Talk about looking for the best hamburger steak this place is it don't look no further from the best gravy to the Mac salad this plate is absolutely delicious the pattys cooked perfectly with them grilled onions so yummy. Service was fast and efficient the 2 girls that work there are super nice. read more

Islander Drive Inn - Hamburger steak - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

The restaurant is a well lite place with booths for seating. The service is fast and the staff are very friendly. For the food, if you want old fashioned home cooked meals, I highly recommend it. This is my go to restaurant. read more

Seriously the worst beef stew I've had in a long time. It's was way too sweet and thick and I wish I took a photo. It was like candied beef stew. Who wants that? I ordered a mini all rice and couldn't even eat it all.My mom ordered the hamburger steak and she said she liked it. I tried it and yes, it was tasty. Cashier was very sweet and courteous. read more

I got rec'd to try this this place by my cousin who used to work here and when I somehow found myself in wahiawa I figured why not. She wasn't kidding when she said hole in the wall as it's just a couple tables and that's it. I was looking to order the honey garlic chicken as it's supposedly that's what they're famous for, but I ended up going for the miso garlic chicken instead, as that sound sounded kind of interesting as well. Food came out relatively fast and look to be portioning well. I love a very crispy chicken. That's not too meaty and this one hit just the spot. I was definitely surprised at the miso was like a drizzle as well as the sauce underneath so the bottom ones got more coverage in the top but they were all evenly well done. I also as you know, love heaping scoops of rice and the scoops of rice here were phenomenal. I do eventually want to go back and try the honey garlic chicken and ideally their cherry pork chops, cause that look good too. I think the only thing holding it back from the five is that these items for whatever reason fall under combination plate plates and therefore do not get a mini. I wasn't exactly looking to get a regular plate as it was 17 bucks but they said that it was the only way I could get it so I semi understand but don't. Overall relatively solid place if you're OK with dealing it with that. read more

Really good plate lunch options at a decent price. I've grown up on Islander Drive Inn - Salt Lake, so I was excited to have the chance to try their Wahiawa location since the wife and I were in the area. I feel like the Salt Lake location has far more "specials" but nonetheless, the food here still hits the spot. My go-to plate will always be the Honey Garlic Chicken. The mini was more than enough for me, having one scoop rice, one scoop mac salad, and a mountain of crispy, plump, flavorful chicken with that sweet/tangy sauce. The beef stew and burgers are also good for a change, and my wife's fave is the Garlic Shrimp Plate. Inside seating area remains open with a few 4 seater tables. Service was fast and friendly, but the restaurant could use a bit of a deep cleaning. Hope you enjoy! :) read more

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Decent portioned lunch plates at a reasonable price. I ordered the grilled fish which was battered and fried, a bit confusing. It had OK flavors, liked the onion and garlic topping. Lady at the counter was nice, but not very informative about the plates. Didn't really ask about the sides, just gave mac salad. Then found out also had option of toss salad. Side was simple and clean. Recommend looking at the walls and special board prior to ordering as there are more options than what's on the menu. And, ask questions about options. read more

Islander Drive Inn - Grilled fish - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

Decided to give this place another chance since it has been 2 years. MISTAKE!!! You're charging $6.75 for a pathetic fish sandwich?! This thing is the size of a cheeseburger from McD's!!! No lettuce, tomato just a tiny a$$ piece of fish on a tiny a$$ hamburger bun, slathered with nasty "tartar" sauce. read more

Islander Drive Inn - Fish sandwich - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

Islander drive-in in Wahiawa has been here over 20 years. The employees are as nice as can be. The restaurant has plenty of seating and is clean. The service is quick and the food is good. It's somewhat off the beaten path if you're visiting, but only a quarter-mile off of Kamehameha highway. If you're looking for home style local food. This is your place. read more

Always a hit, craving a lunch plate i go here Every single person we've gotten food for from here always loves it. Food is ready promptly and fresh and delicious. Service is quick and always helpful and accommodating. read more

I work in the area so I frequent this drive-in very often. The hamburger steak and macaroni salad is absolutely fire. It reminds me of the old drive-ins that closed. The food is very tasty and the brown gravy with the hamburger steak is amazing. It's a hit or miss sometimes I get soggy white rice, but it's OK. I prefer more of a flaky rice versus soggy. The macaroni salad is always good. They also have that taste like the old drive-in burgers. And the french fries with gravy reminds me of Makaha drive-in back in the day. Great place depending on what you're ordering. They also take, Iza and MasterCard along with cash. Just know that they charge a percentage if you use a credit or debit card. read more

Islander Drive Inn - Menu - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

This place really went downhill. I stopped by on Saturday and encountered the most miserable worker. He was very unpleasant and I could tell he absolutely hated working there. I strongly recommend not visiting this eatery unless you want to experience the worst customer service in the entire city of Wahiawa. read more

Hawaiian Chop Steak I'm Really Disappointed & Paid Over Priced For Basically A Plate of Onions. Thought This Was Suppose to Be A Healthy Choice Plate & Deserves More Veggies Then Onions I Don't Recommend!!! Dare If U Want To Over Pay & Feeling Rich I Dont Even Rate Any Stars For This Dish. But Gotta read more

Islander Drive Inn - ordered the Hawaiian Chop Steak but all U Get Is 2 Different Kine Onions & Wat U See! OVER PRICED for what You Get! Don't Recommend!!! - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

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I always come here. They have great service Food is excellent. Today's Special pot Roast Pork with Mushrooms. Price is very reasonable .

Islander Drive Inn is located in Wahiawa Shopping Center. It is known to have a lot of local favorites here. They offer a variety of food so it's hard if you don't know what you really want to eat. If you find something you like, it's better to order it. Of course, like anywhere else you go, there's some food you enjoy more than others. That's to be expected! Afterall, sometimes it's hard to please everyone. My favorite from here is the pork chops w/gravy & mushrooms or the homemade hamburger steak. I've never had a problem not enjoying this. Hopefully one day, I will try something different. But for now, I want to chose the sure thing! Don't want to be disappointed. read more

Islander Drive Inn - Pork chops w/gravy & fresh mushrooms - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

I ordered 2 honey garlic chicken and garlic shrimp specials just shy of $29, one with fried shrimp instead. The issue I had is they forgot the sauce for the dry chicken and didnt clean the vein out of 3 of my shrimp. This is all fine and I wasn't looking for another plate, just letting them know but then I get a call from the manager. She ends up saying that there is sauce judging by the pictures I sent to their employee, basically implying that I am lying about there being no sauce more than one time. In my message to the employee with the pictures I said "my mom added tonkatsu sauce", main reason, it was dry. I wouldn't be writing this if the manager handled herself better but since I feel the message wasn't recieved and she made like I was lying, I figure I will share my experience. The manager did acknowledge the vein so I won't be posting a pic of that, noone wanna see that. read more

Islander Drive Inn - My chicken - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

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From 5 stars to 3 Islander Drive Inn was my ideal place for hamburger steak for many many years. My last visit here was about 6 months ago, not sure if there has been a change in cook? Or new owner perhaps? But today, the hamburger steak was disappointing. The hamburger was overcooked and rubbery, and the gravy was bland. I feel bad recommending this place to a dear yelp friend and sadly seems like a different recipe. Maybe they had a bad day?, I won't give up and will try again in a few months. read more

FYI - they turn off the fryer every Thursday at 5:55pm. The dude who should tie back his hair since he's working in food service said they do this in order to change the oil every week. Ok. read more

This has happened MULTIPLE times now. I've called to make phone orders before, hours before closing, either no answer or we get told they're not taking phone orders at the moment. Okay understandable, I've worked in food industry for years I know how it is when it's busy. But to go in person to order (again, hours before closing) to be turned away. Man you guys must really not want the money. I will not be going here again, seems they don't want the business anyways. Wish I could give 0 stars cause they don't even deserve 1 read more

The food here is great the hamburger patty is thin but tasty the honey garlic chicken is pretty good, barbq cheese burger is okay, laulau is Amazing when its available and they sell out fast..they sell out fast or don't have any items fairly often. The portions on the regular playe are like mini portions at l&l or even less. The workers lack customer service and professionalism. It's bad when aunty used to complain about the ac being broken last year and now its working great and she complains how shes tired and to lock the door at 715pm. Mind you the hours were posted for close at like 9pm? Maybe the sign disappeared. Anyway its going down hill from all the great food and reviews I've seen. When in a pinch we will grab dinner here but other then that we wont be coming by as often as we would like because of portions, price, and just uncomfortable comments from workers read more

I try to give the benefit of the doubt but the food is pretty bad. I had the roast pork (so-so at BEST) with mushrooms and there was hardly any meat - it was spread out over rice to give the appearance of being a lot. The mushrooms literally looked like they popped open a can from Longs Drugs and poured cold mushrooms on the gravy. Overpriced soda. I wanted to eat in but for some reason they said "take out only". And then to top it off they quote me $16 something and it I see $17 something on my card which means they probably tacked on a credit card transaction fee and didn't tell me. read more

On September 2, 2023 at 1pm My elEx and I decided to have lunch at Islander I ordered Regular plate Garlic Shrimp and Ex had Mini Barbecue Chicken We sat inside to enjoy our meal Well my Garlic Shrimp I had to tackle peeling off the shell which was stuck to the shrimp I tackled with more time on the shell peeling than enjoying this shrimp As for my Ex barbecued chicken he didn't enjoy it either his chicken was burnt and dry Plus if you use a credit/debit card you will be charged extra $3.00 fee for using credit card UNBELIEVABLE Decided not to return to this establishment ever Will take my business else where like Seoul Inn in Wahiawa between Goodwill and Foodland more tastier and portion is worth the price their Meat Chun taste like the old Dong Yang Restaurant before Aloha read more

The food is ok, went today because after a long day I'm too tired to cook. After I got my order the cashier double checked that the pork chops was cut up. Cool replies "it is because I don't want to hear anymore complaints" in reference to months prior the cashier (not the cook) messed up. Twice. I didn't ask for a refund nothing just to correct the problem which they did. Everything would be fine if the cook kept her comments to herself. You don't add any comments to a customer. That's poor customer service read more

Really lost for words as to why the spot has less than 4 stars. We came in, it was empty, but cleaned. We ordered food and as always, we hope it's good. Granted it was our first time. I ordered the laulau combo w/katsu and it was flavorful! Simple, but IYKYK that certain spots, you taste fried oil and the meat is dried out. This one had golden crunchy color and chicken was so ono! Laulau was good, not dark or overcooked. Was perfect. Only downside, I wish I asked for brown gravy for the katsu! Lol. Wife ordered the seafood combo, now, if you local, you know most places hard for serve this without overfrying the shrimp or the shrimp is freezer burnt or the ting is all batter no pleasure. These guys nailed it! Keeping it nice and gold brown and shrimp isn't fried out. Fish was mean! And the scallops, you can see um!! Hahaha! Overall, good quality for a local joint and we'll definitely be coming back! At least I know I would! read more

Delicious food we ordered honey garlic chicken and roast pork with mushrooms . Ono you gotta try it yourself. Food is filling, service is great, prices are very reasonable. read more

Food was ok. Same as and L and L drive inn. My plate taste the same too. No difference. Atmosphere was good. Good AC. Got kinda cold but. Prices are about the same as other places. But it's a descent place to eat. Service was ok too. I would go back to eat. read more

I really like the BBQ Chicken and Broccoli plate. My Dad enjoys their Grill fish plate.

Went there today and bought 3 plate lunches. 2 regular and 1 mini plate. I must say, it's a total rip-off. The plates are super small, and there prices are high. The plates are super light and skimpy. Worst ever. Go to L&L down the road for the same food. And they give a lot more. I mean alot compared to this place. Rip off. Don't waste your money and time to be disappointed. read more

Decent plate lunch fare. Loved the Honey Garlic Chicken. Thought the Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy and the Garlic Shrimp were okay. I would have wished the fresh mushrooms that they added to the pork chops were cooked down instead of raw then I'm sure I would have liked it more. I would definitely go back for the Honey Garlic Chicken if I'm in the area. Also maybe we were lucky but we had pretty good service even though she looked really tired. So no attitude when we called to ask where the place was, no attitude when ordering our food, no attitude when asking for the restroom key, & no attitude when purchasing a refill of our soda. read more

This is a dive spot. You need something quick and dirty, Islanders can provide that for you. Taste and price are matched up well and cooked with Aloha even though the help doesn't seem like they want to be there. They have all the classic plate lunch items... All are okay but being a health conscious person now, I don't plan on eating here that much. Grind on! Pau! read more

Islander Drive Inn - Their menu boards... - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

Islander Drive Inn has the best sesame chicken I ever tasted! I admit it. I'm addicted. Every time I go to Wahiawa I feel an urge to pick up a plate of this ono dish. Not sure why it's called a Drive Inn as it's a regular plate lunch kind place. It's in Wahiawa in the last mall going off California Ave. towards Wahiawa Heights, a few doors from Long's. The other food looks yummy too, but I always go back to the best sesame chicken If you try it be warned it takes longer than usual to cook, around 15 minutes. I usually order it for half an hour or so pick up and duck into Long's for household whatever's. The counter staff is always nice and the place is clean. There's around 8 booths or so. Comfy, just like the kind of neighborhood place we grew up eating plate lunch. If you're coming back from the North Shore or just in the area, I recommend Islander Drive Inn. read more

My family and I have been supporting this business for more than 10yrs now and it is our go to quick dinner meals on busy hectic days. My husband really enjoys their Lau lau plates but timing is key because they do run out. The regular plate comes with 2 very juicy and delicious lau lau with rice and mac salad or you can always try a mini or combo plate also. I like their chicken cutlet plate with brown gravy all over and I always get a regular so that I can have leftovers the next morning for breakfast. They also have mushroom chicken with broccoli that my daughter likes. Friendly staff and food is always hot and made to order. We have also done some catering with them for special occasions and their prices are reasonable for the amount of food that is given. We will to continue to support this business as long as they remain open. Definitely a regular here. Sorry no pics were taken at the time of this review. read more

Cashier was rude and full of attitude. You don't like people? Don't work in customer service. My food was cold, like they just took it out of the fridge. It's a cheeseburger.. on top of that, there was hair in our food. Long piece of hair in the rice! read more

Islander Drive Inn - Seriously?! Frickin hair?! You work in a kitchen, tie your hair up. - Hawaiian Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

Food was horrible and portions were so small for the prices. Got a mini chicken katsu which when opened was laughed at for the portion they gave. Also had the miso chicken which was extremely oily. Might as well go to L&L at least you know what you are getting. read more

Born and raised wahiawa islanders used to be the go to spot but within the last couple years they've been going down hill food sucks ,customer service sucks (young kids with attitude) I am never able to make a phone order they never answer! Also if I go in the open sign is flashing customers inside and its 30 mins before closing and they have the nerve to say they're closed or "we took our last order! or "we're super" busy and turn people away! I've been in the food business long time if your open sign is ON FLASHING OPEN that means your open to serve your customers! If you don't want the business close down! This is not the first time! this has been happening for the last two years now and it sucks watching a business go down hill when it used to be the one of the best in wahiawa! Happy to see I'm not the only one seeing this plenty 1 star reviews on here saying the same thing! So hopefully something changes! read more

My first time ever there AND I LOVE their Honey Garlic Chicken Plate! First of many visits to come!

I guess there was a new cook cuz I usually see Aunty cooking it up back there . I ate there about a month ago . The food taste bland and my son and I ended up sick that night . Both of us were throwing up and ending up in the ER . I love this place I've ate here since I was a little girl but I guess that day was just a wrong day to go there . I have it a 3 star just because I know this place has good food just that day the food wasn't cooked with Love . I usually eat there every month at least twice but haven't been back since . We see read more

Our experiences here have always been good. Its a typical diner like atmosphere but to me its cleaner than one's I grew up going to. Our family likes this place for a quick plate lunch or cheeseburger combo. We also love the krinkle fries! read more

I would really love to give this place more stars, but the customer service was very lackluster. I understand that I was dining in a shopping center, and I wasn't expecting anything fancy but the attitude I got from the cashier almost made me walk out before paying. Apparently your order has to be at least $10.00 to use your card (my total was $9 and change), so I asked to upgrade my drink one size to get to $10.00. I guess that was a HUGE inconvience for a woman who didn't have anyone behind me in line. After loudly telling the cooks she had to process the same order again because I couldn't read the sign she completely ignored me the rest of the time I was there while being obviously friendly to the other few people in the restaurant. I am glad I stayed - the honey chicken was really tasty. I'm just not sure I would want to talk to the sassy cashier again. read more

I am a huge fan of Fried Chicken and very picky at that. I decided to try their three piece chicken plate, which came with two scoops of rice, mac salad and three nice sized portions of the chicken thighs. Took a bite of it and fell in love. The flavors were perfect and it wasn't dry like some places have theirs. I have yet to try other dishes but portion wise on most of their plates, are pretty decent. Customer service could be a little more friendlier, but all in all, so far so good. read more

Ehh.. this place was ok, if you are starving & not in the mood for the other restaurants around it. I had already passed every other place to eat in Wahiawa so I decided to get some take-out from here. Islander has the regular plate lunch fare like bbq chicken, chicken katsu, hamburgers, mixed plates.. you know the deal. I got the special of the day: grilled ahi with garlic & onions. My mom got the bbq short ribs & hubs got a bbq cheeseburger & fries. The grilled ahi was pretty good--two ahi steaks covered in tons of sauteed onions & garlic, served with tartar sauce (weird?), 2 scoops of rice & mac salad. For $7.50, it wasn't bad, but could have used a little more salt. The short ribs fell short here.. they were gummy, pretty fatty & also bland. They were stingy with the portion, too! The bbq cheeseburger tasted well seasoned, and came with cheese, mayo, mustard & bbq sauce. The fries were soggy & also lacked salt. All in all, I wouldn't recommend the plate lunches here unless it's purely for convenience. You can get way better bbq at L&L down the road, or even the famous Dong Yang. read more