Cheap Breakfast in Waikiki Near Me, Best Budget Friendly Local Spots in 2026

Waikiki looks expensive at first glance. Oceanfront hotels, designer stores, sunset cruises. It all adds up fast. But here is the good news. You can still find a cheap breakfast in Waikiki without eating gas station snacks or skipping your morning coffee.

I have put together this guide using real businesses, public menus and trusted travel sources. No fake prices. No made up stats. Just practical advice and places that locals and visitors actually use.

If you are searching for cheap breakfast in Waikiki restaurants near me, affordable breakfast Waikiki near me, or best budget breakfast Waikiki, this guide covers it clearly and honestly.

Why Breakfast in Waikiki Feels Expensive

Waikiki sits in Honolulu, one of the most visited areas in Hawaii. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, millions of visitors arrive in the state each year. High demand pushes food prices up, especially near the beach.

Restaurants also deal with higher supply costs because most ingredients arrive by ship or air. That affects menu prices. Still, smart travellers know something important. If you walk a few blocks away from the beachfront strip, prices drop. And that’s where the value starts.

What Counts as Cheap Breakfast in Waikiki?

In most Waikiki cafes, a full breakfast plate can cost between 15 and 25 dollars. That includes eggs, toast, and coffee.

For this guide, “cheap” means:

• 5 to 12 dollars for a filling meal
• Under 5 dollars for pastries or light bites
• Good portion size
• Clean, reputable businesses

Now let’s look at real options.

1. Musubi Cafe Iyasume

If you want the most local cheap breakfast in Waikiki, start here. This small takeout spot specializes in musubi, especially Spam musubi. It’s simple. Rice, grilled Spam, wrapped with seaweed. Locals eat it all the time. Prices usually range between 2 and 4 dollars per piece depending on the type. You can grab two musubi and a drink for under 10 dollars.

Why it works:

• Fast service
• Reliable quality
• Multiple Waikiki locations
• Open early

It’s not a fancy sit down brunch. It’s practical. And honestly, that’s part of the charm. If you search breakfast Waikiki near me early in the morning then this place often shows up for a reason.

2. Leonard’s Bakery

Leonard’s has served Hawaii since 1952. It’s famous for malasadas, Portuguese style fried dough coated in sugar. A classic malasada usually costs only a few dollars. Even filled versions remain affordable compared to hotel breakfast prices. Is it the healthiest breakfast? Not exactly. Is it delicious? Absolutely.

Pair a couple of malasadas with coffee and you have a sweet, budget friendly start to your day. Many travel guides, including Hawaii focused publications, list Leonard’s as a must try local bakery.

If you want cheap breakfast in Waikiki near me with local history attached, this is a strong pick.

3. Liliha Bakery

Liliha Bakery blends diner style comfort food with bakery classics.

You can find:

• Pancakes
• Portuguese sausage
• Omelets
• Pastries

Prices vary, but you can still find reasonably priced breakfast plates compared to oceanfront restaurants. Their pastries cost much less than resort cafes.

Travel publications and local Honolulu food guides regularly recommend Liliha Bakery for value and quality. It’s not the absolute cheapest, but it gives you good portion size for the price. If you want something more filling than a pastry but still affordable, this works well.

4. McDonald’s – 2476 Kalakaua Ave

Yes, it’s McDonald’s. And yes, it belongs on a budget list.

Hawaii McDonald’s locations offer items you won’t always find on the mainland, including Spam, rice and Portuguese sausage breakfast platters.

Prices stay lower than most Waikiki restaurants. You can eat for under 10 dollars without trouble. It may not feel adventurous, but if your budget matters, this is one of the safest cheap breakfast in Waikiki options near the beach.

5. Hula Dog Kuhio

Hula Dog focuses on gourmet hot dogs with tropical relishes. It is not traditional breakfast, but many visitors grab one late morning before heading to the beach. Prices usually remain lower than sit down restaurants.

If you want something quick, different and affordable near me in Waikiki, this can work.

Grocery Stores and Markets for Budget Breakfast

Sometimes the smartest move is not a restaurant. Grocery stores prices varies and sometime cheap.

Check out:

• ABC Stores
• Food Pantry

ABC Stores sit almost everywhere in Waikiki. You can buy yogurt, fruit, pastries, coffee and even pre made breakfast plates.

Food Pantry works like a local supermarket. You can grab:

• Fresh fruit
• Bread
• Peanut butter
• Boiled eggs
• Juice

This option gives you the lowest daily cost, especially if you stay in a hotel with a mini fridge. If you search affordable breakfast Waikiki near me and feel shocked by menu prices, walk into one of these stores first.

How to Find Cheap Breakfast in Waikiki Near Me

Here’s a practical method that works.

1. Walk two to three blocks away from the beach.
2. Look for places with simple menus posted outside.
3. Check Google reviews for recent photos.
4. Avoid hotel lobby restaurants unless you want to pay extra.

Simple rule. The closer you sit to the ocean then you have to pay more.

Average Breakfast Costs in Waikiki

Based on public menu pricing from local restaurants:

• Resort hotel breakfast buffet: 30 to 50 dollars
• Casual brunch cafe: 18 to 25 dollars
• Budget cafe or takeaway: 6 to 12 dollars
• Convenience store option: 3 to 8 dollars

These ranges reflect actual listed menu prices in Honolulu. Prices change over time, so always check the latest menu online before you go.

Is Cheap Breakfast in Waikiki Safe and Clean?

Yes, if you choose established businesses.

Hawaii enforces food safety standards through the Hawaii Island Community Health Center. Restaurants must follow inspection rules like any other US state.

To stay safe:

• Read recent reviews
• Check cleanliness when you enter
• Avoid places with unclear pricing

Common sense goes a long way.

Best Areas for Budget Breakfast in Waikiki

If you want more options, explore:

• Kuhio Avenue
• Kapahulu Avenue
• Ala Moana area, slightly outside Waikiki

These areas often offer better value compared to beachfront Kalakaua Avenue.

Smart Tips to Save Even More

Here are realistic tips that work.

Order water instead of juice or specialty coffee.
Share large portions.
Skip hotel buffets.
Eat your main meal at lunch instead.

Breakfast does not need to be your biggest expense of the day.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy Waikiki.

Cheap breakfast in Waikiki exists. You just need to look beyond hotel dining rooms and beachfront patios.

Grab musubi from Musubi Cafe Iyasume.
Pick up malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery.
Try a simple breakfast plate at McDonald’s Hawaii.
Stop by ABC Stores or Food Pantry for practical grocery options.

You’ll save money. You’ll still eat well. And you won’t feel like you missed out.

If you’re planning multiple days in Waikiki, mixing grocery store breakfasts with one or two local spots gives you the best balance of cost and experience. Travel smart. Eat smart. Enjoy the beach.

Top FAQs About Cheap Breakfast in Waikiki