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Hawaiian · Plate Lunch · Honolulu

Rainbow Drive-In Menu 2026: Plate Lunches, Loco Moco & Local Hawaiian Favorites

Full Rainbow Drive-In menu for 2026 — every category and item at this beloved Honolulu, Hawaii plate-lunch institution, open since 1961. The oxtail soup, loco moco and mixed plate are the dishes that define Hawaiian drive-in culture. Below: what to order, the complete menu, signature dish guides, and answers to the most common visitor questions.

Open since 1961Honolulu, HawaiiPlate lunchesLoco moco & oxtail soupLocal institution
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Oxtail Soup PlateSignature
Loco MocoClassic
Mixed PlateMost popular
Teriyaki Beef PlateFan favorite
Chicken Katsu PlateLocal staple
Jump to: What to order Plate lunches explained Signature dishes Full menu Visiting tips FAQ
Quick answers

What should I order at Rainbow Drive-In?

Four questions visitors ask most often about Rainbow Drive-In — answered at a glance.

Most iconic
Oxtail Soup Plate

Slow-simmered oxtail in ginger broth with peanuts. Rainbow's most celebrated dish since 1961.

Best first order
Mixed Plate

Pick two or three proteins with two scoops of rice and mac salad. Maximum variety in one meal.

Classic comfort
Loco Moco

Rice + hamburger patty + fried egg + brown gravy. The Hawaiian comfort dish in its purest form.

Local staple
Teriyaki Beef Plate

Marinated grilled beef in house teriyaki, with two scoops rice and mac salad. A lunch-rush staple.

Hawaiian plate lunch explained

What is a Hawaiian plate lunch?

The plate lunch is the defining meal of everyday Hawaii — and Rainbow Drive-In has been serving one of the best versions since 1961.

A Hawaiian plate lunch is a meal that typically consists of:

  • Two scoops of rice — steamed white rice, always two scoops, always on the plate
  • Macaroni salad — a creamy, lightly seasoned elbow-macaroni salad, served cold alongside the hot protein
  • A choice of protein — teriyaki beef, chicken katsu, hamburger steak, kalua pork, oxtail soup, or a combination (the "mixed plate")

The format originated with plantation workers in Hawaii in the early 20th century, who would combine ingredients from different ethnic cuisines — Japanese rice, American macaroni salad, and proteins from various traditions — into a single hearty, affordable meal.

Rainbow Drive-In's version is considered one of Honolulu's definitive renditions, with the macaroni salad and oxtail soup especially celebrated by longtime regulars.

  • Two scoops rice — always included
  • Macaroni salad — creamy, house recipe
  • Choice of protein — or mixed (2-3 proteins)
  • Extra gravy — popular add-on
  • Oxtail soup — the iconic Rainbow plate
Most popular dishes

The six dishes that define Rainbow Drive-In

Ranked by long-standing local reputation. If it is your first visit, start with the mixed plate or oxtail soup.

  1. 1Mixed PlatePick 2-3 proteins. The definitive Rainbow order.See restaurant
  2. 2Oxtail Soup PlateThe legendary signature dish.See restaurant
  3. 3Loco MocoRice, hamburger patty, fried egg, brown gravy.See restaurant
  4. 4Teriyaki Beef PlateHouse-marinated grilled beef.See restaurant
  5. 5Chicken Katsu PlatePanko-breaded, crispy, served with katsu sauce.See restaurant
  6. 6Kalua Pork PlateSlow-cooked shredded pork, Hawaiian style.See restaurant
Signature spotlight

A closer look at Rainbow's most celebrated dishes

These are the dishes local regulars return for and that appear in every "best of Honolulu" list.

Since 1961 · Most iconic

Oxtail Soup

Slow-simmered oxtail in a clear, deeply savory broth with ginger, peanuts, orange peel and green onion. Served with a side of rice. This is the dish that built Rainbow Drive-In's reputation. Order it as a bowl or as a plate lunch.

Hawaiian classic

Loco Moco

The quintessential Hawaiian comfort dish: steamed white rice topped with a seasoned hamburger patty, a fried egg and rich brown gravy. Rainbow's version is one of the most praised in Honolulu. Add extra gravy if you are hungry.

Best value

Mixed Plate

Rainbow's most popular order: choose two or three proteins combined on one plate with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. Classic combinations are teriyaki beef plus chicken katsu, or teriyaki beef plus hamburger steak.

Local staple

Teriyaki Beef Plate

Thinly sliced beef marinated and grilled in house teriyaki sauce, served over two scoops of rice with creamy mac salad. A lunch-rush staple and one of the most-ordered single-protein plates.

Crispy favorite

Chicken Katsu Plate

Panko-breaded chicken breast fried golden and sliced, served with tonkatsu-style katsu sauce alongside two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. Particularly popular with younger regulars.

Breakfast

Spam & Eggs Plate

Grilled Spam slices with eggs your way and two scoops of steamed rice. A Hawaii breakfast staple and one of the best ways to experience the morning menu at Rainbow Drive-In.

Browse the menu

Jump to a menu category

All Rainbow Drive-In menu categories with item counts.

Plate Lunches10 itemsSoups & Specials3 itemsSandwiches & Burgers4 itemsBreakfast4 itemsSides & Extras3 itemsDrinks4 items
Full menu

Complete Rainbow Drive-In menu (2026)

Every category and item on the current menu. Prices are not published online — see the note below.

About prices. Rainbow Drive-In does not publish an official price list online. Prices are therefore omitted from this page rather than shown as unverified estimates. For current pricing, contact the restaurant directly at (808) 737-0177 or visit in person at 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Visiting tips

How to make the most of a visit to Rainbow Drive-In

First visit

Order the mixed plate

If it is your first time, get the mixed plate with teriyaki beef and chicken katsu. Two proteins, two scoops of rice, macaroni salad — you get the full Rainbow experience in one tray.

Must-try

Do not skip the oxtail soup

The oxtail soup is Rainbow Drive-In's most legendary dish. Even if you are ordering a plate, consider adding a bowl. The ginger broth, peanuts and orange peel combination is unlike any other soup in Honolulu.

Timing

Arrive before the lunch rush

Rainbow gets very busy from 11 AM to 1 PM. Arriving before 11 or after 1:30 PM will typically mean a shorter wait. Morning hours are also a great time to try the breakfast plates.

Payment

Bring cash

Rainbow Drive-In has historically operated cash-only. Confirm current payment policy before visiting — (808) 737-0177 — as policies can change, but cash remains the safest bet.

Getting there

Location near Kapiolani Park

Rainbow Drive-In is at 3308 Kanaina Ave, near Kapiolani Park and a short drive from Waikiki. Street parking is available nearby. It is accessible by TheBus routes serving the Kapiolani area.

Local tip

Extra gravy on the loco moco

Ask for extra gravy on your loco moco. It is the move that regulars make. The house brown gravy is rich and house-made — it ties the whole dish together.

About Rainbow Drive-In

Honolulu's plate-lunch institution since 1961.

Rainbow Drive-In opened in 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has remained one of the most beloved local eateries in the state for over six decades. Founded by Seichi Kimura, the restaurant built its reputation on honest, generous Hawaiian plate lunches at prices that made it a daily destination for local workers and families.

The oxtail soup — slow-simmered in a ginger and peanut broth — is the most celebrated dish and the one that has put Rainbow on every "best of Honolulu" list for decades. The loco moco and mixed plates are equally iconic. Rainbow Drive-In is one of the few remaining drive-in style restaurants in Hawaii still operating in its original format.

For visitors to Oahu, Rainbow Drive-In offers one of the most authentic local dining experiences available, just a short drive from Waikiki. It is a cash-preferred, no-frills counter-service spot that local residents continue to visit several times a week.

1961Founded
60+Years serving Hawaii
HonoluluLocation
#1Oxtail soup
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Common questions

Rainbow Drive-In — frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about Rainbow Drive-In's menu, dishes, hours and what to order.

What is Rainbow Drive-In famous for?

Rainbow Drive-In is famous for its Hawaiian plate lunches — a generous serving of two scoops of white rice, creamy macaroni salad, and a choice of protein. The oxtail soup, loco moco, and teriyaki beef plate are the most celebrated dishes. The restaurant has been a Honolulu institution since 1961 and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

What is a plate lunch at Rainbow Drive-In?

A plate lunch at Rainbow Drive-In is a Hawaiian-style meal that includes two scoops of steamed white rice, a scoop of creamy macaroni salad, and a choice of main protein — such as teriyaki beef, chicken katsu, hamburger steak, kalua pork or the house oxtail soup. The mixed plate lets you pick two or three proteins in one meal, which is the most popular order.

What is loco moco at Rainbow Drive-In?

The loco moco is a classic Hawaiian comfort dish: a mound of steamed white rice topped with a seasoned hamburger patty, a fried egg, and a rich brown gravy. Rainbow Drive-In's version is a longtime local favorite and one of the best-known renditions in Honolulu. It is available as a full plate lunch with macaroni salad.

Is Rainbow Drive-In cash only?

Rainbow Drive-In has historically operated primarily as a cash-only establishment, which is common for local drive-ins in Hawaii. However, payment policies can change — confirm the current accepted payment methods directly with the restaurant at (808) 737-0177 or via rainbowdrivein.com before visiting.

What time does Rainbow Drive-In open?

Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu generally opens early in the morning (typically around 7:30 AM) and serves through the evening. Hours can vary by day and season. Confirm current hours at rainbowdrivein.com or by calling the restaurant directly before visiting.

Where is Rainbow Drive-In located?

Rainbow Drive-In's main location is at 3308 Kanaina Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, near Kapiolani Park and Waikiki. It is a quick drive or bus ride from central Waikiki, making it a popular stop for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Hawaiian plate lunches. Use the official website for directions and any additional location information.

Does Rainbow Drive-In have vegetarian options?

Rainbow Drive-In's menu is centered on meat-based plate lunches, so fully vegetarian options are limited. The rice and macaroni salad sides are vegetarian. Some locations occasionally offer vegetable or tofu-based specials, but it is best to call ahead to confirm current vegetarian availability if that is a priority.

How much does a plate lunch cost at Rainbow Drive-In?

Rainbow Drive-In does not publish an official online price list, and per-item prices are not independently verifiable by Menupedia. Prices are generally considered affordable by Hawaii standards — plate lunches have historically been in a budget-friendly range compared to sit-down restaurants on Oahu. For current pricing, contact the restaurant directly at (808) 737-0177 or visit in person.

Is Rainbow Drive-In a good option for tourists visiting Honolulu?

Yes — Rainbow Drive-In is widely recommended as one of the best places in Honolulu to try a genuine local plate lunch. It offers a more authentic neighborhood experience than tourist-focused restaurants in Waikiki. The oxtail soup, mixed plate and loco moco are particularly popular first-time orders. Expect a line during peak lunch hours, which moves quickly at the drive-in window.

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