Hawaii has a bit of a reputation for being expensive, especially when it comes to eating. On our recent visit to Waikiki on the Island of O’ahu we found four great eats for under $10.
| Puka Dog |
On the ousted edge of the International Market, Puka Dog offers a unique twist on the traditional street dog. The buns, either white or whole wheat, are hollowed out long rolls versus traditional hot dog buns. These are toasted on the inside by sliding them on hot skewers, filled with your choice of toppings and your hot dog is slid right in, all nestled for you to enjoy.
You can choose from a polish sausage or a vegetarian version and the toppings are unique, like coconut relish, mango relish, quava honey mustard. These dogs are big, making one a great meal, but you’ll want to add a freshly squeezed lemonade to wash it down. A keiki (or kid’s meal) is also available with a half-size Puka Dog, juice and chips. They have a small eating area outside.
Puka Dog $6.70 (includes choice of 3 toppings, $0.50 for each additional topping). Fresh Squeezed Lemonaide $2.80, keiki meal $6.50.
Puka Dog (2301 Kuhio Avenue # 334), join them on Facebook.
| Saint Germain Bakery |
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go or a sweet bakery treat, then a stop at the Saint Germain Bakery is a must. This was a big breakfast spot for the kids, offering large slices of quiche, ham and cheese on a croissant, cinnamon buns (my personal favourite) and more. Everything is baked fresh at this server-yourself bakery and you can grab a coffee, juice or milk to go with your meal. They also made hearty sandwiches, ideal for those tour bus trips you might be taking. There is a small eat-in area if you want to stay.
Pastries sold for about $2 – $4.00, sandwiches about $6.00.
Saint Germain Bakery (2301 Kuhio Ave).
| Wolfgang Steakhouse |
Wolfgang Steakhouse, a high end steakhouse located on the forth level of building C in the Royal Hawaiian Center, is not a place you would expect to get a cheap meal but if you visit between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. you can partake in their $10 lunch menu. You can get mahi mahi fish and chips, a grilled mahi mahi sandwich, but the favourite choice (especially for my husband) was the 1/2 lb hamburger with both french fries and onion rings. No matter what you order, don’t expect something small; each plate was overflowing with food. They also have local beers from the Maui brewing company on top.
Wolfgang Steakhouse (forth level of building C in the Royal Hawaiian Center).
| Honolulu Cookie Company |
Okay, maybe the Honolulu Cookie Company isn’t a place you’ll go to for lunch but it is definitely worth a bite. The shortbread cookies are baked fresh daily in Hawaii using natural Hawaiian ingredients, including 100% Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, lilkoi, mango, and pineapple. We visited their store in the Royal Hawaiian Center but you will find their shops around the city. I loved their sample station where you can try a flavour before buying a box. The samples are the cookies that get broken (they only sell the best).
Each cookie is individually wrapped for freshness and there are 15 different delicious varieties. You can buy an individual cookie for $0.85 but you’ll want more than one. You can purchase a number of premixed, decorative boxes or create your own mix of your favourite flavours. I love the ones dipped in chocolate.
Honolulu Cookie Company (first level in building B in the Royal Hawaiian Center), join them on Facebook or follow them on twitter.
Like any city, you can find high end, expensive places to eat but if you look around or ask the locals, you’re bound to stumble on some affordable gems like the four listed above.
Great post Carrie Anne on cheap eats in Hawaii – totally agree with the eateries featured. Loved the Puka Dogs and can’t go past a Honolulu Cookie of course. I also enjoyed the street food vans at Pau Hana Market Waikiki – have you tried them?. Also I didn’t know about the Wolfgang Steakhouse $10 lunch special – that’s a great one. Will have to try this place out during lunch during my next visit. Thanks for the cheap eats tips.