Hawaiian Bbq Menu Prices

Hawaiian BBQ menu prices center around plate lunches, with kalua pork and chicken katsu as customer favorites. If you are looking for a quick meal that feels like a trip to the islands, these prices usually range from $8 to $15 per plate.

Most Hawaiian BBQ spots keep things simple. You pick a protein, two scoops of rice, and macaroni salad. That is the classic plate lunch formula.

But prices can vary a lot depending on where you live. A plate in Hawaii might cost less than one in Texas or New York.

Let us break down the real costs. We will look at popular chains, local shops, and what you get for your money.

When you walk into a Hawaiian BBQ restaurant, the menu is usually split into sections. You have chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and combo plates.

Here is a general price range for each category at most locations:

Chicken plates (katsu, teriyaki, or huli huli): $8.99 to $12.99
Pork plates (kalua pork, lau lau, or char siu): $9.49 to $13.49
Beef plates (teriyaki beef, short ribs, or loco moco): $10.99 to $15.99
Seafood plates (fish, shrimp, or calamari): $11.99 to $16.99
Combo plates (two proteins): $12.99 to $18.99
Kids meals: $5.99 to $7.99
Side orders (extra rice, mac salad, or veggies): $1.50 to $3.50
Drinks and desserts: $1.99 to $4.99

These prices are averages. They can shift based on your location and the restaurant chain.

L&L Hawaiian Bbq Menu Prices

L&L is the biggest Hawaiian BBQ chain in the mainland US. They have hundreds of locations. Their menu is a good benchmark for pricing.

Here are typical L&L prices:

Chicken Katsu Plate: $9.99
Kalua Pork Plate: $10.49
Teriyaki Beef Plate: $11.99
Mixed Plate (chicken and beef): $12.99
Loco Moco: $10.49
Mini Plate (smaller portion): $7.99
Spam Musubi: $2.49

L&L also offers family platters. These feed 4 to 6 people and cost around $35 to $50.

Aloha Hawaiian Bbq Menu Prices

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ is another major chain. Their prices are similar to L&L but sometimes a dollar or two cheaper.

Chicken Katsu Plate: $8.99
Kalua Pork Plate: $9.49
Teriyaki Chicken Plate: $8.99
Beef Short Rib Plate: $14.99
Shrimp Plate: $12.99
Combo Plate (chicken and katsu): $11.99
Mini Plate: $6.99

Aloha often runs specials. You might find a lunch deal for $7.99 on weekdays.

Onolicious Hawaiian Bbq Menu Prices

Onolicious is a smaller chain but growing fast. Their focus is on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

Kalua Pork Plate: $10.99
Chicken Katsu Plate: $10.49
Huli Huli Chicken Plate: $10.99
Lau Lau Plate: $12.99
Poke Bowl: $13.99
Combo Plate: $13.99
Mini Plate: $8.49

Onolicious also sells sides like poi and haupia for $2.99 each.

What Affects Hawaiian Bbq Menu Prices

Several factors change how much you pay. Understanding them helps you budget better.

Location And Rent

Restaurants in high-rent areas charge more. A plate in downtown San Francisco might cost $3 more than one in suburban Arizona.

Hawaii itself has higher food costs because of shipping. But local restaurants sometimes offer lower prices to compete with food trucks.

Protein Choice

Beef and seafood cost more than chicken and pork. Short ribs and shrimp are premium items.

Kalua pork is usually the cheapest protein. It is simple to make and uses affordable pork shoulder.

Portion Size

Mini plates are smaller and cheaper. Regular plates are standard. Some places offer large plates with extra meat for $2 to $4 more.

Family platters give the best value per person. But you have to order for a group.

Inflation And Supply Chain

Like all restaurants, Hawaiian BBQ places adjust prices when food costs go up. Rice, chicken, and cooking oil have all risen in price recently.

You might see small increases of $0.50 to $1.00 every year.

How To Save Money On Hawaiian Bbq

You do not have to pay full price every time. Here are some tips.

Look For Lunch Specials

Many Hawaiian BBQ restaurants offer lunch deals. These are usually $1 to $3 cheaper than dinner prices.

Lunch specials often run from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays.

Order Combo Plates

Combo plates give you two proteins for a small upcharge. Instead of paying $10 for chicken and $10 for beef, you might get both for $13.

This is a good way to try different items.

Share A Plate

Hawaiian BBQ portions are generous. A regular plate can easily feed two people.

Splitting a plate cuts your cost in half. Just ask for an extra plate at the counter.

Use Coupons And Apps

Some chains have loyalty apps. You earn points for free items. Others mail out coupons or post deals on social media.

Check the restaurant’s website before you go.

Skip The Extras

Drinks and desserts add up fast. A soda costs $2.50, and a slice of haupia cake might be $3.99.

Stick to water and save $4 to $6 per visit.

Popular Menu Items And Their Prices

Here is a closer look at the most ordered items. These are the classics you will find at almost any Hawaiian BBQ.

Chicken Katsu

Chicken katsu is breaded and deep-fried chicken cutlet. It is crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Price range: $8.99 to $12.99

It comes with katsu sauce, which is a tangy brown gravy. Most people love it.

Kalua Pork

Kalua pork is slow-cooked pork with salt and liquid smoke. It is tender and smoky.

Price range: $9.49 to $13.49

This is a traditional Hawaiian dish. It is often served with cabbage.

Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is grilled chicken thigh with a sweet soy glaze. It is a crowd pleaser.

Price range: $8.99 to $12.99

Some places char the chicken for extra flavor.

Loco Moco

Loco moco is a bowl of rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy.

Price range: $9.99 to $14.99

It is a hearty meal. Some restaurants add Spam or bacon.

Spam Musubi

Spam musubi is a slice of grilled Spam on a block of rice, wrapped with nori. It is a popular snack.

Price range: $2.49 to $3.99

You can buy one or get a pack of three.

Poke Bowl

Poke is raw fish seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and onions. It is served over rice.

Price range: $11.99 to $16.99

Poke bowls are trendy but can be pricey. They are worth it for fresh fish.

Huli Huli Chicken

Huli huli chicken is grilled with a sweet pineapple-ginger sauce. It is sticky and flavorful.

Price range: $9.99 to $13.99

This is a Hawaiian street food classic.

Regional Price Differences

Hawaiian BBQ prices are not the same everywhere. Here is how they vary by region.

Hawaii (The Islands)

In Hawaii, plate lunches are a staple. You can find them at food trucks and small shops for $7 to $10.

But sit-down restaurants charge more. A plate at a restaurant might cost $12 to $16.

Food trucks are the best deal. They often serve the same quality for less.

West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)

California has many Hawaiian BBQ chains. Prices are moderate, around $9 to $14 per plate.

In San Francisco and Los Angeles, expect to pay on the higher end. In smaller cities, prices are lower.

Southwest (Texas, Arizona, Nevada)

Texas and Arizona have growing Hawaiian BBQ scenes. Prices are similar to California but sometimes $1 cheaper.

Las Vegas has many locations. Prices there are competitive because of tourism.

Midwest And East Coast

Hawaiian BBQ is less common here. Fewer restaurants mean higher prices, often $11 to $16 per plate.

Shipping costs for ingredients also drive up prices.

What You Get For Your Money

When you order a Hawaiian BBQ plate, you get a lot of food. Here is what is typically included.

One main protein (chicken, pork, beef, or seafood)
Two scoops of white rice
One scoop of macaroni salad
Sometimes a small side of vegetables or salad

Some restaurants offer brown rice or mixed veggies as an option. But the standard is white rice and mac salad.

Portion sizes are generous. A regular plate usually has 6 to 8 ounces of meat. That is more than a typical fast-food burger.

Quality Of Ingredients

Chain restaurants use frozen or pre-prepared ingredients. Local shops often use fresh meat and make sauces from scratch.

You get what you pay for. A $15 plate from a local shop might taste better than a $10 plate from a chain.

But chains are consistent. You know what you are getting every time.

Comparing Hawaiian Bbq To Other Fast Food

Hawaiian BBQ is often cheaper than other fast-casual options. Here is a quick comparison.

Hawaiian BBQ plate: $10 to $15
Burrito bowl (Chipotle): $9 to $13
Burger combo (McDonald’s): $8 to $12
Sub sandwich combo (Subway): $9 to $13
Chinese takeout combo: $8 to $14

Hawaiian BBQ gives you more food for the price. The plate lunch is filling and balanced.

It is also healthier than many fast-food options. Grilled chicken and rice are better than fried burgers and fries.

How To Read A Hawaiian Bbq Menu

If you are new to Hawaiian BBQ, the menu can be confusing. Here is a simple guide.

Look for the “Plate” section. That is the main meal.
Choose your protein. Chicken, pork, beef, or seafood.
Check if it comes with rice and mac salad. Most do.
Look for “Mini” or “Regular” sizes. Mini is smaller and cheaper.
See if there are combo options. They give you two proteins.
Check for sides like Spam musubi or poke.
Look at the drinks and desserts if you want extras.

Most menus are simple. You pick a number or a name, and that is your meal.

Common Menu Terms

Plate: A full meal with rice and mac salad
Mini: A smaller portion, usually one scoop of rice
Combo: Two proteins on one plate
Loco Moco: Rice with hamburger patty, egg, and gravy
Musubi: Spam and rice wrapped in seaweed
Poke: Raw fish salad
Haupia: Coconut pudding dessert

Tips For First-Time Customers

If you have never tried Hawaiian BBQ, here is what to do.

Start with a classic. Order a Chicken Katsu Plate or a Kalua Pork Plate. They are safe choices.

Do not skip the mac salad. It is creamy and tangy. It balances the salty meat.

Try the Spam musubi. It is a Hawaiian staple. Even if you do not like Spam, you might like this.

Ask for extra sauce. Katsu sauce and teriyaki sauce are free. They add flavor.

Share a plate. The portions are big. You and a friend can split one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average price of a Hawaiian BBQ plate lunch?

The average price is between $9 and $14. Mini plates cost $6 to $8, and large plates cost $12 to $18.

Are Hawaiian BBQ menu prices higher in Hawaii than on the mainland?

Not always. In Hawaii, food trucks and local shops offer plates for $7 to $10. Mainland chains charge $9 to $15. But sit-down restaurants in Hawaii can be more expensive.

Do Hawaiian BBQ restaurants offer discounts or coupons?

Yes. Many chains have loyalty programs, lunch specials, and digital coupons. Check their website or app before ordering.

What is the cheapest item on a Hawaiian BBQ menu?

Spam musubi is usually the cheapest, at $2 to $4. Mini plates are also affordable, around $6 to $8.

Why do Hawaiian BBQ prices vary so much between locations?

Prices depend on rent, food costs, and competition. High-rent areas and places with fewer restaurants tend to charge more.

Final Thoughts On Hawaiian Bbq Menu Prices

Hawaiian BBQ menu prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get. A plate lunch is filling and tasty.

You can find deals if you look for lunch specials or share a plate. The quality is usually good, especially at local shops.

Next time you are hungry, try a Hawaiian BBQ plate. It is a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.

Just remeber to check the menu online before you go. Prices can change, and you want to be prepared.

Enjoy your kalua pork or chicken katsu. Aloha.