HONOLULU | Rainbow Drive-In a favourite amongst locals for simple Hawaiian comfort food. It’s been going strong since Okinawan born, former US Army chef Seiju Ifuku, decided to open his own diner in 1961. The focus then, as it is now, was to offer tasty, simple lunch and dinner plates that the everyday person could afford and enjoy.
There are four locations of Rainbow Drive-In across Honolulu. The original in Kapahulu, which I visited, has been in the same spot since it opened, and looks much the same as it did then. It’s worth a visit for the classic diner architecture and vibe alone.
Dishes include popular diner and Hawaiian favourites. There’s cheeseburgers, hot dogs and chilli fries, and the signature lunch plates. The plates get you a main of your choice, with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad on the side. Mains include things like loco moco, corned beef, and pork katsu.
Keep an eye out for the daily specials. Things like shoyu chicken, BBQ ahi, and kalua pig. These dishes are generally only available two days a week, and are always popular. Wash it all down with a strawberry slush float – an iced strawberry drink topped with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.
Rainbow Drive-In
3308 Kanaina Avenue
Honolulu
Hawaii 96815
United States
Telephone: 808 737 0177
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 7:00am to 9:00pm