Highway Inn (Waipahu and Kakaʻako)

One of Oʻahu's best-known Hawaiian food restaurants, started in 1947 by Seiichi and Nancy Toguchi in Waipahu. Locations in Waipahu and Kakaʻako; try the Tasting Plate (kālua pig, chicken long rice, lomi salmon, squid lūʻau). Closes at 3 p.m. on Sundays.

• Founded September 1947 on Farrington Highway; now on Moloalo Street in Waipahu (since 2020).
• Kakaʻako location opened in 2013, near Ala Moana; adds fish tacos, kālua pig nachos and laulau spring rolls.
• Its Bishop Museum café was rebranded Tūtū's Place in 2025.
• Signature dishes: pipikaula, hand-wrapped laulau, beef stew, kālua pig, squid lūʻau, haupia.
• Closes at 3 p.m. on Sundays; closed major holidays.
• Hours change and many small spots sell out or close early; call or check online before you go.

Sources: Aloha State Daily: Iconic Eats, Highway Inn (Oct. 2026) · Hawaiʻi Magazine: 5 best traditional Hawaiian restaurants on Oʻahu (updated May 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.