Hawaii Dining GuideLuaus & food tours

Chain restaurants in Hawaii

Hawaii has its own chains that locals swear by, and Waikiki and Ala Moana have the national names you already know. Here is what to expect.

Updated October 2026

Ahi poke bowl with avocado and fish roe
Photo: Valeria Boltneva / Pexels

Hawaii's own chains: try at least one

ChainKnown forWhere you will find it
Zippy'sChili, saimin, fried chicken and plate lunches; open late and very localDozens of locations on Oahu, plus Maui and the Big Island
L&L Hawaiian BarbecuePlate lunches: chicken katsu, BBQ mix plate, loco mocoAll the major islands (and many mainland states)
Teddy's Bigger BurgersBig griddled burgers and thick shakesStarted in Waikiki; several Oahu locations
Leonard's BakeryMalasadasKapahulu bakery plus Malasadamobile trucks on Oahu
Marugame UdonFresh udon noodles cafeteria-styleWaikiki and Honolulu
Merriman's and Monkeypod KitchenIsland farm-to-table cooking from chef Peter MerrimanOahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai
Roy'sHawaiian fusion from Roy YamaguchiWaikiki, Ko Olina and Kaanapali
Duke'sBeachfront seafood and steaks, hula pieWaikiki, Kaanapali (Maui) and Lihue (Kauai)
Kona Brewing HawaiiIsland beers and pub foodKailua-Kona (Big Island) and Hawaii Kai (Oahu)

National chains in Waikiki and Honolulu

Waikiki's Kalakaua Avenue, the Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki Beach Walk and Ala Moana Center have many of the restaurants you know from home. Some are among the busiest locations in their chains, so expect waits at peak dinner times.

ChainKnown forWhere in Honolulu
The Cheesecake FactoryThe huge menu and cheesecakesRoyal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki
P.F. Chang'sChinese-American favoritesRoyal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki
Yard HouseBeer list and American foodWaikiki Beach Walk
Ruth's Chris Steak HouseSizzling steaksWaikiki Beach Walk and other islands
Wolfgang's SteakhouseDry-aged steaksRoyal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki
Morton's The SteakhouseClassic steakhouseAla Moana Center
Olive GardenBreadsticks and Italian-American favoritesAla Moana Center (Hawaii's first)
Local twists on familiar menus. McDonald's in Hawaii adds local items like Spam, eggs and rice for breakfast, and fried haupia pies have appeared on the menu. Denny's in Hawaii serves local-style breakfasts too. Locations and menus change, so check before you go.

Restaurants open, close, move and change hours often. Check the restaurant's own website or call before you go. No restaurant paid to be listed.

Easy family dining and a beach to go with it

Planning where to stay? Compare Waikiki hotel deals at Rooms Cheap, see 101 Things to Do in Hawaii for activities, and get island-by-island tips at My Hawaii Planner.

More Hawaii dining guides

Oahu restaurantsWaikiki, Honolulu and the North Shore, from plate lunch to fine diningHawaiian food guidePoke, plate lunch, loco moco, shave ice and malasadas, and where to try themMaui restaurantsPaia, Wailea, Kaanapali, Kihei and UpcountryHawaii luaus and food toursHow to pick a luau, plus food, farm and coffee tours

Frequently asked questions

What fast food is only in Hawaii?

Zippy's is the best-known Hawaii-only chain. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue started in Honolulu and is now on the mainland too. Local menu items at McDonald's, such as Spam with eggs and rice, are also a Hawaii specialty.

Is there a Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki?

Yes, at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Kalakaua Avenue. It is one of the chain's busiest locations, so expect a wait at dinner.