Are you heading to Oahu on a budget? You can save a lot of money on food if you know where to eat. Keep scrolling for the best restaurants in Waikiki for people traveling to Hawaii on a budget.
This post about the best restaurants in Waikiki for budget travelers was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Let’s be real about eating in Waikiki: you can blow your entire vacation budget on three meals if you’re not careful.
I’ve been visiting Hawaii since I was 10 (that’s over 40 trips now), and I can tell you the secret to eating well without emptying your wallet. You just need to know where the locals go.
See, Waikiki has this reputation for being crazy expensive. And yeah, if you’re eating at beachfront restaurants with white tablecloths, it is.
But tucked between those pricey spots? There are seriously good budget places serving massive portions for under $20.
As a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert, I’ve taste-tested my way through every cheap eat in Waikiki (someone’s gotta do it, right?).
These are my go-to spots when I want delicious food that won’t make me wince when the bill comes.
Why Budget Eating in Waikiki Matters
Here’s the thing about Hawaii vacations: the flights are expensive. The hotels are expensive. The activities are expensive.
If you drop $50-100 per person on every single meal, you’ll be eating ramen for a month when you get home.
But food is also one of the best parts of traveling to Hawaii! The local cuisine is incredible. You’re not here to skip meals or survive on granola bars.
So what’s the solution? Eat like a local.
Locals aren’t dropping big money on every meal either. They know where to get giant plate lunches, fresh musubi, and killer poke bowls without the tourist markup.
That’s exactly what this list is about.
Want to go deeper into planning your Oahu trip? My comprehensive Oahu travel guide walks you through everything from daily itineraries to kid-friendly activities.
I’ve done all the research so you don’t have to.
12 Best Budget Restaurants in Waikiki (2026)
1. Musubi Cafe Iyasume
Can we talk about musubi for a second? Because if you’re not eating musubi in Hawaii, you’re doing it wrong.
Musubi Cafe Iyasume has been our family’s go-to spot since they first opened years ago. I’m not exaggerating when I say we hit it up at least once on every single Waikiki trip.
They make everything by hand when you order it, using this special Koshihikari rice that’s just different from anywhere else. They’ve got like 50 different kinds of musubi.
Classic spam? Obviously. But also shrimp tempura, eel, bacon and egg, teriyaki chicken, you name it.
My kids beg for the spam musubi with egg. I’m all about the shrimp tempura. And here’s the best part: most musubi run $3-5. You can grab three or four different kinds to try and still spend less than $20.
They’ve got locations all over Waikiki now. The main one is in the Aqua Pacific Monarch Hotel on Kuhio Avenue, and there’s also one at Waikiki Beach Walk. Cash only at most locations (except Seaside), so hit the ATM first.
Pro tip: Go before noon if you can. The lunch rush gets intense.
Where: Multiple Waikiki locations including 2427 Kuhio Ave and Waikiki Beach Walk
Price Range: $3-8
Planning a whole Oahu trip? My free 7-day Oahu email course gives you everything you need to plan like a pro, from where to eat to what to pack.
2. Marugame Udon
If there’s a line wrapping around the building, you’ve found Marugame Udon.
This place is legendary. Like, Uber drivers know it as “the place with the line” legendary. And yeah, there’s always a line. But it moves fast, and it’s 100% worth the wait.
They make fresh udon noodles right in front of you. You can literally watch them roll out the dough and cut it into thick, chewy noodles.
Then you pick your style (curry udon is my weakness), grab some tempura from the case, and boom. You’ve got a massive bowl of comfort for under $12.
The curry udon with shrimp tempura? That’s my order every time. Get there around 2-4pm if you want to skip the worst of the crowds.
One heads up: it gets hot inside. Like, you’re eating hot soup in a packed restaurant hot. But there’s a takeout window if you’d rather grab your food and eat it on the beach.
Where: 2310 Kuhio Ave
Hours: 10am-10pm daily
Price Range: $6-13
3. Rainbow Drive-In
Rainbow Drive-In is a Waikiki institution. Like, it’s been here since 1961 and Guy Fieri featured it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason.
This is where my family goes when we want massive plate lunches. And I mean MASSIVE. Two scoops rice, one scoop macaroni salad, and your choice of meat. The portions are ridiculous.
My kids go crazy for the burgers and those slush floats. But I’m all about the mix plate (BBQ chicken, teriyaki beef, and mahi), the fried saimin, and the loco moco. That gravy? It’s the stuff dreams are made of.
They also do this breakfast fried rice that locals line up for every morning. If you want some, get there early because it goes fast.
Where: 3308 Kanaina Ave (just south of Waikiki on Kapahulu)
Hours: 7am-9pm daily
Price Range: $8-15
The best part? You can grab your plate lunch and take it to the beach. We’ve eaten Rainbow Drive-In at Diamond Head lookout more times than I can count.
Need help finding your way around? I’ve got you covered with my guide to where to find parking in Waikiki.
4. Steak Shack
Imagine this: fresh-grilled steak, served piping hot right on Waikiki Beach, with an ocean view, for $12-24.
Yeah, that’s why there’s always a line at Steak Shack.
They grill everything to order. You choose your size (6oz, 10oz, or 14oz), pick your doneness, and about 15-20 minutes later you’ve got a plate with perfectly seasoned steak, rice, and salad.
The real magic is their teriyaki sauce. Don’t skip it.
You can eat at the few outdoor tables they have, or do what we do and grab your food to go. Walk down to the beach, plant yourself in the sand, and watch the sunset while you eat. It doesn’t get more Waikiki than that.
Just know they sometimes sell out of chicken or steak, especially later in the day. If you’ve got your heart set on something specific, go earlier rather than later.
Where: 2161 Kalia Rd (second floor, next to Outrigger Reef Beach Resort)
Hours: Mon-Thu 10:30am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7:30pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Price Range: $12-24
Looking for more ways to enjoy Waikiki without breaking the bank? Here are my favorite cheap things to do on Oahu.
5. Hula Dog
My oldest son is obsessed with Hula Dog. Like, we cannot go to Waikiki without stopping here obsessed.
Here’s what makes Hula Dog special: they don’t use regular hot dog buns. They hollow out this fresh-baked bread (you can pick white, wheat, or taro bacon) and stuff a polish sausage inside. Then you load it up with Hawaiian-style toppings.
The mango relish? Amazing. The lilikoi mustard? Game-changer. The garlic lemon special sauce? My son requests it every single time.
They’ve got a food truck setup with covered seating, so you can actually sit down and eat comfortably. Most Hula Dogs run $8-12, which is pretty reasonable for Waikiki.
Where: Food truck at 1700 Kapiolani Blvd and other locations
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
Price Range: $8-12
Want more insider tips for your Oahu adventure? Check out my best Waikiki coffee shops for your morning caffeine fix.
6. Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar
Fresh poke bowls without the markup. That’s Uncle Sharkii in a nutshell.
They pile your bowl high with fish. Like, you’re actually getting your money’s worth of protein here, which isn’t always the case at poke places in Waikiki.
You can build your own bowl or go with one of their signature creations. Either way, you’re looking at around $12-15 for a seriously filling meal.
Plus they’ve got boba milk teas and Dole soft serve if you want something sweet. The whole family can eat here and everyone’s happy.
Where: International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave
Hours: 11am-9pm daily
Price Range: $12-16
7. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Sometimes you just want a really good burger, you know?
Teddy’s has been serving up fresh burgers since 2001, and they’re not playing around. You pick your size (5oz, 7oz, or a full pound), they cook it exactly how you want it, and the toppings are actually fresh.
The garlic fries are addictive. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
They’ve got specialty burgers too, like the Kaneohe (garlic seasoning, bacon, swiss, grilled onions and mushrooms) that are worth trying. Expect to spend $10-18 depending on what you order.
Where: 134 Kapahulu Ave
Hours: 10am-11pm daily
Price Range: $10-18
8. Yummy Korean BBQ
Tucked in the back entrance of International Market Place, Yummy Korean BBQ is one of those spots tourists walk right past.
Don’t be like those tourists.
Their Korean short ribs are incredible. The BBQ beef? Even better. And everything comes with rice, macaroni salad, and kimchi, so you’re getting a full meal.
The “mini” plates are $7-10. The full plates are $11-17. Either way, you’re getting a lot of food for your money.
It’s a small spot and it gets packed at lunch, but the line moves. Grab your food to go and find a spot at International Market Place to eat.
Where: International Market Place, Kalakaua Ave (back entrance)
Price Range: $7-17
Need more Hawaii-specific travel tips? My Hawaii travel podcast covers everything from where to eat to how to save money on activities.
9. Me’s BBQ
Another local BBQ spot that serves massive portions for cheap.
They’ve got 48 different plate lunch options, which feels almost overwhelming. But you can’t really go wrong. The Kalbi BBQ plate for $9.50 is a steal.
Rice, macaroni salad, greens, and your choice of meat. It’s the classic Hawaii plate lunch formula, and Me’s does it well.
Where: 151 Uluniu Ave
Price Range: $7-15
10. Oahu Mexican Grill
Sometimes you need a break from Hawaiian food (I know, I know, but it happens).
Oahu Mexican Grill uses grass-fed beef and all-natural meats, which you can actually taste. Their burritos are huge. Like, two-meals huge.
Breakfast burritos start at $4.50. Regular menu items are $8-13. Plus they’ve got a cool location on the second floor where you can people-watch while you eat.
Where: 2520 Kalakaua Ave (second floor)
Price Range: $4.50-13
11. Maguro Spot
If you want poke bowls but Uncle Sharkii has a line (it happens), head to Maguro Spot.
They’ve got 16 different poke bowl options, or you can build your own. The fish is fresh, the rice is good, and the prices are reasonable for Waikiki.
Bowls run $5-12.50 depending on what you get. It’s a solid backup option when you need something quick and healthy.
Where: 2241 Kuhio Ave
Price Range: $5-12.50
12. Henry’s Place
Ice cream. Made with fresh fruit. For under $10.
That’s Henry’s Place.
After a hot day at the beach, this is where you want to be. All their ice cream and sorbets are made with actual fruit, and you can taste the difference.
They also do fruit cups and sandwiches if you want something more substantial. But honestly? Just get the ice cream.
Where: 234 Beach Walk
Price Range: $5-8
Tips for Eating Cheap in Waikiki
Hit up grocery stores for breakfast. ABC Stores are everywhere and have everything you need for easy breakfasts in your room. Grab some Hawaiian iced coffee (the canned kind), bagels, and fruit. Boom, breakfast for like $3-5 per person.
Lunch > Dinner pricing. The same restaurants often charge way less at lunch than dinner. Take advantage of that.
Share plates. The portions at most of these places are huge. Splitting an entree is totally acceptable, especially with kids.
Skip the drinks. Order water (tap water is fine in Waikiki) and save your money for the food. If you want something fancy, grab it from a convenience store for half the price.
Bring food to the beach. Most of these spots are perfect for takeout. Grab your food and eat it on the beach with a million-dollar view.
Want even more money-saving strategies? My free Hawaii budgeting email course covers everything from finding cheap flights to cutting your food costs in half.
Real Talk About Waikiki Food Costs
Look, I’m not going to lie and say Waikiki is cheap. It’s not. Even these “budget” spots are more expensive than what you’d pay on the mainland.
But here’s what I tell everyone: you’re on vacation in Hawaii. You’re going to spend money.
The question is whether you spend it thoughtfully or blow it all in three days and then stress about your credit card bill.
These places let you eat really well, try authentic local food, and keep your daily food budget under $50-60 per person (breakfast, lunch, and dinner combined). That’s actually pretty reasonable for Waikiki.
Plus, every single spot on this list is a place locals actually eat. You’re not just saving money – you’re eating the real Hawaii food that makes this place special.
If you’re ready to plan your whole Oahu trip from start to finish, my comprehensive Oahu travel guide has everything you need.
Daily itineraries, kid-friendly activities, insider tips, and yes, even more restaurant recommendations.
Or if you want personalized help planning your perfect Hawaii vacation, book a one-on-one consultation with me.
As a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist who’s visited 40+ times, I can help you avoid the tourist traps and find the hidden gems.
Where to Stay Near These Budget Eats
The good news? Most of these places are within walking distance of each other in Waikiki.
But if you want to be strategic about where you stay, look for hotels near Kuhio Avenue. That’s where Musubi Cafe Iyasume, Marugame Udon, and several others are clustered.
If you’re trying to keep your accommodation costs down too (smart move), check out hotels with kitchens in Waikiki. Being able to cook some meals in your room is another huge money-saver.
The Bottom Line on Budget Eating in Waikiki
You don’t need to survive on instant noodles to stick to your budget in Waikiki.
These 12 spots prove you can eat amazing local food, try authentic Hawaiian dishes, and keep your daily food costs reasonable.
Most of them have been around for decades because locals love them. That tells you everything you need to know.
My approach? Hit Rainbow Drive-In or Marugame Udon for a big lunch. Grab musubi from Iyasume for a beach snack. Cook breakfast in your room. Maybe splurge on one nice dinner, but keep everything else budget-friendly.
That’s how you eat well in Waikiki without the sticker shock.
Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Start with my free Hawaii planning email course and go from there.
I’ll show you exactly how to plan your perfect Hawaii vacation, from flights to activities to yes, where to eat.
Aloha!
