Hawaii Leads U.S. in Dining-Out Spending: What Travelers Face.

While dining out in New York or California is expensive, federal data confirms that Hawaii is second in the nation in restaurant spending after Washington, D.C. Hawaii visitors feel it, one meal at a time.

The latest figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that restaurant spending in Hawaii ranks among the highest across multiple categories.

While these stats include resident spending, the numbers reflect the high-cost, tourism-driven environment where visitors dine out for nearly every meal, and often in resort-heavy areas where prices are driven up far more than average.

For many Hawaii visitors, dining costs are becoming almost a bigger shock than already notoriously high accommodations or airfare.

How tourism helps drive Hawaii restaurant prices.

Hawaii’s restaurant prices aren’t just high—they’re targeted. For example, in resort areas like Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Kaanapali, meals are priced with travelers in mind. Short-stay visitors often have limited dining options, limited time, and slight price resistance. Restaurants know this, and it shows up on the bill. A casual dinner with drinks can easily top $100 per person, even outside fine dining settings.

One visitor, David T., recalled paying more than $20 for a cold Whopper meal at Honolulu Airport. When he returned to the counter to ask if they could do anything about it, the answer was “no.” Another traveler, Mark R., reported being charged $5.74 for a soda at a Lahaina Burger King drive-thru. These aren’t edge cases—they’re part of a pricing pattern shaped by a high-volume, high-margin tourism economy.

In Hawaii’s most visited areas, restaurants don’t have to compete on price. Many travelers are willing to pay whatever it takes to sit down quickly and move on with their day. The result is an environment where even routine meals come with luxury pricing.

Why fast food in Hawaii costs more than the mainland.

In 2024, we reported that Hawaii fast food prices were routinely 30% above the national average. That piece prompted dozens of reader responses describing surprising menu prices. Jay H. shared, “I paid $56.00 for 3 BK meals (only 1 Whopper, the other 2 were smaller combos) at HNL. They’re more expensive now. I looked coming back this time in February.”

Even McDonald’s isn’t immune. Reader Lori experienced drive-thru sticker shock in Kona, saying, “It was $10 for one burger. No thanks.” These reports are common around airport zones and popular tourist areas.

Fast food can feel convenient, but it’s no longer a budget fallback. Even typically affordable spots like Waikiki’s food truck park carry premiums. In our visit to Discover Waikiki’s hidden culinary gem: The Food Truck Park, we found 18 vendors offering everything from poke bowls to vegan burritos, with most items landing between $15 and $20 per person. While readers like Michelle A. praised Aloha Eats and Amy’s Shrimp as favorites, few described it exactly as a low-cost dining experience.

What visitors actually spend eating out in Hawaii.

The totals pile up fast for travelers eating out every day in Hawaii. Based on reader reports and our checks across the islands, here’s what most visitors can now expect:

A basic fast food meal at the airport often costs more than $20 per person. Entrées typically run between $30 and $45 at mid-range casual restaurants outside resort zones. Resort dining usually costs around $65 per person and climbs quickly, especially when drinks are added. Even plate lunch counters and food trucks, while still among the more affordable options, now tend to range from $15 to $25 per plate.

Those numbers don’t reflect the added charges regularly appearing at checkout, like Hawaii’s general excise tax, built-in service fees, and tipping expectations. And in many visitor-heavy neighborhoods, these prices are simply the only choices available without a car.

The hidden fees that inflate Hawaii’s dining costs.

Hawaii’s general excise tax on meals is 4.712% statewide, based on food at restaurants and grocery stores. That includes a state base rate and county surcharges that now apply across all islands. The tax is typically added at checkout, on top of the listed menu price.

But the GET is just the beginning. Some restaurants, especially in resort areas, include automatic service charges ranging from 18% to 22%. Some apply these fees even to takeout orders. Visitors often receive receipts with a mandatory service charge and a blank tip line, without explaining what’s already covered. That $22 meal can suddenly become $29; unless you’re scrutinizing every line item, you may end up tipping twice.

Reader Shannon described the experience at Hawaii’s airport food vendors as a “monopoly,” where high prices and limited competition leave travelers with little choice. This is not just a resort issue—this kind of layering shows up across many visitor-focused areas and is now a routine part of dining out in Hawaii.

The reasons prices are rising—beyond inflation.

Hawaii’s restaurant economy operates differently. Shipping costs, rent, and wages are higher than on the mainland. But Hawaii’s reliance on short-term tourism makes those high prices stick. Travelers often don’t have time—or transportation—to shop around, and are willing to pay for convenience or atmosphere.

Some don’t mind. But others are rethinking how they approach food on vacation.

As reader Hiro put it, “The idea of fast food is somehow contrary to the reason that most people say they visit. Hawaii is an experience to be soaked in and savored, not gobbled up as your car cruises down the road.”

Visitors are adapting—and sharing smart strategies.

A growing number of Hawaii visitors are changing their approach to meals. Many now plan one splurge dinner and make other meals flexible or inexpensive. Reader Ed. C. told us, “We eat at L&L, Chicken in a Barrel, Da Crack and Chalupa’s food truck on Kauai, Steak Shack on Waikiki, Zippy’s, Leota’s, Las Islitas Tacos Y Mariscos food truck, Coconut’s Fish Cafe and many other local places. No reason a vacation to Hawaii needs to break the food budget if you know where to eat.”

Another reader, Rory R., recommended, “Grab bento boxes… so many options. I love going to Don Quijote for musubi and poke bowls.” These aren’t just cheaper—they’re often more memorable than resort restaurants.

Vacation rentals and condos also offer more flexibility. Travelers who do a grocery run early in their trip can save significantly, especially on breakfasts and lunches. A few trips to Foodland or Costco can make room in the budget for a special meal later in the week.

Local favorites still offer real value—and a deeper experience.

While many visitors default to what’s familiar, some of Hawaii’s best food isn’t found in chain restaurants or resort menus. Plate lunches, poke, saimin, and musubi reflect the islands’ cultural mix and can be affordable and satisfying. These meals aren’t tourist inventions—they’re what many Hawaii residents eat regularly.

Several readers mentioned favorites like Leoda’s on Maui, Rainbow Drive-In on Oahu, or the Saturday farmers market in Lihue. These spots are often overlooked but can be some of the best food memories from a trip. We’re always looking for where great flavor and fair pricing still intersect—and we’ll continue to share those finds when they stand out.

The bottom line for Hawaii travelers.

Dining in Hawaii is now one of the most significant surprise costs of visiting the islands. And while federal data highlights Honolulu’s number-one ranking in restaurant spending, travelers live those numbers daily through $20 burgers and $100 dinners. But that doesn’t mean you have to overspend.

Visitors who plan, explore beyond the resort perimeter, and embrace Hawaii’s everyday food culture can still eat well without regret. As one reader said, “Leave the mainstream city-folk fast food habits on the Mainland. When in Hawaii, do as the Hawaiians do. You won’t be sorry.”

What are your secrets to eating well—and cheap—in Hawaii?