Honolulu punches well above its weight when it comes to burgers — from smashburger pop-ups at farmers markets to beachside patties with a Hawaiian twist. I pulled together this guide from all 33 qualifying burger spots across the city, leading with my verified picks and rounding it out with the area's best-rated options.
Top of the list is JOJA Hawaii at the Kakaako Farmers Market — my personal recommendation and the holder of the NateEatsHawaii badge. Hawaii's original truffle smashburger, available every Saturday from 7:30 AM to noon, it's the kind of burger worth setting an alarm for. JOJA also pops up at the Waikiki Makers Market on Mondays. Beyond JOJA, spots like Banzai Burger in the Kuhio Avenue Food Hall and Barefoot Beach Cafe at Queen's Surf Beach are well-regarded by visitors for their own takes on the burger game.
Spots that Nate has personally visited carry the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — keep an eye out for that marker as you browse the full list of 33 Honolulu burger destinations.
The ranking
Top pick1$$Made-to-order burgers with a Hawaiian twist inside Waikiki's Kuhio Avenue Food Hall. The $19 Waimea double is the move — juicy, cooked medium, and not drowning in sauce. Indoor + outdoor seating, now open for breakfast at 8am.
2$$Hawaii's original truffle smashburger at Kakaako Farmers Market every Saturday 7:30 AM – 12 PM. Double smash patties with ribeye-chuck blend, caramelized onions, and truffle sauce. Best of Honolulu 2023. Get there early — the line builds fast.
3$$Hawaii's original truffle smashburger at Waikiki Makers Market every Monday 3:30 – 8 PM. Double smash patties with ribeye-chuck blend, caramelized onions, and truffle sauce. Best of Honolulu 2023. Perfect for a Monday evening bite in Waikiki.
4$$Outdoor cafe has Hawaiian plates & standard American fare, plus live music & a weekend beach BBQ.
5
6$$
7
8$$Lively outpost with tiki-hut decor serving burgers, American standards & tropical drinks.
9$Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
10$$
11$$Locally sourced beef, pork & produce served as creative burgers in a simple, counter-serve location.
12
13$Popular Philippines-based chain globally known for its famed fried chicken, spaghetti & burgers.
14$Popular Philippines-based chain globally known for its famed fried chicken, spaghetti & burgers.
15$$Tucked into Waikiki, Lulu's Waikiki serves breakfast at mid-range prices.
16$$
17$$Oh My Grill brings hamburger to Moiliili at a mid-range price point. Family-friendly casual dining.
18$Tucked into Waikiki, Pit Stop Hawaii Food Truck serves hamburger at budget-friendly prices. Look for takeout — known as a consistent local favorite.
19$$$This casual oceanside lunch spot at The Kahala Hotel & Resort sells salads, sandwiches & cocktails.
20$Casual, family-owned restaurant serving tacos, burritos, sandwiches, burgers & other comfort food.
21$$Colorful Hawaii-based fast-food chain serving creative burgers, plus sandwiches, fries & ice cream.
22$$Colorful Hawaii-based fast-food chain serving creative burgers, plus sandwiches, fries & ice cream.
23$$Colorful Hawaii-based fast-food chain serving creative burgers, plus sandwiches, fries & ice cream.
24$$
25The Butcher Bar by Aloha Steak House is a hamburger spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a solid pick with full bar.
26$$Contemporary chain with customizable gourmet burgers, including vegetarian, plus beer & wine.
27$Classic burgers are served with milkshakes & draft beer at this chill, whitewashed-brick locale.
28$Time-tested mom-and-pop counter-serve grill known for burgers & teriyaki-sauced hot sandwiches.
29$$
30Part of a small chain of casual Chinese kitchens specializing in Cantonese-style meat-stuffed buns.
See every spot on a live map
Filter, get directions, and find what's open right now.
FAQ
JOJA Hawaii at the Kakaako Farmers Market is Nate's top pick — it's known as Hawaii's original truffle smashburger and is available every Saturday morning. Browse the full list of 33 spots to find the best fit for your taste and neighborhood.
Waikiki has several solid options, including Banzai Burger inside the Kuhio Avenue Food Hall, Barefoot Beach Cafe at Queen's Surf Beach, and JOJA Hawaii's Waikiki Makers Market pop-up every Monday afternoon. Each offers a different vibe, from casual outdoor dining to food hall eats.
This is a curated BEST guide — Nate's personally verified picks appear first (marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge), followed by the highest-rated burger spots across Honolulu based on visitor ratings collected on the site. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect new openings and updated ratings.
Honolulu