that the food was still edible, the sauce is good on a technicality, and I did not get sick from it. Please learn how to not overcook food. and source better shrimp.
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Diana T.

Yelp
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, nestled in the historic Haleiwa, is a place you cannot miss. Let's dive right into the show's star: the Garlic Shrimp. The plump, succulent shrimp bathed in a velvety garlic butter sauce that strikes the perfect balance between richness and zest. Each bite is so incredible!!! It combines aromatic jasmine rice and a crisp, refreshing macaroni salad. However, a word to the wise: Giovanni's operates on a cash-only basis, so be prepared for the parking fees - a small price! We always enjoy visiting Giovanni's Shrimp Truck! FYI - NO CARDS ACCEPTED! CASH ONLY!!
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Tiff H.

Yelp
IT'S A FOOD TRUCK PEOPLE | Not sure why there are such terrible reviews. It's a food truck, I'm not expecting Michelin star service and food! That being said, it was CRAZY busy, with a crowded parking lot (be prepared with $2 cash to park!!) and long lines. So of course, that's definitely not optimal, but with all the hype, I was ready for lines. I grew up in Florida, waiting in lines at Disney is harder than this. Food seems pretty basic (I mean it's just shrimp and rice) but also delicious. We ordered the famous shrimp scampi and the no refunds hot and spicy shrimp. While I loved the shrimp scampi, no refunds just takes it to another level. My one complaint was the rice was a little squishy - overcooked? Maybe I'm just being picky because I'm Asian but I was definitely disappointed in the "sticky rice" I was mopping up the garlicky shrimp sauce in. Would definitely be back, or at least to another location - hoping that "off" rice was a one off experience!
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Catherine P.

Yelp
Got here at 12:15 on a sunday and there was one person in line! Lots of people eating. We ordered and it was a good minute wait. By the time we left there was a line of 15 people. The plates are good portions. They have Mac salad sides to make this a truly good Hawaiian plate lunch. They take credit card and cash but credit card adds a 3% fee on top. The area has really exploded with other businesses. If you aren't into shrimp try some of the other food establishments in the same area! Lots of parking and public restrooms.
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Niloufar G.

Yelp
Yes it's worth the stop here! Best garlic shrimp and it's gluten free!!! The parking lot is super small but don't get discouraged if it's closed. We drove down the street and back and it opened up. People don't stay too long. And get the scampi dish, the best! Service is great, quick, and friendly. Line is long but goes fast.
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Saher A.

Yelp
: the spicy shrimp was sooo good. I have never had better spicy shrimp. I can't wait to eat it again when I visit. My parents had the garlic shrimp and they also loved their dishes. ‍: The service was nice and quick. Nothing negative to say about it. Food also came out quick for how busy it was. : Ambiance is outdoors and there are chickens walking around everywhere so you really get the island feel. If you want a more indoor environment then you should go to the restaurant version downtown which is also great.
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Monica A.

Yelp
It's good, but I do think it's a little overhyped. I have had way better. It's not bad though! The garlic is the way to go. It was our second time trying it. I guess regardless you should try for yourself and form your own opinion!
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Dajone Z.

Yelp
I've always been told that Giovanni's is a must stop but now I feel like it's all hype. I was unimpressed by the lack of flavor on the shrimp, especially the hot and spicy shrimp; it just tasted like tobacco sauce. They also served us mushy, overcooked rice. The only good thing about our experience was how fast the food came out on a Thursday and the line was a bit shorter...I wish I had gone to Jenny's Shrimp Truck down the street.
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Nhue G.

Yelp
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck was a recommended food stop on many Hawaii lists. My party and I tried it and we all agreed it was not worth it. I went to Jenny's which was 1 min over to compare and the garlic and spicy shrimps there were good, plus they offered peeled shrimps. Giovanni's truck was in a small parking lot with 3-4 other food trucks. It was $2 to park there. The line was long with a 45 min-1 hour wait. You can check in for a free drink. Shrimps were $17.50 a plate. * Scampi 3.5/5 - This was the famous garlic shrimp dish. Honestly, it was underwhelming. I've had better. Very oily and not a lot of garlic. The shrimps also were not that flavorful. They had a good garlic sauce but they diluted it with oil and drenched the shrimps with that instead. The shell was hard so you have to peel them to eat. The shells were butterflied though, making the process a little easier. * Lemon Butter 0/5 - These were so plain. Just boiled shrimps drenched in lemon that you can dip in a cup of butter. I honestly was disappointed that they actually thought it was okay to sell this. They could have made it good by cooking the shrimps with salt, pepper, butter, and squeeze a lemon on top.
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Anny O.

Yelp
Not sure why this plate is so popular.. We came 15 mins before they opened and they already ran out of hot and spicy and garlic butter. So we tried the scampi which was oily and not that flavorful. After trying another truck nearby we definitely recommend not coming here. Shrimps here are also smaller than Jenny's.
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Gregston C.

Yelp
The iconic shrimp truck has gone downhill. It's now over hyped and now just a tourist trap shell of it's former self. It looks the same as I remember many years ago. There are more seating tables than before which is nice. However there are still long lines. The service was not friendly. The original shrimp scampi is still the best option, however it doesn't hold up against the competition. The rice is mushy like it's not washed at all and/or not cooked properly. It worth going once to see what the hype is about and take some pictures. There's a small parking lot that fills up quickly. Reasonably kid friendly if they are going to eat shrimp. No other options, but that's expected.
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Afrin K.

Yelp
Honestly wouldn't recommend. There's so many garlic shrimp food trucks and my sense is people stop here for the hype. However if you're looking for great delicious food, look elsewhere. The portions were small, the environment wasn't as warm and inviting, and the food was just OK. Wouldn't come back.
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Stephanie L.

Yelp
Giovanni's shrimp truck is always on the list of places to check out while in Honolulu. Located in Hale'iwa, this road is narrow and only has 1 lane for each direction. There is a parking lot that costs $2 and can fill up quickly. There is limited seating in front of the truck. I was disappointed with the food and definitely overhyped place. Shrimp was overcooked and a bit salty. Scampi sauce was oily, good garlic flavor. We also got a mac salad and it was very bland. Nice place to check out and see what the hype is all about. For me, it was a flop.
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Hawkin C.

Yelp
Waited on a long line to see what is so good about this Giovanni shrimp truck. Ordered shrimp with garlic butter, (shrimp scampi), the shrimp look like it was precooked and just drown in garlic and butter sauce, not cooked to ordered. Not worth the long line and wait. Other food truck in area are much better down the road.
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Chelsea L.

Yelp
They have multiple locations! Actually didn't plan to stop here but we had to reroute due to flooding. I've heard this place is good! we were so hungry. There was a HUGE line outside this food truck but we eventually got to try all the shrimp flavors. They're good but not worth a long wait time. Garlic shrimp (the first one) is the best. Even if there was no line, I would still rate it 4 stars. You have to pay in cash to park. There is a store nearby that allows you use their restrooms.
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Rosie A.

Yelp
Big hot dogs can be had with a Garlic sauce. If you enjoy veggies as a topping, you'll be greatly dissappointed. Shrimp scampi was a plus for my husband but not for me. The rice was mushy and the shrimp way too garlicky and oily for my taste..... Sadly not a fan.....
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Madison M.

Yelp
Great shrimp, but rice was very mushy. The garlic scampi sauce on top is always a hit. I do prefer Jenny's Shrimp Truck, which is also less crowded. But this was still good!
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Bianca V.

Yelp
I did a shrimp and prawn tour and Gio's was my absolute least favorite. I always heard good things about it but maybe I was there at an off day. The rice was way overcooked and was more like congee. The garlic sauce tasted very bitter to me, and I'm a garlic lover. My shrimp was very mushy. I felt the wait time and the quality of food did not match. In my opinion the hype should go to Fumi's or Jenny's instead.
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Pauline C.

Yelp
Giovanni's is probably one of the most well known bites on the entire island. This particular location is in a lot with a few other shrimp trucks as well as other food options. I highly recommend this location for parties that have people who don't like seafood because there's a variety of food options available. Giovanni's in particular is good but I don't think they're the best Hawaiian shrimp on the island. The Hawaiian style garlic shrimp at Giovanni's is delicious but the shrimp are pretty small for what they are. I don't recommend any other sauces besides the classic Hawaiian garlic shrimp. The service is hit or miss in terms of if they give you attitude or not but the food usually comes out quick. In my opinion this is a one and done type of place but everyone has a different favorite shrimp truck on the island this one just isn't mine.
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Jeff C.

Yelp
We have always loved Giovanni's shrimp in Kahuku so we were excited to eat here when we found ourselves in Haleiwa. The truck is in a lot with other food trucks and it was PACKED even around 2pm on a Monday afternoon. So packed that I drove by twice without being able to even enter the lot (they blocked it off because it was full) so I had to drop my wife off while I found parking. I drove by 2 other times with no luck on getting into the lot (once I just missed it being open before they shut it again) so I had to find parking elsewhere (difficult!) and walked to meet my wife. They've got some tables where all the trucks are but we ended up taking our shrimp and eating it by our car. We got 2 plates of the garlic shrimp and 1 plate of the lemon shrimp. Lemon shrimp was so-so in my opinion. At least the shrimp were fresh and crunchy. Of the garlic, one plate had a very burnt garlic taste, I was definitely disappointed from the times I've had it before. The second plate was great. I wish there was more consistency in the garlic shrimp- maybe one plate was the last of the batch? At any rate, overall a mediocre experience with the variation of quality in the shrimp and the hassle to find the parking.
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Amy B.

Yelp
We came here looking for the best shrimp trucks in Hawaii. We heard about Giovanni's, so we had to make a trip here. Was a bit disappoint. The rice was so mushy, it reminded me of pudding. It was cooked for way too long. The shrimp was also over cooked. It was SO hard to peel off the shell. It was stuck, very frustrating eating it. Flavour was good, loved the garlic. However the rice and the peeling of the shell was not a good experience. I'd definitely say Jenny's shrimp is SO much better!!