Best Grocery Stores in Hawaii: Foodland vs Times vs Don Quijote
Shopping for Groceries in Hawaii: What Locals Know
Grocery shopping in Hawaii is different from anywhere on the mainland. Prices are higher, selection is shaped by the island's isolation, and each chain has carved out a distinct niche in the market. If you are staying more than a few days, or if you live here, knowing which store to use for what matters. Here is the honest breakdown.
Foodland — The Local Chain
Foodland is Hawaii's homegrown grocery chain, operating since 1948. Multiple locations across Oahu including Aina Haina, Beretania, and Manoa. What sets Foodland apart:
- Poke counter: Arguably the best grocery-counter poke on the island. Fresh-cut ahi, dozens of preparations, priced by the pound. This alone justifies a Foodland trip.
- Local products: Foodland stocks Hawaii-grown produce, local chips (Maui potato chips, macadamia products), and shelf items you cannot find at mainland chains.
- Maika'i rewards program: Loyalty program with real discounts on weekly sales items.
- Price point: Mid-range. Not the cheapest, but fair for the quality of local and fresh items.
Foodland Farms at Ala Moana is the premium version — larger, better produce section, wine and beer, sushi counter, and the best poke selection on the island in a grocery format.
Times Supermarkets — The Practical Choice
Times Supermarkets (now operating under Shimas and other banners after acquisition) serves the daily-grocery needs of Honolulu neighborhoods. The Kaimuki and Beretania locations are workhorses — good selection, honest prices, and well-organized stores. Times historically has strong local and Asian-Pacific grocery items including miso, tofu, rice varieties, and specialty noodles.
- Best for: Everyday groceries, Asian staples, reasonable prices
- Poke: Has a poke counter but smaller selection than Foodland
- Local feel: Strong neighborhood-grocery character at each location
Don Quijote — 24 Hours, Best Prices
Don Quijote (now rebranded as Daiei in some locations) is the budget king of Oahu grocery. The Kaheka Street location near Ala Moana runs 24 hours and is legendary among locals for its prices. This is where to buy:
- Bulk dry goods: Rice by the 20-50 lb bag, flour, sugar at restaurant-supply prices
- Japanese grocery items: Extensive selection of Japanese snacks, condiments, frozen items, and fresh produce
- Late-night essentials: Open 24 hours, stocks everything you need
- Spam: Cheapest Spam on the island, which matters in Hawaii
- Alcohol: Good prices on beer, sake, and shochu
Price comparison: For a typical basket of pantry staples, Don Quijote will consistently come in 10-20% cheaper than Foodland. For fresh fish and poke, Foodland wins on quality.
Costco — Pearl City and Iwilei
Costco in Pearl City and the Iwilei warehouse location are essential for Oahu residents. If you are staying somewhere with kitchen space, a Costco run for Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, and proteins makes serious financial sense. Costco's fish counter also has good ahi at prices far below retail grocery.
The Verdict: Which Store to Use
- Best poke: Foodland Farms (Ala Moana) or Tamura's
- Best prices: Don Quijote for pantry staples; Costco for bulk
- Best local selection: Foodland for Hawaii-made products
- Best Japanese/Asian grocery: Don Quijote or Marukai (Kapolei)
- Best everyday shopping: Times or Foodland depending on your neighborhood
- Late night (24 hours): Don Quijote on Kaheka St
Grocery Shopping in Hawaii Is Part of the Experience
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