Celebrate 60 years of plate lunches

Boneless Chicken with Gravy Plate

Rainbow Drive-In continues to serve plenty of aloha in each of its signature plate lunches and locally inspired meals as it has done for its legion of loyal customers over the past six decades.

Rainbow Drive-In first opened on Oct. 2, 1961, behind the vision and hard work of Seiju and Ayako Ifuku. Seiju learned to cook in the Army, while serving in the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regiment. From that first day of business through present day, Rainbow Drive-In has offered an array of local-style plate lunches for hungry customers from all over the island and the world.

BBQ Pork Plate with Chili

“Sixty years means a lot to us,” says Chris Iwamura, Rainbow Drive-In’s CEO and third-generation owner. “It means that we’ve had multiple generations of families coming to the same spot to enjoy their favorite meals. We strive to keep Rainbows a place where you can consistently visit and get that same feeling and taste of nostalgia and comfort.”

Shoyu Chicken Plate, daily special

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Iwamura — who notes that some of his favorite dishes at Rainbow Drive-In include Shoyu Chicken (rotating daily special, price varies by location), Boneless Chicken with Gravy (price varies by location), BBQ Pork Plate (price varies by location) with Chili on the rice (additional charge for chili) — is appreciative of his strong customer base for continuing to visit the restaurants amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this pandemic, our customers and the community have really come together to support the Drive-In and our employees,” Iwamura says. “We can’t thank everyone enough, and we hope that our food can give people a break and put a smile on their faces. Our loyal community and customers are the reason we’ve made it to 60 years, and the reason we will strive for many more.”