Hawaii isn’t just about beaches and volcanoes – it’s also home to some amazing burgers! Local chefs combine fresh island ingredients with traditional burger-making to create unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. From tropical fruit toppings to locally-raised beef, these Hawaiian burgers offer a taste of paradise between two buns.
1. HI BURGER Co., Honolulu
Tucked away in bustling Honolulu, HI BURGER Co. serves up island-inspired patties that locals line up for. Their signature burger features grass-fed Big Island beef topped with grilled pineapple, crispy Maui onions, and a secret sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory.
What makes this spot special is their dedication to locally-sourced ingredients. The buns come fresh from a nearby bakery each morning, and the beef is never frozen.
2. Seven Brothers, Kahuku
Family-owned Seven Brothers in Kahuku creates burger magic in their North Shore location.
Surfers flock here after riding waves, creating a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly matches the restaurant’s rustic wooden interior. Each patty gets a generous dusting of their house seasoning blend before hitting the grill.
The restaurant started as a tiny food truck and expanded after gaining a cult following among locals and tourists alike. Their commitment to quality keeps people coming back for more.
3. Island Ono Loa Grill, Kailua-Kona
Spice lovers rejoice! The Lava Flow Burger at Island Ono Loa Grill brings the heat with jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and their volcanic hot sauce that builds slowly like molten lava. This fiery creation has won local food awards three years running.
The open-air dining area gives you breathtaking ocean views while you enjoy your meal. Each burger comes with hand-cut fries tossed in Hawaiian sea salt and herbs. The owner, a former volcano tour guide, named the burger after watching Kilauea’s spectacular eruptions. He wanted to create a culinary experience that matched the intensity of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape.
4. Aloha Burger & BBQ, Waimea
Cowboy culture meets island flair at Aloha Burger & BBQ in Waimea. Their Ranch Hand Special features Parker Ranch beef topped with BBQ pulled pork, crispy onion strings, and a smoky guava BBQ sauce that’ll transport you straight to paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country.
The restaurant sits at the foothills of Mauna Kea, surrounded by rolling green pastures. Inside, ranch memorabilia decorates the walls, telling stories of Hawaii’s rich ranching history. Many ingredients come from within a 20-mile radius, supporting local farmers and ranchers.
The beef is raised on the same grasslands you can see from the restaurant’s windows.
5. Burger Boys Hawaii, Kihei
Burger Boys Hawaii creates a tropical symphony with their Maui Wowie burger. Juicy beef meets mango salsa, macadamia nut pesto, and Kula onions on a taro bun that turns this meal into a celebration of island flavors.
Situated just steps from Kihei Beach, this casual spot features surfboards as tables and beach umbrellas for shade. Reggae music plays softly in the background, completing the relaxed island vibe. The chef spent childhood summers on his grandparents’ Maui farm, inspiring him to showcase local ingredients in creative ways.
Each sauce is made from scratch daily, using traditional Hawaiian preparation methods with modern culinary twists.
6. Velzyland Burger Co., Wailuku
Named after Maui’s famous sunrise viewpoint, the Haleakala Sunrise Burger at Velzyland captures morning magic on a plate. A perfectly cooked egg with a sunrise-orange yolk crowns the patty, alongside crispy bacon and a coffee-infused aioli that’ll wake up your taste buds.
The restaurant’s panoramic windows frame stunning mountain views. Early birds can enjoy their burger while watching the actual sunrise paint the sky in similar hues to those on their plate.
The owner, an avid hiker, created this burger after countless dawn treks up Haleakala. He wanted to give visitors a taste of the mountain experience even if they couldn’t make the early morning journey themselves.
7. Smash Daddy’s 808, Waikoloa Village
Hawaiian comfort food meets burger brilliance at Smash Daddy’s 808. Their Loco Moco Burger reimagines the classic Hawaiian dish with a smashed beef patty, mushroom gravy, fried egg, and green onions on a toasted brioche bun.
The tiny restaurant features just six tables, creating an intimate dining experience where you can watch your burger being prepared. Family photos line the walls, showcasing four generations of the family’s history in Hawaii.
The grandmother’s secret gravy recipe dates back to plantation days, when workers would combine leftover ingredients to create hearty, satisfying meals. Each burger gets smashed on a seasoned griddle that’s been in use for over 15 years.
8. STEWZ BURGERS Haleakala, Kula
Perched at 3,000 feet elevation, STEWZ BURGERS creates their Upcountry Farmer burger with ingredients harvested from surrounding farms. Goat cheese, roasted beets, and avocado top a patty seasoned with herbs grown in their own garden.
The restaurant’s rustic barn setting features picnic tables and string lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping views of central Maui and both coastlines on clear days.
The owner converted his grandparents’ farm into this restaurant, maintaining many original structures. He works directly with neighboring farmers to create a menu that changes with the seasons, ensuring peak freshness and supporting the local agricultural community.
9. Ultimate Burger, Kailua-Kona
Simplicity shines at Ultimate Burger, where their Big Island Beef Lover lets quality ingredients speak for themselves. The half-pound patty from Hawaii Island Beef comes topped with just cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their signature sauce on a freshly baked bun.
The open kitchen layout allows diners to watch their burgers being prepared from start to finish. Colorful surfboards and vintage Hawaiian postcards adorn the walls, creating a playful atmosphere. The restaurant partners exclusively with ranchers who raise cattle using traditional Hawaiian methods, allowing the animals to graze freely on volcanic soil-enriched grass.
This commitment to ethical ranching practices has earned them recognition from sustainable food organizations.
10. Rebel Kitchen, Kealakekua
Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike flock to Rebel Kitchen for their Garden of Eden Burger. This plant-based masterpiece features a housemade patty of quinoa, black beans, and local vegetables topped with lilikoi (passion fruit) aioli and microgreens harvested that morning.
The outdoor seating area sits within an actual garden, where many ingredients are picked minutes before serving. Butterflies and birds flit between flowering plants as you enjoy your meal.
The chef, formerly at a high-end Honolulu restaurant, moved to the Big Island to connect more deeply with food sources. She experiments with native Hawaiian plants to create flavors that honor traditional cuisine while appealing to modern palates.
11. Shay’s Smash Burgers, Aiea
Korean meets American at Shay’s Smash Burgers with their innovative Kalbi Smash. This thin-pressed patty gets marinated in traditional Korean BBQ sauce before hitting the griddle, then topped with kimchi slaw and gochujang mayo on a toasted Hawaiian sweet roll.
Located in a converted gas station, the restaurant’s industrial-chic design features repurposed materials and local artwork. The outdoor patio offers views of Pearl Harbor in the distance. The recipe comes from the owner’s grandmother, who moved from Korea to Hawaii in the 1950s and adapted her cooking to incorporate local ingredients.
Each burger comes with a side of crispy taro chips dusted with furikake seasoning, perfectly complementing the sweet-spicy flavor profile.
12. The Daley, Honolulu
Seafood lovers rejoice at The Daley’s Ahi Perfection burger. Fresh-caught yellowfin tuna gets seared rare, then placed atop a bed of seaweed salad with wasabi aioli and pickled ginger on a sesame seed bun.
The minimalist restaurant interior features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Honolulu Harbor. Fishing boats return with their daily catch as you dine, emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to freshness. The chef worked on fishing boats for years before opening his restaurant, developing relationships with local fishermen who text him directly when they have exceptional catches.
The tuna is never frozen, and each burger is prepared to order, allowing diners to specify their preferred doneness for the perfect ahi experience.
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