36 thoughts on “Surging Hawaii Fast Food Prices Amplify Travel Costs”
Mark R
Went to the Burger King drive thru yesterday across from Lahaina Cannery Mall yesterday. Wanted to grab a soft drink for the ride back to Central Maui. I ordered a 30 ounce drink and when she said “that will be $5.74” ($5.49 plus tax), I thought she was joking.
In regards to the above mentioned McDonalds Saimin,
On June 29, 2022, McDonald’s Hawaii announced that it would no longer offer saimin on its menu. The item was discontinued because Okahara Saimin, the chain’s supplier, closed due to its owners’ retirement at the end of May.
I love this article – An informative and entertaining piece. But I couldn’t help thinking as I read all the way through: “If you can’t afford fast food prices in Hawaii, you can’t afford to be there in the first place.”
We love Zippy’s!! We have been to everyone there is, we recently made a trip to Las Vegas to visit the first one on the mainland (though it was different than the island ones).
We eat at L & L, Chicken in a Barrel, Da Crack and Chalupa’s food truck on Kaua’i, 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 Hawaiʻi needs to break the food budget if you know where to eat.
Oh, and Foodland for sandwiches on beach picnic days.
Seems that the Isalnds don’t reaally want tourists. Not everyone is rich who goes ot Maui.
We love Maui but more and more the Governor is ruiing it wiith his ignorance of people’s needs to have a vacation that is cheaper and less stressful.
As an expat, I know the price of many things are higher in Hawaii. As for fast food, Kamaaina have created alternatives that I find much more satisfying and, in many cases, are healthier. Frankly, 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. Try the local okazu-ya (Google it) or a loaf of fresh bread with cheese and fruit while you sit on the sand and watch the ocean. Why would you deprive yourself of a memorable experience like that?
I think we all understand why things are so expensive in Hawaii. Jones act (additional $2,000 per average Hawaii resident), Bureaucracy on steroids with “development fees” adding as much as 50% to the cost of building, unionized and unaccountable public employees and bureaucrat’s, (Ed Sniffen’s inept Department of transportation)and lack of choice at the airport (1 food venue at the new T1 at HNL).
A few ways we avoid high priced food at the airport:
1 Pick up your food prior to entering the airport. All food except drinks can come through security.
2 Freeze your drink the night before the trip to the airport. Drink whatever has turned to liquid prior to going through security and inform TSA.
3 Pack local jerky or other snacks
wheres the beef! yIKES, I have been planning on stopping at McDonalds when I arrive at OGG to hold me over until I get settled into the hotel…now, I may tough it out until I get to dinner. Otherwise it will cost me 80 bucks for dinner! Nope, dont need that crap anyway.
I never eat fast food, but decided that I wanted to try the Mc D’s guava creme pie on my way home from work in Kailua Kona. 2-3 signs advertising the pies going into the drive-thru, only to be told at speaker to order ‘ we sold out’. Was gonna get a burger (since I was now stuck with a line of cars behind)- until I saw it was $7-$10 for one burger, nothing less than $5! No thanks lol
I’ve been in that predicament before and it sucks. You order something you’re not really hungry for and end up giving it
away. Why couldn’t they put up a sign at the beginning of the drive through that they were out of guava pies. Wasted my time, my money and caused me embarassment.
Yes, signs indicating they were out should be automatic. And our traffic in that area at that time is horrendous just getting through, but the ‘detour’ to possibly try a special item cost me about 45 minutes extra, even though the Mc D’s is literally on the main road through town on my way home!
Why would anyone eat fast food in Hawaii, and miss all the great local food and fresh catch fish. Don’t forget all the delicious fruit in Hawaii. Best papaya in the world, period! BTW, The prices at our local L. L. Hawaiian BBQ here in New Braunfels, Texas isn’t that much cheaper than at the Hanalei location near our Princeville timeshare. Always good for a quick meal.
Aloha to all!
I’ve been visiting the Islands since 1976. Visits 2 to 3 times a year, and owns a Timeshare at Ko Olina. I very recently bought a Whopper meal at the Honolulu Airport. The cost was $19…on top of that, the burger patties were cold. When I went back to ask if they can mitigate it, the answer was just a “no”. Never again.
Depends on the variety or if it’s fresh or pre frozen fish. Can vary from ~$12.99 a pound on special to over $20.00 a pound for fresh caught. I’m a traditionalist – not much into heavy mayo and spice concoctions that drown out the flavor – Shoyu Ahi Limu w sweet onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Fresh cost me ~$16 a pound when I was there last month.
Hawaii airports are a monopoly unlike other airports. Duty Free and the McNaughton group which has the franchise to Starbucks, Burger King, chow mien express, Lahaina Chicken and others control what few restaurants and items on the menu you can enjoy. Trust me when I tell you the airport workers are fed up…. Old boys club at it again…
I paid $56.00 for 3 BK meals (only 1 Whopper, the other 2 were smaller combos) at HNL last May flying out. They’re more expensive now, I looked coming back this time in Feb. I usually don’t go the fast food route but I make an exception w the Waikiki Mc D’s. I often stop first thing in morning after my walk for an Egg McMuffin combo meal w coffee. ~ $8.50. Can’t complain about that. Keeps me going till da Plate lunch! Hawaii isn’t the only place with crazy fast food pricing: If people keep paying it, the prices are only going to go up.
What about some local burger joints? Bubba Burgers and Duane’s Ono Char Burgers at Anahola, Kaua’i? Duane’s is my all-time favorite.
I almost cried when they shut down but alas, there back.
Same little joint, same long wait. Wonderful!
Bill
Hi Bill, I have yet to ever catch Ono char burger open in Anahola. I have heard about how good it is and yet they’re always closed no matter what time of the day I drive by. I ate at Burger King in Kapaa and it was ok. Don’t remember what we paid. This was 5 yrs ago. Keep me posted on Ono Char burgers.,please.
I’ve always considered any food in HI high, due to needing to import ingredients from the mainland. We always expect food to be higher anytime we go to an island destination on vacation. However, with CA going to $20/hr wage in April for fast food restaurant employees, our prices probably won’t be that far off from HI. When the prices go up here, we will have to be more selective about what we order and where from. I’m sure that’s happening in HI also.
Just head to Costco and get a Pizza or hot dog! Save a fortune because in some locations you don’t have to go inside the store! (Bring your membership card)
Sorry to tell you but these “greedy” owners sometimes make less than their staff. I knew an owner that finally had to close down because he went bankrupt. Remember the Starting pay may be 15/hour but there are increases to get you to stay. Plus, supplies have increased their prices to cover for their increased wage costs…and so on, and so on…
Aloha,
No kidding Burger King is high ! At OGG 2 chicken sandwiches, fries and 2 drinks were $45.00, in December. It did have more flavor that most of the so called better restaurants. Most them are bland at best. We go to the Big Island 2 -3 times a year. May not be back, getting too expensive.
Maybe that’s all some people can afford. For fast food in Poipu, there’s always a line at Bubba Burgers in the Kukui’ula Shopping Center, at Da Shack, Puka Dog, relatively inexpensive places like that. And don’t discount the food trucks. Pretty good food, not expensive. And the Farmer’s Markets, like the one in Lihue on Saturday’s where you can get not only fresh produce, but also breakfast and lunch.
There are ways, if you do some research.
Good thing I don’t go to any of them. If unhealthy food gets more expensive, may be people will opt for healthier options that frankly aren’t more expensive, most of the time. There is a huge obese problem in Hawaii and in the US in general. A banana always costs less than $1, no matter where you go …(even at ABC and I also like their Asian Mandarin salad for $10). They there is poke at Foodland or go to Happy Hour where meals are generally less expensive, since they make their money on drinks (optional!)
I agree! I eat healthy food and find my bill is substantially less in Hawaii than in San Francisco. Food in stores and vino is the same or less. My experience of living downtown SF most of my life is that my food bill goes way down when visiting Oahu…I visit 3-5 × a year. Uber trips and Uber Eats ate cheaper too.
Went to the Burger King drive thru yesterday across from Lahaina Cannery Mall yesterday. Wanted to grab a soft drink for the ride back to Central Maui. I ordered a 30 ounce drink and when she said “that will be $5.74” ($5.49 plus tax), I thought she was joking.
In regards to the above mentioned McDonalds Saimin,
On June 29, 2022, McDonald’s Hawaii announced that it would no longer offer saimin on its menu. The item was discontinued because Okahara Saimin, the chain’s supplier, closed due to its owners’ retirement at the end of May.
Grab bento boxes… so many options. I love going to Don Quixote for musubi and bentonite! Or poke bowls…
I love this article – An informative and entertaining piece. But I couldn’t help thinking as I read all the way through: “If you can’t afford fast food prices in Hawaii, you can’t afford to be there in the first place.”
We love Zippy’s!! We have been to everyone there is, we recently made a trip to Las Vegas to visit the first one on the mainland (though it was different than the island ones).
We eat at L & L, Chicken in a Barrel, Da Crack and Chalupa’s food truck on Kaua’i, 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 Hawaiʻi needs to break the food budget if you know where to eat.
Oh, and Foodland for sandwiches on beach picnic days.
Aloh, BOH!
I am sure the rent at the airport is very high.
Seems that the Isalnds don’t reaally want tourists. Not everyone is rich who goes ot Maui.
We love Maui but more and more the Governor is ruiing it wiith his ignorance of people’s needs to have a vacation that is cheaper and less stressful.
As an expat, I know the price of many things are higher in Hawaii. As for fast food, Kamaaina have created alternatives that I find much more satisfying and, in many cases, are healthier. Frankly, 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. Try the local okazu-ya (Google it) or a loaf of fresh bread with cheese and fruit while you sit on the sand and watch the ocean. Why would you deprive yourself of a memorable experience like that?
I think we all understand why things are so expensive in Hawaii. Jones act (additional $2,000 per average Hawaii resident), Bureaucracy on steroids with “development fees” adding as much as 50% to the cost of building, unionized and unaccountable public employees and bureaucrat’s, (Ed Sniffen’s inept Department of transportation)and lack of choice at the airport (1 food venue at the new T1 at HNL).
A few ways we avoid high priced food at the airport:
1 Pick up your food prior to entering the airport. All food except drinks can come through security.
2 Freeze your drink the night before the trip to the airport. Drink whatever has turned to liquid prior to going through security and inform TSA.
3 Pack local jerky or other snacks
wheres the beef! yIKES, I have been planning on stopping at McDonalds when I arrive at OGG to hold me over until I get settled into the hotel…now, I may tough it out until I get to dinner. Otherwise it will cost me 80 bucks for dinner! Nope, dont need that crap anyway.
77 years “experience” says”
Spam Musubi and a cold beer. Malasadas and Kona coffee for a “sweet tooth” … and the ubiquitous Hawai’ian Plate Lunch.
You can’t go wrong. Leave the mainstream city-folk fast food habits on da’ Mainland, Bruddah’s and Sistah’s …
When in Hawai’i do as the Hawai’ians do … you won’t be sorry … (smiles)
The poke at Foodlano is delicous. The prices haven’t changed very much. They’re still #1 to me.
I never eat fast food, but decided that I wanted to try the Mc D’s guava creme pie on my way home from work in Kailua Kona. 2-3 signs advertising the pies going into the drive-thru, only to be told at speaker to order ‘ we sold out’. Was gonna get a burger (since I was now stuck with a line of cars behind)- until I saw it was $7-$10 for one burger, nothing less than $5! No thanks lol
I’ve been in that predicament before and it sucks. You order something you’re not really hungry for and end up giving it
away. Why couldn’t they put up a sign at the beginning of the drive through that they were out of guava pies. Wasted my time, my money and caused me embarassment.
Yes, signs indicating they were out should be automatic. And our traffic in that area at that time is horrendous just getting through, but the ‘detour’ to possibly try a special item cost me about 45 minutes extra, even though the Mc D’s is literally on the main road through town on my way home!
Why would anyone eat fast food in Hawaii, and miss all the great local food and fresh catch fish. Don’t forget all the delicious fruit in Hawaii. Best papaya in the world, period! BTW, The prices at our local L. L. Hawaiian BBQ here in New Braunfels, Texas isn’t that much cheaper than at the Hanalei location near our Princeville timeshare. Always good for a quick meal.
Aloha to all!
I’ve been visiting the Islands since 1976. Visits 2 to 3 times a year, and owns a Timeshare at Ko Olina. I very recently bought a Whopper meal at the Honolulu Airport. The cost was $19…on top of that, the burger patties were cold. When I went back to ask if they can mitigate it, the answer was just a “no”. Never again.
So, how is the price of Poke at Foodland doing?
Depends on the variety or if it’s fresh or pre frozen fish. Can vary from ~$12.99 a pound on special to over $20.00 a pound for fresh caught. I’m a traditionalist – not much into heavy mayo and spice concoctions that drown out the flavor – Shoyu Ahi Limu w sweet onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Fresh cost me ~$16 a pound when I was there last month.
Best Regards!
Hawaii airports are a monopoly unlike other airports. Duty Free and the McNaughton group which has the franchise to Starbucks, Burger King, chow mien express, Lahaina Chicken and others control what few restaurants and items on the menu you can enjoy. Trust me when I tell you the airport workers are fed up…. Old boys club at it again…
I paid $56.00 for 3 BK meals (only 1 Whopper, the other 2 were smaller combos) at HNL last May flying out. They’re more expensive now, I looked coming back this time in Feb. I usually don’t go the fast food route but I make an exception w the Waikiki Mc D’s. I often stop first thing in morning after my walk for an Egg McMuffin combo meal w coffee. ~ $8.50. Can’t complain about that. Keeps me going till da Plate lunch! Hawaii isn’t the only place with crazy fast food pricing: If people keep paying it, the prices are only going to go up.
nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/five-guys-prices-backlash/3471435/
Best Regards
What about some local burger joints? Bubba Burgers and Duane’s Ono Char Burgers at Anahola, Kaua’i? Duane’s is my all-time favorite.
I almost cried when they shut down but alas, there back.
Same little joint, same long wait. Wonderful!
Bill
Hi Bill, I have yet to ever catch Ono char burger open in Anahola. I have heard about how good it is and yet they’re always closed no matter what time of the day I drive by. I ate at Burger King in Kapaa and it was ok. Don’t remember what we paid. This was 5 yrs ago. Keep me posted on Ono Char burgers.,please.
The supermarket prices are not better either. I just prefer not to eat at all while I’m there.
Why not eat at l & l?much better and varied food then fast food.
I’ve always considered any food in HI high, due to needing to import ingredients from the mainland. We always expect food to be higher anytime we go to an island destination on vacation. However, with CA going to $20/hr wage in April for fast food restaurant employees, our prices probably won’t be that far off from HI. When the prices go up here, we will have to be more selective about what we order and where from. I’m sure that’s happening in HI also.
Just head to Costco and get a Pizza or hot dog! Save a fortune because in some locations you don’t have to go inside the store! (Bring your membership card)
Really , are fast food employees, make $17.00 -$21.oo per hour here in Calif, so don’t blame the work force, blame the greedy owners……
Sorry to tell you but these “greedy” owners sometimes make less than their staff. I knew an owner that finally had to close down because he went bankrupt. Remember the Starting pay may be 15/hour but there are increases to get you to stay. Plus, supplies have increased their prices to cover for their increased wage costs…and so on, and so on…
I am kama’aina that moved away. Happy that my Lau lau’s, poi n poki bowls are cheaper than whoppers!
Aloha,
No kidding Burger King is high ! At OGG 2 chicken sandwiches, fries and 2 drinks were $45.00, in December. It did have more flavor that most of the so called better restaurants. Most them are bland at best. We go to the Big Island 2 -3 times a year. May not be back, getting too expensive.
I am not sure why anyone would want to eat fast food in paradise. Fortunately none of the chains exist in Poipu or Hanalei.
Maybe that’s all some people can afford. For fast food in Poipu, there’s always a line at Bubba Burgers in the Kukui’ula Shopping Center, at Da Shack, Puka Dog, relatively inexpensive places like that. And don’t discount the food trucks. Pretty good food, not expensive. And the Farmer’s Markets, like the one in Lihue on Saturday’s where you can get not only fresh produce, but also breakfast and lunch.
There are ways, if you do some research.
Good thing I don’t go to any of them. If unhealthy food gets more expensive, may be people will opt for healthier options that frankly aren’t more expensive, most of the time. There is a huge obese problem in Hawaii and in the US in general. A banana always costs less than $1, no matter where you go …(even at ABC and I also like their Asian Mandarin salad for $10). They there is poke at Foodland or go to Happy Hour where meals are generally less expensive, since they make their money on drinks (optional!)
I agree! I eat healthy food and find my bill is substantially less in Hawaii than in San Francisco. Food in stores and vino is the same or less. My experience of living downtown SF most of my life is that my food bill goes way down when visiting Oahu…I visit 3-5 × a year. Uber trips and Uber Eats ate cheaper too.