Tango Empanadas: A Hidden Gem At The Kahuku Sugar Mill

Tango Empanadas is a charming food truck tucked away in Kahuku on Oahu’s North Shore, serving up authentic Argentine-style empanadas made from cherished family recipes. The truck is all about heartfelt flavors and homestyle cooking, bringing a taste of Argentina to the islands. Each empanada is handmade with care—golden, flaky on the outside, and packed with savory fillings like classic beef, , spinach and cheese, pork and more.

Let's chat with Julie!

HTS: Introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about your Argentinian history.

J: We are Juli and Lucas, siblings from Argentina — the land of Messi and empanadas! Our love for empanadas runs deep. Growing up, our grandma and mom made the best empanadas you could imagine — all kinds, all flavors, baked or fried. We loved them all, and that passion has stayed with us ever since.

HTS: What made you decide to open a food truck?

J: Lucas was the one who started it all! What began as small deliveries to friends (and friends of friends) grew into selling at farmers markets. Seeing how much people loved them, he decided to build his own little trailer. I first started as a helper, but soon we both jumped in fully and said, “OK, let’s do it! Let’s show everyone our traditional flavors and share our Argentinian culture across the island.”

HTS: Tell us about the Chimichurri sauce!

J: Chimichurri is that sauce you can put on almost anything — steak, fish, veggies — it never goes wrong. We use our dad’s secret recipe: a special blend of herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, crushed peppers, paprika, and rosemary, mixed with vinegar, olive oil, and one secret ingredient we keep to ourselves. Many ingredients are imported straight from Argentina, while others we grow in our own garden. It’s as authentic, traditional, and fresh as it gets.

HTS: What is your best selling item? 

J: Beef, of course! We sell around 300 beef empanadas a week — it’s the most traditional and most loved flavor. On the veggie side, spinach and cheese is the crowd favorite.

HTS: Do you cater or do private events? How can people get in touch for booking?

J: Yes! We cater and do private events. We offer everything from empanada bars to a full Argentinian experience with a professional griller cooking on-site. In Argentina, cooking is about more than food — it’s about sharing an experience — and that’s exactly what we bring. You can reach us through our website: www.tangoempanadashi.com 

HTS: Do you have any future plans for other businesses?

J: We’re expanding! We’ve launched a new concept, TANGO Just Fries — a loaded French fries truck, because who doesn’t love fries? We’ll also offer a French fries bar for parties and events. While TANGO Empanadas keeps running strong, TANGO Just Fries is taking off. And the next step? Opening a storefront in Waikiki so no one misses out on our food!

HTS: And last but not least, what is your favorite thing about Hawaii?

J: We both love the lifestyle here — the aloha spirit, the strong sense of community, the sunsets, the beaches, and the endless shades of green when hiking. That connection with nature makes us feel grateful every day.

The vibe at the truck is warm and welcoming, and the empanadas are satisfying without being too heavy—perfect for a beach day snack or a quick bite while exploring the area. Their chimichurri sauce is a must-try too, adding a zesty, herby punch that compliments the rich fillings perfectly. Whether you’re a local or just cruising through the North Shore, Tango Empanadas is a delicious little stop worth making.

Find them here! 

Address: 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI, United States, Hawaii

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tangoempanadasoahu

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tangoempanadashi

Website: www.tangoempanadashi.com