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JesusFan1982

Your QuestionI keep hearing about how expensive the food is in Hawaii. I'll be traveling to Oahu in a few weeks and I want to enjoy Hawaiian cuisine, but I don't wanna spend an arm and a leg. Any tips? Thanks!

nanny411

it CAN be really expensive, but it doesn't have to be! Eat like a local and it won't be so expensive. Eat at the Asian places and the little steak and rice places. We did it on the cheap to the extreme!!!! And we ate well- my 2 grandsons loved everything, especially sticky rice with virtually every meal!

Chi-CH

Hit the grocery stores and do picnics for lunch. Agree with other responder and eat in the local joints - the plate lunch is really a good deal - usually two starches (e.g., rice, potato-macaroni salad - fantastic! and a meat. Buy beers or wine in the grocery store as well and enjoy the sunset at one of the parks.

boomergal

Avoid hotel restaurants & most places in Waikiki. Look for "plate lunch wagons". They may not be the healthiest thing around but they are cheap, filling, & tasty. If you are staying in Waikiki, try some of the smaller, local restaurants up Kapahulu Ave (the zoo end of Waikiki). Ono Hawaiian Foods is one place I can personally recommend. There are many Zippy's all over the place - they are kind of like a local style Denny's. Their chili is a local favorite. A couple of other places that give you good value are: I Love Country Cafe, near the Ala Moana Center, & Kaka'ako Kitchen in the Ward Center. Eggs 'n Things at the western end of Waikiki has a good breakfast. None of these places are great on atmosphere, but they are all good value for your money.

doug76542462

I found eating in Hawaii actually less than comparable class restaurants in other major cities. A good dinner with appetizers, drinks, etc. in a place with excellent atmosphere can run $20 and up. (open air view of ocean & sunset free) Quite filling and balanced 'plate lunch' can be found all over for around $7.