Waikiki Market — Attraction in Honolulu

Foodland just keeps upping its game, as seen in this latest reincarnation of the former Food Pantry. Two words say it all: Malasadas Bar.

Located one level above the street and above the new Piko Kitchen + Bar, the store is accessible by stairs or elevator.

If you’re coming via the elevator, turn left into the entrance, where you can also grab a shiny yellow cart if you’re planning to grab more than a shopping bag’s worth of stuff. There are also deep baskets with wheels inside the store if the cart is too much.

As you enter, the Malasadas case is front and center - well, not really, it’s only if you’re dessert hound like me. On the right are the “It’s All Rice” display cases with sushi, musubi. and poke bowls - according to the large sign. At about 8 pm when I visited, it was fairly empty.

Beyond that, however, all the cases were filled, from the poke bar to the hot foods. Although the space seems small, looks are deceiving - I’d say it has the same amount of products as Kahala MKT - maybe not as much liquor, though.

And like Kahala, the stock runs heavy on the gourmet goods - grabbed a box of Maldon Sea Flakes and 1800 Margarita Pineapple Premix, which I had been searching for weeks for.

In a nod to its location, there are also more tourist-oriented products, such as snorkel masks and floats, and high-end foodie souvenirs including local chocolates and coffees you don’t see at many other locations.

If you’re looking for gourmet items that you’d normally buy on Amazon, like say Valrhona Chocolate Pearls, you might want to come check this...

The last time we were in Hawaii before the pandemic, the go to spot for groceries in the heart of Waikiki was either Food Pantry or Coco Cove. Both we gone from here now but the successor to Food Pantry is the new Waikiki Market located across from the International Marketplace on Kuhio. It's actually located on the second floor. We didn't know that at first and wound up walking up the big flight of stairs. But they did have an elevator that can make the trip s bit easier.

All I can say is that we were impressed with the new market. There's pretty much everything you could want to find in terms of groceries as well as prepared foods.

We grabbed some poke from their poke station on our first visit. As it was close to closing time, the selection wasn't as big as it is during the morning. Still, we wound up getting some poke here. Most of these items were about $28/lb.

This was actually one of the better poke options in Waikiki (definitely the best in terms of grocery store poke in the area). The shoyu ahi was my fav (and a bit spicy). Also liked the fresh ahi limu. The fresh torched dynamite ahi poke was spicy in a creamy sauce with tobiko. The fresh spicy Hawaiian ahi poke was also in a creamy sauce.

We also picked up some fresh papaya here and it was so tender and sweet. If you can't make it to the farmer's market, this is a good spot to pick up some fresh fruit in the area.

There were so many other food stations that we didn't get to try... Like the...

Waikiki Market is a culinary gem offering a diverse array of food options that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The convenience of being able to order and take your meal to go is a significant plus, allowing visitors to explore the delicious world of sushi, pizza, seafood, Malaysian cuisine, and much more.

What sets this market apart is its comprehensive selection of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and a variety of everyday essentials. It provides the convenience of a typical, well-stocked market where you can find everything you need.

The market's strategic location, close to both the beach and hotels, makes it a convenient stop for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're seeking a quick meal to enjoy by the ocean or picking up groceries for your stay, Waikiki Market has you covered.

One of the highlights is the reasonable pricing, ensuring that you can enjoy a satisfying meal or stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. The freshness of the fruits and vegetables further adds to the market's appeal, promising a delicious and healthy shopping experience.

In conclusion, Waikiki Market is a culinary haven where you can find a variety of delectable food options, fresh produce, and everyday necessities. Its proximity to the beach and hotels, combined with reasonable prices and the quality of the offerings, make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the vibrant food...