(Tookout 04/22/26 WE @ 7:00pm): No raised fingers given at this chicken coop!…read more
In my quest to continue exploring the various cuisine scenes as well as other businesses throughout O'ahu's Windward side, specifically the neighborhood of Hawaii Kai (southeast shore of the island), I ventured into Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers as my first time to ever try their food after I've seen them all over the place on the Mainland. I was always down for a juicy succulent piece of fried chicken however it was fed to me. It wasn't the healthiest way to eat chicken, but things fried just tasted better, correct!? Founded in 1996 on the campus of LSU by Todd Graves and named after a friend's Labrador Retriever (Raising Cane), his arduous dream that began in college has since grown into one of the fastest grown restaurant brands in the U.S. Would I raise a thumb's up instead of a middle finger to their tender chicken!?
PURCHASE(S)
3pc Chicken Fingers Sandwich ($8.79): This messy two-hander was slipping and sliding all over the place as I tried to keep it together (I failed). Three crispy crunchy thick pieces of chicken between a pillowy soft sweet bun with a smear of Cane sauce and a hint of lettuce, this was a lovely introduction to this brand's food, and I now understood the hype that surrounded it. Aesthetics aside, you could've easily eaten this as fingers and a side of bread, but this large sandwich did the job. My only wish was that it was spicy and came with pickle chips, but it was still ono! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=sod8F8j7AIUDoK3mQptIUw
The Box Combo - 4pc Chicken Fingers, Crinkle-Cut Fries, Texas Toast, Coleslaw, Cane Sauce, 22floz Drink ($12.79): Because of my sandwich, I was able to split this meal into two! Loaded with a little bit of everything, the chicken was just as yummy as my sandwich, there were plenty of spud sticks with a light dusting of seasoning, the toast was a revelation all on its own and would easily order a few more as a snack, the coleslaw lacked flavor (I put some on my sandwich instead), the Cane sauce add a touch of zing but wished it was spicy, and the sweet tea was like I was transported to the South it was so damn good and probably loaded with a ton of sugar. A heck of a meal at a deal! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=f5GUo39r6DcCdVAVoN-ArA
SERVICE
I was greeted by a young woman at the front counter where I immediately placed my order, received my cup to fill with my fountain drink of choice, and within five minutes my name was called as we caught each other's eyes while I waited nearby. Everything was good - mahalo!
PARKING
(FREE; N/A this instance): Located in the outdoor Hawaii Kai Towne Center, there were plenty of spots although I decided to do the 25-minute one-way walk for exercise - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A standard quick-service restaurant layout with a central order counter, a fountain drink machine off to the side, plenty of dining spots in a spacious room, and minimal decorations with some interesting elements such as these ceiling disco balls https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=Ruk3zzf-dWb0pTPXWIWt6Q (I didn't know if they actually worked). Plenty of natural lighting came in through the front doors and surrounding windows while recessed electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while pop music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I really enjoyed the food at Hawaii Kai's Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers location as my first experience with this brand. High marks for all of the food (however... please add some spice to the chicken seasoning and sauce, and more flavor to the coleslaw), the portions were great, the prices were very reasonable, and the service straightforward. The menu was extremely limited, but the same could be said with In-N-Out. I wished there were some Hawaii-specific menu items. Sure, they were a fast-food chain restaurant, but they started as a local small mom & pop business at one time. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $23.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS