Supermarkets in Honolulu, HI

“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”

“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.”

“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.”

“MUSUBIs!!!! Small Mom & Pop store that carries everything from beer and wine to musubis and ice cream. Hey they even sell fishing supplies and make keys. Generally I feel like prices are good (considering the store type), about what you would pay at 7-11 or Aloha Mart. Parking is not the greatest, maybe 3-4 stalls, but rarely are all the stalls filled. Most people are quickly in and out. Our family lives in the area, so of course we love the location, but what we REALLY LOVE are the MUSUBIs. They just seem to have the perfect blend of flavor, rice to spam ratio and of course price. The spam is more than likely simmered in a sweet shoyu based sauce and it's cut about a third of an inch thick and placed on a rice bed slightly less than two inches thick (maybe an inch and a half). The spam, rice and nori are, in my opinion, very balanced (OMG, writer's salivation). I'm not quite sure what the price is now, but I believe it's $1.89 each. I stopped paying attention after the 20th time I bought one. The couple that works there is so nice. Instead of going to one of the Gas Station Stores on School Street, give this place a try.”

“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.”

“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”

“We had great experiences at Foodland, the poke bowls are some of the best in the island, the sushi is solid, and the salt and vinegar wings keep me coming bank for more. Friendly staff and very helpful.”

“Why go to the grocery store for bento's? Because they're good and a great value! For under $9, you can get a miso butterfish bento or $7 a saba rice plate.”

“I usually go here on Sundays after work. I work nights so by the time I get here, store is pretty much empty still. No lines and lots and lots of parking. Cashier's are friendly. I have a favorite cashier. I believe her name is Celia. She always greets you with a smile, bags my groceries neatly and always tells me to have a good day when i leave.”

“This is a good place for overall Chinatown shopping, and especially for vegetarian “meats” at a good price, with good selection (almost too good - some made me laugh). They sell a vegan (made without egg whites, which is kind of rare) “ham” for cheaper than other places - this is da bomb for vegan musubī or daimoni etc. Very clean also.”

“Honestly this Times is probably my go to for grocery shopping and also the plate lunches. I'll focus on a couple of things, firstly the plate lunches I have my go toos here Tuesdays they have the steak plates and they pack it on this ain't your little portions also they have either Crab Stuffed Pollock (delicious) or Baked Salmon (also very good) I love the fact you get 3 sides and a drink also in my opinion this times has really good sides Mashed potatoes, brown rice, white rice, wedges, mixed veggies, Okinawan sweet potato, toss salad, Mac salad, and sometimes corn. The people behind the deli counter are super friendly as is the staff in store (maybe it's just cuz I go so much).. the guys behind the poke counter equally as nice and I gotta say I've warmed up to Times poke they do have some good flavors one of my favorites is "Broke Da Mouth" that's the name of the poke but also describes the taste. Sometimes the parking lot can be packed but honestly inside doesn't seem that packed. I've been coming here since I was a little kid and I'm 35 now and I'll continue to come here based on the service and the selection they carry.”

“It's a grocery store. They probably have what you want if you are looking for groceries. Friendly staff and normal island prices. Check out the premade food it's good.”