HONOLULU (KHON2) — The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is opening its kitchens to more than just students. From food truck row to campus dining halls, the public is invited to enjoy meals on campus.
Marc Arakaki, spokesperson for UH Mānoa, said the goal is variety. “We really try to offer a diverse, really culturally rich set of meal options for our students, faculty and staff here on campus,” Arakaki said.
Two main dining centers serve as anchors. Paradise Palms Café sits on the north side of upper campus, and Campus Center is located on the south side. Together, they offer daily meals that stretch across cuisines.
Food Truck Row
One of the newest draws is food truck row, where vendors line up along a busy roadway during the semester.
“One of the cooler additions that we’ve had in recent years has been food truck row,” Arakaki said. “So, during the semester, you’re going to see the roadway area lined up with just a bunch of food trucks.”
Amongst the most popular vendors is Saap Saap Hawaiʻi, known for both fusion and authentic local food.
“Some of their most popular items [are] the Lao sausage plate, signature Lao sausage plate, as well as the Lao fried chicken plate,” Arakaki said.
Other trucks include Cook’s Coffee, Island Banana Juice, Crazy Dogs, Veggie Dogs, Seoul Fusion Beef, Plant Based Burger and Middle Eats.
More than students
Arakaki emphasized that the meals are not limited to those who study or work at the university. The entire community has the option of exploring UH Manoa’s carefully curated food truck options.
“One thing we also want to mention is that the food trucks and our food options here are not only open to students, faculty and staff,” he said. “So, we welcome folks from the community, the surrounding community to come out to campus and try out these different [options].”
All locations accept cash and credit; so, there is no need for a campus meal plan. Visitors can stop in for coffee, lunch or dinner while enjoying the atmosphere of campus life.