Sandy's Drive In

4.3 ( 203 reviews )
Checking... See Hours
$10–20
79-7436 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750, United States
+1 808-322-2161

Sandy's Drive In, nestled in Kealakekua, HI, is a cherished local gem that embodies the spirit of Hawaiian comfort food. Patrons rave about its affordable prices and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal stop for anyone exploring the island. Customers have highlighted the loco moco, a standout dish that features real scratch gravy, setting it apart from its competitors. The fried spam and fish burger are also must-tries, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional flavors.

Many visitors, like Kristy Aki Oshiro, have fond memories of their meals, often sharing that every plate lunch is a winner. The unique offerings, such as the sweet potato tempura and flavorful local-style chili, elevate Sandy's as a culinary experience not to be missed. Be sure to indulge in the passion fruit soda and the delicious orange whip, which are local specialties that bring a taste of Hawaii to every visit.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning customer, Sandy's Drive In promises a delightful meal filled with nostalgia and flavor. This family-owned establishment has earned its place in the hearts of both locals and travelers alike.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Serves great coffee
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves lunch
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Popular with tourists
    • Transgender safe space
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot

Reviews For Sandy's Drive In

Josh O'Brien
Jun 26,2025
I've been going back and leaving reviews for places I've visited in the past and this place stands out above so many others. Me and my father took a trip to the islands many years ago and we still talk about this place, even though we forgot the name. Spent 30 mins looking at maps to find this to leave a review. To start off, the food was out of this world. Simple and delicious. the atmosphere was really nice as well, nothing fancy, but you felt comfortable in there while you eat. Very friendly staff from what I can recall because we went back several times the week we stayed there. Tried fried spam for the first time here as well. When me and my wife go to Hawaii I will be taking her here as well.
Dawn Marie
Jun 22,2025
We stopped on a whim on our way to two step. Very reasonably priced and the food was good (we got burgers). The passion fruit soda was a treat to try. Enjoyed our lunch. Glad we stopped!
Matthew Foong (Oldorangebmw)
Jun 22,2025
Good, fresh food at good prices. Rotating specials as supplies last and something for everyone: burgers, whole fried fish, and everything in-between. Fishburger comes with two freshly-fried mahi filets, and the mac salad is solid here.
Kristy AKI Oshiro
Jun 13,2025
A local favorite, family owned and operated by three generations, Sandy's is a great place for classic plate lunches, diner fare, and local specialties at fair prices. I've been eating here since childhood and this is my favorite place to get a loco moco because it's one of the few places that uses real scratch gravy, not the dark brown stuff made from a powdered mix. The orange whip and Lilikoi drinks are bomb and hard to find anywhere else. Always order a large or you'll wish you had because they're that good. All the plate lunches are winners. You can't go wrong whatever you choose. The chili here is a great local-style chili which is hard to describe how it differs from Tex Mex chili. You just gotta try it especially if you're a chili fan. The sweet potato tempura is a unique sweet treat you gotta try if you like deep fried snacks. It can be a bit greasy so pass on it if that's not your jam. Follow on Facebook for daily specials and promotions.
Cameron Baker
Jun 7,2025
Loco Moco plate was awesome. I’ve had a few from several different spots across the islands and Sandy’s is as good they come.
Ashi C
Jun 3,2025
This place is hidden gem for local comfort food. My two picky kids loved their fried chicken and white rice. I really liked their chicken too. They didn’t over cook like the Californian’s. And their macaroni salad is so delicious, you won’t stop licking the utensils. And they have the best Lilikoi soda float. I would totally bring my kids to this place again . Let me not forget, they have awesome customer service and plenty of parking.
Dustin Vaden Pascal
Mar 31,2025
Clean facilities, good food that’s cooked well and served quickly, healthy portions, surprisingly reasonable prices, friendly service, and I don’t think you can ask for anything else. I ordered the loco moco, my children had the breakfast plates with bacon, and wife had a cheeseburger. Would recommend to anyone. Might want to bring your own hot sauce if you like spicy food. Thank you Sandy’s!
J J
Mar 21,2025
Great old school local foods, vut you also have great old timers working there so the service isn't the fastest. Great place to sit down and eat if you're not in a rush to be somewhere. Side note, not good idea for dine in for larger size people due to fixed table seating.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO
(175 review)
OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO
  • 232 E 2nd St E, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
sushi restaurant
+1 213-278-0056
Almuerzos Las Monjas
(2295 review)
Almuerzos Las Monjas
  • Blvrd Venustiano Carranza 728, San Miguel, 37460 Leon de los Aldama, Gto., Mexico
mexican restaurant
+52 477 712 0369
NY Giant Pizza
(797 review)
NY Giant Pizza
  • 5643 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807, United States
pizza restaurant
+1 407-270-8588
Peety Pops Resto
(203 review)
Peety Pops Resto
  • 9597 Bd Maurice-Duplessis, Montreal, QC H1E 7R1, Canada
cafe
+1 514-494-1313
Southwind Fish
(354 review)
Southwind Fish
  • 7915 Winchester Rd # 101, Memphis, TN 38125, United States
Seafood restaurant
+1 901-309-2464
Ay Caramba Mexican Food
(325 review)
Ay Caramba Mexican Food
  • 204 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Restaurant
+1 804-225-8340
ANTOJITOS EL CHAMIZAL
(403 review)
ANTOJITOS EL CHAMIZAL
  • 33000, C. 6a Pte. 300, Poniente, Delicias, Chih., Mexico
Taco restaurant
+52 639 132 9766
Koko Wings
(848 review)
Koko Wings
  • 248 W 106th St, New York, NY 10025, United States
Korean restaurant
+1 212-932-7722
Christos Family Dining
(1729 review)
Christos Family Dining
  • 1462 W State Rd 2, La Porte, IN 46350, United States
Family restaurant
+1 219-326-1644
Sett Valley Cafe
(493 review)
Sett Valley Cafe
  • Station Rd, Birch Vale, High Peak SK22 1BP, United Kingdom
cafe
+44 1663 745548