The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki | 2024 ✅✅

Embark on a culinary adventure through Waikiki without breaking the bank! In this guide, we unveil the 10 best cheap eats in Waikiki, and you won’t want to miss #4 – a hidden gem that promises a delightful surprise for your taste buds.

 From local favorites to international delights, discover affordable dining options that prove you can savor the flavors of Waikiki without burning a hole in your pocket. Let’s dive into the world of budget-friendly, yet delicious, dining experiences in the heart of Honolulu.

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…

1. Steak Shack Waikiki

This popular beachfront quick-serve counter is a long-time favorite stop for locals. Located 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 at Steak Shack?

These days, Steak Shack is no secret. Plan to wait at least 15 minutes if the line is short, and if it’s a bit longer, it might stretch to 20-30 minutes. Once you place your 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 top deals in town.

Like all their plates, it comes with a generous portion of organic mixed greens and white rice. Your only decisions? 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 close enough to Koa Oasis Booze Shack at the other end of the picnic tables.

Part of the Hale Koa Hotel (a military recreation resort), this small beachfront shack serves fantastic cocktails at reasonable prices. My husband is retired Army, so we frequent it for $10 tropical cocktails. But no worries, it’s just $2 more for non-military. Anyone can grab drinks here or at the Hale Koa’s delightful 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, 10:30 am – 7:00 pm, Friday & Saturday, 10:30 am – 7:30 pm.

2. Hula Dog (Food Truck)

This family-owned hot dog stand, originally named “Puka Dog,” started in 2000 on Kauai. Offering 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 swung by for a bite while filming “No Reservations,” and the rest is history.

Now called Hula Dog, this vibrant food truck resides in a small food truck park at the corner of Kuhio and Kapuni, sharing space with Five Star Poke and Angry Shrimp.

Hula Dog is my top pick for a quick bite on a Saturday afternoon.

How’s the Wait?

Not bad. I’ve never waited longer than 10 minutes. Order at the window, snag a picnic table, and they’ll holler when it’s ready.

What to Order at Hula Dog

Build your Hula Dog any way you like – pick the bread, dog, sauce, etc. But I always go for the best-selling Poi Dog. It’s a Polish sausage in 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 tasty 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. Although there is an ABC Store nearby (naturally).

Where to Find It: 206 Kapuni Street, Honolulu, HI 96815.

When to Go: Open daily from 11:00 am – 8:30 pm (last order at 8:15 pm).

Read Also: Where to Stay in Kauai: The Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals

3. Marugame Udon (aka Marukame Udon)

Marukame or Marugame Udon?

Founded in Japan, Marugame Udon made its way to Hawaii in 2011 and has been a hit with Oahu visitors and locals alike.

Renowned for its handmade udon noodles, tempura, and musubis, part of the dining experience at Marugame Udon is watching the staff craft 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 head there around dinner time, brace yourself for a bit of a wait in a long line. It moves pretty fast, but finding a place to sit inside can be a challenge. The drill here is to scout for a table only after you have your food.

The line at 6 pm almost every night

My favorite time to go is around 3:00 pm. I can almost always stroll right in at that time and easily find a table.

But if you’re aiming for lunch or dinner during peak 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.

Nikutama is unquestionably my favorite udon dish, but I also adore 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 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. Avoid 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm unless you’re willing to wait.

4. Ty’s BBQ & Grill (Food Truck)

Ty’s BBQ tucked away outside Suzy Wong’s

I’m almost ashamed to admit that this food truck, the closest to our building, took us nearly 3 weeks to discover after we moved in.

Why?

Because it’s seriously hidden. Like tucked away down an alley behind a 7-11 hidden.

Just across the street from Ty’s is a full block of food trucks along Kalakaua Avenue. We visited those trucks a few times when we first moved in, and they were OK.

But like most food trucks in Waikiki, they 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 I digress. Back to Ty.

Located in the parking lot of Suzie Wong’s Hideaway, a local dive bar popular with bikers and neighborhood residents, Ty’s BBQ & Grill is the definition of a hidden gem.

How’s the Wait?

It usually only takes 10-15 minutes to get your food, but if you order the ribs (and you should), they do take 20 minutes to prepare. Fair warning, we visited on a recent Friday night around 7 pm, and the wait for food was almost an hour.

In fact, Ty had to close his window for over an hour that night to catch up before he took any new orders. But hey, he’s a popular guy.

But that’s not the norm. Typically, the wait time is just long enough to pop into Suzy Wong’s for a drink. Order outside at the truck and head inside to find a table.

They’ll find you inside and bring the food to your table when it’s ready.

What to Order at Ty’s BBQ & Grill

If you go for Taco Tuesday, I love the Steak Quesadillas, and my husband always gets the street tacos. The rest of the week, the ribs are easily the best thing on the menu (though the burgers are also pretty fantastic).

Can I Get a Cocktail with That?

Ty doesn’t serve cocktails because he doesn’t need to. His partnership with the dive bar Suzie Wong’s Hideaway is a match made in heaven. His truck basically IS their kitchen.

Where to Find It: 1913 Dudoit Lane, Honolulu, HI 96815. There is a 7-11 on the corner of Ena Road and Kalakaua Ave, go behind it. Trust me. Or, just put Suzie Wong’s in your GPS.

When to Go: Open Tuesday-Saturday from 2:30 pm – 9:00 pm while supplies last. Taco Tuesday menu is only available on Tuesdays.

5. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

L&L Hawaiian BBQ in the Royal Hawaiian Center Food Court

Starting its journey 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 barbecue 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 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.

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 Kitchen) for a craft cocktail.

Where to Find It: 2380 Kuhio Ave, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815.

When to Go: Open daily from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm.

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 10:30 am – 8:30 pm (Wednesday 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm), and Sunday, 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm. As their website says, “Closed for big surf, luaus, and Sunday morning church.“

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 7:00 am – 9:00 pm. So you can get your musubi morning, noon, and night.

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 8:00 am – 9:00 pm. Breakfast served until 2:00 pm.

Tip: Stop by on a Friday evening and catch the weekly 8:00 pm fireworks show from the Hilton. It’s a different perspective from this far away and one of my favorite places to watch the fireworks.

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.

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 the ABC Store deli location, you’re not really ordering, it’s more of a grab-and-go operation. When it comes to the pre-packaged foods, I love their chicken quesadillas and wrap sandwiches.

At the deli counter, my favorite things are the create your own salad 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 6:30 am – 11:00 pm.

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.

Bon appetit!

Conclusion

In the bustling streets of Waikiki, finding affordable yet delicious meals becomes a quest for residents and visitors alike. The search for the best cheap eats in Waikiki is a testament to the need for satisfying meals without breaking the bank. Living in this tropical paradise, where costs can be high, has inspired a culinary exploration that considers both flavor and affordability.

The list provides a diverse range of options, from beachfront quick-serve counters like Steak Shack and Barefoot Beach Cafe to hidden gems like Ty’s BBQ & Grill tucked away behind 7-11. Food trucks, such as Hula Dog, bring a unique twist to Hawaiian-style hot dogs, and local institutions like L&L Hawaiian Barbecue serve up classic plate lunches. Even convenience stores like ABC Stores and gourmet markets like Waikiki Market prove to be unexpected sources of delicious and economical meals.

Waikiki’s culinary landscape caters to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that even those on a budget can indulge in the vibrant and diverse flavors of the island. From musubi to fish tacos, each establishment on this list contributes to the rich tapestry of affordable dining experiences in Waikiki.

In the end, the quest for cheap eats in Waikiki becomes a rewarding journey, uncovering not only delightful meals but also hidden treasures and local favorites. Whether enjoying a quick snack from Musubi Cafe Iyasume or savoring the best fish tacos at South Shore Grill, these affordable dining options contribute to the unique charm of living and dining in Waikiki. Bon appétit!