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Marugame Udon

4.5(14,018 reviews)$$Restaurant
🕑 30-45 minutes including line wait and eating👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers are mesmerized watching the noodle-making process through the glass, while older kids enjoy customizing their own bowls and trying tempura. The slurpable noodles are fun for all ages and easy for small hands to manage with chopsticks or forks.

About

Marugame Udon brings dinner and a show together as kids watch skilled chefs hand-pull fresh udon noodles right before their eyes. This cafeteria-style Japanese noodle spot in Waikiki offers affordable, customizable bowls that even picky eaters will enjoy, with simple broths and toppings kids can choose themselves. The open kitchen concept keeps little ones entertained while you enjoy authentic, quick Japanese comfort food.

Highlights

  • Watching chefs hand-pull and cut fresh udon noodles through the viewing window
  • Self-service tempura display where kids can pick their own crispy treats
  • Simple, mild broths perfect for sensitive palates
  • Fun noodle-slurping experience that's encouraged in Japanese culture
  • Affordable prices that won't break the vacation budget

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Go early (11am opening) or off-peak hours (2-4pm) to avoid the notorious lunch and dinner lines that can stretch 30+ minutes
  2. 2.Kids eat free certain days,check their current promotions before visiting to maximize savings
  3. 3.Let kids stand at the glass partition to watch noodle-making while you order; it's the best entertainment and photo op
  4. 4.Start with a simple niku (beef) or kake (plain) udon for picky eaters, then add tempura sides from the display case
  5. 5.Bring cash for faster checkout, though cards are accepted, and grab extra napkins,udon slurping can get messy!

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons between 2-4pm offer the shortest waits. Avoid peak lunch (11:30am-1pm) and dinner (6-8pm) rushes when lines extend outside. The restaurant is open daily, making it a reliable option even when other Waikiki spots are closed.

What to Know

Meals average $10-15 per person making it one of Waikiki's best dining values. It's cafeteria-style ordering (point and pick your items as you move through the line), located in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza food court with elevator access and high chairs available.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent hours. Can be especially busy during peak tourist seasons (June-August, December-January) and Japanese holidays when visitors seek familiar comfort food. Air-conditioned indoor seating is perfect for escaping Waikiki's heat any time of year.

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