Phenomenal weather, panoramic ocean and mountain views, some of the best beaches in the world: all wonderful things you will find in the Hawaiian Islands. But among our stunning coastlines, you won't find many of the mainland establishments Americans are obsessed with. Whether you've lived in Hawaii your entire life and have only left for the occasional visit, or recently moved from the mainland, there are a few establishments we all wish existed in Hawaii. Is it really too much to ask for to have quality burritos, cheap furniture, two buck chuck, and a dedicated outdoors store?
1. In-N-Out Burger
I guess we'll just have to stick to Teddy's and the Five Guys that just opened in Mililani.
2. Dunkin' Donuts
Rumor has it that more than a dozen Dunkin' Donuts locations will be opening in Hawaii next year, but we really don't want to wait that long.
3. REI
For a state that has the best camping and hiking in the world, why do we not have a dedicated retailer where we can find all of the necessary supplies?
4. Olive Garden
While Olive Garden isn't necessarily the best Italian food around, sometimes we all crave those warm bread sticks and a cup of soup.
5. Texas Roadhouse
While peanut shells littering the floor doesn't seem ideal, we desperately want those sweetbread rolls with cinnamon honey butter.
6. Chipotle
Hawaii has notoriously bad Mexican food, and sometimes you just need a burrito the size of your head.
7. Kohl's
With retail locations in 49 states, Hawaii feels pretty left out of the affordable, cute department store loop. I take a trip to Kohl's every time I visit family, and get endless compliments on my cute dresses upon return to Hawaii.
8. Trader Joe's
Because not having access to all of Trader Joe's signature items is terrible - and there's nothing better than two buck chuck.
9. Chick-fil-A
Though I've never personally eaten at Chick-fil-A, everyone raves about their chicken sandwiches, and I actually know someone who brought sandwiches back to her husband from a mainland airport while traveling.
10. DSW
Why can't we have affordable designer shoes? I know most Hawaii locals wear slippers at all times, but what about when we want to dress up? Or need fancy slippers?
11. Fry's Electronics
Why wouldn't we want to have access to a giant electronics warehouse the size of Don Quijote? While Amazon is great, sometimes you don't want to wait a week for that new product.
12. Steak 'N Shake
Because nowhere in Hawaii can you find retro '50s decor and amazing shakes.
13. Zara
At least we have H&M and Anthropology, but we could always use more European fashion in our lives - or at least I could.
14. Ikea
Ah, what I wouldn't give to have access to cheap, modern furniture, adorable housewares, and Swedish meatballs.
What other mainland establishments do you want to see in Hawaii? Though we are lacking some of America’s greatest establishments, at least we still have plenty of incredible Hawaiian food, as well as several top-rated restaurants.
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