Marukame Udon

The famous Waikiki udon cafeteria (now branded Marugame Udon) where a line snakes down Kuhio Ave for $5-8 bowls of noodles pulled and boiled in front of you, plus $2-ish tempura you grab tray-style. Open daily 10am-10pm. It's a chain, but the value is unbeatable in Waikiki. The line moves faster than it looks.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How much does Marukame Udon cost?

Bowls start around $5-6 and rarely top $10; tempura pieces run about $2. Two people eat well for around $25 — in Waikiki, where a resort burger costs that alone, it's absurd value.

Is it Marukame or Marugame Udon?

Same place — the Waikiki shop opened as Marukame Udon and now operates under the Marugame Udon name like the rest of the chain. Locals still say Marukame. Either way, it's the one on Kuhio Ave with the line.

What are Marukame Udon's hours?

Daily 10am to 10pm at 2310 Kuhio Ave. Late-ish hours make it a great post-beach dinner when you don't want to spend real money.

Is Marukame Udon actually good or just cheap?

Actually good — the noodles are made and cut on-site, and you watch them boiled to order through the glass. It's a Japanese chain doing exactly what it does in Japan. It won't change your life, but at this price it doesn't need to.

Is Marukame Udon good for kids and picky eaters?

One of the best in Waikiki for them — plain noodles, fried things you can see before choosing, fast turnaround, and cheap enough that a rejected dish isn't a tragedy.

What should I order at Marukame Udon?

The BK (beef curry) udon and the classic kake or bukkake udon are the moves. Then grab tempura with tongs as you slide down the line — the shrimp tempura and the musubi are essentials. Self-serve green onions and tempura crunchies are free; use them.

How does ordering at Marukame Udon work?

Cafeteria-style: state your udon at the counter, watch it assembled, then slide your tray past the tempura station picking items with tongs, and pay at the end. Free toppings station after the register. Bus your own tray.

Why is there always a line at Marukame Udon?

Because it's the best cheap meal in Waikiki, and everyone knows it. The line clears surprisingly fast — it's cafeteria-style, so 20-30 people ahead of you might mean only 15-20 minutes. Off-peak afternoons often have no line at all.

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