Is Rainbow Drive-In worth it?
Worth it if…Underrated · +11Kapahulu plate-lunch counter serving loco moco, mix plates and chili since 1961
Worth it, with conditions. A dependable classic at 4.3 on Google, but 'bland' and salty mac salad complaints recur. It is good plate lunch, not a revelation.
Hype50How famous and hyped it is
Reality61Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.3 ★ Google · 8,077 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Rainbow Drive-In? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
An easy, cheap way to try plate lunch and loco moco close to Waikīkī, with no planning needed.
Why Reality is 61
Lives up to its fame3/5A dependable classic at 4.3 on Google, but 'bland' and salty mac salad complaints recur. It is good plate lunch, not a revelation.
Value for money4/5$13–$17 plates that reviewers often split. Strong value for Honolulu.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Plate lunch is everywhere on Oʻahu. Rainbow's appeal is its 1961 history and its location next to Waikīkī.
Easy to do4/5About 5 minutes from Waikīkī, with a free lot, no reservations and fast lines, open 7 a.m.–9 p.m. The lot can fill at lunch.
What people loved
Huge portions: reviewers often split one plate between two peopleFair prices for Honolulu, with most plates $13–$17Lines move fast and there is plenty of covered outdoor seatingOpen 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily with a free lot, a few minutes from WaikīkīWhat wore them down
Some reviewers find the food bland; Google's own review summary flags itThe mac salad is salty and heavy on mayo for some, and the slush float is too sweetHeavy, greasy plate-lunch food, not a light mealSmall lot that fills at lunch; one reviewer was annoyed by a 50¢ charge for waterKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Counter service, no reservations; online ordering for pickup is available.
Founded1961, by Seiju and Ayako IfukuSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursDaily 7 a.m.–9 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
PricePlate lunches $13.25 (chili) to $16.95 (mix plate with gravy); loco moco $15.50Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Happy hourMon–Thu 3–5 p.m. specials at $5, $10 and $12 (Kapahulu)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ParkingSmall free lot on site, plus street parkingSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
From Waikīkīabout 5 min by car; just past Waikīkī's eastern edge at Kapahulu Ave.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
In their words
“Good food at a good value in a good spot.”
“But the macaroni salad was salty and too much mayonnaise.”
“Five of us ordered three Loco Moco plates, and it was plenty of food for all of us.”
“Charging 50¢ for a cup of water got on my nerves though, especially with how hot and sunny it is.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
What are Rainbow Drive-In's hours?
Daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Kapahulu.
How much is a plate lunch at Rainbow Drive-In?
Plate lunches run $13.25 (chili) to $16.95 (mix plate with gravy); the loco moco plate is $15.50.
Is there parking at Rainbow Drive-In?
Yes, there is a small free lot plus street parking. It can fill at lunchtime.
Do they bring food to your car?
No. Despite the name, you park, order at the counter and eat at the covered outdoor tables or take it to go.
What should I order at Rainbow Drive-In?
Reviewers most often recommend the loco moco and the mix plate (BBQ beef, boneless chicken and mahi mahi). Portions are large enough to share.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Rainbow Drive-In — official site
- Rainbow Drive-In — Kapahulu menu
- Rainbow Drive-In — menus and locations
- Go Visit Hawaii — Honolulu's Rainbow Drive-In: A Local Fave
- Google Maps — Rainbow Drive-In