Chick-fil-A Opens Largest Hawaii Location at Historic Kalakaua Corner

The site has housed various eateries over the decades, from Kau Kau Korner to Hard Rock Cafe.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated image of a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, conceptually representing the restaurant's new presence at a location with a rich culinary history.Chick-fil-A's arrival at the historic Kalakaua-Kapiolani corner continues a legacy of iconic eateries that have defined Honolulu's dining scene for decades.Honolulu Today

Chick-fil-A has opened its largest Hawaii location at the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Kapiolani Boulevard, a site that has been home to a variety of restaurants over the past 90 years, including Kau Kau Korner, Coco's Coffee House, and Hard Rock Cafe.

Why it matters

The Kalakaua-Kapiolani corner is a prime location in Honolulu's tourist district, and the arrival of the popular Chick-fil-A brand continues the site's legacy as a dining destination. The history of the various restaurants that have occupied this space reflects the changing tastes and trends of both locals and visitors over the decades.

The details

The new Chick-fil-A location offers seating for more than 200 people and takes over the space previously occupied by Hard Rock Cafe, which was there from 1987 to 2010. Before that, the site was home to Coco's Coffee House from 1960 to 1987, and the iconic Kau Kau Korner from 1935 to 1960.

  • Chick-fil-A opened its largest Hawaii location at the Kalakaua-Kapiolani corner on April 2, 2026.
  • Kau Kau Korner operated at the site from 1935 to 1960.
  • Coco's Coffee House occupied the space from 1960 to 1987.
  • Hard Rock Cafe was located there from 1987 to 2010.

The players

Chick-fil-A

An American fast food restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches, founded in 1946 and now with over 3,300 locations nationwide.

Kau Kau Korner

A popular Honolulu restaurant that operated at the Kalakaua-Kapiolani corner from 1935 to 1960, known for its iconic sign that was one of the most photographed attractions in Hawaii.

Coco's Coffee House

A 24-hour coffee shop that occupied the site from 1960 to 1987, known for its lively late-night crowd of musicians, entertainers, and other colorful characters.

Hard Rock Cafe

The iconic international restaurant chain that was located at the Kalakaua-Kapiolani corner from 1987 to 2010 before moving to Waikiki Beach Walk.

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What they’re saying

“I was the dishwasher and my partner was the cook. His girlfriend waited tables.”

— Hanley P. 'Sunny' Sundstrom, Founder of Kau Kau Korner

“I had one cash register which I purchased second hand in 1935. By 1960, it had taken in $10 million.”

— Hanley P. 'Sunny' Sundstrom, Founder of Kau Kau Korner

“I met the whole underbelly of Honolulu — people you rarely see during the day — musicians, strippers, cab drivers, crime syndicate figures, bouncers, hookers, dancers, etc.”

— Eric Weyenberg, Former graveyard manager at Coco's Coffee House

The takeaway

The Kalakaua-Kapiolani corner has long been a hub of dining and entertainment in Honolulu, reflecting the city's evolving culinary tastes and cultural influences over the past century. The arrival of Chick-fil-A continues this tradition, while the site's history underscores the resilience and adaptability of local businesses in a rapidly changing urban landscape.