With the soaring cost of living in Hawaii and the prevalent tipping culture (currently 18-20% being the norm) often making headlines, ‘supermarkets’ have become a true oasis for local residents, long-term visitors, and students seeking affordable and delicious bentos, poke bowls, and comforting Japanese ingredients.
This article carefully selects five ‘Asian Supermarkets’ and ‘Local Supermarkets’ scattered from Waikiki to the Ala Moana area that you absolutely must visit. Beyond just introducing their product range, we’ll delve deep into real shopping insights, explaining how locals utilize these stores, the best cost-performance items you should target, and even some insider tips.
Mitsuwa Marketplace
📍 Address: 2330 Kalākaua Ave #250, Honolulu, HI 96815 United States
Mitsuwa Marketplace, one of the largest Japanese supermarket chains in the US with its main operations in California, is located on the second floor of the International Market Place in the heart of Waikiki. Amidst Hawaii’s high cost of living, exacerbated by the weak yen for Japanese visitors, this store is a true ‘oasis for the soul’ for long-term visitors and students, providing access to Japanese ingredients, bentos, and ready-made dishes.
A unique feature of this supermarket is its strong focus on ‘nakashoku’ (ready-to-eat meals). Fresh spicy ahi don, unadon, and katsu curry are available on the hot rack, a welcome convenience for those who want to enjoy a warm meal immediately after purchase. They even provide hot water for cup noodles, allowing you to savor Japanese ramen on the outdoor terrace, feeling the Hawaiian breeze – a small sense of accomplishment and comfort.
In recent years, after the pandemic, vacant spaces have been filled by tenants such as ramen and curry restaurants, transforming the store into a food court where you can easily enjoy Japanese cuisine. With Japanese seasonings, daily necessities, and even some medicines available, it’s also the perfect fallback spot when you realize, ‘Oh no, I forgot to bring that from Japan!’
Waikiki Market
📍 Address: 2380 Kūhiō Ave. 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815 United States
‘Waikiki Market’ proudly opened in 2023 on the former site of the Food Pantry (2nd floor of Lilia Waikiki), which once nourished Waikiki. It’s a valuable full-service supermarket in Waikiki, and its bright, clean interior attracts a lively crowd of locals and tourists daily.
Its biggest draw is undoubtedly the incredible cost performance of its customizable ‘Poke Bowls’. You can choose two types of your favorite fresh poke from over 10 varieties, generously topped over rice (white or brown, or even salad). The range includes everything from spicy to classic soy sauce-based flavors, and the friendly staff will even offer samples if you ask – a warm touch unique to local establishments.
The deli also offers a rich selection of items like sushi (inari sushi, California rolls, etc.) and malasadas, with the major advantage of being able to purchase them without worrying about tips or service charges, as it’s a supermarket. After purchasing, you can enjoy a picnic feel right away at the adjoining terrace seats, or take them back to your hotel to reheat in the microwave and enjoy with drinks in your room. In terms of product variety and convenience, this is a highly recommended supermarket that will dramatically elevate your QOL during your Waikiki stay.
Nijiya Market
📍 Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #1380, Honolulu, HI 96814 United States
‘Nijiya Market’ has long supported the Japanese culinary scene in America. Its store on the first floor of Ala Moana Center in Hawaii is indispensable for locals seeking authentic Japanese ingredients and organic foods. Looking around the store, you’ll find an astonishing array of products, from seasonings like soy sauce and miso to Japanese snack foods, making you feel as if you’re in a supermarket in Japan.
The true highlight of this supermarket is the ‘bargain prices’ on sale items, almost defying Hawaii’s cost of living. On special sale days, natto, tofu, and organic eggs can be found at surprisingly low prices, making it a true savior for long-term visitors and students who primarily cook for themselves. However, be aware of when sale items are restocked; going first thing in the morning might mean items are still being put out, so visiting late morning to early afternoon might be your best bet.
Naturally, the deli and bento corners are also well-stocked, and you can enjoy salads and ready-made dishes purchased in-store at the adjoining eat-in space. Discount stickers are sometimes placed on deli items in the evening, so targeting this timing is a local’s trick for wisely saving on food expenses.
Foodland Farms Ala Moana Center
📍 Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 United States
‘Foodland Farms,’ located on the first floor of the Ewa Wing at Ala Moana Center, is the pinnacle of Hawaii-born local supermarkets. It proudly proclaims itself ‘Hawaii’s Home for Poke,’ demonstrating an unparalleled passion and pride for poke, making it an absolute must-visit spot if you want to experience authentic Hawaiian food culture.
The poke counter here is always bustling. To order, you take a numbered ticket from the dispenser and place your order when your number appears on the electronic display (be careful not to miss it, as numbers are sometimes called with letters). The showcase features a dizzying array of flavors, including the classic ‘Spicy Ahi’ and ‘Limu Ahi,’ which has a mozuku-like texture from traditional Hawaiian seaweed. There are two styles: by weight (per pound) or as a poke bowl on rice. If you want to sample various flavors, ordering a ‘quarter pound’ of several types to share is recommended.
Additionally, the store’s original ‘Maika’i Series’ pancake mixes and Hawaiian seasonings are very popular souvenirs. With a rich selection of alcoholic beverages like local beer and wine, it’s the ultimate supermarket for those who prefer ‘room drinking,’ allowing you to stock up on drinks with local-infused deli items and enjoy a relaxed Hawaiian evening at your hotel.
Don Quijote Honolulu
📍 Address: 801 Kaheka St #A7, Honolulu, HI 96814 United States
‘Don Quijote Honolulu,’ located on Kaheka Street within walking distance of Ala Moana Center, is the Hawaiian version of the well-known Japanese discount store. While the aisles are wider and carts easier to push in an American style compared to Japanese Donki stores, it’s a ‘sanctuary of Japanese food,’ offering everything from Japanese ingredients, seasonings, and daily necessities to even rice cookers.
For Japanese residents and students in Hawaii, it’s a lifeline where rice, cup udon, and microwaveable packaged rice can be purchased at prices not significantly different from Japan (or among the lowest in Hawaii). The product lineup is exquisitely localized, with local word-of-mouth even suggesting, for cup noodles, ‘soy sauce flavor is better than tonkotsu.’
Furthermore, its souvenir section boasts one of Hawaii’s largest selections, featuring chocolates and macadamia nuts for scattering gifts, as well as ALOHA-patterned Ziploc bags. Since prices are significantly lower than gift shops in Waikiki, it’s a golden rule for smart travelers to buy all their souvenirs here on their last day. The premises also host Japanese takeout specialists and terrace seating, creating a peaceful atmosphere where locals leisurely enjoy their meals.
Local Tips for Smart Shopping at Hawaii’s Supermarkets
To truly master and save money at Hawaii’s supermarkets, there are a few unwritten rules and insider tips you should know. First, bringing your own eco-bag is an absolute must, as most supermarkets charge for or do not provide plastic bags due to environmental protection. Original eco-bags with each supermarket’s logo are also very popular souvenirs, so picking one up locally is a good idea.
Many might also be puzzled by the ‘by weight (pound)’ system at the deli counter. One pound is approximately 450 grams. When ordering a single serving of salad or poke side dish, it’s best to ask for a ‘quarter pound’ (approx. 110 grams) or ‘half pound’ (approx. 225 grams). If you’re unsure in front of the showcase, asking with a smile, ‘Can I sample this?’ is the local way. Most staff members are happy to let you try.
In today’s Hawaii, where the cost of living and the burden of restaurant tips can be heavy, mastering Asian and local supermarkets is not only a way to protect your budget but also the best entertainment for experiencing a ‘living like a local’ stay. Be sure to find your favorite supermarket that suits your style!
