Our Story

In a world of rapid changes, we are nostalgic for things

that bring us back to a simpler time. People in Hawaii are

faced with the rising cost of living, local businesses

closing, and friends and family moving away. Amid this

uncertainty, we yearn for things that bring us hope and

comfort.

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Rainbow Drive-In provides the familiarity and comfort

food we crave. It started when Seiju and Ayako Ifuku

decided to build their American Dream. Seiju was born in

Hawaii but raised in Okinawa. He moved back to Hawaii

where he joined the U.S. Army and learned to cook while

serving with the famous 100th Battalion during WWII.

After the war, the couple worked in various small

restaurants while raising their young children. In 1961,

Seiju and Ayako took a chance and opened Rainbow

Drive-In in Kapahulu.

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Their philosophy was to serve generous portions of

hearty, simple food that appealed to working-class

people. Rainbow Drive-In continues this tradition by

serving food that reflects Hawaii’s immigrant culture. It

has played a key role in the creation of “plate lunch”

culture of Hawaii and their menu items continue to be

iconic Hawaii dishes.

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Rainbow Drive-In has remained a family-owned

business and is now operated by the 3rd generation of

the Ifuku family.

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Rainbow Drive-In continues to serve local comfort food

with aloha and takes pride in every plate they serve.