Top pick1$Banan Kaimuki
Kaimuki·Food Store
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Kaimuki is one of Oahu's most beloved neighborhood dining destinations — and the good news is you don't need to spend big to eat well here. I pulled together 19 budget-friendly spots worth knowing in this stretch of Honolulu, from casual sushi counters to local plate lunch joints.
This curated guide blends Nate's personally verified picks with the area's best-rated spots as ranked by real visitors on NateEatsHawaii. Look for the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — those are the spots Nate has personally been to and recommends. Every other spot is ranked by reputation and visitor ratings.
Whether you're craving a scoop at Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery, a classic Hawaiian plate lunch at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, or a fresh acai bowl at Jewel or Juice, Kaimuki's cheap eats scene has something for every appetite and budget.
The ranking
Top pick1$
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4$Counter-service juice bar known for acai fruit & granola breakfast bowls, plus seed jewelry.
5$Homey, checkered-tablecloth spot for Boston-style pizza with Hawaiian topping options.
6$Casual chain serving classic omelets, waffles, pancakes, crêpes & sandwiches with a Hawaiian spin.
7$Japanese take-out spot serving a variety of sushi rolls, plus bento & udon options.
8$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
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12$Scooping house-made ice cream, this dessert spot also offers baked goods including malasadas.
13$Simple storefront eatery serving Asian-fusion & Southern Vietnamese staples plus takeout & catering.
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15$Informal Vietnamese restaurant offering a large variety of pho options, plus soups & salads.
16$Neighborhood spot serving up baked goods, sandwiches & coffee drinks in a laid-back atmosphere.
17$Cozy cafes for locally roasted & international coffee drinks, plus a few baked goods.
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19$See every spot on a live map
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FAQ
Kaimuki has a great range of budget-friendly options, including local plate lunch spots, casual sushi take-out, pizza joints, and dessert shops. This guide covers 19 qualifying restaurants, ordered by Nate's verified picks first, followed by the highest-rated spots according to visitor reviews on NateEatsHawaii.
Koa Pancake House is a casual go-to for classic omelets, waffles, and pancakes with a Hawaiian spin, while Jewel or Juice is well known for its acai fruit and granola breakfast bowls — both are solid budget-friendly options to start your day.
Yes — this guide is regularly reviewed and updated as new visitor ratings come in on NateEatsHawaii and as Nate continues to eat his way through Oahu's neighborhoods.
Kaimuki