Highway Inn Kaka'ako

We got seated fast. The food came out hot and fast. So flavorful!! The service was amazing!! The desert was really good.

This place was recommended by the local guide on our harbour tour as the best Hawai’i food, and he wasn’t wrong! The deep fried fish collar with gravy was amazing, sounds weird I know, but it was so tasty! We got the Highway Inn sampler plate, and the Haupia was better than the one we got at a Luau last night. The waitress Angie was so friendly to the kids, and she made some great dish recommendations. Best Hawaiian food so far!

Highway Inn Kaka'ako is an ideal spot for a delightful and satisfying lunch, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes that showcase local flavors and fresh ingredients. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt welcomed by the warm and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is bright, clean, and spacious, creating a comfortable setting to enjoy a relaxing meal. The menu is impressive, with plenty of choices to please different tastes. Each dish is carefully prepared and full of authentic flavor. I sampled several items and was impressed by how fresh and well-seasoned everything was. The portions are generous, making it easy to share or enjoy a filling meal on your own. Service at Highway Inn Kaka'ako is another highlight. The staff is attentive and genuinely kind, ensuring that every guest feels taken care of. My food arrived quickly, yet the quality and presentation were excellent, showing the kitchen’s efficiency and attention to detail. Their thoughtful approach made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I had a wonderful lunch here, enjoying both the vibrant flavors and the cheerful energy of the team. For anyone seeking a place with great food, quick and friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Highway Inn Kaka'ako is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a perfect lunchtime destination that leaves you satisfied and happy.

There was about a 10 minute wait, which is very reasonable, considering this place gets quite crowded. According to their website, you can only reserve for parties of six or larger. Once we were seated service was a little slow. Our waiter mixed up, not just one, but two orders…. The first was the type of poke we wanted. The second was that he only brought one bloody Mary instead of the two we ordered. The place is very comfortable, vibe, very relaxed, but quite loud. Hawaii Hawaiian music is always playing so that’s a bonus. Ordered the Highway Inn Tasting Plate which has your choice of pork or chicken laulau, poi, baked sweet potato, chicken long rice (local version of glass noodle soup), lomi salmon, and squid luau. A small block of haupia finishes off the dish o’ plenty. It was all good, and a perfect way to get reacquainted with probably one of the only kinds of food that isn’t done well in Okinawa. Of course I got sticker shock because the prices were much higher than an Okinawa, but that’s not anyone’s fault in Hawaii.

I visited Highway Inn Kaka'ako to try traditional Hawaiian food, and it went far beyond my expectations. The flavors, the presentation, and the overall experience were all fantastic. If you're going solo and don't mind sitting at the bar, you might get seated pretty quickly. Otherwise, be prepared for a bit of a wait—this place is popular for a reason! That said, once seated, the food came out fast, and the service was excellent. The quality of the food was phenomenal—authentic, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Prices were very reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes and quality. I also really appreciated the small guide they provide, which explains what each traditional dish is—super helpful if you're new to Hawaiian cuisine. I'd highly recommend Highway Inn Kaka'ako to anyone looking to experience real Hawaiian food in a welcoming, down-to-earth spot.

I had the fish tacos. I thought the fish was dry and tough. My partner had the combo platter. Chicken beef and fish with white rice. It was very good. They had a one man band which was really nice. I would definitely go back and try something else