Hawaii might not be the first destination that comes to mind for budget-conscious travellers, but with some savvy planning, it's possible to enjoy the islands' rich culinary scene without overspending. For many visitors, especially those arriving via cruise ships that frequently dock in Honolulu or tour the Hawaiian Islands, finding affordable meals is a key concern.
Navigating the Big Island on a Budget
The journey begins on Hawai'i, commonly known as the Big Island, where staying at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort presents some logistical challenges. With hire cars based at Kona Airport, a 40-minute drive away, and limited ride-share options, exploring for cheap eats requires creativity. Renting a Tesla from the resort for around $A320 over six hours becomes the only viable option for venturing out.
First Tastes of Hawaii
Not far from the resort, a roadside stop at Manuela Malasada Company delivers the first culinary victory: hot malasadas, Portuguese doughnuts that can be enjoyed plain or filled with flavours like haupia (coconut) or jam. Three of these treats cost approximately $24, offering a sweet introduction to local flavours.
After navigating winding roads to Waimea town, a visit to Foodland supermarket reveals an insider tip: some of Hawaii's best poke (diced marinated raw fish) can be found in grocery stores. Sampling various varieties leads to purchasing a bowl of ahi shoyu poke, another of spicy ahi poke, and furikake wonton chips for $25—roughly the price of a single restaurant poke bowl. Enjoying this meal back at the hotel with a Pacific Ocean view, supplemented by a $43 salad and drinks from the resort's deli, makes for a memorable and relatively affordable dining experience.
Honolulu's Culinary Landscape
Moving to Oahu for a three-night stay at Prince Waikiki, conveniently located near Ala Moana Centre and Honolulu's cruise terminal, opens up more budget dining opportunities. At Ala Moana, Musubi Cafe Iyasume offers spam musubi, a popular snack of marinated spam on sushi rice, for $10 for two varieties. While prices in Hawaii are generally high due to freight costs, and noticeably higher than during a previous 2013 visit, strategic choices can keep costs manageable.
Sweet and Savory Finds
For those with a sweet tooth, benchmarks like a $22.90 slice of red velvet cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory on Kalakaua Avenue might seem steep, but alternatives abound. Coffees typically range from $9 to $14, while Island Vintage Shave Ice serves classic icy desserts that rival more famous North Shore options for around $15. In Kaimuki, Chocolate and Vanilla Bakery's ube banana bread, a purple-hued treat reminiscent of taro, costs about $13.
Ohana Hale Food Truck Park provides excellent value, offering garlic shrimp and plate lunches—a local staple featuring a protein like fried chicken with rice and macaroni cheese—at reasonable prices. For a different experience, Marugame Udon allows diners to watch their food being prepared, with two bowls of udon, tempura, and drinks totalling $66.
Supermarket Surprises and Hotel Hacks
ABC Stores and their affiliated Island Country Markets, ubiquitous in Honolulu, function as full-service delis where meals like prime rib loco moco (white rice, beef, gravy, and a fried egg), fish tacos, and haupia pie can be enjoyed for $59. This offers a more affordable alternative to restaurant dining, reminiscent of upscale grocery stores.
Extending the trip with a stay at the bustling Hilton Hawaiian Village, despite its hectic check-in process, provides access to a prime beachfront location and a food truck serving barbecue chicken lunch boxes and dairy-free Dole Whip pineapple ice confection for about $50. Without included breakfast, a visit to the International House of Pancakes across the road yields a combo of cinnamon pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns with refillable coffee for $60—a satisfying and repeatable meal before the flight back to Sydney.
Throughout this culinary adventure, mindful planning and a willingness to explore beyond tourist hotspots prove that eating cheaply in Hawaii is not only possible but can also lead to authentic and delicious experiences.
