Cuisine & Specialties
A casual Hawaiian-style menu focused on local comfort fare and creative plate lunches. Think island favorites like garlic-lemon butter shrimp and sweet-spicy coconut crusted shrimp, pork and chicken katsu plates, char siu chicken with kimchi and pickles, kalua pork burritos, loco moco–style beef, sticky rice and mac salad. The kitchen often highlights regional ingredients (e.g. lilikoi/passionfruit desserts, haupia cheesecake, stuffed wontons) and offers vegetarian/gluten-free sides. Signature highlights include the head-on garlic shrimp in a buttery lemon sauce and crispy coconut shrimp with chili glaze – both frequently raved about by diners. (A noted Hawaiian travel guide describes the flavor-packed shrimp dishes and “fuchsia” char siu chicken as local must-tries.)
Notable Features & Ambiance
- Price: Very affordable – listed as “$” on guides. Plate lunches and coffees are wallet-friendly by Kauai standards.
- Seating & Views: Counter service cafe with indoor coffee bar vibe plus picnic-style outdoor seating. Park at the lot behind the shop and grab a table; it’s a lively spot for people-watching. (The original food truck’s 1970s teal décor adds a fun retro touch.)
- Amenities: Takeout and coffee bar available morning–early afternoon. Outdoor seating/picnic tables set in a garden area. Wheelchair access and on-site parking (behind the building). Kid-friendly casual diner atmosphere (no strict dress code).
- Ambiance: Unpretentious and upbeat – local residents and tourists mingle over breakfast burritos and plate lunches. Service is generally warm and friendly. Bring a jacket on cool mornings (and sunglasses for outdoor tables).
History & Background
Chef/owner Chloe Sorey launched Trucking Delicious in March 2014 (a few years after finishing the Culinary Arts program at Kauai Community College). It began as a whimsically painted 1970s-themed food truck in Hanalei, quickly gaining a following for its inventive Hawaiian fusion brunch and lunch. Sorey even competed on Food Network’s Cooks vs. Cons (advancing through the first round with her original recipes). In recent years the business moved into a permanent spot (renamed Wake Up Delicious – home of Trucking Delicious) at 5-5144 Kuhio Hwy in Hanalei. This brick-and-mortar cafe retains the truck’s flair and menu philosophy – offering robust island-style breakfasts, coffee and plate lunches – now with more seating workability. The restaurant has garnered local acclaim (featured in travel guides and Hawaiian Airlines’ in-flight magazine) for elevating the modest plate lunch to gourmet levels.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
- Praises: Customers consistently laud the bold local flavors and generous portions. Popular items like the garlic butter shrimp, sweet chili coconut shrimp, and char siu chicken are frequently named “must-tries.” Reviewers often mention the food’s freshness and friendly service – calling the experience fun, laid-back and “authentically Hawaiian.” Many notes that one entree is easily shareable (the plate lunches are “huge” and filling). The casual retro décor and outdoor seating also earn thumbs-up.
- Criticisms: A few guests report uneven experiences. One review found the coconut shrimp less outstanding than expected (calling it “just frozen shrimp” with sauce). Slow periods or island-time service are occasionally mentioned (some warn to double-check hours). There are isolated complaints about owner attitude or confusion over seating (“locals vs. tourists”), but these are rare. Overall, recent feedback skews very positive, emphasizing that creative local fare and a friendly vibe outweigh minor quibbles.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours: Open daily for breakfast/brunch and lunch. Typical hours are roughly 7 AM to early afternoon (often closing by 1–2 PM). (On weekdays there’s a short mid-morning break — e.g. closed 10–11 AM Thursday–Friday — so plan accordingly.) No dinner service.
- Best Times/Reservations: No reservations (order at the counter). It’s busiest mid-morning, so going right at opening or towards early afternoon can mean shorter wait. Portions are large, so one entrée can often feed two, which also helps keep visits swift.
- What to Expect: Casual counter service – place your order, grab a table or browse the coffee/drink cooler while you wait. In nice weather, feel free to sit outside at the picnic tables. The staff will call your name when food is ready.
- Accessibility/Payment: Street parking out back (and on nearby side streets) with ramp access ensures easy entry. Wheelchair-accessible entrance is available (though the main front has a few steps, the back/side likely has level access). Menus and ordering are upfront. [No confirmed policy on cash/card only – many diners report credit card payment is accepted, but handy to carry some cash just in case.]
- Other Tips: Follow their social media or call ahead on the day of your visit for any unexpected closures or menu changes (Kauai’s small eateries sometimes operate on “island time”). Come hungry but pace yourself (the portions are famously generous). Casual attire is fine, and be prepared for a laid-back, local crowd.
