Rainbow Drive-In

 
Rainbow Drive-In
Rainbow Drive In Waikiki
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Rainbow Drive In

If you have ever been on Kapahulu Ave in the 96815, you may have passed the legendary Rainbow Drive-In. Well-preserved for over 50 years, it serves up all the local favorites daily. While they are known for their Loco Moco and mix plate lunches, my favorite has to be the cheeseburger, fries and a float. It is my ideal comfort meal. In addition to their good eats, part of the Rainbow charm is the authentic vintage vibe. Enjoying my simplistic meal, I like to think about what the 96815 was like when this restaurant first opened many years ago. The atmosphere, music, people, and style from a different time are all coming together to paint a nostalgic picture in my mind. I find myself on the last sips of my float and it's time to wake up from my 1960's daydream. I awaken happy and full. Reality is still pretty dreamy at this classic neighborhood spot. 

Rainbow Drive-In, Open Daily 7am to 9pm, 3308 Kanaina Ave, the 96815

 

Leonard's Bakery

 
Leonards Bakery
leonards bakery
leonards bakery
leonards bakery
leonards bakery
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leonards bakery
malasadas

If you are in the 96815, you may want to pay a visit to the legendary Leonard's Bakery at the end of Kapahulu Avenue for their famous Portuguese malasadas. We pass Leonard's on a daily basis, desperately trying to resist their sweet temptation. At last, we fall victim and it's more delicious than the time before. The malasada is pure, sweet, deep-fried, doughy pleasure rolled in sugar. So, how did the Portuguese malasada become a must-eat for people living in and visiting Hawaii? In the late 1800s, the DoRego family made the long sea voyage from Portugal to Maui to work the sugar cane fields. A few generations later, their grandson, Leonard, moved to Oahu to open Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu. On the suggestion of his mother, Leonard began offering the traditional Portuguese malasada. Now, in 2014, people from all over the world line up from 5:30am to 11pm to partake in this delicious treat. Two morals to Leonard's story: listen to your mother and anything is possible. 

The 96815 tip: Try the flavor of the month! On our visit, we had the macadamia nut filled malasada as well as the traditional non-filled version covered with sugar.

Leonard's Bakery, 933 Kapahulu Ave, Sunday to Thursday 5:30am - 10pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30am - 11pm