CHEAP GRINDS (FOOD)
Good news...you don't have to spend a fortune to eat in
Hawaii - you can, but you don't HAVE to. In Hawaii, even
laying on the beach can build an appetite. There are
several inexpensive places that you can satisfy that
grumbling stomach.
FAST FOOD
Despite the fact that some people refer to the mainland as
the U.S., Hawaii IS a state, and has most of the familiar
fast food places we all know and love (McDonalds, Jack in
the Box, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, etc). Water is free at
these places. All of these places allow casual wear
(shirt, shorts, slippers). I refuse to go to any place
that I have to put long pants and shoes on, just to get
something to eat (or drink). Places that do require such
accoutrements are the fancy schmancy, hotzie totzie places
you should avoid, unless your trying (on purpose) to spend
a hundred dollars for a meal.
BEST BET:
JACK IN THE BOX
- they have always have a 99 cent special of some kind.
The Jumbo Jack has been on sale
forever (99 cents), and at various times the double
cheeseburger or chicken sandwhich are also 99 cents. In
addition the have a $1.99 special of 3 monster tacos, or
breakfast secials around $2. You can get a hamburger
anytime, even before 10:30 (unlike Mickey D's). Even if not
advertised, ask if the 99 cent Jumbo Jack is still going
(has been for some time now). Kalakaua dining room has nice
street level ocean view, or take it to go, and walk across
the street to the beach. Kalakaua location is open 24
hours. Other locations on Kuhio and Kapahulu.
Mickey D's
(McDONALDS)
also has periodic specials, some as
low as 99 cents. As I write this a MacTeri (teriyaki
hambuger) is 99 cents. As with the Kalakaua Jack in the
Box, at the Kalakaua McDonalds, you can walk accross the
street and eat your meal at a table on the beach, or sit up
front with a nice view of the ocean and tourists. One other
Waikiki location on Kalia Rd, over by Ft DeRussy.
PIZZA HUT
has 2 locations (Kuhio Mall and Waikiki Shopping
Plaza). Kuhio shop delivers to Waikiki (926-5025). Unless
fanatic about Pizza Hut, always check
DOMINO'S
also
(737-0888) to find best value. Although Domino's is not
located in Waikiki, they do deliver here. Ask both places
for specials. Don't be too surprised at price, but should
be able to get 2 medium 2 topping pizzas for ~$20 or less.
Also in Waikiki:
BURGER KING
- 3 Waikiki locations (King's Village, Waikiki Trade
Center, and corner of Kalakaua and
Lewers). No specials, ever. Forget about a 99 cent whopper
- it doesn't happen in Waikiki. Kings Village BK is open
24 hours though.
ALL YOU CAN GRIND
SPAGHETTI SPAGHETTI!
is located on the 3rd floor of the
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in the building that borders
Lewers Street. Lunch is $8.99 and dinner is $9.99 for a
buffet (all-you-can-eat, of course) which includes four
types of pasta, four different sauces, and a full salad
bar. There are also other menu items, but the buffet is
the best bet. There is also a BAR, which has a nice
aquarium.
DUKES
at the Outrigger Waikiki, offers an all-you-can-eat
breakfast buffet ($7.95 for the cold buffet, $9.95 for the
hot buffet). One of the more resonably priced breakfast
buffets. Lovely ground level ocean view dining. Cold
buffet includes fruits, vegetables, toast, muffins, etc,
white hot buffet includes an omlette station, pancakes,
french toast, potatoes, etc. Good grinds!
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS
Several places offer an "early bird" special during
breakfast or dinner, or both. An early bird special is
usually a discounted entree offered at a less busy period
of time. Some of these specials are the same entree you'll
pay $3-$5 more for an hour later, and most of the evening
meals (at least the ones I frequent), also include a salad
bar - such a deal!!
My favorite, because of my fondness for Mahi-Mahi, is
BUZZ'S STEAK AND LOBSTER
on Saratoga Road. Mahi is a FISH,
sometimes called the dolphin FISH (because of it's shape),
and also known as Dorado, but it is a FISH. You are not
eating Flipper, a MAMMAL, so relax and enjoy. I always get
the mahi, but there are usually a couple of other choices
along with the mahi. If you get the mahi ask for it
broiled. It comes with fries and a small (but all you can
eat) salad bar. Early bird is good from 5:30 - 6:30pm.
PIECES OF EIGHT
- 250 Lewers St. Affiliated with Buzz's,
they also offer an early bird special and all-you-can-eat
salad bar. Decor reminds you of a pirate ship, and also
offers a large bar.
CHUCK'S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE
is located in the Edgewater Hotel, in between Lewers and
Beachwalk. Several choices for entrees, and the proverbial
all-you-can-eat sald bar. The baked beans are delicious,
but for the sake of your loved ones - go easy on 'em.
Unless, of
course, you are traveling alone, then go for it. Adult
beverages are available.
DENNYS
DENNYS
- despite the jokes, everyone knows what to expect at
Dennys. There are 3 Waikiki Dennys (Kuhio, Lewers, and the
corner of Kalakaua and Kapahulu). The
Kalakaua location
offers a million dollar view of Waikiki Beach. The open
air, 2nd level view is worth the price of the meal alone.
Hard to find a better view for a more reasonable price.
"NESE" FOOD
Sorry, but I am not a big fan of "nese" food. You know,
Chinese, Japanese, Viet Namese - that kind of food. I do
have friends who are though, and I have sent them out to
sample the nese grinds. As they report back, I will update
this section.
MORE WILL BE ADDED LATER
For a new experience have a personal pan pizza and a taco
or burrito at the basement (below street level) combinatio
PIZZA HUT/TACO BELL
at the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Prices
are more expensive than on the mainland (true of most
things in Hawaii), but is a nice break from the hamburger
habit.