The draw of this eatery is more than its award-winning, pan-fried garlic shrimp. This may be the only Oahu food stop that is as much a destination as it is a place to pig out on shrimp. It's called the Shrimp Shack and it's located in Punalu'u, which is over the mountains on the island's North Shore.
Take the freeway out of Honolulu to Kaneohe, then head up the shore through Kahalu'u, past Kualoa Ranch, through Ka'a'awa and Kahana Valley State Park. Next thing you know, you'll be in Punalu'u. Look for a bright, yellow lunch wagon, wait for the aroma of seafood and salt air to hit you, and you'll know you've reached your destination—The Shrimp Shack.
It's hard to get lost in Punalu'u, but here's one more hint. The Shrimp Shack is located next to Chings Store, which happens to be painted red and is a mom and pop operation that has been doing business in Punalu'u since 1935. The store features everything from suntan lotion, fishing and diving supplies to beverages to wash down all that shrimp piled on your plate.
Featured on the Food Network's "Beach Eats," the shack serves garlic shrimp, grilled ahi with onions, boiled shrimp, crab legs and mussels — all with two scoops of rice. The lunch wagon offers an outdoor dining area where you can relax and enjoy your shrimp and the laid-back setting. The Shrimp Shack is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
