A State-by-State Guide to America's Favorite Fried Chicken

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© Willie's Hot Chicken

Hawaii: Willie's Hot Chicken

Even in paradise, fried chicken is a craveable comfort, and Willie’s Hot Chicken in Kailua-Kona has made a splash with its island take on Nashville-style chicken. Willie’s offers fried chicken plates with seven levels of spice – from “Southern” (no heat) to “Like Lava,” which is so spicy it comes with a tongue-in-cheek health warning. The chicken itself is responsibly sourced from local Hawaiian farmers and fried up fresh to order, ensuring juicy meat under a crunchy coating. Diners love the scratch-made sauces and sides, like tropical coleslaw and the “Sweet Hawaiian” wing sauce that adds a fruity twist to the heat. With a full bar and a laid-back vibe, Willie’s has quickly become a Big Island favorite for both locals and tourists. As one Yelp reviewer exclaimed, “Best chicken we had on the Big Island! ... We will return”. Good vibes, great chicken, and a dash of Hawaiian aloha spirit make Willie’s Hot Chicken a standout in Hawaii.