The History of Hawaiian Bros

Our story begins with  the flavors of Hawaii.

The History of

Hawaiian Bros

Our story begins with the flavors of Hawaii.

The beauty and wonder of Hawaii simply cannot be revealed in images and words alone. Because it is more than a destination. It’s a feeling, a way of life, a culture like none other—full of sights, sounds, scents and tastes found nowhere else in the world.

Seared spam glazed in teriyaki being cooked on the grill

In the 1880s as Hawaii’s pineapple and sugar plantations grew, so too did their workforce. Most of these laborers came from Asian nations with diverse culinary traditions. The workers’ lunches usually consisted of leftover meat from the night before alongside rice. 

Hawaiian Bros restaurant exterior

By the 1950s, the plate lunch had grown in popularity and was popping up at roadside stands all throughout the island. Today, the classic  plate lunch consists of meat, two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad.

Today, the plate lunch remains an essential part of Hawaii’s homegrown culture. It’s the beloved comfort food you eat with your ‘ohana. Young and old, rich and poor all come together to enjoy in this island staple.

Huli Huli Chicken lunch plate up close with macaroni salad, rice and a drink

Mahalo!