Cheap Eats and Tourist Spots in Downtown Honolulu Hawaii

We are going on a cheap eats and tourist spot food tour in downtown Honolulu today! If you are coming to Hawaii, its always nice to check out downtown and Chinatown. There are a wide variety of places to eat and things to see. In this video I take you to some cheap eats in the fort street mall area of downtown Honolulu. I'll also show you where to park and some sights to see. Make sure you watch to the end of the video.
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@donershackhi
Doner Shack 79 S. Pauahi St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
@marukameudon
Marukame Udon 1104 Fort St Mall, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Fort Street Cafe 1152 Fort St Mall, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Kukui Plaza Parking (entrance on kukui street)
1255 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Smith Beretania Municipal Parking
1170 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 (entrance on beretania street)

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Where is your favorite place to eat in Downtown Honolulu?

[@millarosegarden8249]

My favorite place is Irifune in downtown. It used to located on Kapahulu.

[@paulcruz9476]

Side street inn

[@alexcarter8807]

Rada's Piroshki! 2nd place - Patti's Chinese Kitchen!

[@Jono2002]

So much content in one video with cheap eats, sights to see, where to park, and your creepy almost kidnapping story. Great job. Awesome that the lady was able to get you out of the situation. I'm also glad you pointed out how respect is a big thing here. Thanks

[@taste0fhaze]

OMG the story time at the end!!! Thank you Jesus for that lady but LOL at how you forgot to tell your parents, I woulda been so scared! Anyway great video Charles, the chicken & lamb rice bowl looked fricken amazing, definitely gotta try that place out next time I'm in downtown 😋

[@kevinj8236]

When I was a student at HPU, Ba-Le Sandwich shop was on Fort Street Mall. It was $1 and $2 for vegetable and traditional Banh Mi, respectively. It was a very long time ago. Thanks for bringing back my great memories of downtown Honolulu!

[@FoodFiend]

I love Doner Shack and the hot sauce is also delicious! And Fort St Cafe is great for a cheap breakfast but never tried their lunch items. I would go into the buildings too to eat and pray not to get kicked out LOL.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

I think I might go back Doner Shack soon. I really enjoy their food. Yeah I was so happy to eat in the air conditioned office building. Its a really nice change of pace from sitting in the car lol.

[@paulafriedmanalohafrommaryland]

Aloha Charles! All of the food shown looked super ono. Mahalo for showing those places. Thanks to that lady who helped you when you were a child too.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you so much for watching. I am so grateful for that lady. I wish I could meet her and thank her personally. Its scary to even think what would happen if she wasn't there.

[@robnalu6436]

Aloha! My job takes me all over the island and I cannot wait to try all the spots you have been posting! YUM!! 🤙🤙

[@TabiEats]

Enjoying the videos. Keep up the awesome work!

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

@TabiEats thank you so much for commenting! I really appreciate it. I love your videos can't wait till you guys are back in the islands! Stay safe and much Mahalo.

[@caffeineaddict8929]

Been watching you for a year along with food fiend.I was born and raised in Hawaii but moved away in 2000.You should see if you like the Commisary food ct.Don’t know if they allow the food cut open to the civilian population.I like your PSAs too where it’s safe for people and your mini ghost stories for Halloween.See you also got a haircut😁👍By the way I watch you from Alabama😃

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you so much for following me along on this journey! I'll check that food court out one day. I think I know someone in the military that might be able to get me in one day. glad you enjoyed the stories. I like shorter hair more its much easier to cut. Have a great day!

[@FoodFiend]

You don't need to be military to do the food court at NEX! But...nothing in there is special...Popeyes, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen and McDonalds.

[@cwillys240z4]

Gtk the Marugame Udon Downtown is not too crowded. Love their udon. Might try to checkout out DT area next time. Not gonna lie, I hate the parking there.

[@swnagas2468]

Thanks for mentioning how important respect is here in the islands.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you. That is one of the many things I love about our islands. The Aloha.

[@DrSyn7]

7:25 "Yessah." Thank you for educating non-local viewers about respecting the grounds of the historical landmarks. It's very relevant with the recent events surfacing on social media. Also, your talk story is fun to listen to. There should be more people like that lady who saved you.

[@Nuggetbeast]

Story time is the best.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. Let me know what other types of stories you wanna hear. If I got good stories I'll share. have a great day!

[@RealityBrat]

Looking good Charles!! Love the new, shorter hair. 👍😊 Awesome reviews and recommendations as usual, too. Mahalo!

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thanks I appreciate it! its so much easier to wash my hair now. hahaha. have a great day!

[@vf8390]

This video was packed with so much great information! Thank you! Also, what a story about almost being kidnapped! That lady was your guardian angel! Incredible story!

[@tieoei4034]

Yes. Am glad that lady stepped in.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

I agree I wish i knew who that lady was. i'd take her out to lunch in a heart beat and thank her.

[@Kinzanagi]

I've only been to Marukame Udon at Waikiki. I'm going to have to tell my friends to hit up Doner Shack when they go to Hawaii next week.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

yup for real Doner Shack is LEGIT! tell your friends to tell Donor Shack they saw my video! thanks!

[@alant.541]

Thanks for all the great food recommendations and arigato Japanese lady for saving Charles. No kid. BTW - sharp haircut. 🤙

[@vangiechoksi8507]

Mahalo for making these vids 🥰 It’s nice to know good eats & sketchy places 🙌🏽 I just subscribed & following ❤️

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you so much for the support. Trying my best to keep everyone safe. Thanks again!

[@AlphaFenris1]

Doner Shack - The place where the owner yelled at me because I refused to pay for food after I saw him use the same tongs to put it together that he just used to smash down the stuff in the trash can

[@hawaiiguy1]

yeah, and it was red carded by the Dept of Health in January for not wearing face masks...even defying the DOH by operating even though it was red carded to close. News says they were fined $4k. I've heard other stories about that owner on FB discussions.

[@khangtruong4515]

Worthworth sold food, I think was fried chicken and sandwiches at the front corner. I still remember the sandwich they had, was really good.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Oh yes it was in the corner. I remember I used to love their roast beef sandwiches and the fried chicken. Too bad no more Woolworths here anymore. Thanks for watching!

[@pikakerose]

i miss the food places when i worked in downtown. i eat a great lemon grass pork ban mi in the sfo terminal 3 airport the name if the place was bun mee. thats a scary story of when u were young that lady was your guardian angel

[@joettekanter3489]

Thank you for another delicious video Charles! ❤️🙏🏻😊

[@joettekanter3489]

Thank you for another delicious video Charles! That wonderful lady saved your life! ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@user-zt2ts9rk1z]

The tempura and teri chicken looks delish at Marukame Udon. The banh mi looked dry with mostly vegetables and hardly any meat at all. Thanks for sharing your kidnapping story and tourist spots, locals may find info helpful too.

[@hawaiiguy1]

Cheap Eats in downtown? Rada's Piroscki @ $2 (tax included)... saw Charles passed it in the video at 7:27 mark just past the L&L Express, so I guess that wasn't on his list even though I mentioned it in the last video. Btw, at the 7:32 mark, the area behind Charles (called Union Mall) was always crowded where a major bus stop going Ewa (West) bound would stop, and I would remember preachers preaching, with some bringing their soapbox (yes their small wooden stand) to preach at anytime of the day in the 60/70s/80s.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Sorry didn't get a chance to do Rada's yet. I try to make videos couple weeks ahead of time. Next time I do downtown I'll feature them. Btw I remember the preaching you are talking about, I remember it more on hotel street fronting the old woolworth. dont see it anymore. thanks for watching. have an awesome day!

[@KingofAloha808]

Wow!! I’ve seen this Doner place a few times, but never tried it. When I’m back, I definitely gotta check it out. And going the Udon spot in downtown is super smart. That long line in Waikiki is cringey! Lol Awesome story time too!! Mahalo for sharing!! That lady was an Angel for sure!🤙🏽

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thanks so much for watching. There are so many good eats in downtown honolulu! have an awesome day!

[@mochaleui7814]

Thanks Charles great video🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you! have a great day!

[@gracecruz3135]

Mahalo for your honesty ! u rock! 🌺

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

thank you very much! I really appreciate it. have an awesome day!

[@PYANAGAWA1]

Charles, check out No Name Sandwich Shop in Kaimuki on Waialae. Reasonably priced banh mi. My fave is the non-traditional Sunrise which is a bacon and egg banh mi. Really good !!

[@leinee78]

Donor shack is def one of my faves too! 😋

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

yeah its ono! you should get some of it for lunch soon.

[@cardten]

Great reviews, love the insight and most of all, the new haircut matches you well.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it. My sister cut my hair so It saved me 20 bucks. That way I can make more food videos for you! haha have a great day.

[@rtm9829]

🌴I hardly go to town.. you should eat on the west siiiiiide! Pho h&h… their lemon grass sand which is out of this world ! 🐶🌈🌺

[@brucedesoto3693]

I haven’t been to doner shack but I like what you mentioned and will definitely stop by.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

thanks for watching. yeah the food is ono there! have an awesome day!

[@minniec.9127]

For banh mi sandwiches, I like Ba-Le Sandwich Shop at the Hawaii Kai shopping center location on Keahole St. Cost is $7.25 to $7.50. They have a great menu of tasty noodle and rice plate dishes too.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

I think I might just go to Bale Sandwich that you recommended. I grew up with those banh mi's. It will bring back memories for sure. Much Mahalo for watching!

[@minniec.9127]

@@AuthenticallyCharles Make sure it's the Hawaii Kai location though b/c not all Ba-Le locations are the same.

[@lisawong7845]

Nice sounding crunch on the tempura!

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Oh yes! It makes me sad when I get soggy tempura! Haha

[@fayg7580]

Love your haircut

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

thanks my sister cut it for me haha. saved me some money to make more videos.

[@kenuyeno]

My favorite banh mi is from Elephant Shack in Pearl City. In fact, I like many of their other dishes including pad Thai with shrimp, pad see ew, panang curry and kapow. The depth of flavor is so rich and flavorful. I’m no expert when it comes to Thai or Vietnamese food but I think they are special. I would be interested in seeing how they measure up in your experience to other similar food establishments. Keep up the good work. My wife and I really enjoy your channel.

[@fayg7580]

Your food selections are wonderful

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

thank you so much for watching.

[@fayg7580]

Like your honest opinion

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

thank you!

[@jennierosario2075]

Try no name bbq in kaimuki for but me good price good sandwich.The bbq pork sandwich is good.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Oh yes their food is good. The couple that works there are so nice. I love Banh Mi's.

[@deweyweber5263]

I love eating at People’s. Ono!

[@TheLoonKDo]

That looks so good! I wanna try some day. Everything looks amazing and you’ve got a great personality, Keep it up! Great food tour video, I just uploaded a food tour video on my channel too!

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Just watched your most recent videos and big congrats on 4k! Dude your videos are totally on point! Keep on going man we are in this marathon together! have a great day!

[@the92r]

i love doner shack... miss it... wish i could live right next door

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

the food is great there!

[@michelehiga629]

Hi Charles, I appreciate your honest reviews. My husband and I tried a few of your recommended places and were very pleased. Regarding your question on where we we enjoy Bahn Mi, it has to be Bella Bahn Mi on Liliha Street I have to say that your childhood story of being almost kidnapped is every parents fear. I’d like to believe that there is a “special” place in hell for these predators Keep up the good work and I hope you saved enough Teri chicken for your son. 😄

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you so much for watching I really appreciate it. I will check out Bella Bahn Mi. My son loved the teri chicken and ended up eating it all :) Have a great day. Mahalo!

[@tsn_life8]

Would be great if you met the Japanese lady one day!😎🤙🏻

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

I agree. deep down inside I was hoping she would see this video. I'd totally take her to lunch. Thanks for watching to the end. Hope you have an awesome day!

[@tsn_life8]

You too Charles🤙🏻

[@californianative6387]

Great video bro ;)

[@Petelaosound]

Keep rocking

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thanks I appreciate it! You too!

[@Petelaosound]

@@AuthenticallyCharles you’re welcome

[@shqa574]

The last time I went to Oahu was 2018. I have been to Oahu about 20 to 25 times, and always stay in Waikiki. If it wasn't for COVID, I would have gone to Hawaii in 2020. At the rate of pace of the pandemic, it might be five years before I make the next trip. I enjoy your food reviews. We usually went to the Ala Moana Mall Food Court for lunch. I used to remember Fatty's Kitchen in the Food Court. I don't know if they were there three years ago. LOL We could never find a good Chinese or dim sum restaurant in Chinatown.

[@debbie1247]

Maybe Patti’s Chinese Kichen?

[@alexcarter8807]

I had to think quickly to evade some bad people on the Windward Side when I was a teen, one time had to run into Ching Tong Leong Store, one time got into some tourists' car, they stopped to ask directions and I said they've got a tour guide wherever they want to go, just let me ride a bit, as I got right in their car lol. And ... one time my mom almost *SOLD* me to some creepy people who lived out in Waianae so there's that.

[@richardbarba2736]

My favorite place is in Vietnam hands down!

[@GzusNJapan]

I enjoy the Bahn Mi sandwiches at "No Name BBQ" sandwich in Kaimuki. Have you tried their food???

[@michelejohnson164]

Bella banh mi is the best. For plate lunch, OEC cafe.

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thanks so much for watching! I just looked up OEC cafe, and will check them out! thank you!

[@paulhayashi2060]

Nice haircut!

[@jazlynn02]

Lol you forgot to tell your parents!!!! 😂😂

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

lololololo I know. When I thought about it I was like WTF haha. I didn't tell my parents what happened until I was in my 30s.

[@maihq7735]

Nice haircut 👌

[@KJA70]

Unfortunately I can’t support Doner Shack with the owners recent comments about the COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandate. Such a shame

[@juliastorrsfinn]

Nice. Haircut 🙂

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

thanks I appreciate it! my sister cut it for me :)

[@M_TicoWA]

I use to live in Kukui Plaza. Lol

[@stavana4875]

Good Bahn Mi is available at Bella Bahn Mi at 1630 Liliha

[@Petelaosound]

Just subscribed you rock bro. Following now

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Thank you so much!

[@Petelaosound]

@@AuthenticallyCharles you’re welcome

[@viravit]

รู้มัยครับว่าทำไมเขาไปกินผัดไทที่ร้านเวียดนามแต่ไม่กินที่ร้านไทย? ที่ฮาวายไม่มีร้านไทยอร่อยหรือครับ?

[@stavana4875]

Charlie, the Doner Shack got red placard b4, sorry i personally aint eating at red placard places.

[@the92r]

when did they get red placard? they were cleared of any wrongdoing

[@AlphaFenris1]

@@the92r failed a health inspection, refused to comply with inspectors instructions to fix issue, removed red placard themselves and refused to close. They were not cleared of anything. The owner just told customers "it was a misunderstanding" and kept serving without a placard.

[@stavana4875]

Charles here it is: health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/department-of-health-fines-doner-shack-4000-for-food-safety-placard-and-permit-violations/

[@lovelylobst3r]

Lol I don’t like udon either ! Lol I prefer ramen !

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

yeah! me too! Ramen is way better! thanks for watching! and have a great day!

[@kandiapple7531]

Its obvious you enjoy ban mi Your first bite is a giant one and you cant tell if you're smiling or biting too bad you're disappointed with this one

[@AuthenticallyCharles]

Yeah this one made me sad :( I have to find some good banh mi.

[@rufftymez]

Where u get Bahn mi in Vegas for 3.50.....dude Hawaii is just expensive to operate a business $8 is ok

[@pkodani72]

There not Thai lol

[@uarlen9328]

You eat too much, bro😄