Cuisine & Specialties
An assortment of sushi (including a shrimp tempura roll topped with tobiko, salmon nigiri, and sides like gyoza and edamame) from Big Monster Sushi Food Truck, served in convenient takeout boxes.
Big Monster Sushi Food Truck specializes in Japanese sushi and seafood with creative island and Asian-fusion twists. The chefs source fresh local fish (ahi tuna, salmon, hamachi, ono, marlin) daily from Kauai fishermen, ensuring high-end restaurant quality even from a humble food truck. The menu features everything from traditional nigiri and sashimi to inventive offerings like poke bowls and even sushi burritos, reflecting a diverse mix of Hawaiian and Japanese influences. Highlights include their specialty rolls – for example, the popular Samurai Roll (a shrimp tempura roll topped with tuna, salmon, spicy mayo, unagi sauce, tobiko, scallions, and tempura crunch) – and the generously sized “Philly” Sushi Burrito (salmon, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, greens and rice wrapped in seaweed, drizzled with unagi and spicy mayo).
Several signature creations earn rave reviews. The “I’m Hungry” Roll is a deep-fried spicy tuna roll (with cream cheese and jalapeño) that’s a crowd-pleaser, and the namesake Big Monster Roll (shrimp tempura and crispy unagi with avocado and sauces) is another favorite. Even the appetizers get special mention – the Angry Tuna hand roll (a spicy tuna and jalapeño tempura roll) packs a flavorful kick, and their crispy Crab Rangoon (wonton fritters stuffed with crab and cream cheese) is often recommended as a must-try starter. Importantly, Big Monster Sushi caters to different diets: there are vegetarian and vegan-friendly options (try the Veggies Poke Bowl with fried tofu, or unique veggie rolls like the Asparagus Tempura Roll and Japanese Sweet Potato Roll), and even gluten-free soy sauce is available on request for those who need it. In short, the food truck’s menu is known for its “ocean-to-table” freshness and variety, combining Japanese culinary techniques with local island flavors to create memorable sushi dishes.
Notable Features & Ambiance
- Price Range: Affordable-Moderate ($$) – For sushi, Big Monster’s pricing is quite reasonable. Most rolls and burritos range from about $13–$18, poke bowls around $17–$19, and large combo platters (for sharing) $30+. Many visitors comment that the prices are “fair” for the quality and portion sizes provided, especially given the freshness of the ingredients. It’s a great value sushi stop compared to resort restaurants on the island.
- Setting & Atmosphere: This food truck is parked in a small lot “deep in the heart of Old Koloa Town”, right next to the Koloa Neighborhood Center. It’s part of a local food truck cluster, so the vibe is casual and bustling. There are a few picnic tables with umbrellas set up outdoors for patrons (approximately 4 tables, shared with other nearby trucks). Expect a laid-back, island atmosphere – customers dine under the sky or stars in shorts and flip-flops, and the overall feel is very family-friendly and informal. Don’t be surprised if you encounter wild chickens roaming around your feet – it’s a quintessential Kauai experience to have a rooster or two wander by as you eat! (They’re harmless but opportunistic – keep an eye on your plate so a cheeky hen doesn’t steal a bite!). Because it’s an outdoor setup, there can be some flies or ants around, but the team keeps things clean; still, it’s wise to be mindful of your food (many locals suggest covering drinks and dishes when not actively eating).
- Amenities: Being a food truck, there’s no indoor dining and no on-board restroom. However, parking is easy and free in the adjacent lot (since it’s by the neighborhood center), and the site is generally accessible – it’s flat ground, so wheelchair users can roll right up to the order window and picnic area without issue. Credit cards are accepted (they even offer online/phone ordering for takeout), so you’re not limited to cash. Utensils aren’t automatically given for sushi finger-food, but if you need a fork or special cutlery, the staff will gladly provide them on request. The truck does not serve alcohol (like most food trucks), but they have soft drinks (local juices, soda, water, etc.) available. Feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages if you prefer. Also, dogs are welcome on leash at the outdoor tables – the venue is explicitly pet-friendly, so you can bring Fido along while you grab a bite.
- Service & Vibe: The aloha spirit is strong here. Big Monster is run by a small, passionate team, and guests often mention how friendly and welcoming the service is. It’s not uncommon for Chef Rung or his wife to come out and chat with customers, recommend dishes, or ensure everyone is happy. This personal touch and the camaraderie of an outdoor food court (often filled with both tourists and local residents) gives the place a warm, communal vibe. There’s no dress code whatsoever – beachwear or casual attire is the norm, so you can drop by after a morning at Poipu Beach or an adventure tour without changing. Overall, expect a casual, down-to-earth dining experience that’s more about great food and community than formality.
History & Background
- Origins: Big Monster Sushi Food Truck opened in June 2020 amid the challenges of the pandemic. It was founded by Chef Rung Kamraithong and his wife Mai (along with their friend and partner Belle Meephol), who boldly started this sushi venture at a time when many restaurants were shutting down. Chef Rung is actually a Kauai native who spent over a decade honing his sushi craft on the mainland – he worked as a sushi chef in Chicago (including at a Coast Sushi restaurant and the Hyatt Regency) from around 2006 onward. After 13+ years in the hospitality industry, he returned home to Kauai, bringing his culinary expertise and a dream of making top-notch sushi accessible on the south side of the island. The Koloa food truck was their very first location and quickly became a hit with locals craving fresh sushi.
- Expansion & Growth: Thanks to the food truck’s success and loyal following, Rung and Mai were able to expand their business. In 2021 – barely a year after opening the Koloa truck – they launched a brick-and-mortar Big Monster Sushi & Thai restaurant in Lihue (the island’s main town), where they serve both sushi and authentic Thai dishes. They even added a second food truck in Lawai by 2022 and a Thai food outlet in Kapaa by 2023. These expansions show how popular the Big Monster brand has become across Kauai. However, the 3477 Weliweli Rd food truck remains the heart of the operation, as the original “baby” of the family. In fact, the name “Big Monster” itself has a sweet story: Mai and Rung consider the business their child. Since they have no kids of their own, they joked that most people call their children “little monsters,” so **they affectionately named their business venture their “Big Monster” instead. This playful, family-style dedication is reflected in everything they do.
- Reputation & Community: Over the past five years, Big Monster Sushi Food Truck has built a stellar reputation on Kauai. It’s now well-known across the island “for good reason,” as one reviewer put it. The combination of Chef Rung’s fine-dining pedigree and the casual food truck format created something unique in the community. Locals were thrilled to finally have high-quality sushi in the Koloa/Poipu area (which previously had limited options for sushi), and tourists quickly caught on thanks to glowing reviews. The truck has been featured on travel blogs and even local news segments as a must-try eatery. Despite growing into multiple locations, the owners have kept a personal, mom-and-pop feel at the Koloa truck – you might even find Mai herself taking orders or see Rung slicing fish behind the counter on a given day. Big Monster Sushi has garnered awards like consistent 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and Google and has become a frequent recommendation in Kauai travel forums for “best sushi on the island” in its price range. In June 2025, they proudly celebrated 5 years in business, thanking customers by giving out free spicy tuna rolls to mark the anniversary. It’s clear that this food truck has grown from a tiny pandemic-era startup into a beloved local institution.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
Big Monster Sushi Food Truck enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating around 4.5–4.6 out of 5 across platforms. Here’s a summary of what recent customers are saying:
- 🍣 Fresh, Top-Notch Sushi: A major theme is the exceptional freshness and quality of the sushi. Diners are often surprised that sushi from a truck can rival high-end restaurants – but many report you’d “be hard-pressed to tell the difference” in quality. The fish is frequently described as “phenomenal” and melt-in-your-mouth fresh, and even sushi purists have praised the rice texture and traditional preparation of classics like tuna and salmon rolls. One local reviewer called Big Monster a “hidden gem offering superb quality sushi… at fair prices”, and multiple people note it’s the best sushi they had on Kauai.
- ⭐ Signature Favorites: Certain dishes consistently stand out in reviews. The Dragon Roll (often noted as a spicy or special house version) is cited as “the absolute best dragon roll [we’ve] ever eaten” by one couple. The Samurai Roll also gets love as an “ever-popular” choice packed with flavor. Many rave about the poke bowls – reviewers describe them as “colorful bowls full of fresh, delicious fish” and appreciate the generous portion of high-quality tuna (though a few had critiques, see below). The sushi burritos are another hit; people with big appetites mention these burrito-sized sushi rolls are unique and satisfying. Appetizers like the Crab Rangoon and gyoza get shout-outs as well for being tasty and not greasy. Overall, guests seem to have a long list of favorites, but anything with fresh ahi or the creative specialty rolls are a safe bet to impress.
- 🤝 Service & Staff: Virtually every review mentions the friendly service. Customers consistently praise the husband-and-wife team (and staff) for being warm, welcoming, and accommodating. For instance, one guest noted the truck didn’t have an Unagi Lava Roll on the menu, but when they asked, the chef happily made it custom for them on the spot. That kind of flexibility and care leaves a great impression. Another reviewer simply stated, “we love Rung and Mai and the entire team” and can’t wait to return. Even when the line gets long, people feel the staff handles it with aloha. This personal touch contributes to an overall positive vibe in the reviews.
- 🌴 Atmosphere: As expected for a food truck, the setting is casual and outdoors – most people enjoy this, mentioning it’s fun to eat at the picnic tables and soak in the island air. Several reviews mention the unique experience of dining among food trucks under the sun or stars and find it charming. However, a few do point out the presence of insects or chickens as minor drawbacks of the outdoor setting. “Too many ants and flies flying around… ordering to go would be perfect to not deal with the flies,” one reviewer suggested. Another warned that wild chickens might eye your food if you’re not careful. These comments are relatively rare and usually made in a light-hearted way – most guests were not deterred and simply advise others to be aware of the outdoor nature (it comes with the territory in Hawaii!). On the positive side, many visitors find the atmosphere quaint and local, appreciating that they’re eating shoulder-to-shoulder with residents and that the chef might chat with them at the table. It’s commonly described as a “welcoming, down-to-earth” place to eat.
- 💵 Value & Portions: Reviewers generally feel they get good value for the money here. As mentioned, the prices are considered reasonable for the quality (“fair prices at this quality level” is a frequent sentiment). Portion sizes for items like rolls and burritos are satisfying for most – a number of people mention splitting bowls or rolls between two people because they were fairly large. That said, there are a few mixed opinions on portion: for example, one guest felt the poke bowl had “way too much rice” as filler and not enough fish or toppings, and another wanted a bit more salmon in the sushi burrito. These comments are occasional; many others felt portions were just fine, but if you have a big appetite, you might consider ordering an extra side or asking if they can upsize your bowl (the staff has been known to accommodate special requests). Overall, nobody leaves hungry, and the majority feel the quantity-to-price ratio is solid.
- 👍 Criticisms: It’s hard to find serious complaints in the sea of 5-star reviews, but a few constructive critiques do pop up. The most common (though still not frequent) negative feedback is about the poke bowls’ seasoning. A couple of self-proclaimed poke connoisseurs felt the poke at Big Monster was bland or not as marinated as traditional Hawaiian poke. One review from late 2024 harshly called it “the worst poke… absolutely no flavor,” but such an extreme opinion is an outlier – others simply suggest the poke could use more sauce or seasoning like furikake to meet local tastes. The owners might have adjusted recipes since then, as most recent visitors still enjoyed their bowls. Another mild critique was the wait time: because every order is hand-made to order, during busy periods you might wait 20–30 minutes for your food. Most people didn’t mind (“worth the wait” is a common refrain), but it’s noted so you know it’s not fast-food speed. Lastly, one or two reviewers with extensive sushi experience said it was good but not the very best they ever had, naming a couple of other favorite sushi spots on the island for comparison. However, even those reviews typically still rated Big Monster 4 stars, indicating they liked it overall. In summary, the vast majority of guests leave very satisfied, with any criticisms being relatively minor or subjective preferences.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours & Availability: Big Monster Sushi Food Truck is closed on Mondays (plan around that, as Monday is the one day you can’t get your sushi fix here). On all other days (Tuesday through Sunday), they are generally open for lunch and dinner. According to the official schedule, the truck opens around 10:30 AM and serves lunch until ~2:00 PM, then reopens from 2:30 PM until about 7:30 PM for dinner. However, hours can vary slightly with season and demand – recently, some sources indicate they focus more on the afternoon/evening service (so if you find them closed at lunchtime, they will definitely be open by 2:30 PM for the dinner window). It’s always a good idea to double-check current hours on their Facebook or Google listing, especially on holidays. Also note, if they sell out of fresh fish or have a private event, they might close early (not common, but it can happen with popular food trucks).
- No Reservations – First Come, First Serve: Being a casual food truck, there’s no reservation system and no call-ahead seating. It’s walk-up ordering at the window. During peak meal times (e.g. 12:00–1:00 PM lunch or 6:00–7:00 PM dinner), you might encounter a line and a wait for your food (as mentioned, up to ~30 minutes when it’s very busy). For faster service, consider visiting at off-peak hours – for example, drop by right when they open (you’ll be first in line), or later in the afternoon between lunch and dinner rush (around 3–4 PM) when it’s typically quieter. If you do arrive at prime time, don’t fret; the line usually moves steadily, and you can always grab a drink and chat with fellow diners while waiting.
- Ordering Tips: You can call ahead to place an order for pickup, which is a smart move if you’re in a hurry or have a large order. The staff works quickly – one insider tip suggests that if you call just before leaving your hotel, your food might be ready by the time you drive there, as long as you’re relatively close by. They also have an online ordering system (Clover/Square) – check their website or Google listing for the link – which allows you to pay by card and pick up without waiting in the order line. This can be convenient during dinner rush when lines form. Payment is easy: they accept credit/debit cards at the truck (as well as cash). Tipping is appreciated if you feel you’ve gotten great service, as this is a small family-run business.
- Seating & Eating: If you plan to dine on-site, try to arrive a bit before peak times to snag a picnic table. There are a limited number of tables, and they can fill up when multiple parties arrive at once. Fortunately, the tables turn over fairly quickly as people eat and go. If you do get a seat, enjoy the casual ambiance but be prepared for nature – wearing a little bug repellent can help keep any flies or mosquitoes at bay, and keep an eye on your food as those infamous Kauai chickens are known to hop up hoping for leftovers!. Many locals actually opt for takeout (order at the truck and bring it home or to the beach) to avoid dealing with the outdoor nuisances. If you have a car, it’s easy to take your sushi a few minutes down to Poipu Beach or back to your resort. The food is packaged neatly in takeout containers, which makes it perfect for a picnic. Trash bins are on-site, and please do use them or take your garbage with you – keeping the area clean helps the food truck community thrive.
- When to Go & Other Tips: Big Monster Sushi is one of the few good food options open on Sunday in the Koloa/Poipu area (many restaurants close Sunday), so it can be a real weekend savior – keep in mind Sundays might be a bit busier for that reason. If you’re staying in Poipu, it’s very close by (5-10 minute drive); from Lihue it’s about a 20–25 minute drive. Parking is free and usually plentiful in the lot or along the road – if there’s an event at the neighborhood center it might be more crowded, but generally you won’t have trouble finding a spot. Dress code is come-as-you-are; many people drop in wearing beach attire. Just have a shirt and shoes when you approach the truck (for safety and courtesy), but beyond that, anything goes. The truck is kid-friendly – children are welcome, and you’ll even find a basic kids’ menu or at least kid-appealing items like simple avocado rolls or rice and edamame if your little ones aren’t sushi eaters. Dog-friendly as mentioned: feel free to bring your leashed pup to sit with you outside.
- Specials & Catering: The Big Monster team occasionally offers specials or seasonal items – for example, around holidays they might do a themed roll or platter (their social media showed a “Spooky Sushi Platter” for Halloween). It’s worth checking their Instagram or Facebook for any announcements of daily specials or closures. If you have a large group or event, Big Monster Sushi can cater or prepare party trays with advance notice. They have an impressive catering menu (sushi platters up to 100 pieces, etc.). So if you’re hosting a gathering on Kauai and want sushi, consider ordering a platter – just call 2–3 hours ahead as recommended. They’ll have it ready for pickup at the truck. This can be a fun option for sunset gatherings or family dinners at your rental house.
Finally, come with an open mind and a big appetite. As one Yelp reviewer put it, “we were hesitant to get sushi from a food truck… WE ARE SO GLAD WE DID!”. Big Monster Sushi Food Truck offers a unique blend of gourmet-quality sushi with the ease and aloha of a Kauai food truck. Enjoy your visit, and aloha!
Sources:
- Big Monster Sushi official site and menu
- HawaiianIslands.com expert review (2025)
- Wanderlog travel guide & aggregated reviews
- Tripadvisor and Google user reviews (via Wanderlog)
- MapQuest/Yelp summary and user tips
- BringFido pet-friendly listing.
