The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki (#1 is a beachfront gem!)
In pricey Waikiki, cheap eats is relative, of course. But if you’re looking for tasty treats that won’t break the bank, here’s where to go.
After moving to Waikiki, it wasn’t long before my husband and I began the hunt for deals on great meals.
Our search for the best cheap eats Waikiki had to offer was born of necessity for three very simple reasons:
- We live in Waikiki.
- We LOVE to eat out.
- We’re not made of money.
I mean, it’s true that Hawaii is an expensive place to visit. But it’s a REALLY expensive place to live.
And though we adore trying new restaurants, we can’t spend $100+ bucks every single time (see item #3 above).
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
Luckily, we’ve discovered lots of delicious “cheap” food options within a one-mile radius of our condo in Waikiki.
In related news, this cheapskate exploration also resulted in the discovery of some pretty amazing Happy Hours around town.
Read More: The 5 Best Happy Hours in Waikiki for Deals with a View 🍸
Where to find cheap eats Waikiki-style
Cheap is, of course, relative in Waikiki but for the purposes of this post, these are all places where a delicious meal or a hearty snack will run you less than $15-ish.
So, if you find yourself hungry in Honolulu, here’s my short list of the best cheap eats Waikiki has to offer.
I live here, I eat here, and I’ve cracked the budget-friendly code.
Let’s get started…
Best Places to Eat in Waikiki on a Budget:
1. Steak Shack Waikiki
When it comes to Waikiki cheap eats on the beach, this popular quick-serve counter is a long time favorite stop for locals. Located beachfront in Fort Derussy Beach Park, Steak Shack is on the second floor of the building next to the Outrigger Reef Beach Resort.
The menu is deliciously simple – a hearty plate of steak, chicken, or both served with organic greens and white rice.
The only downside at Steak Shack is the lack of a shady place to sit and eat. They have a scattering of tables with lovely ocean views but no shade whatsoever.
Your best bet is to grab one of the shaded park tables right next door.
Tip: Stop by on a Friday night just before sunset to grab your plate and watch the sunset from the rocks or the shore break (if the waves are low!), then stick around until 8:00p and enjoy the Hilton fireworks.
How’s the Wait?
Steak Shack is no secret these days. Expect to wait at least 15 minutes if the line is short, 20-30 minutes if it’s longer. Once you order at the front window, they’ll call your name from the side window when it’s ready.
What to order at Steak Shack
The Signature 6oz Steak Plate for $12.85 is one of the best deals in town.
Like all their plates, it comes with a generous portion of organic mixed greens and white rice. The only decisions you have to make are how you want your steak cooked and which dressing for your greens (ranch or Italian).
Can I get a cocktail with that?
No adult beverages at Steak Shack. But if you’re taking your meal to the picnic tables along the beachfront, sit just close enough to Koa Oasis Booze Shack on the other end of the picnic tables.
Part of the Hale Koa Hotel (a military recreation resort), this small beachfront shack serves terrific cocktails at reasonable prices. My husband is retired Army so we go here often for $10 tropical cocktails.
But don’t worry, it’s just $2 more for non-military. Anyone can buy drinks here or at the Hale Koa’s lovely Barefoot Beach Bar.
Where to find it: Beachfront on the Diamond Head side of Fort Derussy Beach Park, 2161 Kalia Road, Suite 104, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: Open Sunday-Thursday, 10:30am – 7:00pm, Friday & Saturday, 10:30am – 7:30pm.
Check out the full menu here: Steak Shack Waikiki Menu
2. Hula Dog (Food Truck)
This family-owned hot dog stand opened in 2000 on Kauai as “Puka Dog.” Serving Hawaiian-style hot dogs with creative local toppings like lilikoi (passionfruit) mustard and tropical papaya relish, the first Oahu location opened in 2007.
In 2008, Anthony Bourdain stopped by for a snack while filming his travel show “No Reservations” and the rest is history.
Since renamed Hula Dog, this colorful food truck is located in a small food truck park across the street from the Hawaii Convention Center (this is a recent relocation from its original spot on Kuhio Street).
When it comes to food trucks Waikiki has plenty, but Hula Dog is my favorite. It’s my #1 go-to for a quick bite when we’re out and about on a Saturday afternoon.
How’s the Wait?
Not bad. I’ve never waited longer than 10 minutes. Order at the window, grab a picnic table and they’ll call you when it’s ready.
What to order at Hula Dog
You can build your Hula Dog any way you like – choose the bread, dog, sauce, etc. – but I go straight for the best-selling Poi Dog. The Poi Dog is a Polish sausage inside purple Taro bread with jalapeno garlic lemon sauce, pineapple relish, and Hawaiian mustard.
Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
Pair it with a fresh squeezed lilikoi lemonade and you’ve got a delicious meal for less than $15. Not too shabby in this particular zip code.
Can I get a cocktail with that?
Not unless you spike the lemonade and, as a responsible citizen, I am not recommending that. Or am I?
No, definitely not.
Where to find it: 1700 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814.
When to go: Open daily from 11:00am – 6:00pm
Check out the full menu here: Hula Dog Kuhio Menu
3. Marugame Udon (aka Marukame Udon)
Founded in Japan, Marugame Udon opened in Hawaii in 2011 and has been a hit with Oahu visitors and locals ever since.
Known for its handmade udon noodles, tempura and musubis, part of the dining experience at Marugame Udon is watching the staff handcrafting the udon noodles as you choose your food in line.
It’s literally an udon factory in the heart of Waikiki.
Is it Marugame or Marukame?
This one confused me at first. On their website and Google, it’s Marugame. Yet, the sign on the restaurant itself says “Marukame Udon.” What gives?
Apparently, when Marugame Udon first opened in Honolulu it was as Marukame Udon. However, they later adjusted the name once it opened in the Continental U.S.
How’s the Wait?
If you go anywhere near dinner time, be prepared to wait in a long line. It moves pretty fast but finding a place to sit inside can be tough.
The protocol here is to look for a table only after you have your food.
My favorite time of day to go is around 3:00pm. I can almost always walk right in at that time and easily find a table.
But if you want to eat during the popular lunch or dinner times, there’s always the take-out window. It’s generally no more than a 5-minute wait and you can take your food to your room or the beach.
What to order at Marugame Udon
The signature dish at Marugame Udon is the Nikutama – udon noodles served hot or cold with sweet beef, a soft boiled egg and their made-in-house BK sauce.
The Nikutama is definitely my favorite udon dish but I also love the wide selection of cheap tempura treats. I dare you to resist the tempura temptations as you slide your tray toward the register! (Spoiler alert – I cannot.)
Can I get a cocktail with that?
Nope, but the matcha latte makes up for it.
Where to find it: 2310 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: Open daily 10:00am – 10:00pm. Avoid 5:00pm – 8:00pm unless you’re willing to wait.
Check out the full menu here: Marugame Udon Waikiki Menu
4. Pit Stop Waikiki (Food Truck)
This popular food truck known for excellent tacos and burgers is the definition of a hidden gem. Wedged in between a storefront and a stairway, it’s easy to miss as you walk down Kuhio Ave.
Since moving to Waikiki, we’ve tried a number of food trucks in the neighborhood (like the full block of food trucks along Kalakaua Avenue) and been mostly underwhelmed.
The food is okay, but they certainly aren’t cheap. In fact, for what we spent on some of those food truck meals, we might as well have gone to a real restaurant and not worried about fending off pushy birds while we ate.
But the Pit Stop truck and Hula Dog are the two exceptions – great food at a reasonable price. (For more good food trucks, head to the North Shore!)
How’s the Wait?
It usually only takes 10-15 minutes to get your food but there’s a big bonus here. A comfortable, air-conditioned dining room!
It’s not often you find a food truck with its own climate-controlled snazzy dining room.
Just order your food and then grab a table, they’ll bring the food to you when it’s ready.
What to order at Pit Stop Waikiki
Pit Stop has a wide menu but they’re locally famous for their tacos (and I do love them). But my favorite thing on the menu is the “Crispy Cheeseburger.”
It’s kind of a jumbo slider with cheese overflowing onto the griddle to make it extra crispy. I’d call it a cross between a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich and it’s a little slice of heaven.
They also have delicious lemonade (the lilikoi variation is my favorite).
Can I get a cocktail with that?
They don’t serve cocktails at Pit Stop but I did confirm with the owner that BYOB in their cozy dining room is A-OK. So feel free to swing by the ABC Store on your way if you like something stronger than lemonade with your tacos or burger.
Where to find it: 2411 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Note: The first time I used my GPS to find this one it took me to the road behind the truck. It’s definitely ON Kuhio Ave.
When to go: Open Monday-Saturday from 11:00am – 8:00pm, Sundays 12:00pm – 8:00pm.
Check out the full menu here: Pit Stop Waikiki Menu
5. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Started back in 1952 as a local chain of drive-in restaurants, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is now an international chain serving up classic Hawaiian, mouth–watering plate lunches.
What’s a plate lunch you ask? It’s simply a piece of fish or meat served with white rice and macaroni salad.
With more than 40 locations on Oahu alone, you’ll find L&L Hawaiian Barbecue everywhere in Hawaii. In Waikiki proper, your best bet is the location in the Royal Hawaiian Center Food Court (though it’s a few bucks more than the other locations – call it the “Waikiki tax“).
For a more affordable L&L nearby, check out the one I usually visit inside the Wal-Mart behind the Ala Moana Center.
Tip: That Wal-Mart also happens to be the best place in town to shop for Hawaiian souvenirs. In fact, there’s a whole section in the front of the store right next to L&L.
Known simply as L&L to locals, this popular wallet-friendly chain is home to the famous local plate lunch. Out around the island for a hike or a beach day? L&L is the perfect place to grab a quick, hearty meal at a reasonable price.
How’s the Wait?
This is a quick-service spot and generally the wait (once you place your order) is just 5 minutes or so.
What to order at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
The best-selling chicken katsu is my go-to plate lunch at L&L. The barbeque chicken is another delicious choice. I’m also a big fan of their macaroni salad which luckily comes with all the plate lunches.
Can I get a cocktail with that?
No, not in the food court. Of course – and I know this will come as a shock – there is an ABC Store right downstairs if you want to take it to go.
Where to find it: In Waikiki, it’s in the Royal Hawaiian Center’s Pa’ina Lanai Food Court (2nd Floor), 2233 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite B3, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: Open daily from 10:00am – 9:00pm
Check out the full menu here: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Menu
6. Waikiki Market
I stumbled across this little gem on my walk to Hula Dog one afternoon and it’s quickly become one of my favorite places to shop for fresh foods. On the first floor, there’s an open-air bar and restaurant called Piko Kitchen.
But the upstairs is where the magic happens.
While it’s technically a gourmet grocery store, Waikiki Market is so much more. It’s an upscale foodie paradise (think Hawaiian Whole Foods on steroids).
Yes, it has groceries, meats, and produce like any good grocery store. But the best part is the Freshly Prepared Food section where you’ll find 4 dazzling counters devoted to poke, local plates, rice (sushi), and a bake shop.
How’s the Wait?
The great thing about Waikiki Market is there’s no wait at all. Walk in, choose your meal, and grab a table on the terrace to enjoy it. Or just take it to go like I always do!
What to order at Waikiki Market
This place is a poke paradise (it’s my husband’s favorite local spot for poke). I love the plate lunches and the sushi. And, of course, the sweet treats at the Bake Shop.
Can I get a cocktail with that?
They have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages available for purchase inside the store. Or, visit the stylish bar downstairs (Piko’s KIitchen) for a craft cocktail.
Where to find it: 2380 Kuhio Ave, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: Open daily from 6:00am – 10:00pm.
Check out the full menu here: Waikiki Market Menu
7. South Shore Grill
One Sunday after hiking the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail for the first time, I was craving fish tacos. We were still new in town and had yet to discover any terrific fish taco spots.
So I hit up the “Googs” as we headed back toward Waikiki in search of the “best fish tacos near me.” South Shore Kitchen was the first place that popped up.
And what a score that turned out to be!
This family owned restaurant near Diamond Head has been dishing up fresh and flavorful Hawaiian grindz (local slang for food) since 2004. Fish tacos are the specialty of the house but the menu also includes classic Hawaiian plate lunches.
How’s the wait?
The seating area at South Shore Grill is pretty small so a bit of a wait here is not uncommon. In fact, every time I drive by there’s at least a small line outside the door.
But that’s primarily because the counter where you order is right inside the door so there’s not much room to queue. Try to avoid the popular lunch hour and you’ll have better luck scoring a coveted table.
What to order at South Shore Grill
Hands-down, the best fish tacos in Waikiki. Single tacos can be had for less than $5 each but the Grilled Cajun Ono Fish 2-taco plate gets my vote. It comes with rice, slaw, and their delicious tuna-mac salad.
Can I get a cocktail with that?
Nope. At South Shore Grill, it’s non-alcoholic beverages only.
Where to find it: 3114 Monsarrat Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: Monday – Saturday 10:30am – 8:30pm (Wednesday 4:00pm – 8:30pm), and Sunday, 12:00pm – 8:30pm. As their website says, “Closed for big surf, luaus, and Sunday morning church.“
Check out the full menu here: South Shore Grill Menu
8. Musubi Cafe Iyasume
If you’re in need of a quick snack to fuel your afternoon surfing lesson, Musubi Cafe Iyasume is the perfect stop.
Spam musubi is a big deal in Hawaii. (Full disclosure, I honestly had no idea what it was before we moved here.) This popular local snack food of Japanese origin consists of a block of rice topped with Spam and wrapped in seaweed.
It’s just that simple. Or is it?
Musubi cafe Iyasume has elevated this traditional Hawaiian snack to gourmet levels by incorporating a variety of ingredients and flavors, such as avocado, bacon, and different types of fish.
Musubi Cafe Iyasume is a favorite stop for both tourists and locals in need of a quick, delicious, and reasonably-priced meal.
How’s the wait?
Sometimes you’ll find a short line at the Waikiki Beach Walk location (because it’s so petite) but it moves quickly. This place is the definition of grab and go.
What to order at Musubi Cafe Iyasume
While the Spam musubi is the star attraction and wins the prize for the cheapest cheap eats Waikiki has to offer, Musubi Cafe also offers other Hawaiian and Japanese-influenced dishes, such as poke bowls and bento boxes.
Can I get a cocktail with that?
Not here. Non-alcoholic beverages only. Because Spam and spirits apparently don’t mix.
Where to find it: You’ll find several locations around Waikiki but my favorite location is in the Waikiki Beach Walk, 227 Lewers Street, Honolulu, HI 96815.
When to go: All locations are open daily but the hours vary slightly. The Lewers Street location is open from 7:00am – 9:00pm. So you can get your musubi morning, noon, and night.
Check out the full menu here: Musubi Cafe Iyasume Waikiki Menu
9. Barefoot Beach Cafe
Barefoot Beach Cafe is the ultimate choice for casual dining along Waikiki Beach. The cafe supports local businesses by using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, which means you get fresh cheap eats at a great price.
Just steps from the surf of Waikiki Beach, this is no frills Hawaiian waterfront dining with a million dollar view. No shorts or shoes required.
Step off the beach, order at the window and grab a table by the surf. It doesn’t get much better.
But Barefoot Beach Cafe is more than just food, it’s a fantastic place to listen to live music and watch the sunset.
The menu includes everything from classic American fare like burgers and fries to Hawaiian specialties like poke bowls and loco moco. It’s also one of my favorite spots for breakfast in Waikiki.
Stop by for a leisurely breakfast, a midday snack, or a sunset dinner.
How’s the wait?
Order at the window and grab a table. They’ll call your name when it’s ready. Service is pretty quick, generally 10-15 minutes for food, much quicker for smoothies.
What to order at Barefoot Beach Cafe
You really can’t go wrong here. But whatever you order, add a side of their awesome sweet potato fries and a smoothie.
Can I get a cocktail with that?
Unfortunately, no. Though this would be an incredibly lovely spot to sip a mai tai. Because the Barefoot Beach Cafe is right on the beach, it falls under the no alcohol rules for public parks.
Where to find it: 2699 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
When to go: Open daily from 8:00am – 9:00pm. Breakfast served until 2:00pm.
Tip: Stop by on a Friday evening and catch the weekly 8:00pm fireworks show from the Hilton. It’s a different perspective from this far away and one of my favorite places to watch the fireworks.
Check out the full menu here: Barefoot Beach Cafe Menu
10. ABC Stores
I know what you’re thinking. An ABC Store is not a restaurant. And you’re right, mostly.
But the truth is, when it comes to cheap eats Waikiki’s ubiquitous ABC Stores are hard to beat.
You can’t swing a ukulele in Waikiki without hitting an ABC Store. They’re a staple for necessities from sunscreen and Aloha shirts to pre/post-race supplies if you’re in town for the Honolulu Marathon.
But your local ABC Store is also a great place for an affordable quick bite.
In fact, if you visit one of the “Super ABC Stores” like the one on the ground floor of the Imperial Hawaii Resort, you’ll actually find a full-service deli restaurant serving all your Hawaiian favorites from plate lunches to loco moco.
There’s also a shiny new Island Country Markets (an upscale ABC brand) right across the street from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Their deli counter serves up everything from juicy steak dinners to local Hawaiian favorites.
How’s the wait?
With friendly and efficient check-out counters around the store, you’ll rarely have to wait more than a moment to pay for your food and be on your way.
What to order at the ABC Store?
Well, unless you’re visiting Island Country Markets or the ABC Store deli location, you’re not really ordering, it’s more of a grab-and-go operation.
When it comes to pre-packaged foods, I love their chicken quesadillas and wrap sandwiches.
At the deli counter, my favorite things are the Hawaiian plate lunches or poke bowls. Salad bars are a luxury in the Waikiki food scene and this is one of the few places you can create your own salad in town for a reasonable price.
Can I get a cocktail with that?
Duh, it’s an ABC Store!
I can confidently say that your average ABC Store has a better beverage selection than any other cheap eats spot on my list (though Waikiki Market is a close second!).
That includes specialty items like locally brewed craft beers, Hawaiian-made spirits, and unique tropical mixers.
Just remember, they don’t have seating, so you’ll have to take it to go.
Where to find it: The better question is where can you NOT find an ABC Store in Waikiki. They are pretty much on every corner. But for the best food selection, head straight for an ABC Super Store (complete with an extensive deli) like the one at 205 Lewers Street on the ground floor of the Imperial Hawaii Resort.
When to go: The beauty of ABC Stores? They’re open every day of the year from early in the morning until late at night. Hours may vary slightly by store but most ABC Stores are open from 6:30am – 11:00pm.
Check out the Lewers Street Deli menu here: ABC Store Deli Menu
And the Island Country Markets menu here: Island Country Markets Menu
And that’s a wrap on the best cheap eats Waikiki has to offer!
Did this post make you hungry?
If so, I hope you discovered a few new spots here to solve that problem without breaking the bank.
In the search for cheap food Waikiki doesn’t make it easy. But thankfully there are a few great spots to find a delicious affordable meal.
Bon appetite!
Oh, and if you’re looking for affordable things to do around the island, I’ve got you covered there, too: 25 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu That Won’t Cost You a Dime🌺
Oh, and once you’ve devoured that delicious (cheap!) meal, here are a few great places to explore around Oahu:
The 7 Absolute Best Things to Do on Oahu (if time is short!)
5 Easy Oahu Hikes for Those Who Love Nature But Hate Hiking
Escape the Oahu Crowds with a Visit to the Byodo-In Temple
