Rainbow Drive-In: Your Hawaiian Fast Food Destination for Delicious Comfort Food

If you’re in Honolulu and want a solid meal without spending a fortune, this is the spot. Rainbow Drive-In is perfect when you’re eating on a budget but still want plenty of options. The menu has a huge variety — from local Hawaiian-style plates to burgers and classic comfort food. I went with the chicken burger since it was the only option that looked non-fried, and it hit the spot. Simple, satisfying, and filling. Portions are generous, and you definitely get value for your money. It’s casual, no-frills, and exactly what you expect from a local drive-in. If you’re looking for affordable, hearty food with lots of choices, Rainbow Drive-In delivers.

Good Hawaiian plate lunch. I recommend the mix plate to try the chicken, beef and fish. The cole slaw was outstanding. The portions were large and well priced. Right next door is Hawaii's favorite kitchen which serves huge refreshing shave ice for dessert.

Rainbow Café in Honolulu absolutely delivers with their mix plate. I had the beef, fried mahi mahi, and fried boneless chicken, and every item on the plate was excellent. The beef was tender and full of flavor, the fried mahi mahi was perfectly crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and the fried boneless chicken was juicy with a great crunch. Portions were generous, everything was cooked just right, and it felt like a true local-style comfort meal. This is the kind of plate lunch that hits the spot and keeps you thinking about it long after you’re done. Highly recommended.

When I go home to Hawaii with my family we go to Rainbow Drive in so we can get plate lunches in the original way with paper plates in a paper box like I ate growing up before the change to styrofoam clamshells. It’s in town off Kapahulu where it’s been as long as I can remember. It’s a traditional Hawaiian style drive in with outdoor seating. I got my usual their Pork Cutlet plate which is one of their specialties and my son got a Rainbow Bento with Garlic chicken, mahi mahi w/ tartar sauce on side, BBQ Beef, and spam on top of a bed of furikake on rice. Both were delicious and portions were good. The people were very friendly and the prices were pretty good and comparable to other drive in restaurants. We definitely recommend this historical restaurant if you want to try some Hawaiian comfort food.

I tried the loco moco and honestly, it was just okay .. pretty normal, nothing super special. But I feel like this place isn’t just about the food, it’s really about the vibe. The lady who helped me place my order was sooo sweet and welcoming. She could tell I was a tourist and even asked how I liked the food, which was really nice. Portions are hella good for the price, and I’d definitely come back to try other items on the menu.

There's a reason why they are iconic. They've been very consistent since 1961. They have the creamiest pure mac salad (no potato) and the classic Loco moco with "gravy all ova!" in a pie box for to go orders.

I think the food was good. Nothing life-changing, but still very delicious and enjoyable. I ordered the loco moco bowl and my family got the mixed plate. Prices were very reasonable, probably the lowest you can find this close to Waikiki. I liked how it had a chill, laid-back atmosphere.

Wanted to try a local spot that had value for money meals. This place didn't disappoint. Teriyaki Beef sandwich was simple done right. Delicious! Portuguese plate lunch was great and the added Arabiki pork sausage was delectable. Definitely on my list to try again if I ever get the chance to return to Hawaii