A year ago we posted a list of places in Kailua Town where you could find a nourishing breakfast; satisfying sandwiches and salads; plate lunches, poke bowls, and other hearty meals without breaking the proverbial bank.
For this 2026 edition of “Everyday Deals Under $20” we revisited some of last year’s favorites and added some new ones.
While it may cost more this year to fill up your gas-fed vehicle and grocery basket, these Kailua Town restaurants and eateries – all locally owned small businesses – offer lots of options when it comes to ono food and great value.
Dive in!
1. Celebrating 10 years at its flagship Kailua Town location, Aloha Salads remains committed to fresh, healthy, and delicious food at affordable prices. All salads, subs, and wraps are under $20. Keiki Combo meals are under $10 and include a pita sandwich plus fruit, keiki drink, and an organic lollypop.
2. Big City Diner’s breakfast and brunch menus continue to deliver big value and generous portions, from the big stack of roasted mac nut pancakes with haupia crème to the ultimate three-egg omelet.
3. Kono’s robust breakfast bombers (burritos) top their most-ordered list, but you also can easily fill up with the 12-hour slow-roasted kalua pulled pork and cabbage Hawaiian bowl or a heaping pile of nachos with 12-hour pulled pork.
4. Lots of under-$20 options can be found at Lilikoi Kitchen, from sandwiches and panini to quesadillas. And, with a breakfast menu served till noon, you can order the baked blueberry French toast plate for lunch!
5. Local Boy Sushi is a popular stop for generous poke bowls or a bowl entree with a choice of kalbi, kalua pork, BBQ chicken and others. The special Sushi Packs, including a 16-piece Cali Pack and 10-piece ahi or spicy packs also meet the cheap eats criteria.
6. The New Kamana Kitchen 3 brand has landed in Kailua Town, the third O‘ahu location for this fast-casual eatery known for its rich curries, aromatic biryanis, classic tandoori dishes and other authentic North Indian dishes that are pleasing to palates and wallets.
7. Pick your base, your beans, your protein, and toppings to build your own burritos, tacos, or bowls at Paniolo’s. All of the meats, beans, rice, and salsa are prepared fresh daily with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
8. A new arrival on Kailua Town’s restaurant scene, Sunset Noodle House, describes its menu as Asian fusion with such ramen specialties as Shrimp Char Siu Miso, Chicken Katsu, and spicy Tan Tan. The Special Set Menu offers a selection of ramen bowls that include sides of gyoza and kimchee.
9. At The Hibachi you can walk away with a substantial, regular size all-fresh poke bowl and two scoops of rice for an average price under $20, but don’t overlook the plate lunch menu where specialties like teri chicken and ahi or shrimp skewers include rice and two sides.
10. When comfort food calls, Vietnam Deli has you and your budget covered with authentic, health-centric meals including flavorful pho, Viet vermicelli bowls, and the Pho’nomenal with vegetables and choice of protein layered on a bed of sauteed rice noodles.
