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Best Places to Get a Mixed Plate on the Big Island of Hawaii
If you’re visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, one dish you have to try is the local mixed plate. A delicious fusion of flavors influenced by Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese cuisine, a mixed plate typically includes a protein (or several), two scoops of rice, and a scoop of mac salad. It’s comfort food and a staple of local Hawaiian culture.
To help you find the best spots, we’ve rounded up some of the top places on the Big Island to grab a mixed plate. Whether you're in Hilo, Kona, or Waimea, these restaurants and local joints are known for serving up some of the tastiest, most authentic plates around.
Cafe 100 (Hilo)
Why Go:
A legendary spot in Hilo, Cafe 100 is credited with inventing the loco moco, another classic Hawaiian dish. But they also serve an incredible selection of affordable, delicious mixed plates.
What to Order:
- Super Mix Plate – Includes teriyaki beef, fried chicken, and mahi mahi
- Hawaiian Plate – Features kalua pork, laulau, and lomi salmon
- Beef Stew Plate – A local favorite, especially on rainy Hilo days
Location: 969 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI
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L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (Multiple Locations)
Why Go:
While L&L is a chain, it’s still one of the best places for a quick, solid mixed plate. The flavors are consistently on point, and the portions are generous.
What to Order:
- BBQ Mix Plate – Includes BBQ chicken, BBQ beef, and BBQ short ribs
- Chicken Katsu Plate – A crispy and tender favorite, served with katsu sauce
- Seafood Combo Plate – Comes with fried fish, shrimp, and BBQ chicken
Locations: Found in Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa
Blane’s Drive Inn (Hilo)
Why Go:
A no-frills, local favorite that’s been serving up classic Hawaiian plate lunches since the 1950s. If you’re in Hilo, this is one of the best places for old-school mixed plates at affordable prices.
What to Order:
- Blane’s Super Mix Plate – Includes teriyaki beef, chicken katsu, and mahi mahi
- Loco Moco Plate – Their take on the Hilo-born classic
- Korean Chicken Plate – A crispy, sweet, and savory must-try
Location: 150 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI
Kaaloa’s Super J’s (Captain Cook)
Why Go:
Head to Kaaloa’s Super J’s in Captain Cook for a more traditional Hawaiian-style plate. This family-run spot is famous for its laulau, and their Hawaiian plate is as authentic as possible.
What to Order:
- Hawaiian Plate – Comes with laulau, kalua pork, lomi salmon, and poi
- Laulau Plate – Their signature dish, slow-cooked to perfection
- Shoyu Chicken Plate – Tender, flavorful, and served with all the fixings
Location: 83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI
Hawaiian Style Cafe (Hilo)
Why Go:
If you want massive portions at a great price, Hawaiian Style Cafe is the place. Their mixed plates come piled high, and the flavors are on point.
What to Order:
- Hawaiian Style Mixed Plate – Includes kalua pork, teriyaki beef, and chicken katsu
- Short Rib Plate – A local favorite, slow-cooked and juicy
- Macadamia Nut Pancakes – If you have room for dessert
Location: Hilo
No trip to the Big Island is complete without diving into a proper mixed plate. Whether you’re craving Hawaiian-style laulau, crispy garlic chicken, or a hearty loco moco, these spots serve up some of the best flavors the island has to offer.
No matter which side of the island you're on, there's a legendary plate lunch spot nearby. So grab a fork (or chopsticks), mix your mac salad with your rice, and enjoy the real taste of Hawaii!
