7 Cheap Eats in Waikiki – Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Hawaii
Last Updated on Aug 27 2023 by Sama
When it comes to dining in the tropical paradise of Waikiki, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere, you might assume that the cost of eating out is exorbitant. However, fear not, as Waikiki is bursting with cheap eats that will satisfy your hunger and save you money in the process. Here is your ultimate guide on finding some delicious, locally approved cheap eats in Waikiki.
1. Marukame Udon
More Info
- Phone: +1 808-931-6000
- Timing: 10 am–9:30 pm
- Address: 2310 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Website: www.marugameudon.com/locations/waikiki/
- YELP Rating: 4.5/5
- Instagram: Marukame Udon
Marugame Seimen, also known as Marugame Udon outside of Japan, is a Japanese fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in udon. Marugame Udon provides hand crafted udon bowls, tempura, and beverages from a theater kitchen, allowing guests to watch as their food is prepared. There’s always a line up here, attracting both locals and tourists to try their delicious food offerings.
2. Maguro Spot
More Info
- Phone: +1 808-924-7653
- Timing: 10 am–8:30 pm
- Address: 2441 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Website: www.magurospot.com
- YELP Rating: 4.5/5
- Instagram: Maguro Spot
Maguro Spot is a delightful destination located in Hawaii that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine with its delectable offerings. Specializing in poke bowls, Maguro Spot showcases an exquisite array of fresh seafood delicacies that are as visually appealing as they are tantalizing to the taste buds. Each bowl is meticulously crafted with the finest cuts of sashimi-grade fish, including the renowned maguro (tuna). The generous portions of succulent seafood are expertly paired with a medley of crisp vegetables and fragrant rice, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
3. Musubi Café Iyasume
More Info
- Phone: +1 808-383-3442
- Timing: 7 am–9 pm
- Address: 227 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Website: www.iyasumehawaii.com/
- YELP Rating: 4.5/5
- Instagram: Musubi Café Iyasume
Musubi Cafe Iyasume is a convenient and iconic chain of quick service restaurants that is known for its variety of Musubis at reasonable prices. Musubi Cafe Iyasume is one of the top restaurants to eat in Waikiki. Located under the Aqua Pacific Monarch Hotel, this little cafe serving up musubi, a popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii. It is made up of a slice of Spam on top of rice, wrapped with seaweed. It is inexpensive and tastes great.
4. Steak Shack
More Info
- Phone: +1 808-861-9966
- Timing: 7 am–9 pm
- Address: 2161 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Website: www.steakshackhawaii.com
- YELP Rating: 4.5/5
- Instagram: Steak Shack
The Steak Shack has long been a favorite food stop for locals and visitors alike who are looking to taste the best steak on budget in Waikiki. Steak Shack is a warm and welcoming food stand that comes with the added benefit of a beachside address. Both the steak and chicken plates are undeniably popular, however, it’s possible to enjoy the best of both by ordering a combo plate!
5. Oahu Mexican Grill
More Info
- Phone: 808-921-0151
- Timing: 7 am–11pm
- Address: 2520 Kalākaua Ave 2nd floor, Waikiki, HI 96815, United States
- Website: www.omg.menu
- YELP Rating: 3.5/5
- Instagram: Oahu Mexican Grill
Oahu Mexican Grill is the perfect place for a Sunday dinner date with Tex Mex & Margs while watching the sunset over Waikiki beach. Discover new tastes of the menu with Mexican cuisine by enjoying tasty carnitas, grilled steaks and steak tacos with strawberry margarita, draft beer or wine
6. Rainbow Drive-In
More Info
- Phone: +1 808-737-0177
- Timing: 7 am–9 pm
- Address: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Website: www.rainbowdrivein.com
- YELP Rating: 4/5
- Instagram: Rainbow Drive-In
Rainbow Drive In, also known as Rainbow’s, makes into the short list when searching for the best Hawaiian plate lunch on Oahu. It’s no doubt the best takeaway place for lunch in my mind. Teri beef, shoyu chicken, Mahi Mahi, 2 scoops of rice, and mac salad is a staple on this island, and this Waikiki restaurant does it best. Let’s also not forget their chili dog plate, beef stew, and award-winning fried rice that sells out well before the morning is over!
7. Topped Waikiki
More Info
- Phone: +1 808-600-9911
- Timing: 10:30am-10:00pm
- Address: 333 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Website: www.toppedwaikiki.com
- YELP Rating: 4.5/5
- Instagram: Topped Waikiki
If you never turned out to try Korean cuisine, enjoy the Modern Korean dining in the heart of Waikiki. Their special dish is the signature 72-hour Marinated Kalbi and World-famous Beef and Butter Rice and of course the BIBIMBAP. Try their tasty pancakes for the breakfast.