City Council Honors Waipahu’s Growing Highway Inn Restaurant

Highway Inn’s Monica Toguchi receives an honorary certificate presented by Councilmembers Carol Fukunaga (far left), Ron Menor (holding certificate) and Breene Harimoto. Photo from Councilman Menor.

Local-style eatery Highway Inn has been honored by the City Council for serving the community for the last 66 years.

Together City Council-members Ron Menor (District 9), Carol Fukunaga (District 6) and Breene Harimoto (District 8) presented an honorary certificate to Highway Inn Dec. 11 during a meeting in council chambers.

The restaurant opened its first location in Waipahu in 1947. Its second location opened earlier this month in Kakaako. When it first opened, Highway Inn was a popular spot for employees of the Waipahu Sugar Mill.

Currently, the restaurant is run by the original owners’ granddaughter, Monica Toguchi. Under her leadership, Highway Inn has amassed $2 million in sales annually.

In addition to the restaurant, Highway Inn also has a general store, seafood market and catering business.

“Highway Inn is hands down one of the best restaurants in Hawaii that serves traditional, homemade Hawaiian food,” stated Menor.

“For many locals, when it comes to Hawaiian food, Highway Inn is the place to go.”