13 Best Cheap Eats in Waikiki Under $15
Waikiki is bursting with cheap eats that will satisfy your hunger and save you money in the process.
From humble hole in the walls to trendy beachside eateries, there’s something for everyone who’s looking to score a good meal without breaking the bank.
Here are the best cheap eats in Waikiki that will give you a taste of what this city has to offer.
1. Marukame Udon
Marukame Udon is a famous restaurant chain from Japan serving up delicious handmade Sanuki style udon noodles for as little as $4.75. There’s always a line up here, attracting both locals and tourists to their delicious food offerings.
More loaded bowls start from only $6.75 each if you have a hankering for something more special in your mealtime adventure! The Nikutama bowl is a local favorite featuring handmade Udon noodles served with delicious beef, egg, and BK sauce.
Noodles are made to order and is the end result of the best ingredients and masterful techniques overseen by Chef Aki. Not bad when you consider you’re spending less than $10.
Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave. #124, Honolulu
2. O’Kims Korean Kitchen
O’Kims Korean Kitchen is a hidden gem worth discovering. The ambiance of the restaurant can be described as pleasing and tranquil with its subtle natural decor and friendly service.
With an extensive menu that boasts everything from bulgogi to bibimbap, this restaurant has something that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater in your group!
The Korean chicken dish is highly recommended; be prepared to pack leftovers as the portion sizes are very generous and well worth the $16 price tag.
Address: 1028 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu
3. Topped Waikiki
Topped Waikiki is usually pretty packed and rightfully so. It has a small menu and most of the options are under $10!
Try their world-famous Kalbi Steak and eggs, where the succulent meat is marinated for 72 hours, plus it comes with a side of fried eggs and salad for a very affordable price of $16.
There’s also cheaper options that are just as delicious such as the Chicken or Pork Bibimbap, each coming in at $10.99 or the signature Kalbi (Korean Short Ribs) Bibimbap for $11.99.
So make sure you check out Topped Waikiki next time you’re in the area and see how good spending less on food can taste!
Address: 333 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu
4. Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin
At the heart of Waikiki, Honolulu’s premier destination for authentic Japanese cuisine, Ginza Bairin is serving plates of its world-famous Tonkatsu along with the specialty sauce created by founder Nobukatsu Shibuya.
The star of the menu is Berkshire pork, forming the basis for the cutlet dishes and a seasoned breadcrumb mixture that creates the perfect crispy and juicy bites.
To finish off, the signature Tonkatsu sauce brings out the natural sweetness and robust flavors found in each dish. Each dish ranges from $19 to a whopping $43 for the specialty Kurobuta Pork Loin Katsu if you want to splurge a bit.
Address: 255 Beach Walk, Honolulu
5. Steak Shack
The Steak Shack is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after an afternoon of relaxing on Waikiki Beach. A carnivore’s dream destination, their menu consists of just steak and grilled chicken combos at very affordable prices.
Steak plate starts at $9.50 for 6 oz and is paired with two scoops of rice and house salad. The grilled meats here are so tasty that you’ll definitely be making a second stop.
To top it off, there’s also outside seating overlooking all the action on Waikiki Beach Boardwalk – amazing views are always a plus!
Address: 2161 Kalia Rd, Honolulu
6. Henry’s Place
Craving a sweet treat after a hefty meal? Come to Henry’s Place and you’ll most likely find a line of people waiting outside. Walk inside and you’ll see a fridge where you can select any flavor of ice cream or sorbet you’d like.
The fruit flavors are especially enticing and taste exactly like the fresh fruit it is created from. The desserts are filled in plain styrofoam cups but don’t let that turn you off, as we all know, looks can be deceiving.
This is a great find for cheap dessert in Waikiki; the ice cream is delicious and costs only $5.25 a cup.
Address: 234 Beach Walk, Honolulu
7. Fête
This restaurant is a fusion of two worlds; its atmosphere shares a cool, laid-back island feel with an urban brasserie experience.
The local farm-to-table movement runs through its veins and the bar features classic and modern cocktails made from artisanal spirits as well as wines from around the world.
Try the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich; excellent value for $13 or if you’re feeling more adventurous, try the Coconut Kaua’i Prawns for only $22.
Address: 2 N Hotel St, Honolulu
8. Musubi Café Iyasume
For those that don’t know, Musubi is a traditional savory Japanese snack made with premium rice, different types of meat or seafood and eggs wrapped in seaweed.
And Musubi Café is a great spot to have a little taste, with many options costing as little as $2 each! A Hawaiian favorite that we highly recommend is the Spam Musubi for only $3.
The eatery also offers bento combo boxes starting at only $12.98, making it one of the cheapest places to eat in Waikiki.
Address: 638 Ke’eaumoku St #101, Honolulu
9. Oahu Mexican Grill (OMG)
Oahu Mexican Grill offers Tex-Mex fare with fresh ingredients, an eco-friendly menu and generous servings. You’ll get the best view of Waikiki Beach from their tables near the front of this popular restaurant.
Indulge in all the fave Mexican fare such as burritos, tacos, and Quesadillas with the fresh ocean breeze on your face. Most items on their menu hover around $10, which is a great bargain for the quality of food and ambiance.
Address: 2520 Kalakaua Ave 2nd floor, Honolulu
10. Musubi & Bento Iyasume
This little hole-in-the-wall joint is a local favorite for cheap eats. Don’t be fooled by the name – although it’s the same restaurant chain as Musubi Cafe Iyasume, this location has different menu items!
Musubi & Bento Iyasume serves up heaps of different Musubis, bento boxes and Japanese-style curries. You’ll often find mini bowls of Chicken Curry and Spam & Cheese Musubi on sale from their already low prices.
If food on the go is what you’re after, then Musubi & Bento Iyasume is definitely the place for you. There’s a few small tables for those that prefer to dine in too.
Address: 334 Seaside Ave, Honolulu
11. Broken Rice
Transport yourself to Vietnam with the signature dishes at Broken Rice. Their specialty is Cơm Tấm, which literally translates to ‘broken rice’, and each plate comes with your choice of beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, crab or tofu.
These plates range from $14-19, depending on your choice of protein. Don’t forget to pour the fish sauce to really take the dish to the next level – we promise, it tastes better than it sounds!
Address: 3607 Waialae Ave, Honolulu
12. Rainbow Drive-In
You can visit Oahu without stopping by this iconic eatery; Rainbow Drive-In was featured on TV shows such as the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives by the Food Network.
It has also received accolades from Honolulu Magazine for their Loco Moco, which is a popular dish in Hawaii.
The restaurant continues to serve generous portions of hearty food with two scoops of rice and sides at reasonable prices today. Expect meals for as little as $8.95, sandwiches starting from $4.75 and burgers from $3.75.
Address: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu
13. Me’s BBQ
What is the best way to enjoy your meat? Grilled, of course! Me’s BBQ has been serving the yummiest Korean food on Oahu for over a decade.
From the bibimbap to their infamous short ribs, you’ll find tons of plate combos here. For as little as $6.95 you can have a nice hearty breakfast. Dinner plates start at $13.95 and up to $17.95 for the classic Korean Kalbi Short Ribs.
With all these options, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your craving for a delicious meal. But don’t take our word for it – come down to Me Bar-B-Q today and see what deliciousness awaits you!
Address: 151 Uluniu Ave, Honolulu
