Hawaiian Bros Island Grill Review (2026)
Having visited numerous Hawaiian Bros Island Grill locations from Texas to Indiana, we have usually enjoyed a good meal. That history made our recent visit to an Indianapolis-area location (Noblesville) particularly disappointing. While the Honolulu Chicken delivered on flavor, the overall plate fell short of the quality we have come to expect from the chain.
The Honolulu Chicken was the highlight, but its presentation and preparation left something to be desired. Rather than sitting on a bed of rice with a reasonable amount of sauce, the chicken was surrounded by so much liquid that the dish resembled a soup. We enjoyed the chicken itself, but the excess liquid overwhelmed that part of the plate. There is a difference between adding sauce for flavor and serving a meal that appears to be swimming in it. The macaroni salad was another letdown. A familiar part of a Hawaiian plate lunch, it should complement the chicken and rice. On this visit, neither the flavor nor the consistency was right. You should not see noodle not covered in the dressing. It was bland. It simply did not taste good to us, and the look of it made it difficult to enjoy. Between the excessive liquid around the chicken and the disappointing macaroni salad, this was far from the satisfying meal we anticipated. See the accompanying photos for a look at the plate we received.
Our criticism comes with some perspective: this is not how our meals at Hawaiian Bros usually turn out. We have returned to the chain across multiple states because our experiences have generally been positive. However, previous good meals do not excuse a disappointing one. Customers should be able to expect consistent preparation, whether they are visiting a familiar location or trying the brand for the first time.
With Indianapolis serving as a newer market for Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, getting those details right matters. A business entering a new market needs to give customers a reason to return. Someone unfamiliar with the chain would not have our history of better meals to put this experience into perspective. For that customer, this plate could define their entire impression of Hawaiian Bros. If the company cannot deliver consistent quality as it expands, it risks losing customers before it has earned their loyalty.
Because of this visit, Hawaiian Bros Island Grill dropped in the Road Tour 10 rankings (10/26/26). Our rankings usually reflect the experiences we actually have, including when a familiar favorite misses the mark. We know Hawaiian Bros can serve a better meal because we have enjoyed better meals at its other locations. This Indianapolis-area visit did not meet that standard, and we expect better. Hopefully things will improve.
Check out the Road Tour 10 Rankings here.
