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4 "cheap eats" near Waikiki

Locals almost never eat in the hotel restaurants, because we know there are options. Honolulu's hidden gems don't have big advertising budgets, and they rarely get featured on splashy websites and publications geared toward visitors. Yet, some of the gems of Honolulu are small, locally owned places. Here are a couple, within walking distance to or from Waikiki beach, where you can role in wearing your slippahs (that's flip-flops to mainlanders!).

Ono Hawaiian
Local food here. Lau Lau - pork, chicken or fish steamed in taro or banana leaves - is out of this world..even the locals rave. Huge portions at great prices leave you feeling satisfied, unlike the typical tourist rip-off. Its a hole-in-the wall and its first come, first serve. Here's some good news - its close to Waikiki. Hey..even the locals head down there once in awhile.

726 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 737-2275

Pho Minh Thu
Let's get one thing straight - this is a total hole-in-the wall. The restaurant redefines simple and the tattoo parlor next door makes for interesting dinner entertainment. The menu is simple, but extensive. One taste of the fresh spring rolls here..and it will be enough to make you want to move to Honolulu...nothing is better. Pho fans rave. And, its cheap. Really cheap. If you spend more than $10/person, you probably over ate. Oh, a word to the wise...if you like it spicy..be ready..they like it spicy too.

478 Ena Rd
Honolulu, HI 96805

(808) 946-2299

Wailana Coffee House
Its a true 1970's time warp here. There will be a line, but you won't wait long, this place is a machine. They turn'em and burn'em. A great cup of joe and $5 all you can eat pancakes (ask for the coconut syrup) make this your breakfast stop. Got a hankering for those pancakes after a late night - no problem. Its 24/7 and they'll be happy to have you whenever you wander in.

1860 Ala Moana Blvd Lbby
Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 955-1764

Yuchun Korean Restaurant
After a hot day on the beach nothing beats naeng-myun (Korean chilled black noodles made from kudzu root), with veggies so fresh they snap. Its refreshing, healthy, and a quick walk from the beach...oh, yummy too. You might be tempted to walk on by, because of the simplicty of the place, but if you haven't had Korean food before this is the place to try it. Locals rave about it.

1159 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 589-0022

Welcome to Hawaii...now have fun with the rest of us

Honolulu is the sexiest city/beach in the U.S.; even L.A. has nothing on us. In Honolulu "beach" is a way of life, not a view from a freeway.

So you spent the day at the beach...who needs to relax now?
If you got enough of Waikiki during the day, skip Lulu's in Waikiki and come hang with the rest of us.

Please accept my invitation to join Honolulu's hippest at the hottest nighttime hangouts in Honolulu.

thirtynine hotel
This edgy joint in Chinatown is hang out to up and coming artists and musicians, mostly because of thirtynine hotel's support of said local musicians and artists. thirtynine is a dynamic rotating museum, you never know what art will grace the walls and on any given night you can find music that is truly Honolulu: an eclectic mix. The crowd is chill, the atmosphere, hot.

Hank's Cafe
If your lucky, Hank will spot you at the door and welcome you in himself. This place is more like a big living room, with bad art (sorry, Hank!) and a full bar. The crowd is decidedly "neighborhood" and hip in the "I don't care if I have a hole in my jeans" kind of way. Don't bother dressing to impress..because they won't be. The music has the spur-of-the moment jam music feel to it. Because it usually is; Hank's is a hideout for musicians. PBR is always on special..but you can get a Stella Artois too.

Pearl
If Hank's Cafe sounds a little too low brow for you, then Pearl is the place for you. Dress-code enforced (veeeeeeeery L.A.) by the direct decendent of Studio 54's original bouncer. Once you in - your "in" with the seen and be seen crowd. Fashion shows often happen here mid-week, but on the weekend, there is no room for any of that. Nothing to see here, except the crowd. Even if you are lucky enough to get a table, I strongly recommend skipping the "No Aloha Here" cocktail waitresses, and going right to the bar. The bartenders are regular rockstars, and whip up that $12 martini fast and with a smile! Have a lychee martini, and shake it on the dance floor!

Pipeline Cafe
Tucked away in a warehouse district of Honolulu, Pipeline cafe is THE place to catch D-list touring artists and comedians. That's not to suggest these guys don't usually give a good show, because they do..but let's just say U2 doesn't stop at the Pipeline. Don't bother if there isn't a performance, because the best thing about it is the fact that its an intimate venue...and its really not THAT intimate, its actually huge. On Saturday night's the young crowd cruises around the club, hits the dance floor, then does another lap. The atmosphere is best summed up by the drink prices: cheap.

Bar35
For late night eats the pizza can't be beat. This isn't your momma's pizza, they have toppings like prucsetta, french brie, Chinese sausage and sweet chilie sauce. I wouldn't recommend it all together...but you get the idea. The crowd is hip, but not hip-hop, you know? You can reserve a table or get bottle service, but seriously...that isn't really what this place is about, you'll want to lurk around the patio and see who is interesting.