What to Eat and Where to Stay in Hawaii, USA

Hawaii is often hailed as the world’s ultimate tropical paradise — and naturally, a trip here comes with a price tag to match. In fact, if you’re staying in Waikiki, expect eye-watering costs, from accommodation to dining. The upside? Getting around is easy, and shopping is a delight — clothes, shoes, perfumes, and more are surprisingly cheaper than in New Zealand.

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Hotels in Hawaii.

Our group of five split into two hotels because two friends would only consider staying at four-star properties or above (as always). Let’s start with my own accommodation: to be honest, it felt as old as a century-old apartment block in Vietnam — no restaurant, no bar, and about a 15-minute walk or bus ride to reach the main center. But it had its perks: a kitchen, a microwave, and basic cooking facilities. This meant we could prepare our own breakfasts, which saved a lot since most Waikiki hotels — even the five-star ones — don’t include breakfast unless you pay extra. Sometimes we even cooked dinner or boiled vegetables for a refreshing meal.

I stayed on the 18th floor, with a constant cool breeze. The three of us shared two large beds, enjoyed a clean and spacious room, and paid the cheapest rate in the area. Downsides? The location was a bit far, and the noise level was high — the hotel sat on a main road, with poor soundproofing, so nights were just as noisy as the daytime (traffic, garbage trucks, and all sorts of sounds).

Our hotel, Ambassador, cost USD 2,900 for three people over 12 nights. Meanwhile, our other two friends stayed at the Moana Surfrider — far more luxurious, and of course, far more expensive.

Dining in Hawaii

Even with a limited budget, I made it a point to try some of Hawaii’s most popular dishes. Unsurprisingly, Japanese food is everywhere here — from convenience stores to mini-marts — with sushi rolls being the most common grab-and-go option, around USD 7 for six pieces (sold everywhere from 7-Eleven to ABC Stores).

What to Eat and Where to Stay in Hawaii, USA — The Cheesecake factory

One must-visit spot is The Cheesecake Factory, arguably Hawaii’s most famous restaurant. It’s so popular that without a reservation, you could wait up to two hours for a table. Portions are massive — far beyond what most Asians can finish — but the food is excellent. Prices are on par with other restaurants, but the signature experience here is the giant block of cheese they grate fresh at your table if you request it.

What to Eat and Where to Stay in Hawaii, USA The Cheesecake factory — The Cheesecake factory

Another good option is the Ala Moana Mall Food Court, perfect for a lunch break while shopping. The food here is diverse and reasonably priced, with cuisines from Thailand, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and more — a hearty lunch can cost as little as USD 12. I tried the Paradise food stall’s fish soup and apple pie — both very satisfying.

For dessert lovers, Häagen-Dazs opposite the Moana Surfrider is a must. Order the banana split — the chewy banana, sweet strawberries, and bitter dark chocolate create an unforgettable combination. I still crave it today, but haven’t found anything similar in New Zealand. At just USD 9 per serving, it’s worth every bite.Another noteworthy spot is Eggs ‘n Things, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner — always with eggs as a key ingredient. It’s just as busy as The Cheesecake Factory, so expect to wait. I had the fried meat with pineapple, which was both unique and tasty, and their drinks were excellent too.

If you’re after a budget-friendly buffet, head to Waikiki Gateway Hotel, where breakfast is only USD 12.95. It’s a decent spread, though less varied than buffets in Vietnam.

A fun stop is the Dole Plantation — once the pineapple capital of Hawaii, before operations moved to the Philippines and Ecuador due to labor costs. Try their pineapple ice cream — though personally, I didn’t enjoy it much and left half unfinished.