Penny's Drive In

The two fisted culinary oasis between Sand Island and Nimitz Hwy. Along Sand Island Access Road you will pass strip mall type businesses which have many places to eat, primarily order and dash. You'll see a lot of trucks pulling into front parking areas, too big for the stalls so parked along side the road for a quick getaway. Pennys has been in business since 1965 and has been serving this area for over 50 years. When in the area it was always a given that we would check out Pennys for local grinds to eat immediately or for latets. They serve typical plate lunch fare, but my go to selection is always their beef stew. A generous portion with the right mix of goodies, just enough meat, and the stew gravy just the right consistency. Couple that with toss instead of mac and you have a somewhat balanced meal that is really good. Don't forget to ask for pickled onions-mmmmm. Regarding parking, because trucks park along the road, it's probably a good idea to reverse into a parking stall. If a large rig happens to park along the road, might have a hard time backing out. Note: the stew meat can be a little tough, but usually nice and tender. My only regret is that they are not open on the weekends. When you want your Pennys fix on a Saturday or Sunday you'll have to suck it up and wait till the weekday.

cute hole in the wall in sand island. i like how they are pretty festive with their decorations for Halloween. there is a few parking stalls out front - and i think 2 of them was dedicated to just pennys. they take cash or card with a small fee. ordering is simple through the first window at the entrance. there is some kind of PA system so they can hear you through the glass. all of the worders were really friendly. pickup is at the next window at towards the exit, but they don't want you to block the area so just move aside.There is a few bar tables and sit down tables in this back corner if you decide to eat there. I ordered the hamburger deluxe for 5.50, beef stew bowl no rice for $9, and then a saimin $5. the hamburger was the best. beef stew could have been better if the meat was softer, and the saimin noodles was soggy - maybe because it was already in the soup and not separated. the saimin bowl was also leaking from the top lid. otherwise, the food is ok, but not something i would go out of my way for again.

Went to Penny's Drive In and ordered the mini roast pork with pickled onions ($.25). I am coming out of a bad case of bronchitis, but this lunch hit the spot. It tasted very good considering my taste buds are not all working. The pickled onions was what I needed. We ordered ahead...and the food was ready on time for pick up. No real ambience...but cute little diner....nice selection on the menu.

I remember eating here like 20 years ago when i last worked in kalihi and it is still here and still the same. This is a goto, quick bite when you are in the sand island access area. Cant go wrong.

This place is pretty small but since we went during Halloween it was very festive with all the Halloween decorations. The lady that help us was nice and very easy to talk to they do have a PA type of system for when you order and for pick up so you can hear them very clearly. So on to the food I had the regular breakfast with corn beef hash with fried rice and over easy eggs and my friend had their roast pork with Mac salad and pickled onions with white rice. We both enjoyed our plates for me it was just the right amount of food I wasn't too full or still hungry.

Just came out of the airport looking for a place to eat. We were craving plate lunches and come across this cute little mom and pop place that serves affordable plate lunches. The staff was super friendly and even gave my 6yr old some crayons and coloring books. The food came out quick and was delicious.

The food is excellent I usually get roast pork bomb, but today I wanted Mahi with fries and I was so happy the best Mahi n crispy fries this was recent March 12, 2024. Usually this is my husbands favorite Mahi with rice n salad but for some reason I wanted fish n chips the fish was tender the fries absolutely tasted great n crispy best ever. The service is always the best love these beautiful ladies just call in your order and they'll have it ready for you please leave them a tip they are worth it because the service is great sometimes I'll come here myself and eat inside the ambience is chill if you can find a chair sit eat and enjoy everything is tasty. Try something different you won't be disappointed.

Really liked the corn beef sandwiches and tuna sandwiches. Also there blueberries pie . Price is reasonable. All in. Ready to go pack.

Omg this place is my new favorite mix plate eatery. Prices are reasonable and the food is just old school delicious. I'm really looking forward to eating here again. I had the corned beef hash patties (crispy!) two eggs and fried rice. I like too that they have inside seating so don't have to deal with flies so much. Highly recommend

Been going here for years. Food is still solid local fare. Only room for one or two to eat so probably best to order to go, head to the beach and have a plate lunch picnic. I definitely go at least once or twice a month.