Go Oahu Travel Blog

RSS

Cheap Eats in Oahu (Local Cuisine Edition)

November 26th, 2007 by jamie a

Lunch at Pier 38
Photo uploaded by hellochris

If you’re a traveler on a budget who wants to get the most out of your Hawaiian experience, these local favorites for cheap eats are perfect for your trip! For part one of our two part ‘cheap eats,’ this post’s focus is on local cuisine that will introduce your palate to plenty of new tastes.

For breakfast…
Check out Mac 24-7 for a hearty breakfast before sightseeing. You get three larger-than-a-dinner-plate cakes with toppings like pineapple, banana, walnuts, and chocolate. Also be sure to try some Kona coffee to start off your day!

Cinnamon’s, voted the “Champion of Breakfast” by the Honolulu Advertiser, fulfills all your Hawaiian food dreams. Choose from mahi-mahi eggs Benedict, guava chiffon pancakes, or Carsie’s crab cakes and eggs. The names of the dishes alone should persuade any foodie to stop at Cinnamon’s!

For lunch…
With local fisherman, residents, and downtown workers making up the clientele, you know that Nico’s Pier 38 is the real deal. Enjoy dishes like urikake pan seared ahi with ginger garlic cilantro sauce or a fried calamari salad on nalo greens with sweet chili dressing. You can even eat on the patio or overlooking the fishing boats for a lovely outdoor meal.

For more fresh seafood options, check out Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill. The decor is fun and welcoming and the specials literally depend on what the fishermen bring in for the day, so the menu is ever-changing. There’s a crab, bacon, and avocado sandwich as well as Uncle’s fresh ahi belly which are staples on the menu as well as local favorites.

For a feel-good snack…
After hiking around Diamond Head or a day at the beach, stop in to Health Bar to refuel! Try an acai bowl, which is essentially a smoothie in a bowl topped with acai fruit, mixed berries, banana, strawberries, and granola and topped with honey. Featured on both the Discovery Channel and Rachael Ray, Health Bar is the perfect treat on a hot day.

For dinner…
Check out the Grass Skirt Grill for ahi, mahi, or ono fish burgers with signature spicy sesame mayo for just $5.95. You even have the choice to dine inside or on the veranda in the lush tropical air. There’s also Teriyaki chicken and delightfully sweet pulled-pork sandwiches if you’re not up for seafood.

Have a great evening with the family at the Kalapawai Cafe. Enjoy a delicious variety of tapas on their small plates dinner menu all inspired by the owner’s trips to Europe. He noticed that “…they have a wonderful lifestyle of enjoying their meals in a casual environment, eating healthy, eating a variety of food priced right, and maybe having a little wine with it. They’re very smart.” The Kalapawai Cafe is his Hawaiian interpretation of these ideas.

For cocktails…
At Halekulani’s House Without a Key, enjoy one of the favorite traditions of the original Halekulani with entertainment under the Kiawe tree. With Hawaiian music and hula nightly, you can sip their famous mai tais as you experience the breathtaking views.

Check back soon to learn more about international cuisine in Oahu!

Planning a trip to Oahu? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Oahu Card.

• Save to Del.icio.us
• Stumble it!
• Digg this story
• Add to Reddit