Best Honolulu Plate Lunch Spots

Two scoops rice, mac salad and a main: this guide covers the best plate lunch and Hawaiian food in Honolulu for locals and visitors who want a real taste of Oahu. Stops spread across Kapahulu, Kalihi, Moiliili, Kaka'ako and the harbor by the fish auction, with one more over the mountains in Kailua. Rainbow Drive-In, a short walk from Waikiki, is the go-to for the mixed plate of BBQ beef, mahi mahi and boneless chicken. Helena's Hawaiian Food, a James Beard-honored spot, serves pipikaula short ribs, kalua pig and squid luau family style. Nico's Pier 38 is known for its furikake pan-seared ahi plate, eaten on the water. Kono's in Kailua roasts its kalua pork for 12 hours, a good refuel after the Lanikai Pillbox.

Helena's is small and popular, so expect a wait.