Ranked #4 · Big Island Road-Trip Food Guide: 10 Stops Around Hawaii Island Ranked #2 · 10 Restaurant Breakfasts Under $12, with Verified 2026 Prices

Tex Drive-In

4.3(3,292)

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#4 of 10Ranked #4 of 10Big Island Road-Trip Food Guide: 10 Stops Around Hawaii IslandSee who took the top spot

#2 of 10Ranked #2 of 1010 Restaurant Breakfasts Under $12, with Verified 2026 PricesSee who took the top spot

Location & Hours

Address

45-690 Pakalana St #19, Honokaa, HI 96727, USA
Honokaa, Hawaii 96727
United States

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Hours

Closed • Opens Today at 6:00 AM

Monday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Contact & Links

Contact Information

(808) 775-0598

About Tex Drive-In

Longtime pit stop known for deep-fried dough balls called malasadas, plus burgers & Hawaiian food.

Cuisine: Uncategorized
Price range: inexpensive

Google-sourced data last fetched on July 29, 2025.

4.3/5

Based on 3,292 reviews

Recent Reviews

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Tami Price

in the last week

A trip to the Big Island isn’t complete until you stop at Tex Drive-In for two local must-haves: malasadas and loco mocos! This iconic spot in Honoka‘a has been serving up comfort food with aloha for ...

Thomas Richardson

in the last week

Located in the cozy town of Honokaa, the Tex has been around since 1969 and serves up absolutely amazing Malasadas in a variety of delicious flavors, my favorite was mango. I visited for breakfast and...

Dennis s

2 weeks ago

They live up to their reputation for great malasadas. They are huge, and have several delicious fillings. Locals tell us that half of the restrooms are always out of order, and sure enough, 2 of the 4...

Farzin - Seyed Lavasani

a month ago

If you’re on the Big Island and craving a sweet treat, Tex Drive In in Honokaa is an absolute must-stop! This local favorite is famous for its malasadas — Portuguese-style donuts that are soft, fluffy...

Kyle Niezgodzki

3 months ago

Stopped in to get our malasada fix. We were not disappointed! The regular sugar was nice and fresh, but the guava were outstanding! Best we had on the Big Island! A bit of a trek, but worth it if you’...

What People Are Saying

Overall Experience

The restaurant offers a highly enjoyable dining experience, particularly noted for its iconic Hawaiian comfort food and fresh malasadas. It's considered a must-visit destination when on the Big Island.

Customer Favorites

Malasadas, especially those with guava, mango, banana cream, and custard fillings, are a clear favorite. The loco moco and sweet bread French toast are also popular choices.

Atmosphere & Service

The restaurant provides a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff. Customers enjoy watching the malasadas being made fresh.

Value & Quality

Portions are generous, and the food is considered home-cooked and satisfying. The malasadas are noted for their fresh, crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.

Areas for Improvement

Restroom maintenance could be improved.

Recent Trends

Recent reviews continue to emphasize the freshness and deliciousness of the malasadas, reinforcing the restaurant's reputation as a must-visit location.