A true Hawaiian plate lunch is simple math: two scoops of white rice, a scoop of creamy macaroni salad, and a pile of meat like kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or crispy katsu. It grew out of the lunch breaks of plantation workers in Hawaii, and today it is one of the most filling meals you can buy for the price.
Washington has a surprising number of places that serve it the island way, from busy Seattle diners to small counters in Spokane and Marysville. These seven spots stand out because their plates are big enough to turn one meal into two, so bring an appetite and maybe a friend who likes leftovers.
1. Kona Kitchen – Seattle, Seattle, WA
Breakfast is where Kona Kitchen quietly sets itself apart from most of the list. Doors open at 9 AM on weekdays and 8 AM on weekends, and the morning menu leans into island classics like Spam and eggs with fried rice.
Later in the day, the plate lunch takes over. Kalua pig and cabbage arrives with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad, and the mochiko chicken is a strong pick if you like your chicken crispy and lightly sweet…