The Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki
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Once a place where Hawaiian royalty resided, Waikiki is now a vibrant neighborhood filled with beaches, historic sites, and activities. Whether you’re spending a day on the beach or taking our Waikiki Walking Tour, you’re bound to work up quite an appetite.
You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, and to avoid any hangry travelers, we’ve narrowed down the best cheap eats in Waikiki — you and your wallet will thank us.
1. Steak Shack
Cost: $11-30
Accepts Credit Cards: No
Hours: Every day 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Address: 2161 Kalia Rd Ste 104, Honolulu, HI 96815
The Steak Shack is located right on the beach, making it an ideal restaurant to go to after spending a day relaxing in the sand or soaking up sun. A perfect spot to enjoy tasty, yet cheap food in Waikiki, it offers a smaller menu with quality products.
The steak plate starts at $9 and comes with steak, rice, and a house salad. The meat is grilled to perfection and mixed with delicious seasonings that will have you coming back for more.
2. Henry’s Place
Cost: Under $10
Accepts Credit Cards: No
Hours: Every day 7:00 AM-10:00 PM
Address: 234 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
Come to Henry’s Place, and you’ll most likely find a line of people waiting outside — and for a good reason. Walk inside, and you’ll see a fridge where you can select any flavor of ice cream or sorbet you’d like.
The desserts are in soda cups and look like a basic snack, but don’t let that dissuade you from indulging. This is a great find for cheap food in Waikiki; the ice cream is delicious and costs $5.25 a cup!
3. Musubi Café Iyasume
Cost: Under $10
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: Every day 6:30 AM-9:00 PM
Address: 2427 Kuhio Ave Ground Fl Aqua Pacific Monarch Hotel
Honolulu, HI 96815
If you haven’t tried musubi, it’s made with rice, some sort of meat, egg, tofu, or veggie, all wrapped in nori.
The snack is great to have on hand while you’re exploring, and Musubi Café has a variety of options to choose from. Try tuna, salmon, or even fried chicken — all between $2-$3!
We recommend getting a Hawaiian favorite — spam. Even people who “don’t like” spam enjoy it.
The eatery also has combination bento boxes starting at $12.98, making it a must on our list of cheap eats in Waikiki.
4. Rainbow Drive-In
Cost: Under $10
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: Every day 7:00 AM-9:00 PM
Address: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Not only is Rainbow Drive-In known for its local food, but it’s also famous for its massive portions. This local spot’s specialty is the mixed plate for only $8.
It comes with chicken, fried mahi-mahi, and teriyaki beef, all served over cabbage. And on top of that, you’ll also get a side of macaroni salad and two scoops of rice.
If that doesn’t leave you full and satisfied, we don’t know what will. It’s called a drive-in, but you can park, order, and eat at one of the picnic tables outside.
So Where’s The Best Cheap Food In Waikiki?
All of these places have options for under $10. Whether you’re craving a hearty plate lunch to keep you full for hours or a snack to grab and go, this list has got you covered!
SHAKA GUIDE OAHU TOURS: Headed to Waikiki? Download the Waikiki Walking Tour or check out any of these Waikiki spots before heading out on the Circle Island or East Oahu Driving Tour!
Looking to tour Waikiki? Check out our new Heart of Waikiki Walking Tour! With just your smartphone, our app, some earbuds, and a pair of sneakers, you'll learn about the history of this unique neighborhood. And, if want to venture outside the city we have four driving tours on Oahu.
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