Any Suggestions on inexpensive authentic hawaiian places to eat on the big island, Kauai, or Oahu?

There are many restaurants on Oahu. When you mean "authentic hawaiian", I am assuming you mean "island, non-touristy" food, right, and not necessarily polynesian. Because island food is a mix of Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portugese and American.

When I get the need for a good bowl of saimin, spam musubi or mac salad, I go to Boulevard's on Dillingham (west of downtown Honolulu). It is in a more industrial part of town, but this is authentic island food...you will be the only tourist. Get their large bowl of won ton min, oh-my-god it is sooo good.

For breakfast/lunch, try Kaka'ako Kitchen in the Ward Center which is near Ala Moana shopping center. You eat on paper plates but the food is really interesting, very creative.

You must also try a Hawaiian Shave Ice with azuki beans and mochi. Go to Kokonuts in the Koko Marina Shopping Center in Hawaii Kai (on the way to Hanauma Bay).

There is a kalua pork sandwich stand in Waimanalo (windward side) called Kenneke's on the side of the highway...you will see a line of people waiting for their loco moco or kalua pork sandwiches.

For true Hawaiian (polynesian) food, I think someone mentioned Ono Hawaiian Food, and this really is the best. But you can also try Helena's Hawaiian Food on N School Street. Both will have lomi lomi salmon, kalua pork, spam musubi, ribs, poi (fermented taro root, an acquired taste...), lau lau...whew! But notice that it is STILL a mix of multi-cultural food. Let's eat!!!!

For better fare, you can try the Pineapple Room next to Macy's in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. This is owned by Alan Wong, considered the best chef in the islands and is a great buy (much cheaper than his flagship restaurant on King Street). Lunch is a better deal if you are really watching it, but you should try it at least once...

http://www.alanwongs.com/pineroom/pine_room.html

On Kauai, there is a restaurant that has been there FOREVER and serves traditional island noodles called "saimin". The restaurant is called "Hamura Saimin" in Lihue and is a MUST if you go. This is not at all fancy, you eat at counters.

Inexpensive take-out food is a way of life in the islands...you buy a "box lunch" or dinner at restaurants called "Okazu-ya", a term from the Japanese. Everyone has their own favorites they will tell you are the best. Try it, and go sit on a white sandy beach to eat. You will love it.

Depends on what you want, and what inexpensive means to you. If you're looking for a 99-cent value menu deal, fastfood only. Most "local food" is a plate lunch that will run you around 5 bucks. You can eat pretty much any type of food you want here. Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, Korean, Hawaiian, Samoan, Fijian, Indian, American, French, Vietnamese, Mexican, whatever. Just stop by anyplace, especially if there are lots of locals eating there. Oahu-Rainbow Drive Inn; Shiro's; Zippy's; Kin Wah; Mitsu-Ken Maui-Koho, Tasty Krust Big Island-Cafe 100, Nori's, Ken's House of Pancakes, Kuhio Grill

For O'ahu, if you are looking for actual Hawaiian food, then I recommend "Ono Hawaiian Foods" located at 726 Kapahulu Ave. This is not far from Waikiki, just up the road from the Honolulu Zoo. If you are looking for Hawaiian style local food, then the places listed by Hawaii Home are good.

In Oahu, Waikiki Beach we went to Hamburger Paradise..

is really good!! It has Hawaiian Specialty Burgers

In Maui we tried Hula Grill, it was also very good.. i think they have it in the other islands as well.. I think this one had authentic Hawaiian Food..

Also we tried Bubba Gump in Maui.. was delicious!! This one is well.. sea food!!

The one place you will get real authentic Hawaiian Food is the Luau.. it was ok.

Hamburger Paradise and Bubba Gump are moderate prices..

Hula Grill is a little more expensive, but worth it!!

Rainbow Drive-in

Loco Moco

L&L

Bob's Drive-in

Grace's Inn

im not sure. you may want to ask a friend about this (best to ask someone who's been 2 hawaii, laugh out loud) and also, if you feel comfortable, you may want to ask someone when your in hawaii about their preference. hope this helps. PS- enjoy your vacation!!