Rainbow Drive-In

I'm going to get a plate lunch," President Barack Obama proclaimed, moments after arriving in Honolulu on his first vacation home after taking office. The plate lunch —a carbfest composed of a protein, two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad — is a staple of Hawaii’s food life. One of President Obama’s favorite places to get it (and ours) is Rainbow Drive-In, which hasn't changed much since it was founded in 1961 by Seiju Ifuku, who learned to cook during World War II while serving in the Army.

My running partner just went to Rainbow Drive In on Kapahulu Ave. and said she was sorely disappointed in the loco moco. The whole thing, especially the gravy, was bland. Fortunately, it was only $3+ so she didnt waste a lot of money.

Upon landing in Honolulu on his first vacation home after taking office, former President Barack Obama famously proclaimed, “I’m going to get a plate lunch.” The plate lunch—a carbfest with a protein, two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad—is a staple of Hawai‘i’s local food culture. One of Obama’s favorite places (and ours) to get it is Rainbow Drive-In, whose original location just outside Waikīkī is popular with hungry surfers looking for a quick, filling and affordable meal. Shoyu chicken, barbecue beef or pork cutlet plates tend to be most popular; if you can’t decide, just get a mixed plate.

A neon rainbow arches its way over the sign at Rainbow Drive-In, where local comfort food is served up in large portions. What began as a small eatery serving up 50-cent chili and rice plates, $1 BBQ beef plates, 25-cent hamburgers and 14-cent fries in 1961 has now become a well-loved eatery that has been featured on shows such as Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and Hawaii 5-0. Though it has branched out to several locations on Oahu, its simplicity and good eats have remained the same.

If you're willing to go on a longer stroll, head off the main strip of Waikiki to Rainbow Drive-In on Kapahulu Avenue. Since 1961, this eatery has been offering residents and visitors alike plate lunch fare, a hearty meal consisting of rice, macaroni salad and meat like BBQ pork or fried mahi-mahi fish ($11.75-$13.50). If you're really hungry, opt for the loco moco, another local favorite, comprising rice and a hamburger patty topped with a fried egg and gravy ($11.75).

Since 1961, the Rainbow Drive-In has been serving up bargain eats and making appearances on all your favourite Food Network shows. Now, I'll admit it would be hard to stick to a budget of $5.00 here but sandwiches (like spam 'n egg and tuna salad) are all under $5.00, while cheeseburgers are a steal at $3.75 and a serving of chilli with rice is just $4.50. Slush floats (strawberry punch with a scoop of vanilla ice cream) are affordable at just over $4.00.

Two of the island's most popular places to grab a plate lunch include the Rainbow Drive-In (by Waikiki) and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (which has multiple locations near the city center). For Hawaiian fare that's not served as a plate lunch, travelers recommend dining at Kono's Restaurant, Ono Seafood and Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill. More upscale (and pricier) options include celebrity chef outposts like Roy's Waikiki, which is helmed by Roy Yamaguchi.

Appears in: Season 9, Episode 8 “Fast Food Their Way” (6/21/10) and Season 21, Episode 17 “Hometown Heroes” (12/25/14). One of the things Triple D is known to highlight is a restaurant’s ability to invoke the feeling of homestyle cooking, and in Hawaiʻi, nothing reminds a local of home quite like a plate lunch from Rainbow Drive-In does. Loco moco, chili dog, teri beef, boneless chicken, mac salad, rice, and gravy ALL OVER?

If there is just one thing you can learn about discovering cheap eats in Honolulu, it’s that appearances can be awfully deceiving. Who would think that a humble cafe inside a hotel lobby would have such good musubi or that a grungy hole in the wall would have terrific Korean BBQ?. And when it comes to decidedly Hawaiian dishes like the iconic mix plate and loco moco, you can’t go wrong with Rainbow Drive-In.

Located less than a mile away from the famous Waikiki Beach, the original Rainbow Drive-in has been serving affordable grub for more than half a century. The original and still-ongoing philosophy of the drive-in is to serve plates with two scoops of rice and a side of salad with every meal. This is still a family-owned and operated business, but it also has three other locations besides the original.

Seeing as how “drive-in” is part of the show’s title, it would’ve been criminal if Fieri overlooked this longtime local fave—with its rainbow neon signage lit bright each evening, arguably the most-recognized drive-in on the island. Rainbow is also one of the oldest drive-ins on Oahu—dug in deep at the same spot just off busy Honolulu thoroughfare Kapahulu Avenue, near Waikiki, for nearly 50 years.

While planning our vacation to Oahu I happened to have a episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the DVR that had happened to take place in Hawaii. One of the segments I saw was on the Rainbow Drive-In restaurant in Oahu that was pretty close to where we would be staying. So, on our third day in Waikiki, we decided to head over there for some lunch and try one of their famous plate lunches.

For the best Loco Moco, visit the Rainbow Drive-In, a popular joint among locals and tourists alike, where you can enjoy this delightful dish alongside other Hawaiian classics in a cozy, retro-style setting. Another excellent spot is the Liliha Bakery, an institution in Honolulu known for its version of Loco Moco featuring a unique and tasty twist—the addition of their signature chili

Don’t be fooled by the name, Rainbow Drive-In is actually a dine-in restaurant and not a place with a lot of colorful décor and rainbow props lying around. Highly rated as one of the best hole-in-the-wall eateries for Hawaiian comfort food. The Loco Moco is a fan favorite – double hamburger patties topped with two scoops of white rice and covered with special gravy and fried eggs.

For the best local food at cheap prices, don’t miss the no-frills diner known as Rainbow Drive-In. This brightly colored local institution will fill you up for less than $10 with some of the island’s best flavors. Mingle among the surf crowd that dines here daily as you wait for a heaping plate of barbecue, fish or spam, and for a real local delight, dig into the loco moco plate.

A real local favorite place and located in Kaimuki this former car wash turned into local favorite diner serves up huge portions of local style comfort food to eat in Honolulu. Now in four locations around various parts of Oahu, this popular eatery is well loved on the island for onolicious food that is priced reasonably. A comfortable style, nostalgic and friendly fast service.

If you're craving comfort food, Rainbow Drive-In is an iconic spot that offers delicious plates packed with Hawaiian flavors, perfect for a hearty lunch. Afterward, treat yourself to a delightful dessert at Haagen-Dazs, which is renowned for its rich and creamy ice cream. Lastly, don’t miss Lulu's Waikiki, where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and live music right by the beach.

Less than a mile down Kalakaua Avenue from Waikiki Beach, Rainbow Drive-In has been serving honest grub for more than a half century. This is where cable food shows tend to stop first in their citywide roundups. The walk-up counter slings hefty portions of barbecue beef and the contemporary go-to lunch of loco moco (white rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, brown gravy).

Rainbow Drive-In is our go-to spot when craving local comfort food in a laid-back, nostalgic setting. This place has been serving generous portions of plate lunches (choose your main dish; they all come with two scoops of rice and mac salad) since 1961. From the iconic Loco Moco to the BBQ mix plate, every dish is a hearty nod to Hawaii’s melting pot culture.

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new city is asking locals about their favorite spots to eat and play. We found so many unexpected gems over the years by following up on local’s recommendations and boy, Rainbow Drive-In was a great find!. Our Uber driver suggested it for a quick and inexpensive lunch and we made an effort to check it out.

Rainbow Drive-In is a local institution, and their loco moco is as approachable as it is affordable. At just $11.75, this was the most budget-friendly option I tried, but it didn’t skimp on flavor. Two hamburger patties topped with a special house-made gravy and served with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad made for a classic, no-frills plate.

Rainbow Drive-In: The ultimate in Hawaiian Plate Lunches, Rainbow Drive-In, is a no-frills spot that serves up cheap and generous plates. There’s hot dogs, bacon-SPAM sandwiches, and breakfast, but the real winner here is the Plate Lunch. You choose your entree, accompanied by two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad.

Rainbow Drive-In has been dishing up Hawaii’s famous plate lunches since 1961 and they’re not skimping on the good stuff. While Loco Moco (two hamburger patties with an egg on rice and covered in gravy) is a fan favorite, we also love their fish sandwiches. All of their plate lunches come with rice and their famous macaroni salad.

For our last night in Hawaii, was super rainy, so we just decided grab some quick food at the Rainbow Drive-In. This local take-out spot has been open since 1961, serving hearty Hawaiian BBQ plates, sandwiches and other comfort foods. They had such an extensive menu, anyone would be able to find something to enjoy for breakfast.

This is a to-go style meal with the common rice and macaroni salad that is a staple in local cuisine. These two sides are usually accompanied by a main that consists of either teriyaki beef, hulihuli (barbecue) chicken, or deep fried mahimahi (tuna). Louise and my favourite place for plate lunch is absolutely Rainbow Drive In.

Fifty yards up on the same side of the street you will find one of Hawaii’s flagship plate lunch spots — Rainbow Drive-In. Locally owned for more than 50 years, it’s here you can enjoy a BBQ teriyaki beef plate or loco moco and one of their slush floats. Don’t be intimidated by the long lines; they move quicker than expected.

A Honolulu classic which counts President Obama as a fan, Rainbow Drive-In is one of those old-school kitschy places you feel like you’ve seen in a movie. With neon lights and large awning for drive-up cars, this no frills drive-in specializes in burgers, sandwiches and plate lunches. In other words, classic Hawaiian food.

One of former President Obama's favored spots is reportedly the Rainbow Drive-In known for its plate lunch. These originated with sugar cane workers from various parts of the world including Japan, China, the Philippines and Portugal. A plate lunch typically comprises two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and a meat dish.

A legendary spot for Hawaiian plate lunches, Rainbow Drive-In has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1961. Their loco moco is a must-try, featuring a simple yet delicious combination of rice, hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a perfectly fried egg. It’s classic, affordable, and full of local flavor.

A local favorite since 1961, Rainbow Drive-In is famous for its plate lunches. Try their iconic mix plate with items like barbecue beef, chicken, and mahi-mahi, along with macaroni salad and rice. It doesn't get more authentic island comfort food than this, so make sure you stop by when you are in Kapahulu.

Rainbow Drive-In A true local gem, Rainbow Drive-In is famous for its plate lunches, and the “mix plate” is a must-try – it combines tender teriyaki beef, succulent fried chicken, and flavorful mahi-mahi. The generous portions and affordable prices make this spot a favorite among both tourists and locals.

Located on Kapahulu Avenue, Rainbow Drive-In specializes in cheap local food that patrons line up to order on a daily basis. Known for their gravy all over loco mocos, mouth-watering chili, and over-filled mixed plates, on a hot day, one must order an Icee float to wash down the hearty meal.

One of the best restaurants in Waikiki is the Rainbow Drive-In. There are a few different locations all over Hawaii too!. This restaurant will find all kinds of plate lunches, sandwiches, and burgers, including BBQ pork sandwiches, loco moco, chili dogs, hamburgers, and so much more.

The exterior, while at first glance seems kinda boring, if you look a bit closer, you’ll notice the entire facade is rainbow covered!. It may be kinda hard to take a decent photo here since the sign and best rainbow spot is in a parking lot, but just be safe and you’ll get the shot.

It’s understandable that many places have their version of loco moco, but the best ones are always classic and trustworthy. For sure, Rainbow Drive-In does it better than anyone else. They’re located a bit outside of Waikiki, which is part of what makes their food taste even better.

This drive-in has taken the top spot in the Hawaii Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards more than once, and for good reason. They use breadcrumbs in the burgers to help them hold their shape and cover them with house-made gravy. It has long been one of the drive-in’s most popular plates.

Cost: Under $10 Accepts Credit Cards: Yes Hours: Everyday 7:00 AM-9:00 PM Address: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Not only is Rainbow Drive-In known for its local food, it’s also famous for its massive portions. This local spot’s specialty is the mixed plate for only $8.

Rainbow Drive-In: It’s not one bit fancy, but completely delicious. We went to this original drive-in after our sunrise hike at Diamond Head to refuel. I wanted to order the traditional loco moco, but the gravy had wheat flour, so I went with the classic egg and rice plate.

This family owned spot has been around since 1961 and it’s been a long time local favorite, but it’s become super popular with visitors as well. Portions are huge and prices are friendly. They’re best known for their loco moco, but the menu has some good variety.

Whether you roll up to the Rainbow Drive-In on wheels or on foot, you’ll find an abundance of choices to angst over from classic Hawaiian plate lunches to chilli dogs to saimin. Loco moco plate w/ the creamiest mac salad. Like a moth to the flame.

Rainbow Drive In has been the top lunch destinations in Honolulu for more than 50 years. When visiting Honolulu, you will not want to miss the dishes of local favorites, including the signature chili, loco moco and fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

Rainbow Drive-In is a restaurant that has been family owned and operated since 1961. Their philosophy is to serve generous portions of simple and hearty food. The meals typically come with two scoops of rice and a side of macaroni salad.

Famous for its convenient location near the entrance of Waikiki, Rainbow Drive-in offers hearty portions of plate lunches. The founder with roots from Japan had come up with the concept about sixty years ago for working class customers.

Serves up the quintessential Hawaii plate lunch close to Waikiki. Born out of the plantation era, these plates are hearty meals. Tuck into a protein, it could be beef, pork, chicken or fish, with two scoops of rice and mac salad.

This is another local favorite that’s been serving plate lunches since 1961. You’ll feel transported back in the 70s with its retro sign and old school interior. According to the site, they serve over 1,000 plate lunches daily.

This is a go-to spot for Hawaiian-style dining in Waikiki for tourists and locals alike. They’re not joking around when it comes to serving plate lunch favorites. It’s easy on the wallet and heavy on the portions.

A post shared by Faith Manundo (@mrsfaith_m) on Sep 21, 2017 at 10:32pm PDT. The Rainbow Drive-In has been a traditional Hawaiian institution for over 50 years. Guy Fieri has made the trip with Diners, Drive-Ins.

One of the original Hawaiian plate lunch restaurants on Oahu. Rainbow Drive In opened up on iconic Kapahulu Ave back in 1961 and the lines have remained long ever since. Rainbow Drive In on Kapahulu Ave

Cheeseburger in Paradise is great if you're staying in Waikiki, but I don't think I'd drive all the way over from Ko Olina for it. It can get packed too. Lots of tour groups include it in the packages.

A plate lunch from a local drive-in was the first meal I had when I arrived on Oahu. Drive-ins on Oahu are not where you go to watch a double feature film. They are more like a “drive up” and get out.

This must try local spot was featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives & many other shows!. It serves up the best loco mocos and cheap eats with its authentic Hawaiian food. Prices range from $5 to $15.

It is a fast and easy restaurant to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's great for kids because you just walk up and order and it's all outdoor seating. Most importantly, the food there is great!

Have a local ‘plate lunch’ (typically consisting of meat, rice, and macaroni salad) at Rainbow Drive-In or Zippy’s. My forever favorite is the chicken katsu and the loco moco with scrambled eggs!

For a quick and casual meal, be sure to stop by the Rainbow Drive-In. This classic fast-food joint has been a favorite for over 50 years. Rainbow Drive-In features the popular loco moco.

Since 1961, this local spot has served some of the best “plate-lunches” in Hawai’i. Order a “mix plate,” with BBQ beef, boneless chicken and mahi mahi, after a long day at the beach.

Rainbow Drive-In has an amazing rainbow-colored, nostalgic exterior literally perfect for Instagram – not to mention amazing reviews for their typical Hawaiian dishes!

Serving local-style plate lunches since 1961, the original location is on Kapahulu Avenue. Wear your stretchy pants and order the loco moco plate.

This fast-food chain store serves lunch plates such as Loco Moco, BBQ, mahi mahi, etc. It is a casual spot to swing by straight from the beach.

Two of Honolulu’s most over-the-top takes on loco moco can be feasted upon at the historic Rainbow Drive-In and old school diner Liliha Bakery.

Extra Tip: Rainbow Drive-In is a 10-minute walk from Leonard’s. Grab an early lunch at Rainbow and come to Leonard’s for the finishing touch.

Rainbow Drive-In is a one-stop treasury of Hawaiian specialties, including shoyu chicken, saimin and loco moco; 3308 Kanaina Ave., Honolulu.

Rainbow Drive-In is a nostalgic restaurant for locals and tourists. And Ted’s Bakery up in North Shore is pretty well-known.