Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp is a famous garlic shrimp spot located in Kahuku on the North Shore.
With no other locations in Hawaii, this is a dedicated shrimp eatery where you can only enjoy their dishes in Kahuku.
Once chosen as one of the “Top 5 Best Lunches to Eat in the U.S.,” it lives up to its reputation, attracting tourists every day with its delicious flavors.
While many shrimp shacks tend to close around dusk, Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp stays open into the evening, which is a great plus for those who want to grab a late bite.
The eatery is spacious and serves food quickly, making it highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy popular garlic shrimp without a long wait.
Recommended Menu Items at Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp
Its most distinctive feature is the use of large, plump shrimp, which are bigger than those at many other places.
The flavor is on the richer side, and it seems the shrimp are lightly seasoned beforehand, giving the shrimp themselves a solid taste.
The exquisitely flavored sauce is slightly creamy, striking a perfect balance between rich and light, and it pairs wonderfully with rice.
The two most popular signature dishes are the Garlic & Butter and the Spicy Garlic.
Other options include Lemon Pepper, Original Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, and Salt & Pepper. You can’t go wrong with any of them, so feel free to order whatever catches your eye on the menu.
Personally, my top recommendation is the Salt & Pepper. It’s simple, but the seasoning is absolutely perfect.
The sweet corn side dish, known as Kahuku corn, is also a local specialty of this area.
Name Change from Fumi’s to Tanaka
Actually, Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp was formerly known as Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp and operated at two locations, including one a short distance away.
Due to a relocation prompted by the return of land to the State of Hawaii, Fumi’s closed its original spot, and Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp took over, inheriting Fumi’s beloved recipes.
Fumi’s has since relocated to the food court at Ala Moana Center. While there are slight differences in the menu, they are mostly the same, so you can’t go wrong visiting either one.
However, since the brand and store names have changed, differences may emerge in the future. If you’re curious, why not try both?
Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp: Basic Information
| Name | Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp |
| Address | 56-931 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| URL | Official Website |
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