“Hawaii high prices” is becoming a saying amongst visitors and for a good reason! In Waikiki, our prices are indeed high for food and, well, just about everything else besides water. So, how do you avoid it? Easy! Right outside of Waikiki -walking distance actually- the food prices drop dramatically! A lot of people don’t realize this, or worse; figure this out on their last day here. A great, affordable lunch plate place right outside of Waikiki is called “Rainbow Drive-In” get their Shoyu chicken! The name of the street that Rainbow Drive-In is on is called Kapahulu.
I nicknamed this particular street “Foodie Ave” because there is a plethora of affordable food establishments to choose from! Everything from traditional Hawaiian cuisine to traditional Japanese noodle houses! When you check this food haven out, please let us know what you think of it here! Below is a list of a few of our favorite places on Oahus\’ Foodie Ave!
Rainbow Drive-In.
This place is a concoction of the local Hawaiian favorites! My favorite plate here is the Shoyu chicken plate. It comes with the normalized Hawaii sides which are two scoops of white rice and macaroni salad (Mac salad). But its O so delicious!
Leonard’s Bakery 933 Kapahulu.
If this place rings a bell for you it’s because it is known around the world for their Malasadas. These breaded, circular treats are about the size of an adult fist, fluffy, and are made to order! Be aware of the line when you get there. Plan accordingly! (My favorite is the original and the cinnamon, what’s yours?!)
Tonkatsu Tamafuji 499 kapahulu
Is a Japanese Dish that consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet.
It involves coating slices of pork with panko (bread crumbs), frying them in oil, and then serving with rice and shredded cabbage. The two main types are fillet and loin.
Da Ono Hawaiian Food 726 Kapahulu
If you are looking for inexpensive traditional Hawaiian food you have found the place! They also serve local Hawaiian favorites here as well!
Side Note: you can safely say that the majority of the local Hawaiian favorites plate lunch places are serving the same thing. One of the main things that differentiates them from one another is the way they prepare their Mac Salad and gravy for their Loco Moco. It makes or breaks their establishment.
Ono Seafood 747 Kapahulu
A local favorite! This edible gold mine is tucked away in a corner on Kapahulu but its bright, Salmon colored exterior makes it hard to miss. Have you heard of “Ahi Poke”? If not, prepare to be blown away! Ahi (salmon) Poke is what this company specializes in and you will not be disappointed! Fresh fish made to order. Can’t go wrong there! Well… you can, but not at this place!
2 thoughts on “Oahu’s “Foodie Ave””
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing!
No problem Joe! Glad to help! More to come!