As soon as we got off the plane, we asked a local for a quick bite to eat. He recommended Rainbow Drive-In. I ordered the mixed plate with gravy and my boyfriend got the loco moto. This was our first taste of Hawaii and we both enjoyed our dishes. The portions were huge. I liked how mine came with a little bit of everything to try and my boyfriend liked trying his new dish too. I really liked the maki maki and the macaroni salad. Lot of carbs and lot of protein, a filling plate! This spot was more casual and we noticed lots of locals eating here which was a good sign. Lots of outdoor eating accompanied by some birds which became my friends. Check this spot out if you want a taste of some authentic food! read more

See all

Ordered the plate with chicken, fish stick, and Galbi. I can't remember the name of it but I do wish that I got it with gravy! It was flavorful and the portion was so generous, I had to share it with my son and he definitely helped me finish it. My only qualm is the birds around but I know that's not something that the restaurant can control read more

This isn't what it used to be. I remember it being so good decades ago. The quality and taste just isn't there. It felt like a cheap fast food place on the mainland. The service was great as well as the workers. The 3 stars is just the food. They have a few tables on both sides to the front. And the parking lot is small. Unfortunately I'm probably not going back. read more

See all

"I've been a breaker and broken Every mistake turns to moments Wouldn't take anything back..." This place is Groundhog Day for me. I've been here before, maybe once every 3-5 years for no particular reason. Always early in the morning to beat the Waikiki tourists venturing on the cusp. I recall writing a review here, perhaps 5 years ago, but oddly that review blew away with the Mauka trade-winds, or maybe that conspiracy theory that Area-51 does hold the bodies of... Ok, so it's Groundhog Day and yea been here, done that. Seems more spiffy since the last time I was here. Maybe pre-pandemic? Don't even recall what I ordered then, but hey this time I'm craving a Loco Moco with fried egg, Gravy all over, and the AUTOMATIC rice & mac salad. Ok, things did change 'cause that plate is now $13.09 after (HART) taxes, a semi-autonomous government agency that has been building your RAIL since the opening of Rainbow Drive-In, way back in 1961. Ok, maybe not that far back lol, but you get the gist that your taxes are still paying for government waste, and overtime, right? Pau! Back to the iconic Rainbow Drive-In. This is the original location, but renovated so it's actually modern, sans the restrooms lol. I ended up ordering the Loco Moco with fried egg, Gravy all over, and the AUTOMATIC rice & mac salad for my early Sunday breakfast. Since it was 7:02am only a handful of locals were there, but iykyk in a couple hours tourists of all sorts will be in line "acting local" lol. I avoid those hours, trust lmao! Time to grindz, sista! Loco Moco with fried egg, Gravy all over, and the AUTOMATIC rice & mac salad still onolicious like back in the day. $13.09 seems eh ok considering what nearby restaurants are changing for plate lunches! Or if you're really Chang get the breakfast deal for $9! RAINBOW DRIVE-IN BACKSTORY: Founder Seiju Ifuku was born in Okinawa in 1915, moved to Hawaii, later joining the legendary U.S. 100th Battalion of WWII. Gone are the days of the 50-cent chili and rice plates, $1 BBQ beef plates, 25-cent hamburgers and 14-cent fries that our parents or grandparents enjoyed. RAINBOW DRIVE-IN FUN FACTOID: This iconic restaurant is a landmark and featured in The Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, CBS' Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I., etc. In the end, it's Groundhog Day for me. It's a good spot in the area if looking for local plate lunches! I won't be back at Rainbows Drive-In for a couple years or? Hopefully RAIL pau by then? Or maybe next time, next time? Cheeee hooo Honolulu! Pls follow my IG adventures: @eric_travel_guru read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Loco Moco! Iconic restaurant is a landmark and featured in The Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, CBS' Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

We enjoyed this. Simple quick food. Nothing fancy. Cole slaw was different for me, not quite my taste, but wasn't bad. Mac was a little heavy on the mayo for me. Otherwise. Good eats that didn't break the bank. My poor cashier tho. I think I spoke a lil too fast, but she was a trooper. read more

See all

I feel like I'm back in high school, where I had my first Loco Moco plate during a summer field trip near Kapiolani Park. Their Loco Moco was bomb with sunnyside up eggs, smothered in gravy, Mac Salad scoop, and two scoops of rice. Wayyy better than Zippy's. After a decade living on the Mainland, I went back to try their Portuguese Sausage with Sunnyside up eggs for breakfast from my morning hike in Diamond Head Crater. They open at 7 and serve breakfast until 10:30 am. The sausages were a little burnt, yet still flavorful and juicy. They went well with the eggs. I also recommend getting a mixed plate to share with your friends and family for first-timers. The service was fast and easy to order through their diner-style window. I love how they serve their take-outs in a full pie box and cover the plate with wax paper on top. It's like unboxing a rare dessert. Parking is available near their outdoor dining area. Just watch out for flying birds and some sticky tables when you dine here. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Portuguese Sausage with eggs - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Opened on 10/2/1961 by Seiju "George" and Ayako Ifuku, Rainbow Drive In sits on its iconic location off of Kapahulu Ave. Seiju was raised in Okinawa and moved to HI to join the army where he learned to cook. After WWII, he worked at Kapiolani Drive In, and then opened Rainbow Drive In in Kapahulu. It served 50 cent chili rice plates, $1 bbq beef plates, 25 cent hamburgers, and 14 cent fries. The Ifuku Family's philosophy was to serve plates with generous portions of hearty, simple foods with 2 scoops rice and side of mac salad at reasonable prices, which continues to be the restaurant's philosophy today. It kept prices low and focused on volume sold. Their target group was the working person and the Waikiki Beach crowd, as it was situated right outside of Waikiki. Seiju's son helped named the restaurant, as he lived in Manoa Valley ad saw frequent morning rainbows, hence, Rainbow Drive In became its name. Today, 3rd generation Chris Iwamura, who is the grandson of Seiju, oversees the restaurant today, which continues to be family owned and operated and sells 1,000+ plates daily! Over the years, Rainbow Drive In was featured on Diners, Drives Ins and Drives, Hawaii 5-0, and Magnum PI. The publicity brought in many visitors (now 40% of all customers) that in 2005, a souvenir shop opened right next to the restaurant, selling logo wear and food items, e.g., original chili mix, related to the restaurant. The successful restaurant then expanded to 4 franchised locations in Kalihi, Pearlridge, Waipahu, and Ewa Beach, with each having its strengths and drawbacks. Rainbow Drive In Kapahulu serves a mixture of Asian, American, and Hawaiian cuisines that include the following: * Plate lunches: mix, bbq beef/pork, loco moco, mahi mahi, hamburger steak, Portuguese sausage + 2 eggs, bacon w/ 2 eggs, chili, beef/pork cutlet, boneless chicken + gravy, spam + 2 eggs, chili moco, shrimp tempura. * Sandwiches & burgers: Rainbow Royal/Special, bbq pork/beef, spam, egg salad, mahi, boneless chicken, hamburger, cheeseburger, hot dog, chili dog, bacon, tuna salad. * Sides: loco moco, saimin, chili rice, mac salad, fries, tater tots. * Daily specials: shoyu chicken, roast pork w/ gravy, shoyu pork, fried saimin w/ bbq beef, chopped steak, bbq ahi, kalua pig & cabbage, beef stew, curry stew. * Breakfast: special, fried rice, corned beef hash, arabiki, French toast, pancakes, waffles. * Drinks: soft drinks, slush, slush float, tea, coffee, water, orange juice. All plate lunches come with 2 scoops rice and 1 scoop mac salad. Fries can be substituted for rice, and cole slaw may be substituted for mac salad at no extra charge, which I like. I normally order the boneless chicken + gravy with fries. I used to order the mix plate, but it is on the dry side without any gravy and there is an extra charge for gravy. The generous plates would last for several meals. In recent years, however, I notice that the quality of the food often is not the same as before, as their recipes haven't changed to reflect the times. While meat items are sometimes dry, the gravy is the lifesaver and yet plate lunches are comfort food that are sold in quantities based on nostalgia. It's a good deal if you're looking for a bargain. The popular ice float is always refreshing to have on a hot day, which I've always enjoyed! I also like the old-fashioned takeout boxes with covers that the plate lunches come in, which may be of an added cost, but is nostalgic to Rainbow Drive In from the get-go. A few years back, my favorite was their fried half chicken, which they no longer offer. It took about half hour to prepare, so I can imagine it was time consuming and therefore, removed from their menu. I wish they could bring that back! Construction workers appear to like their plates. Whenever I do repairs at my home and need to feed lunch to the workers, they enjoy anything from Rainbow Drive In! Staff is friendly, efficient and works quickly; however, during the busy lunch hour, there is a wait to get your orders, as staff is working as quickly as they can and at times, may have a shortage of workers. It's best to call in your order, as it will be ready for pickup when you arrive. Rainbow Drive In has a rewards program. At first, I wasn't aware of it, but was told by staff when I called in an order and paid by credit card upon pick up. Staff enrolled me quickly with discounts on future purposes. Hours of operation are Mon to Sun 7a to 9p. There is a private parking lot for the restaurant that gets very busy during meal times. Just wait on the side, as people come and go. The iconic Rainbow Drive In Kapahulu still sits where it started 64 years ago and offers the same classic dishes! This nostalgic establishment is part of history which will always have generations saying that time stands still and will always have conversations about these classic local dishes! Support local! read more

This is the popular and original Kapahulu location Rainbow Drive-In that is affordable, fun and convenient. All of the typical local Hawaiian food are here, all the ono kine. Servings are very generous and fast, prices are very reasonable. I've had the loco moco plate that comes with two scoops of rice, mac salad and two over easy eggs. My friend had the mix plate with gravy. Both kine were good, satisfying and broke da mouth. Chee Hoo! read more

See all

Teri Beef was good! Rice....not cooked enough. Mac salad had some vinegar? Overall, it was nostalgic and I didn't have to cook. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Teri Beef Plate - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First Impression: small parking lot and tons of cars Location: located at the corner of a busy busy intersection. You can't miss it because the sign is huge. Experience: There are two lines to place your order. When ordering they will make your plate and bring it to you at the window so don't walk away (like i did lol). We got the royal burger, and combo plate. The burger was okay, but nothing note worthy. The combo plate was okay as well. Our chicken was raw though. The slush float is the clear appeal here. dining is outdoors with multiple picnic tables. perfect for large parties. Note: GET THE SLUSH FLOAT. Thank me later. read more

I'm to start off saying this is going to be a highly biased review. I've been going to Rainbow's since hanna battah days only taking a break when I moved to the Mainland to 'adult'. Whenever I'd come home to visit, I'd always make a stop at Rainbows without fail. Rainbow's isn't chasing fads or IG clout or aura or whatever terms the kids are using nowadays. Rainbow's offers consistent, ono food, and they serve it up quickly! My faves: mix plate, no mac salad, gravy all over. If I'm feeling extra special, I'll go chili all over and maybe get a slush float, too. You also cannot go wrong w/ their chili (better than Zippy's, IMO), loco moco, and BBQ beef plates. read more

Nostalgia hits hard at Rainbow Drive-In. Nothing beats a mixed plate and slushie float after spending all day at a beach in Waikiki. Here you can find a good ol' fashion plate lunch with ample rice, mac salad, and multiple types of proteins and don't forget about the "gravy all over". I think typically a "drive-in" is usually when you can stay in your car but here you do have to park and then order at the walk-up window. They have plenty of seating but if you ask for your order to-go, you get it in a different takeout box which makes it easier to transport or eat in your car. The iconicness of this spot has made it very popular with tourist, and if you are visiting I do suggest you come by and get your plate lunch fix here. For international visitors, the portions are huge and I'd probably suggest sharing a plate. I tried their burger for the first time recently and it was actually really good- kinda reminded me of an in-n-out burger! There's a lot to try on the menu, and everyone has their favorite but you can't go wrong with their loco moco or mixed plate. read more

See all

We were driving back from the north shore after a day of snorkeling, and were very hungry. The sun was down, it was getting late, and we didn't really want to stop at a restaurant after driving for an hour. I had heard about Rainbow Drive-In and after combing through their menu online, we were sold. This place is exactly what it says it is. No frills, drive in, FAST food. There are only parking spaces, outside tables, and the main outdoor windows you order the food from. The prices are probably some of the best you're gonna find on the island, and the menu has many options. I chose the Teri-Beef plate lunch which comes with rice and mac salad. We have many Hawaiian food joints in California, but I have never seen them prepare their plates as fast as Rainbow. In fact, the woman taking my order almost seemed in a rush to get me my food and on my way. They're not unfriendly by any means, but it's quick no nonsense service, and they had my food out quite literally a minute after I ordered it. The food itself is tasty and will get the job done. Is it life changing? No. But it's solid and definitely one of those dependable spots you go to for a decent, cheap, but filling meal. As far as fast food gets, this beats McDonalds any day. I definitely would come back here and I recommend this spot to anyone looking for a full meal with no hassle. I have no trouble understanding why this joint is so popular! read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Teri Beef & BONELESS CHICKEN WITH GRAVY PLATE - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Food is Bland it lacks flavor, overrated they're way better places out there to eat on Oahu then here.

Friends wanted to meet up for lunch here. Easy parking in the lot. Ordered a few loco mocos. The beef patties were rubbery and didn't have much flavor. The sauce was good but salty. Meh. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - LOCO MOCO PLATE* - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Visited Rainbow Drive-In while in Hawaii since it seems to be a popular spot to try. I did not realize it was a fast casual style place. We went around dinner time and there were not many people, so service was super quick. We ordered the loco moco to try. It was okay, nothing special, but a decent option if you are looking for a quick bite. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

空港で食べるバーガーより安価なので復路前に 寄りました。大人気のプレート屋さんですが、 朝はお客さんいませんでした。 安価でしたが、少しガッカリでした。 ロコモコとかチキンとかは美味しかった思い出 ですが、バーガーは少し残念でした。 read more

See all

We had two burgers - cheeseburger and royal cheeseburger. Both burgers were room temperature at best, tasted like a frozen patty that was warmed (microwaved?) and put in a bun. It couldn't even melt a slice of American cheese in it. The fries were hot but lacked salt. Overall not a good experience and will not return. read more

Update 6-15-25. Wanted to have a slush float after our shrimp lunch so I told hubby let's go rainbow drive in. Wasn't that busy I guess it's father's day and maybe everybody is at the park making BBQ. Lol. Was refreshing at plentiful also saw a menu for dessert so I got lemon bars. Will see how it taste tonight. The lemon bar wasn't tart. But the crust could have been baked a little longer. It was buttery. read more

See all

Yummy food with insane value! While not the greatest or the healthiest, the food is definitely comforting, filling, and cheap while being flavorful. Skip the rice because it's dry, sub with mac salad and fries to share. Seating available and a decent amount of parking but people come in waves so the parking lot can get full fast. Mixed Plate with Mac Salad and Fries - beef was fair but the other two proteins were better. Mahi mahi was good while the boneless fried chicken had a light fry and was juicy. Definitely a greasy plate but such good value while satisfying cravings. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Entrance - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

This place is a must for us when visiting Honolulu! Outside dining only and window service. So don't expect to be waited on! But that's the charm of this place. Kalua pork ans cabbage and spam and eggs over rice are our favorites--filling, authentic and delicious. Next stop is up the street to Leonard's for malasadas! Best meal on the island...for us! read more

See all

Ahi plate on Tuesdays. Sooo good! I went up to 5 stars because they now carry Tabasco! Thank you Rainbows!

Rainbows is a must eat for me in Waikiki. It's an outdoor order up window. It's on a busy street corner with a huge Rainbow. We shared a mixed plate and chili moco. It was more than enough for 3 people. I love Rainbow's chili vs other places. Line was long as usual. Beware, watch for birds. They are vicious and tried to get to my wife's mixed plate. They did a piece of a friend's fish sandwich. They have shared picnic benches. Always catch a good conversation with other tourists or locals at Rainbows. Thank you Rainbow's! Come to Vegas pls. We need you. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - MIX PLATE - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Nice quick meal that we had before climbing Koko. The ribs and shoyu chicken plate were both 7-8/ 10. Mac salad felt a little too creamy and salty. Fries were also a miss and were not fresh. Portions were huge and enough to feed 1-2 people! Surprisingly their vegan "chicken" option was solid. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - SHOYU CHICKEN PLATE - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Okay in all honestly I came here because the Rock said this was his favorite loco moco on the Oahu! And let me tell you that loco moco was delicious!!!! The gravy was truly the star of the show, I enjoyed the patties but they could have been better but with all that flavorful gravy it was still amazing. I think they could make the eating area a little cuter with some lights or decor but still a very good bang for your buck! read more

Rainbow Drive-In - LOCO MOCO PLATE* - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Standard issue and GOOD "fast" Hawaiian food. Grabbed two plates after a looooong day at Waikiki beach. Pro tip: order ahead on door dash as you'll usually see a long line to order. Strictly outdoor seating with several tables in front and to the side of the building. You can order at the window. Limited parking out front but plenty of surrounding street parking. Good and quick eats. Can't go wrong with whatever you choose! read more

Rainbow Drive-In - LOCO MOCO PLATE* - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

An instant classic. If you're a local, u know about rainbows drive in. But if you're a tourist it's definitely something you should add to your day in waikiki plans. Absolutely delicious food at a cheap price. My go to plate is the teri beef plate. Two scoops of rice, 1 scoop mac salad, some cabbages and 3 gorgeous pieces of teriyaki beef. A pleasant surprise though is the chilli dog plate. My mom and I literally chop up the hot dog into tiny pieces then mix everything together to for a delicious mesh of chilli, rice, hot dog, and mac salad. If you're a tourist and only plan on coming here once I recommend the mix plate as it gives u teri beef, boneless breaded chicken, and a slab of cooked fish with tartar sauce and gravy all over with of course the 2 scoops rice and 1 scoop mac salad (a Hawaii staple). Dont forget the strawberry slush float for dessert. I always love getting one after a full day boogie boarding at the beach. Parking can be a little bit limited and tight but there's street parking in the neighborhood as well. It's outdoor seating which can get hot especially in the sun and staff is friendly and respectful. I usually take off a point for parking and the hot outdoor seating but this place is soo good I'll keep it at 5 stars! read more

See all

We tried the loco moco and the chili cheese fries. The loco moco was really good but the chili cheese fries were not anything special. It's outdoor seating not indoor you can eat in your car technically. They were fast in preparing food. They were nice and attentive. I would say that keep in mind that there is just flies outside due to the fact that it's outside so don't leave your food unattended lol. There is also a souvenir shop right next to the windows it was super nice. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Loco moco and the chili cheese fries - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Husband, I have been here plenty of times. This trip we brought my sister and nieces and nephew. Food was yummy as usual. So nostalgic you have to try it at least once. It really has grown over the years. Now has a gift shop & bigger seating area. Service is friendly & fast. read more

See all

Gahh, I really wanted to enjoy this spot, but it's just not my cup of tea. The quality of the food was not there. It didn't have even an ounce of freshness to me. It tasted more like "just removed from the freezer." Service was terrible. The lady at the pick-up window was so rude and got upset with my friend who NICELY asked for a bag. We witnessed her make a face, slam his utensils not just once but TWICE. Sure, cheap eats and huge portions but I won't be returning. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and this one is mine. Rainbow Drive-In appears to be a popular late night spot for cheap eats, so give them a try for yourself. read more

Whenever I go to Honolulu, I definitely stop multiple times at Rainbow Drive-In. I absolutely love the chicken, fish and mac salad. There's no mac salad quite like the one sold at Rainbow. The portions are so generous, served with the aloha spirit! I can eat here for breakfast, lunch or dinner, even as a snack! I love how they keep upgrading, adding more seats and a swag gift shop with all of your Rainbow Drive-In needs. The outside is covered so if you get some of that island rain, you can still enjoy your meal in peace. You must check out this legendary plates whenever you are in the area. My husband loves the loco moco from here, often ordering it and enjoying it outside at the tables. There's something for everyone! read more

Three words come to mind:, delicious, authentic and inexpensive!!!! Yes, it is a drive-in and you will have to eat at a picnic table on the parking lot but believe me the food is worth it. We ordered the loco moco and they shoyu chicken plate. Will have to come back again! Three words come to mind:, delicious, authentic and inexpensive!!!! Yes, it is a drive-in and you will have to eat at a picnic table on the parking lot but believe me the food is worth it. We ordered the loco moco and the shoyu chicken plate. Will have to come back again! read more

See all

Had to try the staple out it has been recommended by a lot of people while visiting waiKiki and it did not disappoint. The service was fast and the food was delicious. One of the highlights of my trip. The local moco was good, but I wasn't a big fan of the Mac salad. The cheesecake was super rich and delicious. And the strawberry poundcake with ice cream was tasty as well. I just wish I had a little bit more of the strawberries . This is a drive-in and it had a great nostalgic vibe to it . With that being said be prepared to sit outside or take to go. My favorite part of it was the pricing everything was affordable unlike a lot of the meals we had in the local area. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Cheesecake and pound cake - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We stopped by here on 5/15 after hiking Diamond Head. The burger and Mahi sandwich were good. The fries were crispy and good. The service was very efficient. Nothing to write home about, but good. We dropped by again on 5/18 after our morning walk up the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail to try the loco moco. It's a fairly odd mixture of ingredients, but it worked very well. White rice, topped with two ground beef patties and brown gravy with two fried eggs on top and macaroni salad on the side. We really enjoyed it. The macaroni salad was one of the best we've ever had. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Sad the cook served burnt bbq pork. It was obviously intentional because every piece was placed burnt side facing down. Still like the slush float. @rainbowdrivein read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Burnt bbq pork. All pieces were burnt BBQ PORK PLATE - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Solid mix plate for decent value. Get it with gravy so it's not as dry. Chicken is great, even has the skin under the breading. Beef and mahi mahi are ok. Mac salad a little too much mayo but compliments the dish well. Service is fast, no frills and super easy meal. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Mix Plate with Gravy - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Loco Moco: Whatever you do, do not sleep on the Loco Moco. It's the ultimate comfort food. The patties are juicy, the eggs are always perfectly over-easy, and when you mix it all with that signature gravy and mac salad? Absolute heaven. The Vibe: It's no-frills, fast, and authentic. Whether you're grabbing a plate after the beach or just need a local fix, the atmosphere is exactly what a takeout spot should be. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Loco Moco for dinner - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great place to grab some quick Hawaiian food! A classic spot to chill and eat. Overall I'd recommend to try at least once. read more

Rainbow Drive-In - Hawaiian Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We love going here every time we land in Oahu before heading to our airbnb! Great food , service and great way to always start our stay in Oahu. You can't leave the island without stopping by at least once while you're there . read more

A MUST go! Bbq plate is amazing! I would suggest getting the plates rather than burgers/sandwiches.