KAPOLEI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Construction on Oʻahu’s first SONIC Drive-In has begun at the corner of Fort Barrette Road and Kapolei Parkway, with an expected opening time of early 2026.
SONIC’s classic curbside drive-in style and roller-skating car hops will be in full swing at the new Kapolei location, with over 100 jobs expected to be created as a result.
The construction broke ground on April 25, featuring a kahuna’s blessing, SONIC franchisees, employees and contractors.
“We introduced the SONIC brand to Hawaiʻi with the opening of the state’s first location on Maui in 2023 with the opening of SONIC Kahului,” said Head of Development for SONIC Hawaiʻi Takeo Prather. “We’re excited to bring the nostalgic dining experience and iconic SONIC menu, featuring our ‘Only in Hawaiʻi’ Teri Burger to Oʻahu. As with our Maui location, we’re eager to partner with local schools, groups and leaders to ensure that SONIC Kapolei has the same positive community impact.”
The restaurant features hundreds of thousands of flavors and drink combinations, including limeades, burgers, hot dogs and more.
In addition to iconic flavors, SONIC is also committed to supporting Oʻahu’s public education and throughout the country with their Limeades for Learning initiative, where a percentage of all drink and shake sales is donated to local schools in the community.
Since 2009, SONIC has donated over $30 million to local classrooms, making SONIC one of the largest supporters of public education in the nation.
SONIC was founded in 1953 and is the largest drive-in restaurant in the U.S. For more information about the restaurant, visit their website.