Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

The food was great, and we found out the things we enjoyed most also happened to cost the least. We didn't buy an entertainment book, but were given a used book. Where price shows "tip included" note that we generally tip about 20%, and where we used a coupon we figured the tip on the undiscounted price.

Shige's Saimin Stand = Wahiawa
We each had what seemed like a huge bowl of saimin (but they called them "small"; the "large" was big enough to swim in) and left full and satisfied at a cost of only $7.25 including tip (we drank water).

Buzz's Steak and Lobster = Waikiki
Not real hungry so we shared a pupu platter and DH also had a baked potato and a drink. $28 including tip.

Keo's = Waikiki
An impulse stop when we had slept too late the go to Eggs and Things. It was acceptable but unremarkable. He had bacon, eggs, pancakes and coffee and I had fruit, a bagel and juice. $18 including tip.

Andy's Sandwiches = Manoa Valley
Really crowded. Parking is a premium = probably easiest to park in the shopping center across the street. Line forms on the left when you walk in the door. They fix your sandwich to order at the counter and give you a slip of paper with the price. I don't think there was anything on the menu over $6. If you want something to drink take it from the coolers. If you're eating inside (only 6 tables) show your drink to the cashier along with your slip when you've finished eating. We each had a sandwich then got a big coconut walnut chocolate chip cookie and a chocolate energy bar. $10.50

Kapiolani Community College Farmer's Market = Diamond Head
We spent $3 on breakfast, $10 on baked goods and $17 on fruit (we got lots of fruit) which we ate for breakfast and carried as snacks for the rest of the week. If you wait until 10 the prices drop, but so does the selection.

Ala Moana Food Court = Ala Moana Shopping Center
Ate here just because of timing. This is a pretty big food court with quite a bit of variety. All pretty much standard food court fare.

Chuck's Cellar = Waikiki
This was a family favorite when I lived there so we ate here for sentimental reasons, but this was the most expensive meal we had and probably our least enjoyable = not that the food was bad, but just average and nothing we couldn't get at home. I had steak; DH had prime rib; we each had a drink; $72 including tip.

Ono Loa = Waiahole.
Located in the old poi factory building on Kam Hwy (don't blink or you'll miss it). The people there were great!! They make a chocolate haupia = so good!! One kalua pork plate was $8 and enough for us to share.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck = Kahuku
$11 gets you 12 shrimp and 2 scoops of rice. I have to say that after our outstanding lunch, $11 seemed like a lot to pay for so much less food, even if it was shrimp. The rice was cold and the drinks were warm. I realize this is a popular stop, but I just can't recommend it.
A word of warning for those of you who like their hot & spicy shrimp: they get the sauce from a supplier in Florida and due to the hurricanes they don't expect to get anymore for several months. Another warning = if you eat at the truck, sit at the wooden picnic tables under the tree rather than the plastic ones under the awning, which apparently doubles as an employee smoking area.

Ezogiku Noodle Café = Waikiki
Had a coupon for this one. DH had a huge bowl of ramen and I had gyoza. $10 including tip.

Aiea Manapua And Snacks = Aiea
Great food and great prices. It was difficult to find and parking is very limited, but the search is worth it! We chose manapua (one steamed, one baked) gau gee, fried sweet potato, and a bag of boiled peanuts. (okay, it turned out to be more than a snack, but it all looked so good)
Total $9

Aloha Aina Café = Waianea
Shared a sandwich ($4.75) and planned to share a smoothie($3), but it was so good DH decided he wanted his own. This place uses only organically grown vegys, and they have their own farmer?s market on Saturdays.

Highway Inn = Waipahu
This little place has been run by the same family for 57 years. This was one of our best dining experiences on the island because the people were so great. They were curious about how we found out about them, and we were curious about the food. They chatted with us throughout the meal and we truly felt like we were guests in their home, rather than customers in a restaurant. They offer a selection of American and Hawaiian food. We had combo plates (the laulau was great, and we loved the pipikaula!!) and sodas. $25 including tip (25%)

Leonard's Bakery = Kapahulu
Yes, famous malasadas, but also a variety of great pastries. Should have stopped here earlier in the week so that we could have tried more items. We got a dozen malasadas (half filled = love the guava), a loaf of sweet bread, and a coffee for less than $15.

Kelley O'Neil's Irish Pub = Waikiki
This was another coupon spot. It was convenient and uncrowded. I had fish & chips and a soda; DH had chicken pie and a beer = all were very good. $11 including tip.

Duke's = Waikiki
Okay, I realize that everyone recommends Duke's, and I will admit that the Lava Flow was great and they have a really good salad bar (even anchovies for the ceasar salad), but guess we just weren't in the right frame of mind. It was just way too loud for us. We noticed that the place was packed every night, so it didn't seem to matter what day of the week you choose, nor does it matter if you sit inside or outside. The night we wanted to just go for drinks we couldn't even wedge ourselves into the bar, it was so packed. And the night we went for dinner was no different. The fish was good but not great and the service was marginal (waiter delivered our food and was never seen again). The total including one drink each was $68 including tip (17%).