You’ll Absolutely Love This 50s Themed Diner In Hawaii
The 1950s were a monumental and transformational decade in American history, especially for the Hawaiian Islands; after all, the Territory of Hawaii was no longer, and, in August 1959, Hawaii legally became an American state. And while the history of this era is fascinating, there’s one aspect of life from the 1950’s we’re simply obsessed with: the classic American diner. Step back in time to an era where “Elvis was King, Marilyn was Queen, and they both drank Coca-Cola” at Honolulu’s Rock Island Cafe, a 50s-themed diner full of nostalgia.
Enjoy all things retro at this classic American diner and memorabilia shop nestled in the heart of Waikiki just steps away from the beach in the King’s Village Shopping Center.
Rock Island Cafe is Hawaii’s premier old-fashioned diner, and we can guarantee you’ll love your trip to this unique eatery where vintage cars are suspended from the ceiling and nostalgic art lines the walls.
You’d be remiss to visit Rock Island Cafe without ordering dessert. This little diner has it all, including sundaes, banana splits, cheesecake, apple pie, and milkshakes. You can even order an adult milkshake blended with a shot of your favorite alcohol.
Rock Island Cafe is so much more than a diner, though: it’s also a shop! Patrons can browse through a variety of new memorabilia and vintage pieces, as well as movie and music collectibles, at this retro shopping destination. You see, the unique pieces displayed here are all for sale — how cool!
In fact, Rock Island Diner has been in the business of selling collectibles, memorabilia and other treasures to patrons in Waikiki for more than 40 years. It wasn’t until 2000 that it was transformed into a classic American diner as well.
Rock Island Cafe is located at 131 Kaiulani Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For an in-depth glimpse of life in 1950s Hawaii, check out these 14 vintage photographs.
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
