A good Hawaiian plate lunch always hits the spot. For my family, it’s the kind of Hawaiian food that makes everyone quiet for a few minutes because we’re too busy digging in. The portions are huge, the flavors are bold, and you can save half of your food for your next meal. Whether we’re road-tripping around Oʻahu or chilling at the beach in Hilo, a plate lunch keeps us fueled and happy.
Hawaiian style takeout plate lunch, with rice, meat, and vegetables (Shutterstock)
What is a Plate Lunch?
The beauty of a plate lunch lies in its simplicity and versatility. A plate lunch is a quintessential Hawaiian meal that brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Typically, a plate lunch consists of a an entrée—often something grilled, fried, or braised, two scoops of white rice, and a scoop of creamy macaroni salad. This hearty and filling meal is often served on a plate (hence the name) or in a bento box, making it a convenient and satisfying option for any time of day.
The protein options are diverse and can include teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, beef stew, or even a hamburger patty. Whether you’re craving something savory or smoky, there’s a plate lunch combination to suit every palate. It’s a staple in Hawaiian cuisine, offering a taste of the islands’ rich culinary heritage in every bite.
The Origins of the Traditional Hawaiian Plate Lunch
The Hawaiian plate lunch is more than just a meal—it’s a story on a plate. It all started during Hawaiʻi’s plantation days in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Immigrants from Japan, China, Portugal, Korea, and the Philippines came to work on sugar and pineapple plantations. They’d bring lunches packed with rice, meats, and pickled vegetables. Over time, these food traditions blended into one hearty, multicultural combo meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
Today, the Hawaiian plate lunch is a local staple, found in mom-and-pop shops, beachside food trucks, and even fancy restaurants. It’s the best way to taste Hawaiʻi’s melting pot of cultures, all in one takeout container.
What Comes on a Plate Lunch? Macaroni Salad and More
You’ll find plenty of variety depending on where you go, but here are some of the most common components:
- Entrées: Teriyaki beef, Korean kalbi ribs, chicken katsu, loco moco (hamburger patty with brown gravy and egg), fried mahi mahi, kalua pig, and garlic shrimp.
- Starches: White rice is classic, but some spots offer brown rice or fried rice as upgrades.
- Salads: Macaroni salad is the go-to, but options like lomi salmon, tossed salad, or kimchi sometimes make appearances.
The best part? You can often mix and match to make your perfect plate with two or even three different meats. A lunch plate typically contains a substantial portion of food, incorporating various traditional Hawaiian dishes served separately, which enables diners to enjoy individual flavors in one meal.
“Plate lunch is life! It’s the first thing I eat when I land in Honolulu.” – @localgrindsdaily on Instagram
Loco moco, Hawaiian rice bowl dish (Shutterstock)
Types of Plate Lunches
Hawaiian plate lunches come in various forms, each offering a unique twist on the traditional meal. Here are some popular types you might encounter:
- Traditional Hawaiian Plate Lunch: The classic version features a protein source, two scoops of white rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad.
- Breakfast Plate Lunch: Some eateries offer a breakfast variation that includes fried eggs, bacon or sausage, and two scoops of rice. It’s a hearty way to start your day with a Hawaiian twist.
- BBQ Plate Lunch: This version features a protein source, like teriyaki chicken or beef, that is grilled or BBQ’d to perfection. Served with two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad, it’s a smoky, savory delight.
Each type of plate lunch offers a unique experience, allowing you to explore the diverse flavors of Hawaiian cuisine.
Korean plate lunch (Shutterstock)
Where To Find the Best Plate Lunch in Hawaiʻi
Whether you’re island-hopping or staying in one area, here are some of the top spots to try a local plate lunch across the islands.
1. Rainbow Drive-In (Oʻahu)
3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
https://rainbowdrivein.com
One of the most iconic spots in Hawaiʻi, Rainbow Drive-In has been serving classic plate lunches since 1961. Locals love their mix plates, featuring barbecue beef, boneless chicken, and mahi mahi—all on one plate. The loco moco here is legendary.
2. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (Statewide)
Multiple locations
https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/locations
L&L helped spread the Hawaiian plate lunch far beyond the islands, but it’s still beloved at home. Their massive menu includes chicken katsu, beef curry, Spam musubi, and more. It’s the go-to for visitors trying the dish for the first time.
“Chicken katsu plate with extra mac salad from L&L… perfection.” – @hungryinhawaii on X
3. Da Kitchen (Maui)
1215 South Kihei Rd. Suite E, Kihei, HI 96753
https://www.dakitchenkihei.com
Back and better than ever, Da Kitchen is famous for huge portions and creative takes on classics. Try the deep-fried loco moco or kalbi ribs if you’re hungry.
4. Mark’s Place (Kauaʻi)
1610 Haleukana St, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
https://marksplacekauai.com
Tucked into an industrial area, Mark’s Place is a local secret. Their Korean fried chicken and beef stew are must-tries. They also offer daily specials and bentos, perfect for grabbing before hitting the beach or heading to Waimea Canyon.
5. Blane’s Drive Inn (Big Island)
15-2793 Māmalahoa Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720
Yelp.com
Blane’s is a Hilo favorite, with affordable prices and generous portions. The mixed plate is always a hit, and their gravy burgers are a local twist you don’t want to miss.
6. Ken’s House of Pancakes (Big Island)
1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
https://www.kenshouseofpancakes.com
Don’t let the name fool you—Ken’s serves a killer plate lunch. Their Kalbi and laulau plates are popular, and their 24-hour service means you can satisfy your cravings any time.
7. Aloha Mixed Plate (Maui)
1285 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
https://www.alohamixedplate.com
This oceanfront restaurant blends traditional flavors with modern flair. The setting is perfect for visitors exploring Lahaina’s historic town center. Try their huli huli chicken or shoyu pork.
8. Highway Inn (Oʻahu)
Multiple locations on O’ahu
https://www.myhighwayinn.com
For a more traditional Hawaiian-style meal, Highway Inn offers laulau, kalua pig, and poi alongside the usual plate lunch suspects. Their story goes back to 1947, and it’s still family-run.
“Highway Inn never misses. True local comfort food done right.” – @grindsandvibes on Threads
Nutrition and Preparation Tips
Creating a healthy and delicious plate lunch at home is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you prepare a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor:
- Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for protein sources like chicken thighs or fish to reduce the calorie and fat content of your meal. Grilling or BBQing your protein instead of frying can also make a big difference.
- Switch to Brown Rice: While white rice is traditional, swapping it for brown rice can increase the fiber content and add a nutty flavor to your plate lunch.
- Mind the Sauces: Use low-sodium soy sauce and teriyaki sauce to keep the sodium content in check. You can still enjoy the rich flavors without overloading on salt.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a plate lunch that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a perfect way to savor the flavors of Hawaii while maintaining a balanced diet.
Tips for Enjoying Your Plate Lunch
- Go early. Some of the best spots sell out by lunchtime.
- Cash helps. Not every local place takes cards.
- Eat outside. Many shops are near beaches or parks. Take it to-go and enjoy it with a view.
- Try something new. If you’ve never had Spam, poi, or lau lau, be adventurous with your eating.
- Ask locals. They always know which spot is serving it best that day.
Whether you’re here for a short visit or lucky enough to stay awhile, don’t leave without experiencing a real Hawaiian plate lunch. It’s not just food—it’s history, culture, and a whole lot of ono in every bite.
