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February 2024 by Jo Y.
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
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February 2024 by Sam B.
Sandy is a delight as a cashier. She's responsive to our needs as customers. She remembers us, greeting us weekly with a smile. Sandy values what she does, and we appreciate her and what she brings to our shopping experience. Mahalo Sandy!
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February 2024 by Kate P.
A good spot for Takoyaki I love the test and how fresh they Make be careful it really hot!
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February 2024 by Eva G.
This place has everything. LOL The store is packed with so many goodies! I surely enjoyed perusing it all. I found so many gadgets and treats to bring back home to family. I also found unique items that I haven't seen anywhere else too. I would be surprised if you left the store empty handed! Lol
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January 2024 by Crystal L.
The andagi available outside are so good! The store itself is a solid location to do your grocery shopping. Nice and pretty empty at night, and the hot foods go on sale too! They have lots of snacks and toys from Japan. The mark up is 2-3x than getting it in Japan, but you are paying for convenience! They usually have UH merch too. Large store, could spend over an hr just browsing.
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January 2024 by Gilbert M.
Couldn't find any help, too many people, dirty, and shelves were bare, went looking for some ingredients, they weren't close to each other, and very few, parking was just as bad
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January 2024 by Christopher H.
The best place I found to shop for food stuffs and other basic things in downtown Honolulu. I liked riding my scooter there and stocking up on drinks.
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January 2024 by Bunny G.
LOVED the poke bowl I picked up today! Clean store and ridiculous selection of prepared items.
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January 2024 by Dawn Y.
Strangely I never went to Don Quijote until a friend visiting from Osaka came and needed omiyage. We used to shop at Marukai regularly until they were bought out and with all the rail construction etc it became not benri or convenient. I like the wide variety of Japanese skin care products...goat's milk seems to be the NBT. They also do have alot for omiyage kind of like Hilo Hatties meets ABC store. What surprised me was the fresh produce section it was well stocked and looked appealing at decent prices. Nice selection of pickles. They have a deli section like Marukai with hot and cold selections. Decent price and presentation. We had Inari sushi, chicken bento. The food stalls in front are also tempting and I like the Japanese style bakery at the entrance. Now I know where to go if I miss Japan. Parking is free but if you go when it is busy it's crazy.
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January 2024 by Trewen W.
Absolutely love don quijote! Their poke selection is unbeatable! Their fresh fish is always super tender and seasoned properly. Just gotta be patient with the staff. They got a large variety of ready to eat meals too. Their premade pokebowls were really good too surprisingly ! We came back about 2-3 times during our trip. Fresh fish, delicious poke, could not have asked for.
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January 2024 by Fred D.
Crazy selection of souvenirs made in China. The cheapest place to buy dozens of keychains at a time. The food looks better than it tastes. Large selection of tortillas.
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January 2024 by Tabitha C.
There are so many good products here that I remember seeing in Japan. What a gem to find it in Hawaii! Great place to buy products from Japan in the US.
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January 2024 by Angela D.
Came here because I miss the Don Q. in Japan. Also, a good spot to get some souvenirs, snacks, and to get some take out food! They also have a poke station too. Instead of having to choose my poke, I just got the ready made bowl. It was well portioned and really delicious. So much choices of take out but since I wasn't that hungry, the bowl I got was well filling. Perfect to take to the beach.
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January 2024 by Ken Kroehler
Don Quijote Honolulu has a very wide variety and assortment of Japanese products, fresh fruits and vegetables. A convenient, 24 hour around the clock, one-stop shop for individuals of all ages, especially the elderly. Seniors get discounts on ALL Tuesdays for the entire day and between 6:00A.M. to 7:00A.M. every day of the week. Very friendly administrative staff, check-out counter personnel and grocery baggers. Yes. AND PLEASE mask up, especially on Senior Tuesdays!!! The seniors and everyone in the store will thank YOU!!! Mahalo nui loa!!! Masku o hamete kudasai neh!!!On Saturday, September 9th, 2023, Don Quijote Honolulu's staff celebrated it's 25th anniversary serving the Honolulu metropolitan area. The Don Qui charachature was on hand taking pictures with everybody. There were party balloons posted and big fanfare on this very special occasion. All of Don Quijote parking lots were "filled to the gills." And, street parking around the supermarket quickly disappeared in the moring. It was an evolving party throughout the day. Happy birthday, Don Quijote Honolulu. And, may you have many, many more serving our community!!! (NOTE: Please with the Don Qui character, which appears later in this post.)I believe it is your very BEST Japanese products store away from Japan!!! Step inside the store and you're temporarily back in Japan. Boku wa tonikaku so omoi masu!!! (Translation: "In any case, I think so.")
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December 2023 by Marlee B.
Do not let the crazy parking lot push you away. It's crazy for good reason. The market is a combination of food and grocery mixed with appliances and convenience needs. You're fine local and Japanese snacks... Oh yeah and regular stuffs. my favorite things are the sliced baked goods ready to go. If you're visiting, wanting to bring stuff back from wherever you came from, you can find cool souvenir treats.
