15 Classic Hawaiian Lunch Plate Recipes You Must Try

Hawaiian lunch plates are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the islands.

Traditionally, these meals combine a protein, rice, macaroni salad, and fresh vegetables to create a balanced and hearty dish.

From teriyaki chicken to garlic shrimp, Hawaiian lunch plates are both comforting and packed with flavor.

These 15 Hawaiian lunch plate recipes showcase authentic island-inspired dishes as well as modern twists.

Whether you want a classic plate lunch at home or a unique tropical meal, these recipes provide a variety of options for every palate.

With easy-to-follow instructions and flavorful combinations, you can bring the spirit of Hawaii to your kitchen anytime.

15 Classic Hawaiian Lunch Plate Recipes You Must Try

Hawaiian lunch plates offer a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fresh flavors.

These 15 recipes combine traditional ingredients and island-inspired flavors for a satisfying, hearty meal.

From grilled meats to seafood and vegetarian options, there’s something for every taste.

Exploring these recipes allows you to enjoy the essence of Hawaii in your own kitchen.

Start cooking these Hawaiian lunch plates and bring the tropical islands to your table today.

Teriyaki Chicken Plate

This teriyaki chicken plate is a classic Hawaiian favorite, bursting with sweet and savory flavors.

Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection, and served with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

It’s a hearty, satisfying lunch that captures the essence of traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and fresh sides creates a balanced and filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
• Grill chicken over medium heat 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Serve with steamed rice and a scoop of macaroni salad.
• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

This teriyaki chicken plate is sweet, savory, and satisfying.

The homemade marinade enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

Perfect for a classic Hawaiian lunch at home.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and hearty.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Plate

This garlic butter shrimp plate is a flavorful and easy Hawaiian-inspired lunch option.

Shrimp are sautéed in garlic butter and served with steamed rice, macaroni salad, and fresh vegetables.

The buttery, garlicky shrimp provide a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the classic sides.

It’s a quick, satisfying plate that brings island-inspired flavors to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups steamed white rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad
• 1 cup steamed broccoli or vegetables
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Season with black pepper.
• Serve shrimp with rice, macaroni salad, and steamed vegetables.

This garlic butter shrimp plate is rich, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

The shrimp are succulent and perfectly seasoned.

Perfect for a Hawaiian-style lunch at home.

Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and satisfying.

Kalua Pork Plate

This Kalua pork plate is a traditional Hawaiian dish with smoky, tender flavors.

Pork shoulder is slow-cooked with liquid smoke, garlic, and Hawaiian sea salt until it falls apart effortlessly.

It’s served with steamed rice and macaroni salad for a hearty, comforting lunch plate.

The smoky, savory pork paired with classic sides creates an authentic Hawaiian dining experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Rub pork shoulder with garlic, salt, and liquid smoke.
• Cover tightly with foil and bake 3–4 hours until pork is tender and shreddable.
• Shred pork using two forks.
• Serve with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

This Kalua pork plate is smoky, tender, and full of flavor.

The slow-cooked pork melts in your mouth.

Perfect for an authentic Hawaiian lunch experience.

Every bite is savory, hearty, and satisfying.

Hawaiian Teriyaki Tofu Plate

This Hawaiian teriyaki tofu plate is a vegetarian twist on the classic plate lunch.

Firm tofu is marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, pan-seared, and served with rice and macaroni salad.

It’s a satisfying, protein-rich lunch that captures the flavors of Hawaii.

The caramelized tofu pairs beautifully with the creamy macaroni salad and fluffy rice for a balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
• Marinate tofu cubes 15–20 minutes.
• Pan-sear tofu over medium heat until golden and caramelized, 2–3 minutes per side.
• Serve with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

This Hawaiian teriyaki tofu plate is sweet, savory, and satisfying.

The tofu absorbs the marinade beautifully for maximum flavor.

Perfect for a plant-based Hawaiian lunch.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and hearty.

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5. Loco Moco Plate

This Loco Moco plate is a classic Hawaiian comfort food, combining savory flavors in a hearty meal.

A juicy hamburger patty is served over steamed rice, topped with a fried egg and smothered in rich brown gravy.

It’s a filling, indulgent lunch that brings the essence of Hawaii to your table.

The combination of protein, rice, and gravy creates a satisfying and iconic plate lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup brown gravy
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Form ground beef into four patties and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until done.
• Fry eggs in a separate pan to desired doneness.
• Place cooked patties over steamed rice, top with fried eggs, and pour brown gravy over everything.
• Serve immediately.

This Loco Moco plate is hearty, savory, and indulgent.

The combination of egg, beef, and gravy creates a comforting flavor profile.

Perfect for a filling Hawaiian lunch.

Every bite is rich, satisfying, and delicious.

Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon Plate

This pineapple teriyaki salmon plate is sweet, tangy, and perfect for a tropical lunch.

Salmon fillets are marinated in a pineapple-teriyaki sauce, grilled or baked, and served with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

The caramelized pineapple and savory sauce enhance the natural richness of the salmon.

It’s a colorful and satisfying plate that brings the flavors of Hawaii to your table.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to make the marinade.
• Marinate salmon for 30 minutes.
• Grill or bake salmon 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
• Serve with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

This pineapple teriyaki salmon plate is sweet, savory, and satisfying.

The pineapple glaze enhances the flavor of the fish naturally.

Perfect for a Hawaiian-style lunch at home.

Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and delightful.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Plate

This Hawaiian BBQ chicken plate is smoky, tangy, and full of flavor.

Chicken drumsticks or thighs are coated in a homemade BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection.

Served with steamed rice and macaroni salad, it’s a hearty and satisfying lunch.

The sweet and smoky sauce captures the authentic taste of Hawaiian plate lunches.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Mix ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder to make BBQ sauce.
• Marinate chicken 30 minutes.
• Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Serve with rice and macaroni salad.

This Hawaiian BBQ chicken plate is smoky, tangy, and satisfying.

The homemade BBQ sauce enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

Perfect for a tropical, hearty lunch.

Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and aromatic.

Shoyu Pork Plate

This shoyu pork plate is savory, sweet, and an authentic Hawaiian favorite.

Pork slices are marinated in a soy sauce-based marinade with garlic and ginger, then pan-fried or baked.

It’s served with steamed rice and macaroni salad for a complete, balanced lunch plate.

The soy-ginger marinade infuses the pork with rich, flavorful notes that highlight the island’s culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork loin or shoulder, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to make marinade.
• Marinate pork slices 30 minutes.
• Pan-fry or bake pork until cooked through, 6–8 minutes per side.
• Serve with rice and macaroni salad.

This shoyu pork plate is savory, sweet, and tender.

The soy and ginger marinade infuses the pork with island flavor.

Perfect for a flavorful Hawaiian-style lunch.

Every bite is juicy, aromatic, and satisfying.

Hawaiian Spam Musubi Plate

This Hawaiian Spam musubi plate is fun, portable, and full of umami flavor.

Slices of Spam are pan-fried, glazed with soy sauce and sugar, and served over rice with nori strips.

It’s a casual, hearty lunch plate loved across the islands.

The salty-sweet flavor of Spam pairs perfectly with soft rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can Spam, sliced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Nori sheets, cut into strips

Instructions:

• Fry Spam slices in a skillet until golden.
• Add soy sauce and sugar, coating Spam slices.
• Place rice on a plate, top with Spam slices, and wrap with nori strips.
• Serve immediately with optional macaroni salad.

This Hawaiian Spam musubi plate is salty, sweet, and satisfying.

The combination of Spam and rice creates a nostalgic island flavor.

Perfect for a casual, hearty lunch.

Every bite is savory, soft, and delightful.

Hawaiian Garlic Chicken Plate

This Hawaiian garlic chicken plate is aromatic, savory, and packed with flavor.

Chicken thighs are marinated in a garlic-soy sauce mixture, then pan-fried or baked until golden.

Served with steamed rice and macaroni salad, it makes a balanced and hearty lunch.

The garlicky marinade enhances the chicken’s natural flavor, capturing the essence of classic Hawaiian plate lunches.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, boneless
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Mix garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and black pepper to make marinade.
• Marinate chicken 30 minutes.
• Pan-fry or bake chicken 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Serve with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

This Hawaiian garlic chicken plate is savory, aromatic, and satisfying.

The garlic and soy marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavor.

Perfect for a classic island-style lunch at home.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and delicious

Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa Plate

This Mahi Mahi with pineapple salsa plate is fresh, tropical, and bursting with flavor.

Mahi Mahi fillets are grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.

It’s served with steamed rice and macaroni salad for a complete Hawaiian-style lunch plate.

The tropical pineapple salsa perfectly balances the mild, flaky fish, creating a refreshing meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 Mahi Mahi fillets
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp red onion, diced
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Grill Mahi Mahi fillets 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Combine pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and lime juice to make salsa.
• Serve fish over steamed rice, topped with pineapple salsa, and a side of macaroni salad.

This Mahi Mahi plate is fresh, sweet, and tangy.

The pineapple salsa enhances the natural flavor of the fish.

Perfect for a tropical Hawaiian-style lunch.

Every bite is vibrant, juicy, and satisfying.

Kalbi Short Rib Plate

This Kalbi short rib plate is rich, savory, and irresistibly tender.

Beef short ribs are marinated in a Korean-style soy-sugar mixture, then grilled or broiled until caramelized.

It’s served with steamed rice and macaroni salad for a hearty, flavorful Hawaiian lunch.

The sweet-savory marinade infuses the beef with deep flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs, flanken cut
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to create marinade.
• Marinate short ribs at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Grill or broil ribs 4–5 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
• Serve with rice and macaroni salad.

This Kalbi short rib plate is sweet, savory, and juicy.

The marinade creates a rich, authentic island flavor.

Perfect for a hearty Hawaiian lunch.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying.

Lemon Butter Garlic Tilapia Plate

This lemon butter garlic tilapia plate is light, zesty, and full of flavor.

Tilapia fillets are baked with a lemon-garlic butter sauce and served with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying Hawaiian-inspired lunch.

The citrusy butter sauce enhances the mild fish, creating a bright and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix butter, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper.
• Place tilapia in a baking dish and pour the mixture over the fish.
• Bake 12–15 minutes until fish flakes easily.
• Serve with rice and macaroni salad.

This tilapia plate is buttery, garlicky, and refreshing.

The lemon butter elevates the mild, flaky fish naturally.

Perfect for a light Hawaiian lunch.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and delightful.

Hawaiian Sweet Chili Chicken Plate

This Hawaiian sweet chili chicken plate is sweet, spicy, and satisfying.

Chicken thighs are glazed with a sweet chili sauce and served with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

It’s a flavorful twist on a traditional plate lunch that’s sure to please any palate.

The sweet chili glaze caramelizes slightly during cooking, enhancing the chicken’s natural juiciness.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, boneless
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Coat chicken with the sauce and bake 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
• Serve with steamed rice and macaroni salad.

This sweet chili chicken plate is savory, sweet, and slightly spicy.

The glaze enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Perfect for a Hawaiian-style lunch with a kick.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying.

Island-Style Veggie Plate

This island-style veggie plate is colorful, nutritious, and fully plant-based.

A mix of tropical vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and pineapple are sautéed with soy sauce and garlic.

It’s served with steamed rice and a scoop of macaroni salad for a balanced Hawaiian-style lunch.

The vibrant vegetables and island-inspired seasoning make it a fresh and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup macaroni salad

Instructions:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
• Sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add bell peppers, carrots, and pineapple; cook 5–7 minutes until tender.
• Add soy sauce and toss to coat.
• Serve with rice and macaroni salad.

This island-style veggie plate is fresh, colorful, and flavorful.

The vegetables are lightly seasoned and naturally sweet.

Perfect for a plant-based Hawaiian lunch.

Every bite is vibrant, aromatic, and satisfying.