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What States Have No Whole Foods?

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Last updated on 6 min read
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

As of 2026, these states have no Whole Foods: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, Delaware, and Vermont.

Does Honolulu have a Whole Foods?

Yes, Honolulu has a Whole Foods Market at Kahala Mall, 4211 Wai’alae Avenue.

Honestly, it's pretty handy that Honolulu snagged three Whole Foods spots — Kahala Mall, Queen Street, and Kailua. The Kahala Mall location, sitting at 4211 Wai’alae Avenue, carries the same organic lineup you’d find on the mainland, so it’s a solid pick for both locals and tourists. If you want the latest hours or product info, check out the Whole Foods Market store locator.

Does Hawaii have a Whole Foods?

Yes, Hawaii has four Whole Foods locations as of 2026.

So, Hawaii actually hosts four Whole Foods stores — two in Honolulu (Kahala Mall and Queen Street), one in Kailua on Oahu, and another in Kahului on Maui. You won’t find any on Kauai, Lanai, or Molokai, though many folks rely on delivery services or local chains like Safeway. Even with the extra shipping costs, it’s clear the islands have a strong appetite for premium organic fare.

Is Whole Foods coming to Kona Hawaii?

As of 2026, there is no Whole Foods in Kona, and no announced plans to open one.

Whole Foods wrapped up its Hawaii expansion back in 2020 with those Oahu stores, and so far there’s been no word of a Kona opening. Folks over in Kona usually turn to Safeway, Foodland, or Amazon Fresh when they need organic groceries. If you’re keeping an eye out for a future store, watching Whole Foods’ press releases or dropping a line to their real‑estate crew is probably your best bet.

Is Whole Foods more expensive in Hawaii?

Whole Foods prices in Hawaii are typically 10%‑30% higher than on the mainland for most products.

Yeah, you’ll usually see Whole Foods prices in Hawaii running about 10%‑30% above mainland levels for most items. The bump comes from freight charges, state excise taxes, and the smaller store size that curtails bulk‑buying savings. Fresh produce, specialty cheeses, and imported goods tend to carry the biggest markup, whereas staples like canned beans stay relatively close. To soften the hit, many shoppers grab the 365 store brand or time their trips with weekly sales.

What city has the most Whole Foods?

Chicago has the most Whole Foods stores with 12 locations as of 2026.

Honestly, Chicago’s dozen stores feel like a solid sign of the Midwest’s love for organic fare, while Los Angeles trails just behind at eleven and New York City sits at ten.

Where is the biggest Whole Foods?

The largest Whole Foods is in Austin, Texas at 80,000 square feet.

Austin, Texas claims the title of biggest Whole Foods, sprawling over 80,000 square feet. This flagship spot packs a full‑service restaurant, a rooftop garden, and an Amazon pickup locker — a clear nod to its Amazon parentage. The generous floor plan means more room for prepared‑food bars, a bigger bulk‑goods aisle, and extra seating for shoppers. Plus, the upper floors host Whole Foods’ regional headquarters.

Is there a Whole Foods on Kauai?

There are no Whole Foods stores on Kauai as of 2026.

Honestly, it’s a bit surprising that Kauai still lacks a Whole Foods as of 2026 — no announcements or permit filings hint at a future opening, either. Most folks pick up groceries at Safeway, Foodland, Times Supermarket, or rely on delivery apps like Instacart. Should demand shift, Whole Foods might revisit the idea, but for the time being the island stays store‑free.

Is Trader Joe’s in Hawaii?

No, Trader Joe’s does not operate in Hawaii as of 2026.

Honestly, it’s a bummer that Trader Joe’s hasn’t set foot in Hawaii yet, and as of 2026 there’s still no word of any plans to change that. The company points to logistical hurdles and the state's modest population as the main reasons. In the meantime, fans of their private‑label stuff often resort to third‑party shippers or simply haul goods back from the mainland. If you’re looking for a comparable experience, Safeway’s “Open Nature” line or the island’s local health‑food shops are decent stand‑ins.

How much is a Coke in Hawaii?

A 12‑oz bottle of Coke costs about $2.25 in Hawaii restaurants and $2.00–$2.50 in local markets.

Honestly, grabbing a Coke in Hawaii can feel a bit steep — expect roughly $2.25 for a 12‑oz bottle at restaurants and anywhere from $2.00 to $2.50 at local markets. Prices do shift a little between islands; Oahu tends to be a tad cheaper than the neighbor islands simply because it moves more volume. Bottled water usually sits between $1.80 and $2.20 in stores, while a gallon of milk hovers around $6.84. These numbers mirror the broader grocery‑price bump you see across the state, driven largely by shipping and import costs.

Location TypeCoke/Pepsi (12 oz)Water (12 oz)Milk (1 gallon)
Restaurants$2.25$2.13—
Markets$2.00–$2.50$1.80–$2.20$6.84

Of course, vendor promos and discounts can nudge the numbers up or down, but even then drinks in Hawaii still carry a noticeable premium compared with the mainland.

Are Costco prices higher in Hawaii?

Yes, Costco prices in Hawaii are typically 5%‑15% higher than on the mainland for most items.

Yeah, you’ll usually see Costco’s Hawaii prices running about 5%‑15% above mainland levels for most goods. The extra cost comes from freight, state taxes, and the need to keep tighter inventory because of the smaller warehouse footprint. On the bright side, Costco’s gasoline in Hawaii often matches — or even beats — local station prices, so members who fill up regularly can still pocket some savings. And despite the markup, bulk‑buying non‑perishables remains a solid way to stretch your dollar.

Does Jeff Bezos own Whole Foods?

Jeff Bezos does not individually own Whole Foods.

To be clear, Jeff Bezos doesn’t personally own Whole Foods — the chain is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amazon, which he founded and ran as CEO until 2021. Amazon snapped up Whole Foods in 2017 for $13.7 billion, folding it into its e‑commerce and grocery‑delivery arm. Although Bezos still holds a sizable chunk of Amazon stock, he has no direct claim on any Whole Foods assets.

What state has the most Whole Foods?

California has the most Whole Foods stores with 92 locations as of 2026.

California dominates the Whole Foods map with a whopping 92 stores as of 2026 — about 18 % of the national total, leaving Texas (52) and New York (48) in the dust. The state’s huge population, strong appetite for organic fare, and plenty of affluent suburbs help explain why it’s such a hotspot. These figures come straight from Whole Foods’ annual reports and various industry trackers.

Why is Whole Foods so popular?

Whole Foods is popular for its organic selection and strict quality standards.

Honestly, a big part of Whole Foods’ draw is its commitment to organics and those famously strict quality standards. They steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and hydrogenated fats, which resonates with health‑focused shoppers. On top of that, their animal‑welfare and eco‑friendly sourcing rules set them apart from the typical grocery chain. Throw in welcoming store designs, helpful staff, and those beloved prepared‑food bars, and you’ve got a recipe for a loyal fan base that cares about both what they buy and how they buy it.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Ahmed Ali

Ahmed is a finance and business writer covering personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and career development.