These 13 Eateries Serve The Best Plate Lunches In Hawaii

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.

1. Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu

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.

2. Da Kitchen, Kahului + Kihei

With two Maui locations, Da Kitchen is a go-to spot for plate lunches and heart portions in a casual environment.

3. Mark’s Place, Lihue

Serving up everything from plate lunches to bento boxes, Mark’s Place is a local favorite and features different food combinations every day.

4. Zippy’s, Multiple Islands

If you're interested in cheap food and the convenience factor, look no further than Zippy's, an island chain and local favorite.

5. Umeke’s, Kailua-Kona

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.

6. Yama’s Fish Market, Honolulu

This deli-style eatery is known for their plate lunches, bento boxes, laulau, poke, and other island flavors.

7. Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina

For traditional Hawaiian platters with huge portions, and patio seating beachside, look no further than Aloha Mixed Plate.

8. Pono Market, Kapa’a

Family owned and operated since 1968, Pono Market serves up a variety of seafood plate lunches, as well as manju, musubi, poke, and sushi.

9. Alicia’s Market, Honolulu

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?

10. Kaaloa's Super J's

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.

11. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Kahuku

Kahuku is known for a plethora of shrimp trucks, but Giovanni's is by far the most famous.

12. Local Food, Lahaina

A no-frills name accompanies a laid-back atmosphere and the best plate lunches on the island.

13. Hawaiian Style Cafe, Kamuela

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.