I have visited Oahu countless times over the years, usually to visit friends or attend weddings. I almost always stay in Waikiki. While I love the energy of the neighborhood, I hate how expensive it has become.
It is easy to spend $30 on a mediocre breakfast buffet or $20 for a watered-down cocktail. (If you do want a cocktail with a view, I recommend checking out Tiki’s Grill & Bar during happy hour).
I have made those mistakes so you don’t have to.
Through trial and error, I found that the best food in Honolulu is often the cheapest. I am not talking about white tablecloths. I am talking about sliding a tray down a cafeteria rail for fresh udon, eating fresh poke on a sidewalk stool, or grabbing a warm musubi for the beach.
Here is my list of 13 of the best cheap eats in Waikiki for 2026 that are $20 and under.
1 – Marukame Udon
The first stop on my list of the best cheap eats in Waikiki is Marukame Udon. This casual Japanese eatery is famous for its Sanuki-style udon noodles, tempura, and rice bowls.
Thanks to its central location and affordable prices, this spot is incredibly popular. The line is legendary, often wrapping around the corner of Kūhiō Avenue.
However, do not let the crowd scare you. The cafeteria-style service moves surprisingly fast. On my last visit, I timed the wait to see how long it actually takes:
- 11:30 AM: 15 minutes
- 6:30 PM: 55 minutes
The process is part of the fun. You grab a tray and slide it down the rail, watching the staff make fresh noodles right in front of you. You order your base soup, slide further down to pick your own tempura sides with tongs, and pay at the end.
Note: Be aware of the strict seating rule. You must order and pay before you find a table. If you try to save a seat early, the staff will likely ask you to get back in line.
My favorite thing to order is the Curry Udon. The house-made noodles are thick and chewy, while the curry broth is rich with a deep, savory umami flavor.
Make sure you don’t skip the condiment station after you pay. This is where you can load up on free tempura flakes, green onions, and fresh ginger to add texture to your broth.
Whenever I visit Waikiki, Marukame Udon is my first stop. If you only try one place from this list, make it this one.
Insider Tip: The best time to visit is mid-afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) when there is no line. If you can’t make that work, try to arrive before 11:30 AM or after 8:30 PM to beat the rush.
What to order: Curry Udon, Shrimp Tempura
Marukame Udon
Address: 2310 Kūhiō Ave. #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
2 – Musubi Cafe Iyasume
If you are looking for the best Spam musubi in Waikiki, Musubi Cafe Iyasume is the spot.
While you can find Spam musubi at every ABC Store (convenience store) in Honolulu, those are often refrigerated and the rice is hard. Musubi Cafe Iyasume is different. This small shop makes them handmade to order using high-quality Koshihikari rice. The difference in texture is night and day.
I visited the location on Kūhiō Avenue (at the Pacific Monarch Hotel), which is ideal because it stays open until 9:00 PM.
Note: There are other locations nearby that might be closer to you, but check the hours carefully. The Seaside Avenue location, for example, closes at 3:00 PM.
The shop itself is tiny and smells incredible inside, like grilled Spam and sweet soy glaze. Since it is located just a block from the ocean, this is the best place to grab a cheap lunch to eat right on the sand.
They offer dozens of varieties, but my personal favorite is the Avocado Bacon Egg Spam Musubi. It tastes like a full breakfast in one bite: savory spam, salty bacon, creamy avocado, and egg, all balanced by the fluffy rice.
Insider Tip: These locations can get busy in the mornings. If you are in a rush, check the “ready-made” shelf near the register. They constantly restock it with their most popular flavors so you can often grab one and skip the wait for a made-to-order meal.
What to order: Avocado Bacon Egg Spam Musubi, Teriyaki Spam Musubi
Locations in Waikiki:
- Pacific Monarch (My Pick): 2427 Kūhiō Ave (Open 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Waikiki Beach Walk: 227 Lewers St (Open 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Seaside Ave: 334 Seaside Ave (Open 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
3 – Steak Shack
Think you can’t enjoy a steak with ocean views in Hawaii for under $17? You can at Steak Shack.
Located right on the sand next to the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii, this spot is easy to miss. You have to walk down a narrow beach access path between the Outrigger Reef and the museum to find the tiny takeout window.
On each visit, I go for the 6-ounce Steak Plate. It comes made-to-order with two scoops of rice and organic greens. You get a choice of Ranch, Thousand Island, or Italian dressing for your salad.
The quality here is shocking for the price. The steak is consistently smoky and charred from the grill while remaining tender.
For the best flavor, grab the soy sauce and sesame oil bottles on the counter and drizzle them over your steak and rice. It adds a savory kick that pairs perfectly with the salad dressing.
Insider Tip: The few standing tables here are almost always full. I usually just take my plate down to the beach. You get the exact view as the fancy hotels next door, but without the expensive bill. Just keep an eye on the time. They close at 7:00 PM (7:30 PM on weekends), so this isn’t a late-night spot.
What to order: 6oz Steak Plate (I recommend ordering medium-rare), Chicken Plate
Steak Shack
Address: 2161 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
4 – Maguro Brothers
If you want the freshest poke in Waikiki, go to Maguro Brothers. This isn’t just a catchy name. It is run by two brothers from Japan: Junichiro, who buys the fish fresh from the auction block, and Ryoji, who slices it.
Note: The Waikiki location is dinner only, open from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. They are not open for lunch. For lunch, you must visit their Chinatown branch.
Most poke shops in Waikiki pre-cut their fish and let it sit in marinade all day. Maguro Brothers is different because they slice your fish to order. You can taste the difference in the texture. The fish is firm and cold, while the rice is warm.
My go-to order is the Hawaiian Limu Ahi Poke Bowl. The seaweed (limu) adds a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft tuna, and the chili oil gives it a kick without overpowering the fish.
Insider Tip: Finding this place can be tricky. It is located inside the Waikiki Shopping Plaza (STIX Asia Food Hall) on the lower level, not on the street itself. Also, they are famous for their Chutoro (medium fatty tuna), but it often sells out by 6:30 PM. Get there right when they open at 5:00 PM if you want the premium cuts.
There is a small seating area in the food hall, but I usually take it back to my hotel lanai or walk down to the beach.
What to order: Hawaiian Limu Ahi Poke Bowl, Chutoro Sashimi (if available)
Locations:
- Waikiki (Dinner Only): 2250 Kalakaua Avenue (Monday-Saturday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Closed Sunday)
- Chinatown (Lunch Only): 1120 Maunakea St (Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Closed Sunday)
5 – Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
I have been visiting Teddy’s Bigger Burgers for as long as I can remember. Founded in 1998 and voted “Hawaii’s Best Burger” every year since 2001, this spot feels miles apart from McDonald’s. They flame-broil their patties to order, so you get that backyard BBQ char you just cannot find at standard fast food spots.
This location is on Kapahulu Avenue, right near the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park, making it the perfect lunch stop before or after a visit to the zoo.
You can customize almost everything, but I stick to the classics. My favorite order is the Hawaiian Burger. It comes with a 1/3 pound beef patty, teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, cheese, and veggies. I recommend ordering your burger medium to keep it juicy.
The combination works perfectly. The smoky char of the beef balances out the sweetness of the pineapple and the salty tang of the teriyaki sauce. It is a messy burger, but worth the napkins.
Insider Tip: Since they cook every burger to order, ticket times can run 15 to 20 minutes during the lunch rush. I highly recommend ordering online through their website before you walk over to skip the line. Also, ask for a side of their “Special Sauce” for your fries. It is sweet, tangy, and addictive.
What to order: Hawaiian Burger (cooked Medium), Garlic Butter Fries, Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Address: 134 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
6 – Island Vintage Shave Ice
Most people think shave ice is just crushed ice with artificial syrup, but Island Vintage Shave Ice proves otherwise.
Located in the courtyard of the Royal Hawaiian Center, this kiosk takes the dessert seriously. Unlike cheap roadside stands that use sugary, neon-colored syrups, Island Vintage uses syrups made from real fruit. You can actually taste the pulp in the mango and pineapple options.
The texture is what makes the shave ice stand out. The ice is shaved so fine it feels like fresh snow. This allows the ice to absorb the syrup rather than letting it pool at the bottom of the bowl.
My go-to order is the Heavenly Lilikoi. It comes topped with passion fruit (lilikoi), strawberry syrup, and popping boba. The best part is the tart frozen yogurt buried in the center. That creamy yogurt core balances out the sharp fruit flavors perfectly.
Insider Tip: The secret is out on this place. The line often wraps around the kiosk, so expect to wait 20 to 30 minutes if you go after dinner. Try visiting around 2:00 PM for a shorter wait. Also, there are no dedicated tables. You usually have to snag a bench in the Royal Grove courtyard nearby.
What to order: Heavenly Lilikoi (classic choice) or the Halo Halo if you like ube.
Island Vintage Shave Ice
Address: 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Kiosk B-1, Honolulu, HI 96815 (In the Royal Hawaiian Center courtyard)
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
7 – Topped Waikiki
Waikiki is packed with Japanese food, but finding good, affordable Korean food is surprisingly hard. Topped Waikiki is the exception.
Located on Royal Hawaiian Avenue, this spot feels more like a college hangout than a tourist restaurant. It is small, casual, and usually blasting K-Pop music videos on a TV in the corner.
The menu focuses on “Cup-Bap” style bowls. These are hearty rice bowls topped with meats and veggies that are simple, fast, and filling.
My favorite order is the Spicy Chicken Mayo. It isn’t a traditional bibimbap. It comes with tender shredded chicken, pickled onions, and tons of garlic mayo and teriyaki sauce. The highlight is actually the eggs. They serve them soft-scrambled and silky, almost like a French omelet. When you mix everything together, the texture becomes creamy and delicious.
Make sure to grab the gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce bottle on the counter. Adding an extra squeeze gives the mayo a nice kick of heat that cuts through the richness.
Insider Tip: This is one of the best late-night options in the area. Most “cheap eats” in Waikiki close by 9:00 PM, but Topped stays open until 11:00 PM or midnight. It is the perfect stop after a few drinks at Kelley O’Neil’s around the corner.
What to order: Spicy Chicken Mayo, Beef Bulgogi
Topped Waikiki
Address: 333 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
8 – Maguro Spot
If you see a crowd of people eating poke bowls on the sidewalk of Kūhiō Avenue, you have found Maguro Spot.
Maguro Spot may be a hole-in-the-wall, but they buy fresh tuna and bluefin marlin daily from local markets, never frozen.
Note: It is easy to confuse this place with Maguro Brothers. The main difference is the hours. Maguro Brothers in Waikiki does not open until dinner, so Maguro Spot is your best bet for lunch.
You can customize your own bowl by picking your rice, fish, sauce, and toppings. It can be a little overwhelming when you get to the front of the line. If you are unsure what to order, just look at the photos plastered on the walls for inspiration.
I always order the Tuna Bowl with brown rice, green onions, and Rainbow Sauce. The Rainbow Sauce is a mix of teriyaki and spicy mayo. The combination of the fresh, cold fish and the creamy, savory sauce makes this one of the best bowls in Waikiki.
Insider Tip: Since there are only two small tables outside, do not plan on eating here. Walk two blocks down Uluniu Avenue to the beach and eat it by the ocean.
What to order: Tuna Bowl with Rainbow Sauce
Maguro Spot
Address: 2441 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
9 – Mami’s Empanadas
Mami’s Empanadas is a food truck on Cartwright Road near Kuhio Beach specializing in Latin American cuisine. While they serve other dishes, they are best known for their empanadas.
Chef Alex Arango runs the small food cart, which he started in 2013. Born in Colombia, he brought the flavors he grew up with to Oahu.
Getting your hands on these empanadas can sometimes be an adventure. On my last visit, I texted Chef Alex in the morning to get the daily menu. He texted me back with the current options and hours, and I placed my order right then so it would be ready when I arrived later in the evening.
On this day, he offered four types of empanadas, and I ordered one of each: Colombian Beef and Potato, Sofrito Chicken, Colombian Vegan Potato, and Samosa.
The flavors in each empanada were special, but the texture is what makes them stand out. Unlike flour-based empanadas, these have a crispy, crunchy corn masa shell. And don’t forget to ask for the homemade green Aji sauce on the side. It adds a perfect vinegary kick.
Although authentic empanadas from a food cart in Waikiki aren’t something you would expect, they’re worth trying at Mami’s Empanadas.
What to order: Colombian Beef and Potato Empanada
Mami’s Empanadas
Address: 2525 Cartwright Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Tuesday: Closed
10 – Pai’s Deli
Pai’s Deli is a small deli inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. It is a hidden gem located near the escalator to Duke’s, making it one of the best places in Waikiki for a quick, affordable, and fresh sandwich.
While the deli may be simple, don’t let its looks fool you. In a hotel where a burger can cost $25, getting a fresh sandwich here for half the price is a steal.
Most people order one of the sandwiches. Each comes loaded with spinach, cucumber, tomato, sprouts, shredded carrot, and mayo on your choice of bread.
When I visit, I usually order the Chicken Salad Sandwich on a croissant. The fresh, crispy veggies, tender chicken mixed with creamy mayo, and buttery, flaky croissant make a fantastic combination.
Insider Tip: While there are a couple of tables near the counter, do what the locals do. Grab your sandwich to go, walk out the back door of the hotel, and eat it right on the sand at Waikiki Beach. It is the cheapest oceanfront lunch you will find.
What to order: Chicken Salad Sandwich on a croissant.
Pai’s Deli
Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave #113, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
11 – Kono’s Northshore
You can’t have a list of cheap eats in Waikiki without a killer breakfast burrito. That title goes to Kono’s Northshore.
Originally famous on the North Shore, they now have a shop in Waikiki right next to Marugame Udon. They are best known for their “Bombers” (breakfast burritos) and their 12-hour slow-roasted Kalua Pig.
My go-to order is the Chuns Bomber. This burrito comes loaded with eggs, potatoes, jack and cheddar cheese, bacon, and that tender, slow-roasted Kalua pork wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The smokiness of the pork pairs perfectly with the fluffy eggs and potatoes.
The Kalua pig is the star here, but if you want to switch it up, they also offer burritos with bacon, Portuguese sausage, or chorizo.
Insider Tip: These burritos are heavy. If you plan on surfing or swimming immediately after, you might want to split one with a friend. Also, don’t sleep on their milkshakes. A vanilla shake is the perfect way to cool down after eating the hot salsa.
What to order: Chuns Bomber Breakfast Burrito.
Kono’s Northshore
Address: 2310 Kūhiō Ave. #1-A, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
12 – Maleko Coffee and Pastries
While known to locals, Maleko Coffee and Pastries might be the least known spot on my list. Located in the lobby of the Waikiki Monarch Hotel, this small shop is the perfect alternative to the famous, and crowded, Leonard’s Bakery.
They serve a variety of pastries, but the stars here are the malasadas. These are Portuguese-style deep-fried doughnuts coated in sugar.
The malasadas here are soft and airy, like a pillow, with a chewy, doughy texture. Unlike regular doughnuts, they don’t have a hole, which leaves room for delicious fillings.
You can’t go wrong with the classic sugar option, but I highly recommend the filled versions:
- Guava: The filling is thick, sweet, and tart.
- Mango: It has a refreshing, distinct fruit flavor.
- Custard: Thick and creamy, but not too sweet.
Insider Tip: This shop opens at 4:00 AM daily. If you are jet-lagged and awake before the sun comes up, this is one of the only places in Waikiki where you can get a hot pastry and fresh coffee that early. Go early because popular flavors often sell out by mid-morning.
What to order: Assorted filled Malasadas (Guava, Mango, Custard).
Maleko Coffee and Pastries
Address: 444 Niu St Ste 106, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Open daily from 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM
13 – Henry’s Place
On a hot and humid day, ice cream is always refreshing. One of my favorite places to get it is Henry’s Place on Beach Walk.
This no-frills store surrounded by massive resorts has been around for over 30 years. It is a true hidden gem that is easily overlooked by tourists.
Most people come for the homemade ice cream and sorbet packed into styrofoam cups. Popular flavors include mango, guava, passion fruit, Kona coffee, and pineapple. For the more adventurous, they have lychee, taro poi, and purple yam.
My preferred choice is the Mango Ice Cream. It is creamy and luxurious with a sweet, tart flavor. It tastes exactly like you are eating fresh, cold mangoes.
Important Note: Henry’s Place is Cash Only. They do not accept credit cards.
Insider Tip: While there are a few seats out front, the beach is only a five-minute walk away. Grab your cup to go and eat it by the ocean.
What to order: Mango Ice Cream, Kona Coffee Ice Cream.
Henry’s Place
Address: 234 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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Last Updated on February 1, 2026
