Sonic Kapolei Opens Saturday as Oahu’s First Drive-In
sonic kapolei opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 5001 Kapolei Parkway, giving Oahu its first drive-in restaurant from the chain. The company said it will be its second restaurant in Hawaii, and opening weekend service will start with drive-thru and patio walk-up only.
Takeo Prather On Opening Day
Takeo Prather, Sonic Hawaii’s head of growth and development, said in a news release, "This is an exciting moment for us as we officially open our doors and welcome all of Oahu to SONIC". He also said, "We’ve been looking forward to this day, and it means a lot to bring this experience to Kapolei. We’re ready to serve guests in a way that’s fun, welcoming, uniquely SONIC, and with much Aloha."
The opening event will include a blessing, opening remarks, and maile lei untying. Sonic also said the location features a custom mural by Hilo artist Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides, adding a local element to the new site.
Kapolei Parkway Service Plan
For customers, the practical limits are clear. Vehicles for drive-thru access may enter from Kapolei Parkway only, while no vehicle access will be available from Kunehi Street. Patio and walk-up customers may enter from Kunehi Street and wait in a designated line.
Sonic said tented seating will be provided for patio and walk-up customers. Customer parking will not be available within the Sonic parking lot and subdivision for opening weekend, and limited parking will be available Saturday and Sunday at Ho‘okele Elementary School.
Ho‘okele Elementary School Parking
The opening-weekend plan also brings in traffic control. Off-duty officers from the Honolulu Police Department will direct and control traffic as the restaurant handles expected demand, and drive-in stall service will be paused until traffic and demand normalize.
The company also said the first 10 customers in the drive-thru and the first 50 customers in the walk-up line will receive Sonic swag. Photo opportunities with Sonic’s mascots, prize giveaways, and live music will run throughout the day.
When drive-in service returns, it will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sonic said the Sonic Foundation donated $10,000 to Ho‘okele Elementary School and Kapolei High School on behalf of Sonic Kapolei.
