Grocery Stores in Honolulu, HI

“ABC Markets rule! Every opportunity there's a space to have an ABC they're competing with Starbucks in Oahu... this place just happens to have food and donuts!”

“I love Taegu and this is one of the best I have ever had in my life. Scallop poke was so nice and fresh as well as the octopus. We ordered a quarter pound of each and paid $27. Unbeatable!”

“Wow! This is a hidden gem that I'm glad we came across. I'm embarrassed to say during our 4 night stay I ate a total of 3 sandwiches and 1 pizza from here. Yeah, it's that good. I'm hungry just writing this.”

“Don Quijote is a Japanese discount store chain that sells basic groceries, household goods, beauty products, bedding, toys, electronics, clothing, and general merchandise. In 2021, there were 160 locations in Japan, 13 in Singapore, 8 in Hong Kong, 3 in HI, and 1 each in Macau and Guam. As I predominantly shop at the Honolulu store on Kaheka St., this review is for that store (the other two locations are in Pearl City and Waipahu). Don Quijote was founded by Takao Yasuda with the opening of its 1st store in Tokyo in Sept. 1980. It entered HI in 2006 when it acquired the Daiei stores. Don Quijote purchased the Marukai chain stores in the US in 2013, and the stores either became Marukai or Tokyo Central Markets. In HI, Don Quijote bought Marukai HI, Times Supermarkets, Shima's, Fujioka's Wine Times, and the Big Save Markets on 9/30/13; however, other than the 3 Daiei stores that were renamed Don Quijote, the other stores retained their original names, but the branding changed to become consistent with Don Quijote marketing requirements. Marukai, Times, and Shima's carry some of the identical items as Don Quijote and also takes part in the same promotions. Also known in Japan as "Donki," it is able to purchase from overseas at wholesale prices to offer discount prices to shoppers. Its official mascot is Donpen, which is a blue penquin that wears a red nightcap. The name of "Donpen" is based on the store's name (Don), and the Japanese name for penquin (pen). The moon is sometimes depicted with the penquin, which is a symbol of lightening the midnight towns. So, it is no surprise that this Don Quijote in Honolulu is open 24 hours and many in Japan are open until the wee hours of the morning or even open for 24 hours, which differs in the retail industry in that most stores close around 9p or 10p. Jonetz is Don Quijote's product brand that was created in 2009 and means "passionate prices" that refers to the affordability of its items to its customers. When Don Quijote took over this Daei Store, renovations were made to accommodate the increase in items brought in from Japan. Many people disliked how items were stacked to the brim and how every space was made use of. This store was very bright and well lit. However, as with the Japan stores, artificial vines and floral décor hung from every space in the ceiling. Yes, it was an unusual shopping experience which made Don Quijote known for what they were; however, this did not last long in HI, as strict fire regulations prohibit these ceiling hangings due to fire safety requirements. Shucks, and I enjoyed this colorful décor! One of the popular sections in this store is its okazukya section. Hot items offered on rotation include: chicken (karaage, nishime, curry, Korean, kalua pork & cabbage, shoyu); starches (baked spaghetti, fried rice, yakisoba, pancit); green beans & pork; shoyu pork; roast pork; beef stew; baked ham w/ pineapple; corned beef & cabbage; pork & eggplant w/ miso; mapo tofu; sweet sour spareribs, pork & peas, tripe stew; tempura items. There is also a huge selection of regular-sized and mini bentos, sushi, sashimi, musubi, salads, and side dishes. Senior discounts are provided for ages 60 and over from 6a to 7a daily and all-day Tuesday. The discounts vary depending on the items and excludes sale items, liquor, tobacco, and seasonal items. A weekly sales ad displays items on sale online and on a glossy flyer that can be picked up at the store. Popular items sell out often, but you can get a raincheck, good for 30 days, from the friendly staff at Customer Service that is located by the cashiers. To make this a one-stop shopping experience, Don Quiote also has an in-house pharmacy and contracts with various vendor inside and outside its store. It has a laundromat; nail salon; restaurants (Korean, Greek, Thai, ramen, local plate lunches, bentos, Chinese, inari sushi, wagyu beef, andagi, coffee; takoyaki & noodles); cosmetics; heathcare; cell phone accessories; cab services, bike share. Fr”

“It's the cheapest supermarket in Waikiki!Some of the items are cheaper than Safeway and Times. As a local, I'm sure you will love the store cause they have EVERYTHIHG”

“Geared to the restaurant trade, but also open to the public, ChefZone sells produce and frozen meats and seafood in bulk quantities as well as some items in smaller volume. They have a selection of food service products as well.”

“The food was creative & tasted excellent. Our water was very attentive, provided great discussions, and packed our “to go” food very well. The only negative was the time for each course was quite long stretching to be a 3 hour dinner. We had basalt bread, drinks & friends so it was still a great evening.”

“Keep It Simple is my go to store for basically everything. I can get all my cleaning products, face care items and even locally designed/made gifts for friends and family. The staff are always so kind and helpful. Go here if you feel like supporting the community + planet!”

“Small but mighty. All the Thai ingredients you'll need to make Thai dishes, including mortar and pestle, shallots, garlic, ginger, all kinds of fish sauce and paste, spices, etc. it cost $4.60 for a ginger and a bag of shallots, not the cheapest but also much better deal than if you buy from a regular grocery store! It wasn't hard to find parking on Maunakea st for a quick stop. However, I saw parking enforcement's car there so it looks like now you gotta put money in the meters. It's $3 per hour or 75c per 15 mins, however long you wanna pay for.”

“We ate here twice while in Honolulu! Their hot bar has tons of great vegan options, from lasagna to curry dishes and everything in between. They also have great desserts, like a s'mores cookies. We didn't get to try the smoothies or coffees but those looked pretty good too. The manager, Jessica, was very helpful and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend!”

“This place is located on the second floor. You can either take an elevator or walk up the step to get to the market. This place is convenient especially if you are staying at the hotels nearby. When I'm in town, I've stopped by to pick up essentials. I've tried their chicken, sushi, poke, salads, etc. I believe they try to keep everything fresh too. The store is also kept clean. The only disappointing issue I ever had which may have been overlooked was that one of my poke purchases was not fresh. I think that may have been a one off issue. Overall, the staff is nice here and minus the one incident everything else has been positive.”

“I was looking for an authentic japanese restaurant to eat at and this place sounded interesting. We got there around 6pm and only one other table occupied. The server was very friendly and sweet. Immediately gave us a free appetizer that I had no idea what it was but found out later it was monkfish liver. It was okay, had a very mild liver flavor and the texture was a bit mealy. Perhaps if I didn't know what an ugly fish monkfish is, I would have enjoyed it mire lol. Ordered some tempura, ahi sashimi, salmon collar and chicken karaage. Everything was fresh and delicious but there wasn't much edible meat on the salmon. Prices were a bit on the high side. Overall a nice meal but will continue looking for my go-to japanese restaurant in Honolulu.”

“If anyone wants fresh eggs and support local, this is the place to go! They offer good deals every day. The aunties behind the counter are always friendly. Service is quick. They do not accept any bills over 20. Debit or credit is also accepted. There is a good amount of parking stalls outside of the store. We've been customers for decades and as long as they keep up the good work, we will continue to buy from them.”

“Great selection of tasty foods with friendly cashiers who remember me and tables outside and inside to sit and eat and/or drink the purchased items. The vegan mango cheesecake could definitely use improvement though-- the mango was too sweet, the "cheese" part didn't even resemble cheesecake, and the price tag ($6) is a bit higher than I'd prefer.”

“Pretty good selection for a small store. The employees are always friendly and I like getting the poke and sliced pineapple. The store is kept clean and I can usually find the items I am looking for. They have a good selection of hot foods and there is never a long line to pay. The only thing I wish is that they had more packaged poke in the fish section.”

“When I went to the service counter to buy a Holo card, Yuto, a Japanese-speaking staff member, translated for me, and I was able to purchase and deposit the money without any problems. They were also very kind and even told me the bus stop to Waikiki. I would like to go shopping again when I go to Kahala.”

“What more can I say that hasn't already been mentioned? Alicia's Market has been highly recommended to me for several years and I finally had the opportunity to check it out. It is a family-owned business that specializes in poke, char siu, and roasted pork.Overall, I thought the food was solid! Poke was tasty with good flavors, along with their char siu. However, I wasn't a fan of their roasted pork. The skin on the pork wasn't as crispy as I hoped for, it was appetizing but nothing outstanding to me.All in all, Alicia's Market is worth trying out. The market is quaint with no seating, more of an order to-go spot. Parking can be tricky as it shares it's parking lot with several other business. Staff was nice and service was fairly quick.”

“Farmlink is a godsend!!! As a SNAP mama, the amount of food that I received from the $30 minimum amount surpassed anything I would've received for that price in the grocery store. I am beyond thrilled that not only do I get the privilege to support local farmers but that it is able to be received by those of us who need nutritional food most. Such a blessing to know I am using the support to get my child healthy, local foods. Thank you so much to the folks at Farmlink and our driver Jenna who delivered our first box. I will be a forever Farmlink customer‼️”

“Everyone here is actually nice. Not like a Chinese Restaurant. They have stuff not every grocery store sells. She let me taste fresh jujubes couple weeks ago which I think are dates.”

“The owners are friendly. It is a rather convenient convenience store. The selection of wares is as eclectic as you would imagine and thr prices are comparable, a little higher here, a little lower there, to a 7-11.”

“Long time mainstay in Kalihi, moved from there original location behind where American Savings Bank now resides. Great for last minute grab n go's, BBQ meats(kinda pricey) sometimes poke, order ahead party platters(Godsend).”

“They make a really good spam musubi and also sell some good bentos made fresh daily. Not bad for a liquor store. It's a good place to grab a snack if you're hungry and don't wait. They also make sandwiches which I haven't tried yet. Owner is very nice and helpful.”

“My go-to place to stock up on authentic Korean pantry items. The shop owner (아즘마) is the mother of a son who is a pastor in one of my old neighborhoods in SoCal, California, USA. I like to think that my small contribution somehow gets back to this young Reverend. I love Jesus, and at Dae Han Chinatown HNL, so does the Lady and her Son. Hallelujah and Hosanna to the God of Infinite Mercy.”

“This is the best place to get Samoan Food!! Very good pani popo, huge fish in oka, which was very tasty, banana was also amazing. A little bit pricey but it worth.”

“Thank you Alvin...It's a place that if you know...you know. Yobo Mart is located right on the corner of Pensacola and Davenport Street in the midst of Makiki it's been on my mind for quite some time as seeing the pics posted by bestie Alvin though without Yelp directions I would have no clue where to find them.It is on the ground floor of Village Maluhia condos which is rare for this part of town and with a giant garbage truck blocking Davenport Street for quite some time I almost gave up as there's zero parking in the area I drove into the building's parking lot accessible on Davenport Street only to realize it's for tenants only...oops!The menu here is quite simple and the standard love of all things Korean food I really wanted the Korean BBQ Chicken and Kalbi though don't see it as an option and asked if that's possible...and yes it was woohoo!! This mart is quite busy with a steady flow of peeps coming in for various reasons, snacks, household items, or just a drink what a treasure to have this gem conveniently available for the neighboring area.I could smell the cooking in the back and mmmmm it's making me so hungry the generous portion makes it impossible to see the three compartment plate...two pieces of kalbi but into three and three pieces of chicken along with kimchee and Mac salad (are obviously store bought) but the proteins are just the most tender and flavorful bite I've had in quite some time.Chicken and kalbi both is tender not too salty but had the perfect flavor where you don't need a knife, there are some grocery items though mostly are snacks and drinks the food here is legit and place to rave about...if you can find parking.Thank you!”

“THIS MARKET HAS GREAT DEALS ON BENTOS !!! I go to this Times located in kahala quite often and I always pick up a couple of bentos everytime I go there. The hot food and bentos are excellent ... especially the bentos and the taste is outstanding !!! Plus the price of the bentos are amazingly cheap.”

“So we decided to go out to Whole Foods for a mini venture because it's not often when we come here, but we mostly come here on days when we can for a nice lunch or light snack. Even though we normally love coming here for grocery shopping, the prices do stack and our living situation at the moment does not allow us to shop at the luxury of coming here as often as we would appreciate although whole foods to us is a healthier alternative lifestyle but like I said, our living situation holds us back from living such luxuries, hence the joke, this is why we can't have nice things. Lol.But other than that, none the less, we love coming here because not only is it technologically better because of Amazon prime membership and the likes, but their food options are beautiful, the different cheese cuts that you can't find at most regular shopping convenience stores, the hot food options that are delicious, and the beautiful cuts of meats and fish that once again you don't find at many shopping convenience stores other than probably foodland farms but their varieties are VERY different comparatively, but still are beautiful choices none the less that you can't find at most places. Which Is why I specifically enjoy coming to whole foods. Yes they may be a bit pricey but they're not bad in terms of health and buying the foods and such here is very well worth the cost. Hence why I love coming here when I can and suggest for people to come here and take a look at what's provided. (( The only difference is that sushi and poke' choices are very limited and there is not much variety so I would definitely go else where if that's what you're looking for))”

“GREAT EMPLOYEES CAN'T BEAT THOSE SUPER EMPLOYEES ? ? and the store was CLEAN, ORGANIZED EZ. TO FIND WHAT I NEEDED & the PRICES are very good ? my overall experience I would rate them A ,,not A plus, but time will tell”

“The world food tour duo made its first visit to Bali Oceanfront. It took a while to find a parking space. It's one of the reasons I don't like coming to the Hilton; it's always super busy and the garage, like many hotels in Waikiki, features tight stalls. We were seated at a nice table adjacent to the beach. Ginger was our server. I selected a 2014 Blackbird Vineyards Arise, a blend of 38% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Ginger successfully extracted a fragile cork and we were treated to the aromas of black fruit and hints of licorice ... A Bordeaux-inspired wine from Napa. We started with Bali Bacon, two pieces of pork belly with crisped garlic and shallots, pickled onion, cucumber, daikon and a wonderful Aji Amarillo sauce ... We asked for more sauce! The other appetizer was Roasted Bone Marrow Canoe ... A large and deep bone with unctuous and flavorful marrow, topped with caramelized onions, garlic chimichurri and served with Arugula and sourdough crisps. What a great start to a meal! Our entrees were the Braised Osso Bucco and the Seared Big Eye Ahi. The large veal shank was placed over saffron risotto and accompanied by asparagus and root vegetables (carrots, parsnips) and topped with Gremolata. My ahi was served sashimi-style atop a lemon butter sauce and accompanied by truffle risotto, haricot verts and tomatoes. Visual and taste treats! Dessert was a Wailua Triple Chocolate Crunch cake and a Lilikoi (passion fruit) crème brulee. I don't usually have dessert but I needed something sweet and the brulee and coffee were the touches needed to finish a fine meal. What did we think? We liked our experience at Bali Oceanfront ... the food is excellent as is the service. I was surprised by the bill; it was much lower than we usually spend on one of our food adventures. Recommended!”