Store has a small parking lot of 10 cars, so you may have to find street parking like we did. Came…read morehere for lunch, first thing was needing to sign in through waitlist on yelp from kiosk outside. They'll call you along with announcing your name, so make sure the entire party is there. There's water outside while you're waiting. You'll need to scan the QR code to take a look at the menu. Service was quick as they brought out the food within a few minutes after ordering. It's really busy inside with limited seating. However, servers and busboys are ready to clear and clean the tables for the next guests within a few minutes of any tables leaving. First time having poi (fermented crushed taro) and laulau (slow cooked fatty pork), which were solid picks. They go well together. Really liked the haupia at the end. Atmosphere was good. No rush to finish our food. I did wish they had the butterfish as that was out for the day when we arrived.

I was looking forward to eating at Helena's Hawaiian Food, but unfortunately my experience with the…read moreservice was incredibly disappointing. When ordering, I mentioned that I probably wouldn't be able to finish all of my food and would take the rest to go. Because I said that, I was told I would NOT be allowed to eat inside the restaurant and that my entire order had to be takeout. I was honestly shocked. I was a paying customer ordering a full meal and simply said I would take whatever I couldn't finish with me--which is something people do at restaurants every day. I even added a 20% tip to my order. I tried to explain the misunderstanding at the front counter. I explained that I absolutely wanted to eat my meal there; I was only saying that because I knew I wouldn't be able to finish everything, I wanted to take my leftovers with me afterward. The employee at the front counter with tattoos refused to hear my explanation. Her answer was completely black-and-white: either my order was "to go" OR I could eat it there. There was no willingness to listen to what I was actually saying or resolve what should have been a very simple misunderstanding. Their customer service model simply doesn't make any sense to me. Why should a paying customer be forced to choose between eating their entire meal inside or ordering everything to go simply because they know in advance that they'll need a container for their leftovers? Taking home food you don't finish is an ordinary part of dining at a restaurant. I wasn't asking for anything unusual or special. I simply wanted to sit down, eat the food I had purchased, and take whatever I couldn't finish with me afterward. The interaction felt unnecessarily rude and incredibly unwelcoming. I had specifically come here because I wanted to experience a well-known local Hawaiian restaurant, and instead I was made to feel like I wasn't welcome to sit down and eat the food I had just purchased--even after leaving a 20% tip. Unfortunately, I never even got the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant because of how I was treated. Very disappointing experience and definitely not the kind of hospitality I expected.

Highway Inn is highly recommended for their classic Hawaiian dishes. We made our way over at…read moreopening last Thursday for an early lunch. Our server was very helpful and even brought out a pamphlet explaining each dish. After reading it over, the three of us decided to each try one of the signature Hawaiian combo plates. LAU LAU COMBO (PORK) - 22.99 + poi + lomi salmon The set came out in cafeteria-style trays, almost like a grade school lunch. Our server recommended eating the main entree and lomi salmon with poi, a fermented taro paste. Judging by how it looked, I thoroughly expected the poi to be sweet, but it was actually much more sour, almost like yogurt. I didn't enjoy it too much on its own, but it worked incredibly well with the pork lau lau. The pork was mostly tender and juicy, with a fragrant, leafy steamed flavor that reminded me of the Chinese zong zi my mom makes. The leaner parts of the pork were a bit dry, but the steamed taro leaves helped. The lomi salmon (salted salmon mixed with onions and tomatoes) was refreshing, although the pungent raw onions were a bit much for me. The 'uala (steamed sweet potatoes) had a natural, earthy sweetness that we all enjoyed. Lastly, the haupia (coconut pudding) was incredibly tasty, with a strong coconut flavor that made me sad when I took my last bite. One of my friends got the chicken lau lau, which we actually enjoyed even more. The chicken was delicious, and there was so much of it. Overall, we enjoyed getting to try some authentic Hawaiian dishes at Highway Inn, especially our server and the pamphlet gave us a better understanding of what we were eating.

When the tattoo artist tells you where to eat Hawaiian food... you listen!…read more While we were in Hawaii, we told my husband's tattoo artist that we really wanted to try some Hawaiian food. Not the touristy version. We wanted to actually experience some of the local food, and she recommended Highway Inn Restaurant & Catering. So of course, we had to give it a try! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt very laid-back and comfortable. Nothing overly fancy or trying too hard. It had that relaxed, home-style feeling where you could just sit down, eat, and enjoy yourself. Now let's talk about the food! I had the BBQ chicken with rice and salad, and that chicken was so tender! The barbecue sauce was absolutely delicious, and surprisingly, that salad was GOOD too. I loved the dressing they served with it. The hubby went more traditional and ordered the Lau Lau with pork, which gave us exactly what we came for, a chance to experience Hawaiian food while we were here. But y'all... I have to mention something completely random. THE COKE! I don't know what was going on with that Coke, but it tasted like Coke used to taste back in the day! I kept saying, "Now THIS tastes like a Coke!" Sometimes it really is the little things. The service was great. Our server was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience easy and enjoyable. No complaints at all. As far as value, absolutely worth what we paid. Good food, good portions, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere. 4.5/5 Would we go back? Definitely. Especially if we wanted another casual spot for Hawaiian comfort food. And shout-out to the tattoo artist because she definitely didn't steer us wrong on this one!

There was something very right about this drive in!! I stopped by for a quick dinner with the fam…read moreand ended up enjoying this place a lot more than I thought I would. I didn't expect much from this small corner diner, but everything turned out real solid! The exterior is especially entrancing, with its bright, rainbow neon sign that glows out the darkness of the night! The hooded interior was clean and followed well with the rainbow theme, especially with its rainbow pastel, title wallpaper. I would also like to compliment the workers, who were very nice and approachable! We ordered the loco moco plate, mixed plate, and saimin. Both plates were very filling and came in huge portions! The plates are for sure a top choice if you want a nice, hearty dinner! I especially enjoyed my loco moco! The saimin was less filling and came in an instant noodle cup. Still yet, it wasn't half bad--and it actually seems like a fairly good piece if you are on a diet or budget; it wasn't as expensive as the other dishes and only came out as 220 calories! I also want to note that they have a variety of tasty dessert pastries and icee treats if you are looking for a treat after your dinner. Overall, I would say this is a great diner to try if you've got a big appetite and are looking for something to share with a friend or family! Great vibes and great Hawaiian plate meals!

My family, across multiple generations, has been going here for decades, close to back when they…read morefirst opened. We have homes in the neighborhood. And we just can't go here anymore unless changes are made! We used to prefer them over Zippy's, but now they are less than 7-Eleven quality, while charging higher-end prices for the neighborhood. We have given them many chances, hoping it was just a fluke, but we have repeatedly been disappointed. Their chicken has become chewy and fatty, their rice is mediocre, and condiments such as mayonnaise are stripped down to the bare minimum quantity. Chile is poured so lightly that it is practically a minuscule amount. And their prices have continued to rise. I don't know if greedy people took over the restaurant who just don't care anymore, or what is going on. I remember when I used to take people here, and they would be impressed with the quality and quantity--plates just heaping with good cuts of meat, noodles, and rice. Those days are no more. As they say in Japan, the price performance is poor. Furthermore, their staff is rude. I can only imagine it was an owner working this day because it was a face I haven't seen that often. An older gentleman who appeared to be of Okinawan descent, working the cashier register, accosted us because I was privately discussing with my family about splitting different items with them. We were all ordering something, so he wasn't losing any money, but he told us about how prices are double in Waikīkī. First of all, it is rude to interrupt your customers that way. Secondly, we don't go to Waikīkī or care about Waikīkī. What happened to serving the locals? Third, Waikīkī has an assortment of restaurants, prices, and qualities, and they shouldn't be how you base your services. Lastly, I guarantee I could find a better deal in Waikīkī if I wanted to. Next time you're in the area, just go get a $6 bento or a $5 burrito from 7-Eleven next door. I assure you, the price performance and experience will be better. If Rainbow Drive-In is in the business of comparing themselves to other things, let's compare them to 7-Eleven and at least try to be better than them, right? I can get mochiko chicken from 7-Eleven for $6.99 that is similar in portion size and better quality. Meanwhile, they are serving their fatty, dry chicken for $16.75. Highway robbery! And they are not fancy, with their dirty picnic tables and plastic cutlery. They are just a step above a food truck, if that. Save yourself from the hype. They have gone downhill like a landslide. Go elsewhere.

OMG! This was a dining experience! So, the restaurant was closing so my friend said we should eat…read morethere! I didn't know that the servings were group sized!! I found so many things that looked great on the menu, to include fried gizzards, boneless Kal Bi ribs, fully loaded fried rice, Mac salad and other stuff I can't recall! So the TWO of us ordered way too much! We tried to eat as much as we could and ended up taking the rest home! Everything we ordered was delicious, so we knew we were going to eat good leftovers! The restaurant was a great place to go with a group to eat and watch sports! Our Waitress (I have to remember to get names) was a track star, she was running to and from several tables of groups to deliver food! I will go again if they reopen!

house fried rice - so good with great texture Kim chee -…read moregood pork chops - ok huge portions here - 2 dishes will feed about 3-4 people

I heard about this spot from multiple people and was excited to see that it fit our itinerary…read moreperfectly! + my boyfriend really wanted to try Poi while we were visiting the Island. There is a really small parking lot available, but we just found parking on side of the street and walked over. There are tables outside for people to enjoy their foods. It can be filled up quickly since lots of people visit this spot. Many people are willing to share space. Single restroom stall available around the building. Staff is super friendly We ordered a plate with Squid Luau, Laulau, and Poi and a single plate with kalua pig. Both plate comes with some sort of coconut pudding? and a very delicious side of lomi with salmon bits in it. The food was so good! Portion was so good and super filling! One note is that we wish there were more squid bits. Overall, a 10/10 would recommend!

Highly recommend this spot for anyone craving or wanting to try Hawaiian food. The service is…read morealways friendly whenever we visit. We love this place--it's been a staple stop for us whenever we're on the islands. Waiaole Poi Factory is a real gem, with local decor and feel throughout the establishment. Thanks for the years of memories made here.

Kehau's Kitchen has SERIOUSLY GOOD FOOD! If you don't know,…read moreBETTER ASK SOMEBODY! My 5 star review is paired with their professionalism, efficiency, and aloha! I was able to order a catering order for a big event and everything was on time and excellent. Communication was top notch and again, they delivered on flavor, presentation, and aloha. Go in person! Eat here! Or order out and share with your 'OHANA! Thank you Kehau's Kitchen! Thank you Dayna!

Plenty of parking, but you blink and you miss it. The picture of this place is updated. The seating…read moreis limited but you can pull some tables together for larger parties. The lady taking my order was wonderful and quick. I ordered the Kalua Nachos, it was chips sauce and 1lb of pork. Highly recommend that you share this, it is a lot of grease and heavy. I would have scored this higher if there were other toppings, especially for a Mexican fusion. There was more spicy sauce than normal as I requested more. Come early, I heard that they run out of chips sometimes.

I don't like repeating spots on vacation, but we came back multiple times and waited in a semi-long…read moreline for our musubis and onigiris. I loved them so much that I even bought merch. In total, I enjoyed six musubis and two onigiris over the span of four days. These ended up being my favorite breakfast options during the trip, and everything is made to order. AVOCADO EEL EGG SPAM MUSUBI - 4.88 This was the perfect musubi combo, with four toppings that all worked incredibly well together. The different savory flavors complemented each other, while the rice was warm and fluffy. I ate this six times and would've eaten more if my vacation didn't end. It's simple, homey, and genuinely delivers what I'd imagine the ideal musubi should be. SALMON & SPICY COD ROE ONIGIRI - 3.28 Great combination, but a bit too salty for me. I typically don't like eating this much rice in one go, but I had to finish it because I wanted to eat all of the filling and not waste anything. The rice helped balance out the saltiness. DOUBLE TUNA MAYO ONIGIRI - 3.28 My friend ordered these on multiple days and loved them. I tried one during our second visit and enjoyed it as well. I'm not sure if it was really double tuna since the layer of filling was still pretty thin, but the creamy tuna was tasty and wasn't overly salty. Overall, definitely one of my top spots from our trip to Hawaii. I'd happily wait in a 20-30 minute line for the musubis again. Yum!

We were waiting for our hotel room to be ready and wanted to grab some food since we were starving…read moreafter the flight. I was so happy to found that the Musubi Cafe was located nearby. We ended grabbing the unagi musubi, shrimp egg musubi, and their poke. It is a super quick grab and go experience. Our total was 22.14, which I don't think is too bad. The flavors of the musubis are soooo good! Everything was made so deliciously and fresh. It could get a bit messy eating it though because of the sauce, so make sure to grab napkins! Overall, I was really happy to have stopped by here for some quick lunch!

Poke was fresh and good! $15.89 ($29.99/lb) + extra white…read morerice $1.75 The new location is a bit complicated for me, but I would still go there if I'm in the area.

My #1 spot on Oahu. I can't believe I've never written a review for this place but it's finally…read moretime. Everytime I visit, I always try to stop by 2-3 times, even on a short trip! The Spicy Shoyu Ahi is to die for but all their other selection is amazing. You really can't go wrong with any choice!

Absolutely love coming here! At every visit, the staff are friendly, welcoming, and helpful in…read moredeciding what to order (ie plate vs pupu platter). The meats are cooked perfectly and are juicy deliciousness! The chicken is wonderful and so is the butterfish collar! My favorite! The pork was also amazing on a previous visit. The environment is welcoming and the windows open allows a breeze to flow through. There are bathrooms to wash up before and after eating with your hands. The stickers are spot on ~ 'Whatchu Smokin'?' Highly recommend if you love bbq and want something unique that can't be found in the continental United States (at least that I know of).

I've been on a burger binge recently. Figure I'd try this place. Service was okay, if you're on a…read moretime limit this may not be the best place to get food. The burger itself was light. Very tiny portion of Kim chee, and the greens. Taste was fine, but I doubt if it's in house made. Nice view to eat, inside there's lots of seating but was too hot for me.

3.5 stars We wanted…read moreto try authentic Hawaiian food and came across this spot. The owner was very friendly and took the time to recommend dishes for us, including the laulau and lechon kawali. We also ordered the BBQ short ribs. Overall, it was a good experience trying Hawaiian food, but it's just not really our type of cuisine. The laulau was quite dry, and the preparation felt more like meat that had been boiled or cooked in liquid, which isn't something I usually enjoy. The lechon kawali had a crispy pork belly texture, topped with something similar to a salsa, but it didn't suit our taste either. Unfortunately, the cabbage served with it also had some black spots, which was off-putting. The BBQ short ribs were the highlight of the meal and the dish we enjoyed the most. We appreciate the experience and the hospitality, but the flavors just didn't quite match our personal preferences.

Good local Hawaiian food restaurant. Street parking only. Small restaurant I believe it was Ono…read moreHawaii on Kapahulu before. Now it is named the Da Ono Hawaiian Foods. Either the owner or the manager seemed like a one man show. He was the server, bus boy, and chef. Husband got the pipikalua short ribs/he enjoyed. Sisters got the pork lau lau which came with sweet potato, rice or poi, lomi lomi salmon (more onion and tomato than salmon). i got the chicken lau lau, again stuffed with chicken, not enough taro leaves. The Haupia was smoky, so either burnt or something- inedible! Only six tables in the entire restaurant. The gentleman that was serving us I believe was also the bus boy, cook, server and cashier! Place is a hole in the wall with missing ceiling tiles and exposed panels above our table (gross!!). Sis loves this dive so we keep coming back!