Groceries - Safeways vs Target

Question

Just returned from 10 days in Waikiki and as we had an apartment with a full kitchen we bought groceries on day one so we didn't have to eat out every day. We bought mainly juice, bread, cereal, ham, tomatoes, fruit etc. Also grabbed a cooked chicken and some pre made salads for dinner one night.

So on day one we set off for Safeway, loaded up (also bought a dozen cans of hubby's favourite beer Longboard) and 2 bottles of wine. Ubered back and unpacked.

The next day I walked 5 mins down to the new Target to check it out. OMG - the price of groceries was SO much cheaper then what we'd paid at Safeway.

No talking about a few cents - the beer was $4 cheaper and almost everything else was at least $1 per item cheaper. They may not have had the huge range that Safeway had but for what the normal tourist needs it was fine.

Lesson learnt for us and hope others benefit from our experience!!

Overall another excellent holiday - our 6th visit so we must love it.

Loved dining at Dukes again and also tried Monkeypod for the first time. Enjoyed Happy hour at Tommy Bahamas and a couple of other places. I know locals will find this hard to believe but we had a fantastic meal at Olive Garden - such great value!!

Be back again in a couple years.

Answer

When staying in Waikiki with access to a kitchen, grocery shopping can be a real cost saver compared to eating out every meal. Based on your experience, you found a clear difference between Safeway and Target in terms of pricing for typical tourist groceries like juice, bread, cereal, ham, fruit, and even pre-cooked meals.

Here are some takeaways and considerations:

Target tends to have lower prices for many staple grocery items, especially for packaged goods, beverages, and snacks. While their selection may not be as extensive as Safeway, it covers most basics that a short-term visitor would need.
Safeway offers a wider variety of items, including specialty products and a larger selection of wines and beers. This can be useful if you are looking for local brands or specific ingredients, but it comes at a higher cost.
Buying heavier items like a dozen beers or wine bottles may be more cost-effective at Target due to the price difference, and it saves money for multiple nights of cooking or entertaining in your rental.

Other tips for Waikiki grocery shopping:

Consider proximity: If your rental is walking distance to Target, it’s a convenient stop for mid-trip top-ups, especially for perishables like fruit, vegetables, and dairy.
Plan your first grocery run wisely: You might want to check both stores if you have time, so you can stock up on essentials at Target and special items at Safeway.
For prepared meals or rotisserie chicken, Safeway sometimes offers more options, but Target’s prepared foods are usually sufficient for light dinners or picnic-style meals.

Overall, for budget-conscious travelers in Waikiki, Target is a great choice for most groceries, while Safeway is useful if you need variety or specialty items. Combining both stores strategically can maximize savings and convenience during your stay.

Groceries - Safeways vs Target

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