Dinner on a tight budget

Question

Recommendations for dinner on a limited budget. We had originally had reservations at a condo, but a last minute pool renovation made us change our plans and book a hotel (Park Shore). We had planned to have many dinners at a condo, but now we are going to have to eat out at night and that really wasn't in the budget to begin with (not to mention we are paying more for lodging than we originally had booked) so any suggestions to keep the cost down would be appreciated. We are leaving next week and will be there for 8 nights

Answer

Aloha! Eating out in Waikiki on a budget is definitely possible if you know where to look. While many restaurants in Waikiki can be pricey, there are several options that offer tasty meals at reasonable prices without sacrificing the experience.

Here are some budget-friendly strategies and places to consider for dinner:

Local plate lunch spots: These are casual, filling, and usually under $15 per person. Some favorites include:
- Rainbow Drive-In – classic Hawaiian plate lunches, generous portions, very affordable
- LP Hawaiian Barbecue – fast, casual, and good value for meat/veggie combos
- Ono Seafood – for poke bowls, fresh fish, and great prices
Asian eateries: Many small Japanese, Korean, and Chinese restaurants offer dinner specials and combo plates. Examples:
- Marukame Udon – self-service udon noodles and tempura at a very reasonable price
- Sushi Stop – affordable sushi rolls and combo sets
- Bento shops along Kuhio Avenue – quick, filling meals for under $12
Food courts and casual spots: Hotels and shopping centers often have food courts with cheaper options:
- International Market Place food court – variety of choices, inexpensive meals
- Shirokiya Japan Village Walk – casual Japanese food, sushi, ramen, and snacks
Takeout and picnic idea: Buying groceries or prepared meals from local supermarkets (Foodland, Safeway, Don Quijote) can save a lot. You can enjoy your dinner on the beach or back at your hotel.

Additional tips to save money:

Look for lunch specials – many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus that are just as satisfying as dinner portions.
Consider sharing dishes, especially at plate lunch or Asian restaurants – portions are often generous.
Ask locals or hotel staff for “hidden gems” – smaller, off-the-main-drag places often have great food at lower prices.
Use apps like Yelp or Google Maps to filter restaurants by “cheap eats” or “under $15.”

With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a variety of Hawaiian cuisine without overspending while staying in Waikiki. Focus on casual local spots, food courts, and takeout options to stretch your dining budget.