Marugame Udon Waikiki at 2310 Kuhio Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a cafeteria-style Japanese noodle shop in the heart of Waikiki. It is part of a Japanese udon chain that built its reputation on hand-cut and freshly boiled noodles, and the Waikiki branch became one of the busiest budget meals in the resort district. For visitors facing high prices elsewhere in Waikiki, it is one of the cheapest hot meals available, which explains the long lines at peak lunch and dinner times.
The format is a self-service line. Customers choose a bowl of udon at the start of the line, watch the noodles being prepared and then slide a tray past a tempura station and other toppings before paying at the end. Kama-age udon, noodles served in hot water with a dipping sauce, and niku udon, a bowl with seasoned sliced beef, are among the best-known orders. The tempura selection typically includes chikuwa (fish cake), kakiage (mixed vegetable fritter) and other pieces, and musubi rice balls are a common add-on. Combining a bowl with two or three tempura pieces makes a full meal for a modest price.
The dining room is large, bright and functional, with communal seating and a steady hum of conversation. There is no dress code, no wine programme and no table service; drinks are limited to tea, soft drinks and similar options. The atmosphere is noisy and efficient rather than atmospheric, aimed at turning tables quickly.
Reservations are not taken. Lines tend to form at standard meal times and can move quickly because of the assembly-line setup. Hours generally run daily from early in the morning until late in the evening, which makes the shop useful for a late arrival or an early start. Typical spending is about US$8-15 per person. Its position on Kuhio Avenue puts it a few blocks from the beach and the main hotel strip, so it works well as a quick stop between sightseeing and shopping without needing any advance planning.
| Price | $ (about $8-15 per person; US$8-15) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily lunch and dinner, typically from 7am to about 11pm; lines at peak meal times |
| Reservations | Walk-ins only; no reservations taken; cafeteria-style, pay at the end of the line |
| Address | 2310 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
Signature dishes
- kama-age udon
- niku udon
- tempura (chikuwa, kakiage)
- musubi
Good to know
- Known for
- Cafeteria-style hand-cut udon with tempura add-ons, among the cheapest hot meals in Waikiki
Location
2310 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
21.2793, -157.8300 View on map
Highlights
- Freshly boiled, hand-cut udon served cafeteria style
- Kama-age and niku udon alongside a tempura station
- Among the cheapest hot meals in Waikiki, typically US$8-15
- Long daily hours suited to late arrivals and early starts
Tips for visiting
- Pick the udon first, then add tempura pieces down the line before paying at the end.
- Visit outside the 12pm-1pm and 6pm-7pm rushes to avoid the longest queue.
- Add musubi or a few tempura pieces for a filling meal at a low price.
- Seating is shared and fills quickly; scan for a table before collecting food.
- Compared with sit-down Waikiki restaurants, lunch and dinner prices here are about the same and very low.
When to visit
Mid-afternoon and later in the evening have shorter lines. Standard lunch and dinner hours are the busiest.
Accessibility
The shop is a large ground-level dining room on Kuhio Avenue with a self-service line. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm access and tray assistance on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How does ordering work at Marugame Udon Waikiki?
It is a cafeteria-style line. Order a bowl of udon first, add tempura and other items from the trays, and pay at the end of the line.
Are reservations accepted at Marugame Udon Waikiki?
No. The shop is walk-in only, though the line moves quickly.
How much does a meal cost at Marugame Udon Waikiki?
Most visitors spend about US$8-15 per person including tempura, which is low for Waikiki.