The Toguchi family opened Highway Inn in 1947 in Waipahu, serving the authentic Hawaiian plate lunch food that had sustained the island’s plantation workers for generations — lau lau, kalua pig, lomi salmon, poi, and the dishes that are Hawaii’s culinary heritage rather than its tourist-facing presentation. Three generations and three locations later, the family is still running it the same way. Highway Inn appeared in Season 8, Episode 11 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Triple D Goes Hawaiian,” which aired April 5, 2010. The Pipikaula — beef marinated, hung to dry, then grilled and sliced on the flat top — most impressed Guy. The restaurant has won numerous Hale Aina Awards from Honolulu Magazine for best Hawaiian food restaurant and has been named the best diner in Hawaii by Food and Wine.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Highway Inn and Ho’okipa Catering
City: Waipahu, Hawaii
Cuisine: Hawaiian Food / Pork
DDD Season: 8
DDD Episode: 11
Episode Title: Triple D Goes Hawaiian
Original Air Date: April 5, 2010
Address: 94-226 Leoku St., Waipahu, HI 96797 (featured location; current Waipahu address may differ — check website)
Phone: 808-677-4345
Website: https://www.myhighwayinn.com
Status: Open (multiple locations)
What to Eat
Lau Lau — pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed — is the Hawaiian classic that defines what Highway Inn does. Kalua Pig, shredded thread by thread and seasoned with Hawaiian salt, is the other centerpiece. The Pipikaula, marinated dried beef grilled on the flat top, is the DDD standout. Poi, Lomi Salmon, Squid Luau, and Beef Stew round out the traditional Hawaiian plate. Find an Oahu hotel on Booking.com — Highway Inn is 20 minutes from Waikiki and worth every minute of the drive.
Plan Your Visit
Highway Inn is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Check the website for current location details as the restaurant has relocated within Waipahu.
Phone: 808-677-4345
Website: https://www.myhighwayinn.com
Status: Open
Flavortown Approved
Highway Inn is the real Hawaiian food experience — not the tourist version, the local one. Stream the Triple D Goes Hawaiian episode on Amazon.
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Highway Inn and Ho’okipa Catering appeared in Season 8, Episode 11 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Triple D Goes Hawaiian,” originally aired April 5, 2010. The Toguchi family has been operating Highway Inn since 1947. Highway Inn has won multiple Hale Aina Awards and been named the best diner in Hawaii by Food and Wine.