5 Tropical Drinks You Need to Try at North Shore Tacos

A great taco needs a cold companion. You know how the salt from a long surf session leaves you craving something specifically sweet and icy? We built our menu around that exact feeling.

Joseph “Joey” Fullmer started this journey in 2010 by converting a humble building in Hau’ula, and he knew immediately that the drinks had to match the food’s quality. Tacos are heavy on savory spices and rich fats. Your beverage needs to cut through that richness, not just wash it down.

We have curated a list of essential refreshments that do exactly that.

1. The Pineapple Tiki

Our signature drink and the most ordered item after the Surfin’ Taco.

This beverage is the reason many people stop their cars. The Pineapple Tiki has become a social media icon on the North Shore, but it offers much more than just a pretty photo op.

We blend this drink using a specific ratio of ingredients to ensure it refreshes you without inducing a sugar crash.

• Fresh-Pressed Pineapple: We use real fruit juice, which contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion after a heavy meal.
• Coconut Cream: This adds a smooth texture that balances the acidity of the pineapple.
• Lime Splash: A hint of citrus wakes up the palate.

Why it works: Pineapple and pork are a culinary match made in heaven. The acidity in this drink slices right through the savory richness of our sweet pork or the crispy crunch of our fish tacos.

Insider Tip: If you are visiting our Hau’ula location, ask our team to “make it dirty.” We can spike this local favorite with rum for a classic tropical cocktail experience.

2. Lilikoi Margarita

A tangy Hawaiian twist on a Mexican classic.

Standard margaritas are great, but passion fruit elevates the experience entirely. Lilikoi (Hawaiian passion fruit) is significantly more tart and aromatic than standard lime or lemon mixes.

We refuse to use pre-made syrups for this cocktail. The floral aroma of fresh lilikoi hits your nose before the drink even touches your lips.

The Flavor Profile:

1. Sharp Start: The initial taste is bright and extremely tart.
2. Sweet Middle: The natural sugars from the fruit smooth out the tequila.
3. Clean Finish: It leaves your palate ready for the next bite of spicy salsa.

Availability: You can order this cocktail at our Hau’ula restaurant. If you are stopping by our Sharks Cove food truck, our Pineapple Tiki and fresh lemonades deliver a similar tropical refreshment without the buzz.

3. Classic Lime Margarita

Sometimes the original is unbeatable.

A “skinny” margarita is often the best test of a drink’s quality. There are no heavy syrups or artificial flavors to hide behind here.

We rely on three core pillars to make this drink stand out: quality tequila, Cointreau, and fresh-squeezed lime juice. That is the entire list.

Why this matters: Many commercial mixes are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, which can leave you feeling bloated in the heat. A clean margarita uses simple ingredients that hydrate and refresh rather than weigh you down.

Serving Options:

• On the Rocks: For those who want to taste the tequila notes.
• Frozen: Perfect for lowering your core temperature after a hike at Waimea Valley.

4. Horchata

The creamy, cinnamon-sweet comfort drink.

Horchata is a traditional Mexican beverage that feels right at home alongside our Baja-style menu. This chilled rice-based drink is silky smooth with warm cinnamon undertones.

We serve it cold, making it the perfect counterbalance to a spicy meal on a hot North Shore afternoon.

Why you should try it: The natural creaminess coats your palate and calms the heat from hot salsa. If you are someone who loves bold, spicy toppings on your Surfin’ Tacos, horchata is the drink that lets you enjoy the fire without the burn.

• Texture: Smooth and creamy, almost like a melted milkshake.
• Flavor: Cinnamon-forward sweetness with a subtle vanilla note.
• Temperature: Served ice-cold in small, medium, or large.

Pro Tip: Horchata and our Sweet Pork filling are a match made in heaven. The cinnamon in the drink echoes the tangy sweetness of the pork, creating a seamless flavor experience.

5. Strawberry or Ginger Lemonade

The refreshing crowd-pleaser.

Sometimes you want something bright, fizzy, and simple. Our lemonades deliver exactly that with a North Shore twist.

Strawberry Lemonade blends real strawberry sweetness with tart lemon for a fruity, refreshing drink that kids and adults love equally.

Ginger Lemonade takes a different path. The fresh ginger adds a spicy, warming kick that pairs surprisingly well with fried fish. The heat from the ginger and the acidity from the lemon create a one-two punch that cuts through the crispy fried fish and Surf Sauce.

• Available: At both our Hau’ula restaurant and Sharks Cove food truck in small, medium, and large sizes.
• Best for: Families, designated drivers, and anyone who wants a bold non-alcoholic option.

Why we love it: These lemonades bridge the gap between simple hydration and a crafted beverage. They are more interesting than water but lighter than a Pineapple Tiki, making them the ideal “all day” drink for a long beach session.

The Perfect Pairings

Choosing the right drink can enhance the flavors of your meal. We have analyzed our menu to create this pairing guide based on flavor contrast and complement.

Your Order	Recommended Drink	The Logic
Surfin’ Tacos (Fresh Fish)	Pineapple Tiki	The creamy coconut balances the crispy fried fish, while pineapple cuts the oil.
Da Kine Quesadilla	Lilikoi Margarita	The tart passion fruit cuts through melted cheese and Surf Sauce.
Surfin’ Tacos (Steak)	Lime Margarita	Salt and lime are the traditional and necessary counterpoints to rich beef.
Surfin’ Tacos (Sweet Pork)	Horchata	The cinnamon sweetness of horchata mirrors the tangy sweetness of the pork.
Beach Burrito	Lime Margarita	The clean acidity prevents the smothered burrito from feeling too heavy.
Gnarly Nachos	Strawberry Lemonade	Sweet and tart lemonade refreshes between bites of cheesy, loaded nachos.

Where to Get Them

You can find these drinks at our two main locations on the North Shore. Note that alcohol laws differ by venue type.

The Hau’ula Restaurant

This is the spot for the full experience. Our Hau’ula restaurant features beers and margaritas and tropical cocktails.

• Best for: Sunset dinners, date nights, and anyone wanting a tequila-based drink.
• Parking: We have a dedicated lot, making this the easier stop if you are driving a large rental car.

The Sharks Cove Food Truck

This location captures the essence of street food culture. Our Sharks Cove food truck focuses on speed and refreshment.

• Menu: Pineapple Tikis, strawberry or ginger lemonade, sodas, Mexican Coke, and water.
• Note: No alcohol is served here due to licensing restrictions at the cove.
• Best for: A quick refuel after snorkeling or a beach picnic.

You can view our full menu online to decide on your order before you arrive. We look forward to serving you a cold drink soon.