Cheap Places to Eat in Waikiki

Waikiki has wonderful restaurants to tempt every palate and budget, regardless of circumstances.  Whether you’re a parent with small kids, a couple on a romantic vacation, or just looking for healthy options on the go, Waikiki has plenty of places to eat without breaking the bank.

Best for families:  If you’ve got kids you’ll want to check out the Wailana Coffee House.  More local diner than coffee shop, this low-key option has plenty of burgers, chicken fingers, and other options for the younger set, at prices that won’t hurt your wallet.  Go for breakfast and try the $6.75 all you can eat pancake special.  (Wailana Coffee House: 1860 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 (Waikiki) (808) 955-1764.  Open 24 hours)

Another great choice for kids is Zippy’s, a Hawaiian casual food chain that has both seating and takeout.  Located in the residential area of Kapahulu, Zippy’s huge menu has the basics that kids love, plus a variety of local options, if you want to sample Hawaiian cuisine.  (Zippy’s:  601 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Waikiki) (808) 733-3725.  Open 24 hours)

Best seafood:  Sam’s Kitchen is a great choice for local seafood on a budget.  Tourists and locals alike rave about their spicy garlic shrimp ($12).  Open for lunch and dinner, Sam’s Kitchen has take-away and outdoor seating.  (Sam’s Kitchen:  333 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 808-271-0010. 11-11 daily.  BYOB)

If you want to try poke salad, the Hawaiian staple made of raw fish, seaweed, and other goodies, you’ll want to go to Ono Seafood.  Tucked away in a residential complex, the blink-and-you-miss-it shop serves up some of the freshest fish on the island.  Plan on take-away, as the single outdoor table is often in use.  (Onu Seafood:  747 Kapahulu Ave, Apt 4, Honolulu, HI 96816.(808) 732-4806.  Mon, Wed-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-3.  Closed Tuesday)

Best for romance:  Admittedly, romance doesn’t come cheap in Waikiki, however House Without A Key strikes a great balance between love and economics.  This indoor/outdoor restaurant is located in Halekulani hotel (also home to the budget busting Azure).  Come between 6-8pm and take a seat by the water, then watch one of five former Miss Hawaii’s perform a hula as the sunsets.  Stay for dinner and check out the chicken curry ($25) or the penne with seafood sauce ($26).  (House Without a Key at the Halekulani:  2199 Kalia Road; (808) 923-2311. Dinner 5 – 9 daily)

If you are taking a vacation to Hawaii and are looking for some great places to eat that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, these are some of our favorite spots to consider.