If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii on a budget, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to save money—because this guide to The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki | 2025 is your golden ticket to delicious and affordable local meals. From food trucks and hole-in-the-wall gems to legendary takeout joints, Waikiki is packed with incredible food that won’t drain your wallet.
Whether you’re craving traditional Hawaiian dishes, fresh poke bowls, or crispy garlic shrimp, Waikiki has an amazing range of budget-friendly food spots for every kind of traveler. In this complete 2025 guide to The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki, you’ll uncover where locals really eat and why these places are beloved for taste, price, and authenticity.
Let’s dive into paradise—one bite at a time.
Rainbow Drive-In – Local Comfort Food Under $15
One of Honolulu’s most iconic places for affordable Hawaiian comfort food, Rainbow Drive-In has been serving hearty plate lunches since 1961. Located on Kapahulu Avenue, it’s a short stroll from Waikiki Beach.
Here, you can grab a mixed plate (BBQ beef, fried chicken, and mahi-mahi with rice and macaroni salad) for around $12, or enjoy a loco moco — a local favorite made of rice, hamburger patties, egg, and gravy — for under $10. The servings are generous, and the vibe is 100% local.
Why locals love it: Nostalgic, filling, and truly affordable.
Musubi Cafe Iyasume – Quick Bites with Island Flavor
Looking for a cheap and fast snack in Waikiki? Head to Musubi Cafe Iyasume, famous for its delicious Spam musubi — rice and Spam wrapped in seaweed. With prices starting at just $2.50, it’s the perfect grab-and-go treat for beach days.
This tiny eatery has multiple locations around Waikiki, and their teriyaki chicken musubi, tuna mayo rice balls, and bento sets are equally affordable and flavorful.
Must-try: Spam and egg musubi with spicy mayo.
Marukame Udon – Fresh Noodles on a Budget
Marukame Udon is a favorite among both tourists and locals for homemade Japanese udon noodles and tempura. Located right on Kuhio Avenue, this spot often has long lines, but the wait is worth it.
You can get a bowl of Nikutama Udon (with sweet beef and soft-boiled egg) for around $8, and build your meal with crispy tempura items that cost just $1-$2 each. The self-serve style keeps prices low and portions satisfying.
Tip: Go during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
Steak Shack – Beachfront Beef at Budget Prices
Hidden right behind the Outrigger hotel, Steak Shack offers one of the best-kept secrets in Waikiki: grilled steak or chicken plates with rice and salad for under $15—with an ocean view!
The steak plate is perfectly seasoned, and the garlic sauce takes it to the next level. This is one of the best cheap eats with a view on the island.
Insider hack: Take your plate to the beach and enjoy a sunset dinner.
Ono Seafood – Best Poke Bowls for Less
When it comes to fresh poke, few places match the quality and price of Ono Seafood. Located just outside Waikiki in the Kapahulu neighborhood, this no-frills spot serves some of the most authentic poke bowls in Honolulu.
You can choose from options like spicy ahi, shoyu ahi, or wasabi tako for around $10-$12. Each bowl comes with rice and plenty of flavor.
Local tip: It’s takeout only, so grab and go to nearby Kapiolani Park for a scenic picnic.
Leonard’s Bakery – Sweet Treats Under $5
Craving a dessert that won’t break your budget? Look no further than Leonard’s Bakery, famous for its malasadas — Portuguese-style doughnuts, soft on the inside and crispy outside.
Each malasada costs about $1.75, and you can choose from classic sugar-coated, custard-filled, or the must-try li hing mui flavor. While it’s technically a bakery, it’s a must-include in any Waikiki cheap eats list.
Pro tip: Go early for hot, fresh malasadas straight from the fryer.
Hula Dog – Hawaiian-Style Hot Dogs
For a quirky, fun, and totally satisfying meal, try Hula Dog. This local hot dog shop is unlike anything you’ve had before—featuring Polish or veggie sausages inside a hollowed-out sweet Hawaiian bun, with choices of tropical sauces like lilikoi mustard and mango relish.
Prices range from $8 to $10, and the flavor combos are both bold and unforgettable. Located in the International Market Place, it’s perfect for a mid-shopping snack.
Bold bite: Lilikoi mustard + pineapple relish + spicy garlic sauce.
Maguro Spot – Hidden Sushi Gem
If you’re craving sushi on a budget, Maguro Spot is your go-to for cheap yet fresh sashimi and poke bowls. Nestled on Kuhio Avenue, this small shop serves sashimi-grade tuna over rice, with avocado, cucumber, and your choice of sauces.
A standard poke bowl costs just $10-$12, with options to build your own. It’s one of the best-value sushi places in Waikiki, especially for raw fish lovers.
Recommended: Spicy ahi with wasabi mayo and avocado.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Garlic Shrimp Classic
Though Giovanni’s is more associated with the North Shore, their shrimp truck often parks in Waikiki too. Known for their famous garlic shrimp plate, you’ll get 12 pieces of buttery, garlicky shrimp over rice for about $14.
The serving is messy, bold in flavor, and totally worth it. Look out for their food truck schedule or visit nearby locations if you’re exploring Oahu.
Warning: You’ll need napkins and maybe a breath mint!
Aloha Table – Happy Hour on a Dime
Last but not least, Aloha Table offers one of the best happy hour deals in Waikiki. Between 4 PM–6 PM, you can enjoy $6 pupus (appetizers) like garlic edamame, poke, and kalua pork nachos along with discounted drinks.
It’s a cozy upstairs restaurant with a laid-back vibe and friendly service. Even outside happy hour, you can get great plates like garlic chicken or hamburger steak under $15.
Why go: Great for casual dinners with local flavors and tropical cocktails.
Conclusion: Savor the Flavors of Waikiki Without Breaking the Bank
Whether you’re a solo traveler, backpacker, or family on vacation, Waikiki offers plenty of budget-friendly food options that deliver big on taste. From mouthwatering poke bowls to crispy malasadas, and hearty plate lunches, you don’t need a luxury budget to eat like royalty in paradise.
These 10 cheap eats in Waikiki prove that you can enjoy the best local Hawaiian food without overspending.
Be sure to bring your appetite and your curiosity — because the real culinary treasures in Honolulu often come wrapped in paper plates, served from small counters, or found behind unassuming doors.
FAQs – Cheap Eats in Waikiki
Q1: Are these cheap food places in Waikiki open late? Some places like Marukame Udon and Steak Shack have extended evening hours, but many local favorites close by 8 or 9 PM. Always check hours before going.
Q2: Are there vegetarian or vegan options at these eateries? Yes! Musubi Cafe offers veggie options, Marukame Udon has plain udon and tempura veggies, and Hula Dog offers veggie sausages. Many poke spots also offer tofu or vegan bowls.
Q3: How much should I budget daily for food in Waikiki? If you eat mostly at cheap eats spots, you can easily keep your food budget around $25–$35 per day and still enjoy authentic Hawaiian flavors.
Q4: Is tipping expected at these places? Yes, tipping is standard in Hawaii. For counter-service, a tip of $1–$2 is appreciated. For full-service restaurants, 15–20% is the norm.
Q5: Can I use a credit card at these cheap eats spots? Most places accept credit cards, but small cafes or food trucks may be cash-only, so it’s wise to carry some cash