6 facts about Oʻahu's new SONIC Drive-In coming soon
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Get ready, Kapolei! SONIC Drive-In is making its Oʻahu debut. Known for its retro vibes, roller-skating carhops and thousands of drink combos, the fast-food chain has officially broken ground on its first Oʻahu location.
Set to open in early 2026, SONIC Kapolei will bring its curbside service, signature menu and community-focused mission to the corner of Fort Barrette Road and Kapolei Parkway.
Here's what KHON2.com was able to find out about the restaurant chain.
This isn't your typical drive-thru. At SONIC, you park, order from your car and wait while a carhop, often on roller skates, brings your food right to you. It's a style of service that feels like a throwback, but it's designed for today's busy lives. Think burgers, tots and slushes without ever leaving your seat.
SONIC is famous for its Cherry Limeade, Cajun fries and footlong chili cheese coneys, but the menu doesn't stop there. You'll find crispy chicken sandwiches, breakfast burritos and more than 1.5 million drink combinations. And in Hawaiʻi, you'll also get the exclusive 'Only in Hawaiʻi' Teri Burger; it's a local-style twist you won't find anywhere else.
On April 25, a local kahuna (Hawaiian priest) led a traditional blessing on the site to honor the land and all those working to build SONIC Kapolei.
'It's our kuleana to respect the ʻāina and the community we're joining,' said Takeo Prather, head of development for SONIC Hawaiʻi.
SONIC Kapolei is expected to create more than 100 new jobs that will include cooks, carhops and managers. That's a big boost for the area and a chance for local residents to join a national brand with a strong local focus.
Through its Limeades for Learning® program, SONIC donates a portion of every Drink, Slush, Blast and Shake sold to help local schools. Since 2009, the brand has given over $30 million to public education. That mission will continue on Oʻahu.
With opening day set for early 2026, SONIC fans have some time to prepare and build up an appetite.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
You can click to learn more about SONIC.
Until then, you might want to start thinking about your perfect drink combo. Or better yet, two.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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