Taste The Aloha Spirit At 17 Plate Lunch Restaurants In Hawaii
Hawaii’s plate lunch is more than just a meal – it’s a delicious reflection of the islands’ diverse cultural heritage.
These hearty combinations typically feature two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein that might range from kalua pork to teriyaki chicken.
1. Rainbow Drive-In: The Landmark Lunch Spot
Serving hungry locals since 1961, this Honolulu institution dishes up classic plate lunches at prices that won’t empty your wallet.
The mix plate with BBQ beef, mahi-mahi, and boneless chicken is legendary among islanders and tourists alike.
Don’t miss their famous gravy-smothered loco moco – a hamburger patty topped with a fried egg that’s pure comfort food. President Obama has even been spotted enjoying their offerings during his Hawaii vacations!
2. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue: The Island Chain That Conquered America
What began as a small dairy operation in the 1950s has exploded into Hawaii’s most successful plate lunch export, with locations across the mainland.
The generous portions make L&L a go-to for hungry surfers and beach-goers looking to refuel.
Their spam musubi – a slice of spam atop rice wrapped in seaweed – makes the perfect portable snack when you’re island-hopping.
3. Zippy’s: Hawaii’s Beloved 24-Hour Comfort Food Haven
Midnight cravings? Zippy’s has your back with round-the-clock service at select locations. Since 1966, this island favorite has been dishing up their famous chili alongside Korean fried chicken that locals swear by.
Families gather here after Little League games, while night owls appreciate the welcoming glow of their signs in the wee hours.
Their Zip Pac – a bento box with fried chicken, fish, spam, and beef – offers the ultimate sampler of Hawaiian favorites.
4. Highway Inn: Traditional Hawaiian Soul Food Since 1947
Three generations of family recipes make Highway Inn a treasure trove of authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Their laulau – pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection – offers flavors that haven’t changed in 75+ years.
The Waipahu original location maintains its old-school charm, while the newer Kaka’ako spot brings these classics to town.
Try the pipikaula (Hawaiian-style beef jerky) for a chewy, savory treat that pairs perfectly with their poi.
5. Da Kitchen: Maui’s Monster Portion Paradise
“Go big or go home” could be Da Kitchen’s unofficial motto. Their portions are legendary among Maui visitors – just one plate could easily feed two hungry tourists.
The Kalbi Ribs arrive sizzling and glazed with a sticky-sweet sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers.
Founded by two childhood friends, this spot captures the spirit of local hospitality. Their crispy mochiko chicken, coated in sweet rice flour before frying, delivers the perfect crunch-to-juicy ratio.
6. Aloha Mixed Plate: Oceanfront Dining Without the Resort Prices
Ocean breezes complement every bite at this laid-back Lahaina eatery where you can wiggle your toes in the sand while demolishing a mixed plate.
The outdoor seating offers million-dollar views without the matching price tag.
Their shoyu chicken falls off the bone after marinating in a sweet-salty blend of soy sauce and brown sugar.
Sister restaurant to the famed Old Lahaina Luau, they bring luau-quality food to casual diners who want authentic flavors without the evening-long commitment.
7. Tin Roof: Chef Sheldon Simeon’s Modern Take on Local Grindz
Celebrity chef and Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon brings fine-dining techniques to humble local ingredients at this Kahului counter-service spot.
The Mochiko Chicken bowl gets elevated with a garlic aioli drizzle and house-made furikake that’ll make you forget you’re eating from a compostable container.
Lines form early for their pork belly bowl – caramelized chunks of fatty goodness that melt in your mouth. Simeon’s grandmother’s recipes shine through in every dish, proving that humble food can be extraordinary.
8. Blane’s Drive Inn: The Big Island Hidden Gem
Tucked away in Hilo, this unassuming spot has been satisfying hungry locals for generations with zero frills but maximum flavor.
Their gravy-smothered hamburger steak arrives with an egg on top – pierce the yolk and watch it create a rich sauce that’ll have you scraping the plate clean.
Cash-only and proudly old-school, Blane’s represents the Hawaii before mega-resorts took over. The teriyaki beef is sliced thin and grilled until the edges caramelize, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
9. Ken’s House of Pancakes: Big Island’s 24-Hour Wonder
Don’t let the name fool you – while the pancakes are indeed spectacular, Ken’s plate lunches deserve equal billing on this Hilo institution’s menu.
Their loco moco comes in fourteen varieties, from traditional hamburger to ahi tuna, all smothered in their famous mushroom gravy.
Open 24/7 since 1971, Ken’s has fed everyone from night-shift workers to post-surf session athletes.
10. Mark’s Place: Kauai’s Homestyle Takeout Treasure
Hidden in an industrial area of Lihue, Mark’s Place might not look impressive from outside, but locals know it dishes up some of Kauai’s most ono (delicious) plate lunches.
Their beef stew achieves that perfect balance – tender chunks of meat that hold their shape until your fork touches them, then surrender completely.
Chef Mark Oyama brings fine-dining credentials to his casual takeout spot. His chicken katsu comes with a house-made sauce that puts bottled versions to shame, striking the ideal tangy-sweet balance.
11. Kim Chee Restaurant No. 2: Korean-Hawaiian Fusion Excellence
Sizzling stone pots of bibimbap and classic Hawaiian plate lunches coexist beautifully at this Kapahulu favorite.
Their kalbi plate comes with perfectly charred short ribs alongside traditional banchan (Korean side dishes) and the standard two scoops rice, creating a cross-cultural masterpiece.
Family-run for decades, the restaurant’s well-worn interior tells stories of countless satisfied diners who keep returning for that perfect Korean-Hawaiian fusion fix.
12. Diamond Head Market & Grill: Gourmet Plates with a View
Grab your plate lunch to go and head across the street for an impromptu picnic with Diamond Head crater as your backdrop.
Chef Kelvin Ro elevates humble local favorites with gourmet touches like homemade dressings and premium ingredients.
Their grilled ahi plate features sashimi-grade tuna with just the right sear, while the teriyaki beef showcases perfectly caramelized edges.
13. Ono Seafood: Poke Perfection in Humble Surroundings
This tiny spot near Koko Marina specializes in what many consider Oahu’s finest poke – marinated raw fish that’s Hawaii’s signature pupu (appetizer).
While not a traditional plate lunch spot, their poke bowls with rice deliver the same satisfying combination of protein and starch that defines the category.
The shoyu ahi poke balances soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh fish in perfect harmony.
14. Richie’s Drive Inn: Waianae’s Beloved Local Haunt
Far from the tourist paths on Oahu’s west side, Richie’s serves plate lunches that reflect the area’s strong local identity.
Their garlic shrimp plate rivals the famous North Shore versions – plump shrimp swimming in butter and enough garlic to ward off a vampire convention.
The mixed plate features teri beef, mahimahi, and chicken – a trio that showcases their mastery of multiple proteins without fancy techniques or pretension.
15. Hamada General Store: Plantation-Style Plate Lunches with History
Housed in a building that once served plantation workers, Hamada’s continues the tradition of feeding hungry laborers with hearty, affordable meals.
Their hamburger curry combines Japanese and American influences – a thick, aromatic curry sauce smothering a hand-formed patty.
The mochiko chicken manages to stay crispy even under a blanket of their secret sauce, a culinary magic trick that keeps locals coming back for generation after generation.
16. Kau Kau Grill: From Food Truck to Cult Phenomenon
Starting as a humble food truck, Kau Kau’s popularity exploded thanks to their “Trust Da Monstah” plate – a mountainous serving of short ribs, garlic shrimp, and tender teriyaki beef that challenges even the heartiest appetites.
Now in a permanent Mapunapuna location, the lines still form early.
The pulehu ribs feature a perfect char and fall-off-the-bone tenderness that’s earned them a devoted following among local firefighters and construction workers who appreciate proper portion sizes.
17. Takamiya Market: Maui’s Beloved Neighborhood Gem
This Wailuku market has been feeding Central Maui residents since 1946, with their deli counter turning out some of the island’s most beloved plate lunches.
Their teriyaki beef is sliced paper-thin and grilled until the edges caramelize, creating the perfect sweet-savory balance.
The market’s plantation-era charm remains intact, with wooden floors that creak underfoot as you carry your styrofoam container filled with local comfort food to the register.
