Our favorite unsung road food route: Oahu

You always had good reasons to drive State 83 along Windward and North Shore Oahu: the beaches at Kailua (President Obama’s vacation spot), the world-class surf. But here’s the best reason of all: Hawaii’s tastiest, least expensive food.

It doesn’t get more Hawaiian—try laulau (taro-wrapped pork), lomi lomi salmon, and kulolo (sweet taro pudding) at the Holo Holo Stop ($; 47-528 Kamehameha Hwy.; 808/230-0062) in Kane‘ohe.

Then head up the road to open-air Surfin’ Tacos ($; 54-296 Kamehameha Hwy., Hau‘ula; 808/293-4440) for tacos island-style—laden with fresh fish, cilantro, and the joint’s Secret Surf Sauce.

The Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck ($; 56-580 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku; 808/389-1173) may look like an abandoned vehicle, but it’s the best of the North Shore shrimp trucks, with butter-garlic shrimp shelled, butterflied, and coated with caramelized garlic bits.

Or head to Hale‘iwa and Opal Thai (pictured; $; 66-460 Kamehameha Hwy.; 808/381-8091), whose Bangkok-born owner serves the island’s finest Thai.

For dessert, double back to Sunset Beach and Ted’s Bakery (59-024 Kamehameha Hwy.; 808/638-8207). The chocolate haupia (coconut milk) pie has been fortifying big-wave surfers for years.