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Is Marugame Udon worth it?

Worth it if…Lives up to the hype · −4Cafeteria-style Japanese udon shop on Kūhiō Ave. with handmade noodles and a famous line
Marugame Udon
Y Sakura · Google Maps
Marugame Udon
Marugame Udon · Google Maps
Marugame Udon
Najeeb Abdullah · Google Maps
Marugame Udon
Elbert Lin · Google Maps
Marugame Udon
Najeeb Abdullah · Google Maps

Worth it, with conditions. 4.5 stars from 13,000+ Google reviews; reviewers consistently praise the fresh noodles. A few say it is good but not a Hawaiʻi must-do.

Hype64How famous and hyped it is
Reality60Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
The gap−4Lives up to the hypeHow we score
4.5 ★ Google · 13,396 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Marugame Udon? Was it worth it?

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Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 on a budget vote

One of the cheapest sit-down meals in Waikīkī, at about $11 a bowl.

Why Reality is 60

Lives up to its fame4/54.5 stars from 13,000+ Google reviews; reviewers consistently praise the fresh noodles. A few say it is good but not a Hawaiʻi must-do.
Value for money4/5About $11 a bowl plus about $2 tempura is a bargain by Waikīkī standards. Add-ons can still add up.
Can’t get it elsewhere2/5Marugame is a Japanese chain with mainland branches and a second Honolulu shop downtown, so it is easy to find elsewhere.
Easy to do3/5Walkable from Waikīkī hotels and open until 11 p.m., but the line outside is near-constant and waits can reach 30 minutes.

What people loved

Fresh, chewy noodles made in front of you, and the broth gets a lot of praiseCheap for Waikīkī: about $11 a bowl, with tempura sides around $2The line looks long but moves fast, and staff seat each party as tables openOpen 10 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, so it works as a late meal after the beach

What wore them down

A line outside is almost constant, and waits can reach about 30 minutesIt is a Japanese chain now spreading across the mainland, so it is not a Hawaiʻi-only experienceEverything is à la carte, so add-ons push the bill upWaikīkī parking is paid and hard to find

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Booking: No reservations; join the line. A second Honolulu location is on Fort Street Mall downtown.

NameOpened April 1, 2011 as Marukame Udon; now signed and listed as Marugame UdonSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 10 a.m.–11 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
PriceAbout $11 for an udon bowl (large +$1), tempura about $2 each (Oct 2023 report)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationNone; walk-in cafeteria line, staff seat parties by sizeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
WaitLine outside is common; one review measured nearly 30 min at 2 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ParkingNo dedicated lot; paid lots and paid street parking nearbySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
From WaikīkīIn Waikīkī on Kūhiō Ave.; walkable from most hotelsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

In their words

“Even with the lineups, it’s always worth the wait.”
J T · Google review · 5 months ago
“That said, if I’m spending time right by Waikiki Beach, I’m not sure this would be my first choice again.”
Elizabeth Wang · Google review · 2 months ago
“The udon noodles tasted freshly made with the perfect chewy texture, and the broth was rich and flavorful.”
jo w · Google review · 4 months ago
“The line moves fast and there’s always seats.”
Pearl Lee · Google review · 4 months ago

Tips from people who went

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Questions people ask

Is it Marukame or Marugame Udon in Waikīkī?

Same shop. It opened in 2011 as Marukame Udon at 2310 Kūhiō Ave. and is now listed by the company and on Google as Marugame Udon.

How long is the line at Marugame Udon Waikīkī?

There is usually a line outside. It moves quickly, but one review timed nearly 30 minutes at 2 p.m.

What are Marugame Udon Waikīkī's hours?

Daily 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

How much does Marugame Udon cost?

An October 2023 review put bowls at about $11 (large +$1) and tempura at about $2 each. Check current prices in store.

Can you make a reservation?

No. It is a walk-in, cafeteria-style line.

Better fits, according to people who went

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Sources

Verdict by The Hype Gap editors. No one paid for it. Facts checked Oct 16, 2026. How we score · Standards