About Us

Hawaii’s Favorite Kitchens (HFK) is located right next to the famous Rainbow Drive-In on Kapahulu Avenue. It’s a great spot for trying all kinds of local foods, so there’s something tasty for everyone! You can enjoy unique treats like waffle dogs from KC Drive Inn or a warm chili bowl from Rainbow Drive-In. Looking for a fun Hawaii-themed gift? Don’t miss the t-shirts and tank tops from Hawaii Nostalgia—they make great souvenirs!

Rainbow Drive-In

Seiju Ifuku, founder of Rainbow Drive-In, learned to cook while serving in the Army during WWII with the 100th Battalion. After the war, he worked at Kapiolani Drive-In and later opened Kalakaua Drive-In with his wife, Ayako. In 1961, they opened Rainbow Drive-In in Kapahulu, near Waikiki. Their menu featured affordable meals like chili with rice for 50 cents, BBQ steak plate lunches for a dollar, hamburgers for 25 cents, and French fries for 14 cents. These were simple, hearty meals designed for local families, workers, and beachgoers.

Seiju and Ayako believed in serving generous portions at fair prices, with each plate offering two scoops of rice and a side of macaroni salad. They kept prices low, raised them slowly, and avoided charging taxes so customers knew exactly what they were paying. Rainbow Drive-In became well-loved locally and gained national fame through features on the Travel Channel and Food Network. Even as Rainbow Drive-In enters its sixth decade, it still follows its original values of affordable, filling meals and fast, friendly service.

KC Drive Inn

The Asato family bought KC Drive Inn in 1934, originally a carhop on the corner of Ala Wai Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue. It quickly became a popular spot for late-night visitors, including couples, families, and Waikiki performers. Known for its friendly service and tasty local-style food, KC Drive Inn later moved to a new spot at Kapahulu and Harding avenues. Two of its famous menu items were the Waffle Dogs, a hot dog cooked in a sweet waffle batter until crispy, and the Ono Ono Shakes.

KC Drive Inn closed in 2005, marking the end of Hawaii’s last carhop restaurant. But Dayton Asato, a member of the family, kept the tradition alive by making and selling Waffle Dogs at events like bon dances, festivals, and pop-ups around Hawaii and even in Japan. This keeps a bit of KC Drive Inn’s legacy going for new generations to enjoy.

Lin's Hawaiian Snacks

Lin's Hawaiian Snacks offers a wide variety of popular Hawaiian and Asian treats, like crack seed, li hing mui, dried fruit, nuts, candy, and seafood. Shin and Jim Lin moved to Honolulu from Taiwan in 1982, and just a few years later, they started selling their products at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and the Ward Farmers Market. They began with vegetables and swim toys but soon switched to snacks, becoming a go-to spot for island treats.

One of their most popular items is li hing pineapple, which Shin introduced about 17 years ago. Shin loves seeing people's happy reactions when they try it, especially tourists, because he hopes they'll remember Lin's and come back for more when they return to Hawaii. By offering free samples, Shin ensures that customers leave satisfied with their tasty snacks.

Makai, Poke by Rainbows

Makai, Poke by Rainbows, opened in fall 2020 and is part of Hawaii's Favorite Kitchens. They offer fresh, locally-sourced poke, which can be ordered as a poke bowl or by the pound to go with other meals. Makai has a wide range of menu choices, making it popular with both locals and visitors looking for tasty and picture-perfect poke.

Shimazu Shave Ice

Shimazu Shave Ice started in 1999 as a small kiosk at Mililani Marketplace, thanks to Kelvin Shimazu, who wanted to give Hawaii the best shave ice. As people loved his unique flavors, Shimazu's grew and opened its first official store in Kalihi in 2006. With over 80 flavors and friendly service, it quickly became one of Hawaii’s top shave ice spots and even appeared on shows like Ultimate Japan and Bizarre Foods.

In 2015, Shimazu's opened a new location at Hawaii’s Favorite Kitchens in Kapahulu. They continue to make syrups with real cane sugar and offer creative flavors like Classic Rainbow, Red Velvet and Creme Brulee, and Tropical Flavors. Today, owner Kendall Shimazu works to keep his dad’s dream alive by making the best quality shave ice and listening to customers' flavor ideas.

Hawaii Nostalgia

Hawaii Nostalgia Studio was started in 1987 by Wayne Nishimoto, who loved collecting items like baseball cards, Coca Cola memorabilia, and Hawaiian souvenirs. When his hobby got too expensive, Wayne came up with the idea for Hawaii Nostalgia Studio to share his passion. With artist Joe Pimental, he began creating art pieces for picture frames and large displays. Later, in the early 90s, he teamed up with artist Benjy Ito to put nostalgic designs on t-shirts.

Hawaii Nostalgia Studio has created over 80 designs, with popular ones featuring Hawaii landmarks like Rainbow Drive-In, the Old Honolulu Stadium, and Coco’s Coffee House. Wayne hopes to expand his business and maybe even open a store or café based on these nostalgic themes. Each item they sell helps people remember Hawaii’s past, giving locals and visitors a way to “Keep the Memories Alive.”