While we might not have all the mainland chain restaurants in Hawaii you know and love (we’re taking Chipotle and Olive Garden, among others), you will find countless eateries unique to the islands. From quick cuisine to fine dining and local flavor to Japanese and Italian restaurants, these local chains absolutely must be added to your Hawaiian restaurant bucket list. Here are some of the best spots for fast food in Hawaii:

1. Zippy's
Zippy's Kalihi/Yelp
Zippy's Kapahulu, 601 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Zippy's Vineyard
Founded in 1966, this fast-casual eatery quickly took over the island of Oahu and now has more than two dozen locations. Serving up American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Hawaiian food, there's something for everyone at your local Zippy's.
2. Big City Diner
Christina B Castro/Flickr
Big City Diner, 3565 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
Bert Kimura/Flickr
With six locations across the island of Oahu, you might be surprised to know that Big City Diner is less than 20 years old! With a classic diner style and scrumptious Hawaiian food, Big City Diner does not disappoint.
3. Assaggio Bistro
Kevin Y./Yelp
Assaggio Bistro/Kahala, 4346 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
Ray L./Yelp
There's not a lot of good Italian food in Hawaii, which is perhaps why Assaggio's became so popular - or it could be their delicious food. The cozy and romantic setting makes this the perfect date night spot when you're craving pasta.
4. Bangkok Chef
Kimo K./Yelp
Bangkok Chef, 1627 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Kris O./Yelp
If you're craving takeout Thai food, look no further than Bangkok Chef. In 2001, the business began as a small market - until a customer asked if the food being made in the back was for sale. Bangkok Chef was born, and now there are five locations across Oahu.
5. Fresh Catch
Taka T./Yelp

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Fresh Catch Kapahulu, 1113 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
Vicky L./Yelp
Serving up seafood, plate lunches, poke, and sashimi platters, Fresh Catch is the place to go for all your seafood needs on Oahu. The deli-style establishment has two locations: Honolulu and Kaneohe.
6. Roy’s
daryl_mitchell/Flickr
The Original Roy's in Hawaii Kai, 6600 Kalaniana?ole Hwy Suite 110, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
nattokun/Flickr
This upscale restaurant focuses on Hawaiian and Japanese fusion cuisine with a focus on seafood, sushi, and steak. Roy's now has 27 locations across Hawaii, the mainland, and Asia.
7. Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Leilani S./Yelp
Teddy's Bigger Burgers, 335 Keawe St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Janine/Flickr
Who doesn't love a good burger? Serving up mouthwatering burgers made with 100 percent fresh chilled ground chuck, and a special sauce that will have you coming back for more. Oh, and did we mention their amazing fries and shakes?
8. Merriman’s
Derek Wolfgram/Flickr
Merriman's Big Island, 65-1227 Opelo Rd B, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Michael Linksvayer/Flickr
With locations across Hawaii's main islands, Merriman's always focuses on using fresh, local ingredients and creating unique flavor pairings in dishes that will leave you wanting more.
9. Ichiriki Japanese Nabe
Ryan Ozawa/Flickr
Ichiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant, 510 Piikoi St, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
Elizabeth M./Yelp
This Japanese hot pot eatery is easily the best of its kind in Hawaii. With four Oahu locations and more than 5 varieties of original soup, Ichikiri is worth the visit.

Did we miss any of Hawaii’s best chain restaurants? Which of these places would you miss most if you ever moved away from the islands?

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Fast Food in Hawaii

Tori Jane | July 28, 2022

What are some of the most popular Hawaiian fast-food chains?  

Hawaii is a little world all on its own way out in the Pacific Ocean, so there’s no surprise that it ended up with some fast-food chains that exist only here. Some of the most popular Hawaiian fast-food chains include delicious gems like Aloha Melt Waikiki, which serves up some of the most delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and handmade soups you’ll ever eat, and Rainbow Drive-In is an iconic restaurant in Hawaii where you can get barbecue, Mahi Mahi, and so much more. If you’re a connoisseur of places to eat in Hawaii, you can’t miss these local fast-food joints!  

What fast food chains in Hawaii can only be found in Hawaii?  

Believe it or not, Hawaii is special in the sense that we’ve got plenty of restaurants – both fast-food establishments and sit-down spots. Some of our favorite fast-food chains in Hawaii you’ll only find here on the islands are places like Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. It’s not just a Hawaiian original: it’s also one of the best places to grab a burger in Hawaii, if not the entire United States. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, with little Hawaiian twists in all the right places. There’s also the deli-style delight known as Fresh Catch which, at the time of this writing, has two locations in Hawaii (and only in Hawaii).  

What is the most popular Hawaiian chain restaurant?  

Interestingly, the three most popular chain restaurants in Hawaii are not local at all. Perhaps unsurprisingly, those restaurants are McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Subway, which is the #1 fast food restaurant on the islands in general. Some of the much-beloved, popular Hawaiian chain restaurants include ones like Zippy’s, which serves up beloved local dishes, and Bangkok Chef, one of the most delightful Thai restaurants in Hawaii and, overall, just a tasty place to be. We also love Roy’s, which now has locations not just in Hawaii but also in the mainland United States and parts of Asia!  

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