As the most isolated population center on earth, the Hawaiian Islands are unique in everything from our culture and weather to the food we eat. And there is perhaps no food more iconic than the Hawaiian plate lunch. The traditional Hawaiian lunch can be found at restaurants and eateries across the islands, and most often consists of two scoops of rice, some sort of salad (usually macaroni), and an entree. Some of the most popular entrees include kalua pork, laulau, loco moco, and chicken katsu, but the possibilities are truly endless. To satisfy all of your lunch cravings, here are 13 restaurants known for their phenomenal plate lunches.
- Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu
Sophia N./Yelp
Kimberly K./Yelp This Honolulu classic known for their epic plate lunches is one of Obama’s favorite places to visit when he’s in town, and for good reason.
- Da Kitchen, Kahului + Kihei
Helana P./Yelp
Alison T./Yelp With two Maui locations, Da Kitchen is a go-to spot for plate lunches and heart portions in a casual environment.
- Mark’s Place, Lihue
David B./Yelp
Kenny P./Yelp Serving up everything from plate lunches to bento boxes, Mark’s Place is a local favorite and features different food combinations every day.
- Zippy’s, Multiple Islands
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr
Zippy’s/Facebook If you’re interested in cheap food and the convenience factor, look no further than Zippy’s, an island chain and local favorite.
- Umeke’s, Kailua-Kona
Boaz M./Yelp
Vincent J./Yelp For poke bowls and Hawaiian plate lunches in Kailua-Kona, look no further than Umeke’s, a modest deli-style eatery that serves up the freshest seafood around.
- Yama’s Fish Market, Honolulu
Miranda S./Yelp
Gary N./Yelp This deli-style eatery is known for their plate lunches, bento boxes, laulau, poke, and other island flavors.
- Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina
Briana B./Yelp
Jiann M./Yelp For traditional Hawaiian platters with huge portions, and patio seating beachside, look no further than Aloha Mixed Plate.
- Pono Market, Kapa’a
Rachelle B./Yelp
Prianka K./Yelp Family owned and operated since 1968, Pono Market serves up a variety of seafood plate lunches, as well as manju, musubi, poke, and sushi.
- Alicia’s Market, Honolulu
Homan L./Yelp
Eric Robert R./Yelp Would it really be a list of the best plate lunches without including an convenience store that sells produce, seafood, spirits, and cooked Hawaiian entrees?
- Kaaloa’s Super J’s
Julina O./Yelp
Kong Y./Yelp Often recognized as being as local as you can get, this Captain Cook eatery serves up delicious, authentic Hawaiian food in a no frills atmosphere.
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Kahuku
Alvin C./Yelp
Cynthia C./Yelp Kahuku is known for a plethora of shrimp trucks, but Giovanni’s is by far the most famous.
- Local Food, Lahaina
M.J. M./Yelp
Cat K./Yelp A no-frills name accompanies a laid-back atmosphere and the best plate lunches on the island.
- Hawaiian Style Cafe, Kamuela
Kent D./Yelp
Tony L./Yelp If you’re in the mood for home cooked Hawaiian and American food, look no further than this quaint diner located in Waimea that serves up some scrumptious breakfast and lunch options, including some killer plate lunches.
Be sure to also check out these 13 eateries that serve the best Hawaiian food across the islands.
Sophia N./Yelp
Kimberly K./Yelp
This Honolulu classic known for their epic plate lunches is one of Obama’s favorite places to visit when he’s in town, and for good reason.
Helana P./Yelp
Alison T./Yelp
With two Maui locations, Da Kitchen is a go-to spot for plate lunches and heart portions in a casual environment.
David B./Yelp
Kenny P./Yelp
Serving up everything from plate lunches to bento boxes, Mark’s Place is a local favorite and features different food combinations every day.
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr
Zippy’s/Facebook
If you’re interested in cheap food and the convenience factor, look no further than Zippy’s, an island chain and local favorite.
Boaz M./Yelp
Vincent J./Yelp
For poke bowls and Hawaiian plate lunches in Kailua-Kona, look no further than Umeke’s, a modest deli-style eatery that serves up the freshest seafood around.
Miranda S./Yelp
Gary N./Yelp
This deli-style eatery is known for their plate lunches, bento boxes, laulau, poke, and other island flavors.
Briana B./Yelp
Jiann M./Yelp
For traditional Hawaiian platters with huge portions, and patio seating beachside, look no further than Aloha Mixed Plate.
Rachelle B./Yelp
Prianka K./Yelp
Family owned and operated since 1968, Pono Market serves up a variety of seafood plate lunches, as well as manju, musubi, poke, and sushi.
Homan L./Yelp
Eric Robert R./Yelp
Would it really be a list of the best plate lunches without including an convenience store that sells produce, seafood, spirits, and cooked Hawaiian entrees?
Julina O./Yelp
Kong Y./Yelp
Often recognized as being as local as you can get, this Captain Cook eatery serves up delicious, authentic Hawaiian food in a no frills atmosphere.
Alvin C./Yelp
Cynthia C./Yelp
Kahuku is known for a plethora of shrimp trucks, but Giovanni’s is by far the most famous.
M.J. M./Yelp
Cat K./Yelp
A no-frills name accompanies a laid-back atmosphere and the best plate lunches on the island.
Kent D./Yelp
Tony L./Yelp
If you’re in the mood for home cooked Hawaiian and American food, look no further than this quaint diner located in Waimea that serves up some scrumptious breakfast and lunch options, including some killer plate lunches.
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