Honolulu has so many amazing food options, but eating out every day can get expensive—especially for students, travelers, and locals on a budget. Luckily, there are plenty of places to enjoy delicious and affordable meals without spending too much. Here are five budget-friendly spots you need to check out in Honolulu!
1. Marugame Udon
2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
$8–$15 per person
Marugame Udon is one of those affordable places in Honolulu that serves amazing, just-made noodles if you are into that kind of thing. This cafeteria-type of restaurant offers hot and cold udon bowls and people usually like Niku Udon (beef udon) and Curry Udon. You can also increase the variety of your meal by adding tempura such as shrimp, sweet potato, or even Spam for as low as a couple of dollars. It has a long line, but it’s a fast one and the food is good for the wait!
2. Da Spot
2469 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826
$10–$15 per person
For big portions, healthy options, and affordable prices, Da Spot is a great find. Their menu features all kinds of sauces with chicken. I love the Egyptian chicken curry! Every plate comes with rice, salad, and a generous portion of protein. Plus, they have amazing fruit smoothies that are both delicious and refreshing on a hot day. Try the „Mango Tango“ smoothie and trust me you will love it! It is really quick so you can grab it on the way from work or you can also sit down if you would like to. Lastly, every Thursday they have live music inside so you can enjoy your meal and listen to some live music. It is just a little bit too loud in my opinion so you better sit down somewhere further.
3. Yard House (Happy Hour Specials)
226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
$6–$12 during happy hour
If you’re looking for great food and drinks at a discount, Yard House in Waikiki has one of the best happy hours in town. From Monday to Friday (2 PM – 5:30 PM) and late nights (10:30 PM – close), you can get discounted appetizers, pizzas, and street tacos—all priced between $6 and $12. Popular picks include truffle fries, poke nachos, sliders, and chicken tenders but my „go-to “ dish is the chicken nachos, but with fries instead of nachos! So much food for less than $10. They also have an incredible selection of draft beers at reduced prices. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal in Waikiki without overspending!
4. Foodland Poke
Various locations across Honolulu
$10–$15 per person
When it comes to affordable and fresh poke, Foodland is a top choice. Unlike many poke restaurants, Foodland’s poke counter offers high-quality fish at grocery store prices. You can choose from different flavors like Shoyu Ahi, Spicy Ahi, Hawaiian Style, and many more. Get it as a poke bowl with rice or just by itself. Since Foodland has multiple locations across Honolulu, it’s an easy and convenient place to grab a quick and tasty meal. Be careful, they have different prices at every location so if you go to the Foodland next to the University of Hawaii, their poke bowl is just 8$ instead of 13$ at the Ala Moana Center.
5. Steak Shack
2161 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
$10–$14 per person
If you want a cheap and delicious meal with an ocean view, Steak Shack is a hidden gem in Waikiki. Their menu is simple: grilled steak or chicken plates served with rice and salad. The steak is flavorful, the portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable—especially considering the location right by the beach. It’s a great spot to grab a quick meal before or after a swim in Waikiki.
Eating well in Honolulu doesn’t have to be expensive! Whether you’re craving fresh udon, discounted happy hour bites, high-quality poke, or a simple steak plate by the beach, these five spots offer delicious meals at budget-friendly prices.
