The selection of cafes and restaurants in Waikiki is endless. It seems you wouldn’t be able to throw a stick without hitting one. The prices can be high, but if you search around there are some cheaper options to be found.
We had ate on a few occasions at the food court of the Ala Moana Mall. The vendors in the large Makai Food Court offer a range of food choices. We had tasty and inexpensive Mahi Mahi burger at the Cheeseburger Factory. At another nearby stall we were able to build our own salads. In addition to the food court there are several restaurants throughout the mall.
California Pizza Kitchen has a location in Ala Moana mall and one on the main shopping strip of Waikiki called Kalakaua Avenue. We have tried them on several occasions while traveling and have always had great food. Their pizzas are delicious and the pricing is fairly reasonable.
A place where we made a bit more of a splurge was the Cheesecake Factory. They are also located on Kalakaua Avenue. The outdoor seating makes for a great place to enjoy your meal while people watching. I had Ono fish with rice and veggies and Jack had yet another Mahi Mahi burger. This fish is so delicious he never seems to tire of it. We followed the meal with a mouth watering piece of vanilla bean cheesecake. Even though we would not necessarily include the Cheesecake Factory in the budget category, they are still cheaper than many other places in Waikiki.
There are always the usual fast food options to grab a quick and cheap bite such as Subway and McDonald’s. If you keep your eyes open while wandering around Waikiki you will spot the odd small vendor selling items like donairs and such for a cheap price.
Where The Locals Go To Get Homestyle Cooking At Cheap Prices
The Wailana Coffee House is located at the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ena Road, across from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It happened to be located next door to our hotel, the Aqua Palms. You can get a ten percent discount when you present your room card. Everyone raves about the large portion bargain breakfasts. You can order the all you can eat pancakes any time of the day. For $6.95 they come with 2 eggs any style and bacon. We tried a few lunches and dinner meals, it’s nothing fancy but it’s tasty. The meals range anywhere from $5 to $10. We found the waitresses to be very friendly. If you’re in the area it’s a good place to grab a cheap and hearty meal at anytime of the day, they are open 24/7.
Leonard’s Bakery, A Must Do In Waikiki
If you have never tried malasadas (Portuguese Donuts) you are in for a treat. Leonard’s Bakery is famous for making the best ones in Hawaii. They are located at 933 Kapahulu Avenue, which is technically just outside of Waikiki, but well worth going to.
The donuts are served hot and come in plain, white sugar or cinnamon. You can have them filled with flavours like chocolate or Bavarian cream. They are to die for!
Hawaiian Shortbread Cookies, Great Gifts To Take Home
The Honolulu Cookie Company has locations in the Ala Moana Shopping Mall, the Hilton Hawaiian Village, along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue and many others places throughout Waikiki. They make shortbread cookies with several different tropical flavours, and some dipped in chocolate. They are addicting, you can find yourself devouring a box of them in no time. They make a great gift to take home for family and friends. Make sure you buy extra for yourself because there is no way you will refrain from snacking on the ones you are supposed to be bringing home.
Savannah, iStopOver Ambassador says
Hi Audrey!
Came across your blog a little while ago – it’s great! Just thought I’d let you know that I’ve added your blog to the iStopOver Community’s blogroll!
Check it out here: http://www.istopover.com/blog
Cheers!
Savannah
Audrey says
Thank Savannah:)
Raymond says
Hey thanks for these! I’m going to Hawaii next month so this will come in handy…
Any tips for budget accommodations?
Audrey says
Hi Raymond, have fun in Hawaii. On Oahu we stayed in the Aqua Palms across the street from the Hawaii Hilton Village. It is clean and comfortable and includes breakfast. Depends on the time of year, but we only paid around $79 a night.