Eat well on a budget with these tasty and affordable local favorites.
If you want to experience the heartbeat of local island life while discovering treasures you can’t find anywhere else, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Honolulu is the place to be. Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, the grounds of the iconic Aloha Stadium transform into Oʻahu’s largest open-air market, a vibrant circle of tents and stalls where locals and visitors gather in a colorful mix of culture, shopping, and community.
Located on the leeward coast of Oʻahu in Waiʻanae, E&S Island Fusion is a casual food stop serving up local-style barbecue, island fusion dishes, and hearty plate lunches. It’s the kind of place travelers on the west side of the island seek out when they want authentic flavors in a laid-back, no-frills setting. The menu reflects a blend of Hawaiian, Filipino, and Pacific Island influences, featuring grilled meats, seafood, and comfort-style plate lunches that change from day to day. Regular favorites include teriyaki chicken, smoked brisket or pulled pork, BBQ short ribs, fried noodles or saimin, and shrimp or garlic chicken plates. Meals are always generous, served with white rice, mac salad, and optional sides like steamed vegetables or tossed greens—ideal for refueling after a beach day or a road trip along the rugged coastline.
In the heart of breezy, beachy Kailua, where barefoot locals ride cruiser bikes past boutiques and bakeries, there’s a market that feels less like an event and more like a gathering. Lokahi Kailua Market isn’t loud or showy. It doesn’t need to be. What it offers is simple and sincere—a space where community, creativity, and small business meet under the canopy of island skies.
Tucked into the laid-back town of Laʻie on Oʻahu’s North Shore, Seven Brothers is a locally owned gem that’s become a go-to for travelers and locals craving indulgent burgers with island soul. While this family-run spot has grown to include several locations—including Kahuku and even Provo, Utah—the original restaurant in Laʻie still draws the most buzz, especially from beachgoers and road trippers exploring the scenic stretch between Kahuku and Haleʻiwa. Founded by a local family of—you guessed it—seven brothers, the restaurant is all about hearty comfort food with local flair. Every burger is made to order, generously portioned, and built with fresh ingredients layered in bold, creative combinations. Think juicy patties topped with grilled pineapple, crispy onions, jalapeños, bacon, or their signature sauces, all served with a side of aloha. The portions are large, the flavors big, and the vibe unpretentious.
Shaka Shake Bowl – Hawaii, Korean BBQ delivers a quick and customizable dining experience that brings the flavors of Korean barbecue into a convenient bowl format. Tucked away on Oʻahu, this spot blends fast-casual service with generous portions and familiar ingredients, making it a popular choice for both locals and travelers looking to grab a satisfying meal without the fuss.