Cheap Eats in Waikiki Under $15

A Waikiki institution for quick, cheap, and satisfying eats. Their spam musubi — rice wrapped in nori with grilled Spam and various toppings — is the ultimate Hawaiian grab-and-go meal. At $3-4 per musubi, you can fill up for under $8. They have multiple locations throughout Waikiki, making it incredibly convenient. Locals often grab a couple of musubi on their way to the beach. The shrimp tempura and unagi versions are worth the slight upcharge.

A Honolulu legend since 1961, Rainbow Drive-In serves classic Hawaiian plate lunch at old-school prices. Their loco moco — a mountain of rice topped with a hamburger patty, gravy, and a fried egg — is the definition of comfort food and costs around $8-10. Plate lunches come with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. It is a short walk from Waikiki proper but absolutely worth the trip. Cash and card accepted, and the portions are generous.

Watch your udon noodles being made fresh right in front of you. Marukame Udon is a cafeteria-style Japanese noodle shop where a basic bowl of perfectly chewy udon starts at just $5. Add tempura toppings for $1-3 each. The line often stretches out the door, but it moves quickly and the food is worth the wait. A filling meal with udon and two tempura pieces runs about $8-10. This is easily one of the best value meals in all of Waikiki.

Waikiki's food truck scene has exploded in recent years. You will find trucks serving everything from Korean BBQ and garlic shrimp to poke bowls and acai. Most plate lunches from food trucks run $10-12, which is significantly less than sitting down at a restaurant for the same food. Look for trucks parked along Kalakaua Ave and the side streets near Kuhio. Portions are generous and the food is made to order. Pro tip: trucks that cater to locals (not just tourists) tend to have better prices and bigger portions.

Do not laugh — Hawaii's 7-Eleven stores are nothing like the ones on the mainland. Inspired by Japanese konbini culture, they stock surprisingly good poke bowls, fresh musubi, bento boxes, and onigiri. A poke bowl for $5-7 is legitimately tasty and uses fresh fish. Spam musubi for $2-3 is a reliable quick meal. There are multiple 7-Eleven locations within Waikiki, open 24 hours. This is the ultimate budget hack for visitors — especially for early morning bites or late-night snacks when restaurants are closed.

When you are craving a proper burger, Teddy's delivers hand-formed patties made with 100% Big Island beef. A classic burger starts around $8, and even their specialty burgers with premium toppings stay under $14. The fries are hand-cut and the milkshakes are thick. Located just outside the main Waikiki strip on Kapahulu Ave, Teddy's draws more locals than tourists — always a good sign. It is a no-frills burger joint where the quality speaks for itself.

The food court at the Royal Hawaiian Center is an underrated gem right in the heart of Waikiki. You will find a mix of local and international options — poke, ramen, Thai food, and more — at prices significantly lower than the restaurants upstairs or across the street. Most meals run $8-14, and you get air conditioning, free seating, and clean restrooms. It is an especially good option on rainy days or when you just want a quick, affordable meal without the sit-down restaurant experience.

Acai bowls are practically a food group in Hawaii, and Waikiki has no shortage of spots serving them. While some tourist-oriented places charge $16+, plenty of local-friendly spots offer generous bowls for $10-13. Look for shops on the side streets off Kalakaua Ave rather than beachfront locations for better prices. Most bowls come loaded with fresh tropical fruit, granola, and honey. Add a smoothie for a complete healthy meal. These are perfect for a light lunch or post-beach refuel.

Technically just outside Waikiki, the KCC Saturday Farmers Market is worth the short trip. Open Saturday mornings from 7:30 AM to 11 AM, you will find everything from fresh tropical fruit and local honey to plate lunches, pastries, and coffee — all at prices well below restaurant rates. A full breakfast or lunch here runs $8-12, and the quality is exceptional because everything comes directly from local farmers and small food producers. Get there early for the best selection. Take TheBus Route 22 or 24 from Waikiki.