North Shore food trucks Hawaii — food and dining in Hawaii

Photo: Google Maps

Cost of Food in Hawaii

Daily food budget: $22–$48 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.

Budget

$22

per person/day

Mid-range

$48

per person/day

Luxury

$105

per person/day

What Meals Cost

Plate lunch$10-14
Poke bowl$12-18
Shave ice$5-8
Oceanfront dinner$40-70

Money-Saving Food Tips

  • Eat plate lunches from local trucks instead of resort restaurants.
  • Book vacation rentals with kitchens to cook some meals with grocery store supplies.

Dining in Hawaii

Eating well in Hawaii doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:

  • Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
  • Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
  • Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
  • Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
  • Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.