Discount Stores in Honolulu, HI

“Don Quijote is a Japanese discount store chain that sells basic groceries, household goods, beauty products, bedding, toys, electronics, clothing, and general merchandise. In 2021, there were 160 locations in Japan, 13 in Singapore, 8 in Hong Kong, 3 in HI, and 1 each in Macau and Guam. As I predominantly shop at the Honolulu store on Kaheka St., this review is for that store (the other two locations are in Pearl City and Waipahu). Don Quijote was founded by Takao Yasuda with the opening of its 1st store in Tokyo in Sept. 1980. It entered HI in 2006 when it acquired the Daiei stores. Don Quijote purchased the Marukai chain stores in the US in 2013, and the stores either became Marukai or Tokyo Central Markets. In HI, Don Quijote bought Marukai HI, Times Supermarkets, Shima's, Fujioka's Wine Times, and the Big Save Markets on 9/30/13; however, other than the 3 Daiei stores that were renamed Don Quijote, the other stores retained their original names, but the branding changed to become consistent with Don Quijote marketing requirements. Marukai, Times, and Shima's carry some of the identical items as Don Quijote and also takes part in the same promotions. Also known in Japan as "Donki," it is able to purchase from overseas at wholesale prices to offer discount prices to shoppers. Its official mascot is Donpen, which is a blue penquin that wears a red nightcap. The name of "Donpen" is based on the store's name (Don), and the Japanese name for penquin (pen). The moon is sometimes depicted with the penquin, which is a symbol of lightening the midnight towns. So, it is no surprise that this Don Quijote in Honolulu is open 24 hours and many in Japan are open until the wee hours of the morning or even open for 24 hours, which differs in the retail industry in that most stores close around 9p or 10p. Jonetz is Don Quijote's product brand that was created in 2009 and means "passionate prices" that refers to the affordability of its items to its customers. When Don Quijote took over this Daei Store, renovations were made to accommodate the increase in items brought in from Japan. Many people disliked how items were stacked to the brim and how every space was made use of. This store was very bright and well lit. However, as with the Japan stores, artificial vines and floral décor hung from every space in the ceiling. Yes, it was an unusual shopping experience which made Don Quijote known for what they were; however, this did not last long in HI, as strict fire regulations prohibit these ceiling hangings due to fire safety requirements. Shucks, and I enjoyed this colorful décor! One of the popular sections in this store is its okazukya section. Hot items offered on rotation include: chicken (karaage, nishime, curry, Korean, kalua pork & cabbage, shoyu); starches (baked spaghetti, fried rice, yakisoba, pancit); green beans & pork; shoyu pork; roast pork; beef stew; baked ham w/ pineapple; corned beef & cabbage; pork & eggplant w/ miso; mapo tofu; sweet sour spareribs, pork & peas, tripe stew; tempura items. There is also a huge selection of regular-sized and mini bentos, sushi, sashimi, musubi, salads, and side dishes. Senior discounts are provided for ages 60 and over from 6a to 7a daily and all-day Tuesday. The discounts vary depending on the items and excludes sale items, liquor, tobacco, and seasonal items. A weekly sales ad displays items on sale online and on a glossy flyer that can be picked up at the store. Popular items sell out often, but you can get a raincheck, good for 30 days, from the friendly staff at Customer Service that is located by the cashiers. To make this a one-stop shopping experience, Don Quiote also has an in-house pharmacy and contracts with various vendor inside and outside its store. It has a laundromat; nail salon; restaurants (Korean, Greek, Thai, ramen, local plate lunches, bentos, Chinese, inari sushi, wagyu beef, andagi, coffee; takoyaki & noodles); cosmetics; heathcare; cell phone accessories; cab services, bike share. Fr”

“This is the closest thing to a dollar store on Oahu. They have a huge variety of needs, from personal care to household needs. Baby needs to simple home care. Parking is scarce, but the lot is attended and it is worth waiting to get in. I took the bus from Waikiki, so parking was not an issue for me.”

“#Grateful awesome employees with coldest AC in Chinatown you are going to fun things you have never seen before such awesome deals definitely check out the shelves that go under the sink or in the cabinets space savers they are so cheap”

“Large selection of drinks as you would expect. However, the garage feel is not something I am used to. You get the feeling that merchandising is very important to their business. The claw machine is an interesting addition to the decorKid-friendliness: Claw machine game and lots of random knick knack toys are all over the store.”