There is a reason locals keep circling back to Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu. The menu stays humble, the prices stay friendly, and the comfort hits right when you need it.
You order at the counter, grab a seat outside, and let that island breeze make everything taste even better. If you want the classic plate lunch experience without the fuss, this landmark delivers every time.
Loco Moco Plate
You know the moment that first forkful breaks the yolk and it runs into the gravy. The rice soaks it up like a sponge, and suddenly you forget every trendy spot you scrolled past.
Rainbow keeps the patty simple, seasoned just enough, because the whole point is harmony. It is comfort-forward, not fussy.
This plate feels like a post-beach ritual, salt still on your skin, appetite wide open. The old-school counter, the outdoor tables, the birds patrolling for crumbs make it distinctly Honolulu.
You taste decades of practice in each bite. Portions are generous, the price is kind, and the mood is laid back.
When someone says plate lunch, you picture this exact plate.
Mixed Plate Trio
If you cannot decide, the mix plate solves it. You get juicy BBQ beef, crispy or gravy-ready chicken, and a piece of golden mahi mahi, all riding alongside fluffy rice and creamy mac.
Each bite proves why Rainbow sticks to the hits. Nothing extra, just well-practiced flavors that play nice together.
This is the move for first-timers who want the greatest hits tour. You taste island backyard barbecue in the beef, diner nostalgia in the chicken, and beach-day brightness in the fish.
The portions are serious, so bring an appetite. Add hot sauce or shoyu if you like, but it already works as is.
Locals know this plate never disappoints.
Chili Loco Moco
Rainbow’s chili has that mild, savory warmth that sneaks up on you. Put it over the burger and rice, then crown it with an egg, and suddenly you have a rib-sticking classic with a local twist.
You break the yolk, swirl it into the chili, and it becomes velvety and rich. It is messy in the best way.
This is the order when you want cozy more than fancy. It hits after a hike or a rainy morning, when the air feels cooler and the benches glisten.
The egg ties everything together. Prices stay friendly, lines move fast, and you walk away full and smiling.
It is Rainbow being Rainbow, and that is enough.
BBQ Beef Plate
The BBQ beef at Rainbow is tender, thinly sliced, and kissed with that sweet-savory glaze locals grew up on. It tastes like Little League fundraisers and family potlucks, now neatly stacked on rice.
You do not overthink it. A little shoyu, maybe a dab of chili pepper water, and you are set.
This plate is great for sharing or powering through solo after surf. The edges of the beef catch a bit of caramelization that pairs perfectly with the cool mac salad.
Sit outside, listen to the chatter, and watch plates fly from the window. When people say Rainbow keeps it classic, this dish is exhibit A.
No gimmicks, just satisfaction.
Fried Chicken with Gravy
This is the gravy-lover’s daydream. Crunchy chicken gets covered in smooth brown gravy that drips into the rice and turns every bite into comfort.
You might reach for hot sauce, but honestly it does not need it. The balance between crisp, savory, and creamy hits right away and holds steady.
You eat this one with purpose because it is satisfyingly heavy in a good way. A perfect order for those you are-starving moments between beach and errands.
The mac salad cools it down, adding a creamy counterpoint. Rainbow leans into simple pleasures and lets the textures do the talking.
If you want classic Honolulu comfort, start right here and thank yourself later.
Mahi Mahi Plate
The mahi mahi at Rainbow tastes like sunshine on a plate. Lightly battered, flaky inside, and just salty enough, it lands beside rice and mac like an old friend.
Add a squeeze of lemon, swipe it through tartar, and that gentle crunch gives way to clean, sweet fish. You do not need anything else.
This plate screams after-beach. It is not chef-y, it is honest.
You get dependable quality and a portion that satisfies without weighing you down. Outside seating keeps everything casual, and the line moves faster than you expect.
When you want seafood without the price tag or fuss, this is the island answer. Simple, fresh, and habit-forming.
Saimin and Side Plate
Saimin at Rainbow is the quiet hero. Light broth, springy noodles, and those nostalgic toppings bring instant calm.
Pair it with a small side of BBQ beef or chicken, and you get the best of both worlds. The soup resets your palate while the side gives you that plate lunch heartiness.
This combo works on drizzly days or when the trade winds pick up. You sip, you slurp, and everything slows down.
The price feels fair, the portions respectful, and the flavor honest. It is the kind of order locals keep in rotation without thinking.
Nothing performs better in a simple bowl than comfort done right.
Chili Dog and Fries
Sometimes you just want a messy chili dog and a mountain of fries, and Rainbow delivers. The bun is soft, the chili generous, and the onions bring a little bite.
Add mustard if you like extra tang. This is the kind of order that disappears fast when you are with friends.
Fries come hot and crisp, built for ketchup and side-dipping into stray chili. It is not health food, it is happy food.
Perfect for an afternoon snack or a casual late breakfast when you slept in. You eat, you laugh, and you plan the beach.
Classic drive-in energy, no frills needed.
Breakfast Plate Special
Mornings at Rainbow feel like routine in the best way. Portuguese sausage snaps with smoky spice, eggs run into rice, and the day starts bright.
If you are the gravy-all-over type, go for it. Coffee in hand, trade winds in your face, and the line of regulars proves why this spot opens early.
The price hits that rare sweet spot close to Waikiki. You eat, feel full, and still have cash for shave ice next door.
This plate is reliable, unfussy, and built for real appetites. If breakfast sets your mood, Rainbow sets you up right.
You walk away relaxed, ready, and slightly jealous of the neighbors who can stroll here daily.
Pork Cutlet with Gravy
Cutlet at Rainbow is classic diner comfort island-style. The breading stays crisp under a pour of brown gravy, and thin slices make it easy to share or hoard.
Rice catches every drip, and the mac salad cools the richness. It is a steady favorite when only crunchy and saucy will do.
You can add hot sauce or shoyu for extra pop. Portioning leans hearty, especially at the price.
On busy days, grab it to go and find shade nearby. The charm lives in how simple it is.
No fancy plating, just the reliable hit of breaded pork and gravy doing exactly what you came for.
Shrimp Tempura Plate
When the craving for crunch calls, the shrimp tempura plate answers. Rainbow’s batter stays light and craggy, giving way to sweet shrimp.
Dip into shoyu or a simple sauce and chase with rice. The mac adds that creamy anchor you expect from a proper plate lunch.
It is a nice change-up from heavier meats without losing the satisfying bite. Sit outside and let the breeze keep everything crisp.
You will find it pairs well with a slush or float if you lean sweet. It is still classic Rainbow: familiar, budget-friendly, and anchored in local taste.
Leave fancy tempura talk elsewhere. This is drive-in style and proud of it.
Hamburger Steak Plate
Hamburger steak with gravy is the comfort blueprint. A seared patty sits on rice, onions melting into glossy brown sauce.
It is the cousin to loco moco, less eggy, more savory. You take big bites and instantly feel like you are at a neighborhood gathering.
Rainbow nails the ratio of gravy to rice, which matters more than people admit. Add a dash of pepper, maybe a splash of shoyu, and settle in.
The portion will carry you through the afternoon. It is priced right, quick to arrive, and easy to love.
When regulars say they never switch, this plate explains everything without a word.
Cheeseburger and Slush
Sometimes simple is best, and Rainbow’s cheeseburger proves it. A soft bun, melted cheese, and a patty that tastes like backyard grill nights.
Pair it with a bright, icy slush and you have the perfect warm-day combo. The first sip cools you down fast, the burger brings you back to basics.
This is the order for a quick stop between errands or a beach break. It is kid-friendly, wallet-friendly, and pleasantly old-school.
No stacked gimmicks, just a burger that gets the job done. Add fries if you are feeling generous with yourself.
Sit under the shade, watch the line flow, and sip until your brain freezes in the best way.
Spam and Eggs Breakfast
Spam and eggs is Hawaii shorthand for morning comfort. Rainbow grills the Spam till the edges crisp, slides it next to rice and runny eggs, and lets you steer the rest.
A drizzle of shoyu brings balance. It is salty, satisfying, and exactly what you want at 7 AM.
The vibe is unhurried. You hear orders called out, birds chatter nearby, and the city stretching awake.
Prices stay grounded, which is rare this close to Waikiki. It is an easy favorite for locals and visitors who want the real thing.
Bring cash or card, bring an appetite, and bring a good mood. Breakfast is better when it is this simple.
Macaroni Salad Side
Rainbow’s mac salad is that cool, creamy anchor every plate leans on. Elbow pasta, a mellow dressing, and a touch of sweetness make it instantly familiar.
It does not try to dazzle. It just balances heat, salt, and crispy edges from everything else on the plate.
If you are a mac salad fan, you already know how crucial texture is. Rainbow keeps it soft without turning mushy, which matters when the gravy hits.
Add a second scoop if you are serious about ratios. It works with beef, fish, chicken, or a simple chili bowl.
Sometimes the side steals the show, and that is perfectly okay here.
Ice Cream Float and Shave Ice Next Door
A sweet finish keeps the drive-in spirit alive. Grab a vanilla ice cream float for that creamy soda fizz, or wander next door for oversized shave ice.
Either way, you cool down fast. It is the move after a salty swim or a long walk from Waikiki.
This combo is about simple joy. Sit under the umbrellas, watch families juggle trays, and feel the pace of Honolulu slow around you.
Prices stay friendly so you can add dessert without thinking twice. The classics are classic for a reason.
You will probably plan your next visit before the last sip disappears.
Gift Shop Finds
Part of the fun is bringing a little Rainbow home. The gift shop stocks tees, stickers, and mugs with that vintage logo everyone recognizes.
Prices are reasonable and sizes run wide. It is easy to grab a souvenir while your food order is getting called.
Locals pick up gifts for friends on the mainland, tourists grab proof they ate where the stories live. The merch has the same no-nonsense charm as the menu.
Wear the shirt and people nod in airports. Stickers look great on coolers and water bottles.
It is a landmark for food, sure, but also nostalgia. You leave with something you will actually use.
Outdoor Seating Tips
Outdoor seating is part of the charm, but timing helps. Early mornings and off-peak afternoons are easiest for snagging a table and a parking spot.
If it is busy, grab takeout and find shade close by. Keep an eye on the birds because they are bold and very motivated.
Bring napkins, share fries quickly, and do not linger on empty trays. The staff moves with speed, and the line respects it.
You come for breezy, casual energy, and that is what you get. A quick scan for open seats right after ordering usually pays off.
Patience and good vibes make any wait feel short.
Local Landmark Status
Rainbow is not just a restaurant. It is a memory bank where surfers, families, and night-shift workers keep returning.
The building has changed with renovations, but the spirit stayed put. Prices are still friendly, the counter still calls orders, and the sign still draws cameras.
You can feel the history from early days to TV features and celebrity drop-ins. Yet the menu reads like a comfort playlist, not a headline chaser.
That steadiness keeps regulars loyal. Visitors come for the name and stay for the feeling.
When you want Honolulu on a plate, you come here, eat well, and let the city slow down around you.
How To Order Like A Local
Decide your plate before you reach the window. Know your sides, gravy preferences, and drink so the line keeps flowing.
Ask for chili on rice or gravy all over with confidence. Regulars order fast, smile, and step aside to wait for their trays.
If you are with a group, split a mixed plate and a chili loco moco to sample more. Grab sauces after you sit so you are not blocking the counter.
Card works, cash is quick, and parking turnover is constant. Keep it light, be patient, and enjoy the rhythm.
By the second visit, you will look like you have been coming for years.