Food trucks at Big Island

Question

This saturday we are flying to Big Island at KOA airport. I and my wife are big fans of food trucks, have great experience with them at Maui.

Are there food truck park(s) nearby or within 30 min driving from the Kona airport? If yes, would you mind to share the locations/coordinates - google map search is not quite useful...

Thanks

Answer

The Kona area on the Big Island has a vibrant food truck scene, offering everything from poke bowls and fresh seafood to tacos, BBQ, and unique Hawaiian fusion dishes. Many are clustered in convenient spots that are within a 30-minute drive from the Kona International Airport (KOA), making it easy to sample a variety of local flavors shortly after your arrival.

Popular food truck hubs near Kona include:

Kona Brewing Co. Food Truck Park: Located near Kona Brewing Company on Ali’i Drive, this area often hosts rotating food trucks in the evenings. Great for casual dining with a local craft beer.
Kailua-Kona Farmer’s Market / Truck Area: Along Ali’i Drive, near the harbor and main town area. Some permanent and rotating food trucks operate here during market days and evenings.
Keauhou Shopping Center Food Trucks: Located just south of Kona (~15 min drive), the center occasionally hosts multiple food trucks near the parking lot, offering tacos, burgers, and Hawaiian specialties.
Da Poke Shack & Truck Locations: While primarily a storefront, Da Poke Shack sometimes operates a mobile truck in Kona or nearby areas, known for fresh poke and seafood dishes.

Specific coordinates and locations you might try searching for on Google Maps include:

Kona Brewing Co., 75-5620 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kailua-Kona Farmers Market, 75-5737 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Tips for visiting Big Island food trucks:

Most food trucks are open for lunch and dinner hours; check local Facebook pages or Yelp for up-to-date schedules as some rotate days of operation.
Cash is often preferred, though some trucks accept cards. Smaller bills are helpful.
Arrive early for popular trucks, especially for poke or BBQ options, as lines can form quickly.
Many trucks are clustered near each other, so you can try multiple cuisines in one stop.

In summary, within 30 minutes of KOA, you have plenty of options to enjoy casual, fresh, and authentic Big Island cuisine from food trucks. Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona is the main hub, with additional options at Keauhou and the harbor area. Exploring these areas will give you a taste of local flavors and a fun, informal dining experience.