10 Budget-Friendly Hawaii Food Spots That Won’t Break Your Bank

After 30 years of living on Oahu and island-hopping around Hawaii, I've discovered that finding affordable yet delicious food is the secret to truly enjoying paradise without emptying your wallet. As a local who's eaten my way through every island many times over, I've compiled my insider list of places where you can score amazing meals without the tourist price tag.

Let me take you beyond the expensive resort restaurants to where the locals actually eat!

Why Food Costs So Much in Hawaii

Let's face it – Hawaii's food prices can cause serious sticker shock. When I first moved here from the mainland, I nearly fainted at grocery store prices. Almost everything gets shipped in from thousands of miles away, which jacks up costs instantly.

The average meal at a sit-down restaurant in Hawaii now costs about $20-30 per person (without drinks!), and even food trucks often charge $15-18 for a plate. But don't worry—I've spent years finding places where you can eat well for under $20 per person.

My nephew visited last summer and was shocked when a simple breakfast cost him $25. “How do you afford to eat here?” he asked. The answer: you need to know where the locals go!

Waikiki Treasures That Won't Empty Your Wallet

Steak Shack

Located right on Waikiki Beach, this tiny wooden stand serves up one of the best deals in all of Hawaii. For just $12.85, you get a grilled steak plate with rice and salad – right on the beach!

I take all my mainland visitors here their first night, and they're always amazed at the quality-to-price ratio. The line can get long, but trust me – it moves quickly, and the payoff is worth it.

Pro tip: Go about 45 minutes before sunset for dinner with a million-dollar view that actually costs under $13.

Topped

Just a hundred meters away from Aloha Melt sits Topped, a Korean rice bowl spot that offers lunch for around $15. Their best-selling Kalbi steak and egg bowl comes with tender meat pieces, a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, and a fresh green salad – all for around $20.

I stop here at least twice a month after surfing at Waikiki. The fresh fruit smoothies for $5.99 are another great deal—they taste like actual fruit, not sugary syrup.

Pai's Deli

When I'm craving something healthy after too many plate lunches, I head to this hidden gem in the Outrigger Waikiki. Their sandwiches are packed with fresh veggies, and their chicken and egg salad combo sandwich is pure genius.

What I love most about Pai's is the friendly service. The staff remembers regulars' orders, and they don't skimp on the fillings. For about $12, you get a substantial sandwich plus fresh pineapple slices.

Maui Must Eats That Cost Less

Coconut's Fish Café

With locations in Kihei and Kahului, Coconut's serves what many consider the best fish tacos on Maui. Two giant tacos loaded with fresh fish will set you back about $16—enough for a filling meal.

Last May when I visited my sister in Kihei, we ate here three times in one week. Each taco contains seven different ingredients topped with mango salsa. The casual picnic-table seating keeps the vibe relaxed and prices reasonable.

Foodland Poke & Sushi

Don't make the rookie mistake of only seeing Foodland as a grocery store. The poke counter here offers some of the freshest fish at prices that beat dedicated poke shops.

A poke bowl costs around $12-14 depending on your choices, and the portions are generous. I always grab a spicy ahi bowl when I'm in a hurry between beach sessions. The Kihei location is my favorite, but any Foodland will do.

Pro tip: The poke is priced by weight, so if you're really budget-conscious, ask for just a little rice to maximize your fish-to-rice ratio.

Da Kitchen

This Kihei institution serves massive portions of Hawaiian-style plate lunches. Their chicken katsu is legendary and easily enough for two meals, especially if you're not starving.

When my mainland friends visit and want local food, this is my go-to recommendation. Most plates run $15-18, but you're getting enough food for two meals if you box up half.

Tin Roof in Kahului

Founded by Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon, Tin Roof offers gourmet local food at takeout prices. Their mochiko chicken bowl and pork belly bowls run about $14-16 and are packed with flavor.

The space is tiny with minimal seating, so plan to take your food to go. I usually grab lunch here when I'm heading to or from the airport since it's so conveniently located.

Tiffany's in Wailuku

This unassuming spot serves some of the best local-style breakfast on Maui. Their fried rice omelets are massive and cost around $13-15. One plate easily feeds two people with normal appetites.

I discovered this place from a local friend five years ago, and it's now part of my essential Maui circuit. Get there early—it fills up with locals by 8 AM and closes by early afternoon.

Kihei Caffe

This cash-only breakfast spot serves huge portions at reasonable prices. Their banana macadamia nut pancakes and loco moco have cult followings.

Most breakfast plates run $12-15, but they're large enough to share or save half for later. The line can get long on weekends, but it moves quickly, and the food is worth the wait.

Joey's Kitchen in West Maui

Located in Napili, Joey's Kitchen serves Filipino-Hawaiian fusion food at reasonable prices. Most plates cost $14-18 and come with generous portions.

Their chicken adobo and pancit are personal favorites. The restaurant is small and casual, but the flavors are big.

Big Island Budget Bites

Thai Mee Up

This food truck serves incredible Thai food with generous portions. Their lemongrass chicken ($15) is a hit even with those who typically avoid adventurous foods.

The truck moves around, so check their social media for current locations. Their pad thai and curries also offer excellent value around $14-16.

Tips for Eating Cheap in Hawaii

Finding affordable food in Hawaii takes a bit of strategy. Here are my time-tested methods:

• Visit grocery store deli sections. Foodland, Safeway, and even 7-Eleven in Hawaii have excellent prepared foods at lower prices than restaurants.
• Look for plate lunch spots. These local-style eateries serve large portions often enough for two meals.
• Eat your big meal at lunch. Many places offer the same food at lunch for $3-5 less than dinner prices.
• Happy hour isn't just for drinks. Many restaurants offer discounted food during happy hour, often 50% off appetizers.
• Food courts aren't just at malls. The Costco food court is legendary for $1.50 hot dog and soda combos, and you don't need a membership to eat there.
• Food trucks aren't always cheaper. Always check prices first—some gourmet trucks charge restaurant prices.

One thing many visitors don't realize is that portion sizes in Hawaii tend to be large. My sister and I often share plates or immediately pack half to go for tomorrow's lunch. This effectively cuts your food costs in half!

When to Splurge vs When to Save

I follow a simple rule that's served me well: splurge on what Hawaii does best (fresh fish, poke, tropical fruits) and save on everything else. There's no need to spend $25 on a burger you could get back home.

Before my friends visit, I always tell them: “Save your food budget for unique Hawaiian foods and local specialties.” Why pay premium prices for pizza or pasta when you're in paradise?

When I do decide to splurge, I go for a great poke bowl, super fresh fish tacos, or kalua pork from a traditional spot. These are the foods that showcase what makes Hawaiian cuisine special.

The Local Approach to Dining in Hawaii

What I've noticed after two decades here is that locals approach food differently than tourists. We mix high and low—maybe splurging on amazing sushi one night but perfectly content with a spam musubi and macaroni salad the next day.

I've seen tourists drop $400 on dinner for two at a resort restaurant, then complain there's “nothing affordable” in Hawaii. Meanwhile, locals know you can eat incredible food at every price point if you know where to look.

Have you ever considered that some of the best food experiences might be at the most unassuming places? That hole-in-the-wall with the line of locals might just offer the best meal of your trip.

Finding affordable, delicious food in Hawaii isn't just about saving money—it's about experiencing the authentic local food culture that makes these islands so special. The next time you visit, skip the overpriced resort restaurant and try one of these local favorites. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!