Cheap Eats in Hawai'i

O'ahu

The Hawaiian word for "The Gathering Place", O'ahu is the most populated island in the archipelago and is the most popular destination due to the capital city of Honolulu and the beach district of Waikiki. Even though it's mostly populated with luxury hotels and resorts, that doesn't mean you won't be able to find cheap eats. And if you're on the other side of the island for some surf time, you're still covered!

Ying's Thai Cuisine

@elizabethhanchett

My suggestion: take your food a few blocks away to Waikiki, sit down either on the sand or the grass, and munch away to the sound of the sea.

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Famous Kahuku Shrimp(페이머스 카후쿠 쉬림프 트럭)

@elizabethhanchett

GARLIC SHRIMP. GARLIC SHRIMP. GARLIC SHRIMP. That is all you need to know.

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Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak

@elizabethhanchett

It doesn't look like much, but trust me. You'll be glad you ate here.

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Marugame Udon

@elizabethhanchett

You wouldn't expect to find affordable sit-down options this close to the Waikiki strip, but here you go. Japanese comfort food at its absolute finest, and you can watch the noodles being made right in front of you. There's always a line, but it moves quite quickly!

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Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack

@elizabethhanchett

Get your order to go and walk across the street to enjoy your food at the best beach on O'ahu!

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Five Star Poke

@elizabethhanchett

The "five star" in the name is *not* a misnomer! This food truck truly has some of the best poke in Waikiki. Sure, you could probably find something better on Kapahulu a relatively short drive away, but without getting into a car or taking a long walk on a very busy road, this is by *far* one of the best options for poke you can find and at very good prices (comparatively speaking of course). It's a one, maybe two-person operation so there will be a little bit of a wait, but trust me, it's worth it. Absolutely worth it.

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Maui

Known as a major resort island, it's for this reason we probably won't be going back since it's incredibly expensive due to this. Our overall experience was a bit overwhelming since we much prefer a more local vibe which is easier to get on islands like O'ahu and the Big Island, but there are still cheap options for food if you're not in the mood to eat at touristy places or at resort restaurants (both of which tend to be overpriced and underwhelming).

Geste Shrimp Truck

@elizabethhanchett

Looking for a great place to eat right by the airport? Look no further than this incredible shrimp truck! We had two hours between flights once to grab lunch, so we were a bit rushed, but we still made it. Absolutely delicious garlic shrimp!

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Las Islitas Tacos Y Mariscos

@elizabethhanchett

It sounds a little odd to eat Mexican food in Hawai'i, but trust me, the Mexican food on the islands is some of the best on the planet. This truck in particular, a few blocks away from Front Street in Lahaina, is perfect for grabbing some amazing food at a great price. Seriously, avoid the sit-down restaurants and just go to the food truck parks!

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Da Nani Pirates

@elizabethhanchett

Right in the middle of Whalers Village in Ka'anapali, you'll find this food truck right on the top level near the ABC Store. There's another one at the food truck park across from Costco in Kahului, but this is the one we went to since it was near our hotel. We got the garlic shrimp wrap, which you wouldn't think to try, but it was incredibly tasty!

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808 Plates Maui

@elizabethhanchett

The truck we went to was at the Lowe's parking lot in Kahului, and we were there at a very strange time (4 pm) due to being out on the eastern side of the island where there were very few food options. The food was absolutely amazing, the staff was incredibly friendly, and it turned out that they're a local favorite. Win-win!

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Thai Taste 65

@elizabethhanchett

Thai food is absolutely a staple of food truck culture, and this place is no exception. It's in the same food truck park as Las Islitas, and the food was absolutely tremendous. The Thai iced tea (which I'm obsessed with) hits the spot, the spring rolls are spectacular, and it's a wonderful choice for cheap eats.

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808Antojitos

@elizabethhanchett

More Mexican food! Run by a Mexican family (and many of the patrons when we went were also Mexican), the quality of the food is absolutely indicative of this. The asada quesadilla was INCREDIBLE and I highly recommend it! The fish tacos were arguably better than at Las Islitas (which is saying something), and even though there's not much by way of seating, the food itself makes it worth it.

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Hawai'i (the Big Island)

The Big Island is more popular for adventurous travelers and those who prefer a more laid-back, calm experience as despite its large size, it's much less populated than O'ahu and Maui and due to the space observatories streetlights are kept at a much lower intensity making nightlife a non-issue. While there are plenty of resorts thanks to its black and green-sand beaches, there are also plenty of options for affordable food!

Shaka Tacoz

@elizabethhanchett

Love tacos? This truck with indoor eating (but very little parking) has the most amazing tacos you've ever eaten (and I've been to Mexico). Absolutely worth a visit (or two!).

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Kawaihae Kitchen

@elizabethhanchett

I could live off of garlic and coconut shrimp. Their ahi poke is also A+! Head downstairs to grab some shave ice for dessert.

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Tuk-Tuk Thai Food Truck

@elizabethhanchett

Thai food is always a good choice, and since you can take food into Volcanoes National Park, drive out there and have your meal right next to the world's most active volcano. A+ experience.

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Loko Wraps

@elizabethhanchett

This is the perfect option for a bite if you're in Kailua-Kona and don't feel like paying Historic Kailua-Kona prices (can't blame you for that). They have so many options and all of them are delicious.

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L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

@elizabethhanchett

This is a local chain serving up classic local Hawaiian grindz. There are locations throughout the archipelago and the food is delicious and incredibly affordable!

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