0
Our History
Big City Diner History in Hawaii Since 1998
Explore Big City Diner History and discover how one of Hawaii’s favorite family restaurants has served local comfort food and Aloha since 1998.
1998
The Beginnings
Big City Diner was conceptualized and developed by Mr. Lane Muraoka, a local boy from Kailua who attended Iolani School. Mr. Muraoka originally began in the restaurant industry as a young man working as a dishwasher for a prominent local restaurant chain and eventually opened the first Big City Diner in 1998. He continues to maintain a strong hands-on presence as President within Big City Diner, from cleaning and serving to bartending and handing out flyers—he does it all.
2002
Kailua Opening
Big City Diner Restaurant opens in Kailua Town Center!
2004
Ward Entertainment Center Opening
Big City Diner Restaurant opens in Ward Entertainment Center!
2005
Growing
Since their humble beginnings, this locally owned and operated business has grown from their first restaurant in Kaimuki to several restaurants island wide. The success of the business is due to the hard work and dedication of nearly 400 employees. Big City Diner’s professional staff is committed to providing guests with exceptional food quality. It’s a place where you can eat, relax and feel good regardless of whether you’re seven or 70.
Big City Diner Restaurant opens in Waipio Shopping Center!
2007
Pearlridge Center Opening
Big City Diner Restaurant opens in Pearlridge Center!
2015
Blue Zones Project
Blue Zones Project® has named Big City Diner in Kailua as the very first Blue Zones Project ApprovedTM successfully completing the certification process which includes adding healthier menu options. Big City Diner is a locally owned and operated restaurant founded by Lane Muraoka, a local boy from Kailua who attended `Iolani School and opened his first restaurant in 1998. Big City Diner in Kailua achieved Blue Zones Project Approved status by completing the Blue Zones Project Restaurant Pledge and adopting or supporting a selection of best practices from a menu of 35 options
2015
Community
Big City Diner also actively participates within the local community serving charitable organizations such as Special Olympics Hawaii, Boys & Girls Club, Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network, YMCA, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Big Brother’s Big Sisters Hawaii and The Hawaii Blood Blank, to name a few. It is the goal of Big City Diner to provide guests with comfort food in a diner setting. It is without a doubt that there’s no diner finer than Big City Diner.
Big City Diner Restaurant opens in Windward Mall!
Serving Hawaii Since
Proudly serving local comfort food and Aloha since 1998.
Restaurant Locations
Conveniently serving guests across Oahu with four locations.
0
Local Favorites
Including Baby Back Ribs with our Famous Guava-BBQ Sauce, Boneless Korean Kalbi Steak and Mama’s Bread Pudding.
0
+
Years of Hospitality
Providing friendly service and memorable dining experiences for generations of local families and visitors.
0
© 2026 Big City Diner Hawaii. All Rights Reserved.