Honolulu Fire Department Confirms Waipahu’s Leeward Drive-Inn Fire was Accidental

The Honolulu Fire Department has reported that the recent fire at Leeward Drive-Inn in Waipahu was accidental. Investigators found that the blaze started in the kitchen when an unattended gas griddle ignited grease that had accumulated in the exhaust vent, causing flames to spread through the roof.

The fire, which occurred on October 2, resulted in an estimated total damage of $903,000, comprising $743,000 to the building and $160,000 in contents. When firefighters arrived at the scene at 94-209 Pupukahi St., they observed smoke emanating from all sides of the single-story structure with flames visible through the roof. Fortunately, there were no occupants inside the establishment, and no injuries were reported. Since it opened in 1964, Leeward Drive-Inn has been a cherished spot for plate lunches. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by a family friend to support the restaurant’s reopening. The HFD also cautioned that grease can accumulate rapidly in hoods and ducts, advising regular cleaning as a key preventive measure against dangerous kitchen fires.