You can almost hear it before you taste it, that satisfying crunch when perfect chicken katsu meets your fork. Hawaii’s plate lunch scene knows how to nail juicy chicken with shatteringly crisp panko, all nestled beside fluffy rice and tangy mac salad.
If you crave golden cutlets, house-made sauce, and island vibes, these spots deliver the goods. Follow your appetite to the crunchy, saucy, can’t-stop-eating bites locals love.
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Rainbow Drive-In – Honolulu, Hawaii
Head to Rainbow Drive-In when you want classic chicken katsu that stays crisp even under a drizzle of tangy katsu sauce. The crust crackles with every bite, while the chicken inside stays surprisingly juicy.
Pair it with two scoops rice and creamy mac salad, then find a shady spot to inhale the plate.
The vibe is unfussy, friendly, and fast, which is exactly what you want from a plate lunch institution. Prices feel fair, portions come generous, and the line moves quickly.
You leave with that happy, salty-sweet satisfaction only a great katsu plate can bring.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food – Honolulu, Hawaii
Helena’s is famous for traditional Hawaiian dishes, yet the chicken katsu quietly holds its own. The coating is airy and crisp, built to soak just enough sauce without turning soggy.
You taste balance: savory chicken, a hint of sweetness from the dip, and comfort from rice and mac salad.
It feels like dining with family, from the warm service to the time-honored recipes. Even if you came for pipikaula or laulau, you will want a katsu side to crunch between bites.
It is simple, beloved, and destined to disappear fast.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – Honolulu, Hawaii
L&L nails the dependable, anytime chicken katsu that satisfies a late lunch craving or after-beach hunger. The panko crunch lands first, followed by juicy chicken and a sweet-savory katsu sauce that begs for extra drizzle.
Two scoops rice keep it classic, while mac salad cools the palate.
What you will love is consistency and convenience: multiple locations, quick service, and portions that feel like a small celebration. The price point makes it easy to add a spam musubi or extra sauce.
When you want no-fuss katsu with that signature crunch, L&L is there.
Da Ono Hawaiian Food – Honolulu, Hawaii
Da Ono’s plates feel like a hearty hug, and the chicken katsu delivers a craveable crunch. The breading is well-seasoned and crisp, letting the chicken’s tenderness shine.
Dipped in tangy-sweet sauce, every bite tastes balanced, especially with fluffy rice absorbing the drips.
There is an old-school charm here that makes lingering feel natural. Portions lean generous, with mac salad offering creamy contrast to the golden cutlets.
If comfort food is your goal, this katsu checks every box without trying too hard.
Highway Inn Restaurant and Catering – Waipahu, Hawaii
Highway Inn excels at tradition, and their chicken katsu brings a modern crisp to classic plate lunch comfort. Expect a light, audible crunch that contrasts beautifully with juicy chicken.
The sauce is balanced, slightly sweet, and designed for dipping without overpowering the meat.
Service feels welcoming, and the menu invites you to mix katsu with Hawaiian staples like poi or lomi salmon. The plate lands generous, neatly composed with rice and a satisfying mac salad.
You leave feeling full, happy, and eager to return for the same perfect crunch.
Yama’s Fish Market – Honolulu, Hawaii
Known for seafood, Yama’s still surprises with chicken katsu that crackles under the fork. The cutlets are thin, evenly fried, and seasoned to carry flavor even without sauce.
Add a drizzle anyway for that sweet-sour kick, then switch bites between rice and mac salad.
The market vibe means quick service and plenty of tempting sides. You might grab poke on the side and still crush the katsu because it is that good.
Freshness, simplicity, and a clean fry make this plate an easy regular.
Nico’s Pier 38 – Honolulu, Hawaii
Nico’s is famous for fresh fish, yet the chicken katsu quietly steals hearts. The breading remains ultra crisp, even with a generous pour of house katsu sauce.
You will love the contrast between hot, juicy chicken and cool mac salad on the side.
The harbor setting makes lunch feel like a mini getaway, with breezes and seagulls as your soundtrack. Portion sizes satisfy big appetites without feeling heavy.
Order a lemonade, grab a patio table, and let that crunch echo across the pier.
Young’s Fish Market – Honolulu, Hawaii
At Young’s, Hawaiian classics rule, but the chicken katsu earns its spotlight with a clean, golden fry. The panko coating is whisper-crisp, giving way to moist chicken that does not need much sauce.
Still, a dip brings sweet-savory harmony that plays well with rice.
The counter-service flow is fast, and everything arrives hot and fresh. You can add lau lau or squid luau and still finish the katsu, because it disappears fast.
Friendly staff and fair prices seal the deal for repeat visits.
Seven Brothers – Kahuku – Kahuku, Hawaii
Seven Brothers is better known for burgers, but the chicken katsu is a worthy curveball. Expect a thick, satisfying crunch with juicy meat that stands up to bold sauce.
The plate arrives vibrant, with rice, mac salad, and island touches that feel beach-day ready.
Kahuku’s laid-back energy sets the scene for a casual, satisfying meal. Grab a seat outside, listen to the surf, and alternate katsu bites with fries or salad.
It is the kind of plate that makes you plan the next visit immediately.
Kahai Street Kitchen – Honolulu, Hawaii
Kahai Street Kitchen gives chicken katsu a chef-driven touch while keeping it comfort-forward. The crust is deeply golden, crisp, and well-seasoned, with chicken that stays tender throughout.
Their sauce leans balanced and glossy, perfect for alternating with bites of rice.
Daily specials tempt you to overorder, which is not a bad problem here. Everything arrives packed with care, portions generous, and flavors dialed in.
If you love a katsu that looks as good as it tastes, this place delivers in spades.
Aloha Mixed Plate – Lahaina, Hawaii
Aloha Mixed Plate serves easygoing island comfort with a view, and the chicken katsu hits right. The crust stays snappy, even outdoors, with meat juicy enough to need only a light dip.
Rice and mac salad complete the plate in familiar, satisfying fashion.
The seaside setting adds a vacation glow, perfect for lingering after a beach day. Service feels friendly, portions feel honest, and the vibe feels like Hawaii in a nutshell.
You will leave sun-kissed and happily full, already planning a return plate.
Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering – Waipahu, Hawaii
Tanioka’s shines for poke, but the chicken katsu deserves equal applause. The coating is ultra crisp and flavorful, holding up to travel if you are grabbing takeout.
Add extra sauce for sweet-savory balance, then chase bites with rice and creamy mac salad.
Lines move quickly, and everything tastes fresh, which keeps locals loyal. You can build a feast with poke sides and still crush the katsu because it is addictive.
This is dependable, crunchy comfort, executed with pride and consistency.
Mitsu-Ken – Honolulu, Hawaii
Mitsu-Ken’s tiny spot delivers giant flavor, and the chicken katsu is a sleeper hit. The breading is crisp and clingy, locking in juicy chicken that snaps with every bite.
Sauce leans sweet-savory, made for generous dipping and drizzling over rice.
Expect lines, because locals know this is comfort gold at a friendly price. Portions satisfy without waste, and the bento format travels like a champ.
Grab extra napkins, find shade, and savor the crunch until the box is absolutely empty.
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