Waikiki isn't just shave ice and poke โ it's quietly home to some seriously good burgers. I pulled together 17 qualifying spots and curated this guide to highlight the ones genuinely worth your time, from market pop-ups to beachside cafes.
The list leads with spots carrying the NateEatsHawaii badge โ Nate's hand-picked, verified recommendations โ followed by Waikiki's best-rated burger joints as scored by real visitors on the site. Highlights include Banzai Burger, serving made-to-order burgers with a Hawaiian twist inside the Kuhio Avenue Food Hall, and JOJA Hawaii at the Waikiki Makers Market, known as Hawaii's original truffle smashburger (available every Monday 3:30โ8 PM). Barefoot Beach Cafe at Queen's Surf Beach rounds things out with an only-in-Hawaii vibe: open-air dining, live music, and a weekend beach BBQ.
Wherever the NateEatsHawaii badge appears on the page, that's a spot Nate personally recommends. Use this guide to eat well and skip the guesswork on your next Waikiki outing.
The ranking
Top pick1$$Made-to-order burgers with a Hawaiian twist inside Waikiki's Kuhio Avenue Food Hall. The $19 Waimea double is the move โ juicy, cooked medium, and not drowning in sauce. Indoor + outdoor seating, now open for breakfast at 8am.
2$$Hawaii's original truffle smashburger at Waikiki Makers Market every Monday 3:30 โ 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.
3$$Outdoor cafe has Hawaiian plates & standard American fare, plus live music & a weekend beach BBQ.
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6$$Lively outpost with tiki-hut decor serving burgers, American standards & tropical drinks.
7$Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
8$$Tucked into Waikiki, Lulu's Waikiki serves breakfast at mid-range prices.
9$Tucked into Waikiki, Pit Stop Hawaii Food Truck serves hamburger at budget-friendly prices. Look for takeout โ known as a consistent local favorite.
10$Casual, family-owned restaurant serving tacos, burritos, sandwiches, burgers & other comfort food.
11$$Colorful Hawaii-based fast-food chain serving creative burgers, plus sandwiches, fries & ice cream.
12The Butcher Bar by Aloha Steak House is a hamburger spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a solid pick with full bar.
13$$See every spot on a live map
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FAQ
Banzai Burger and JOJA Hawaii at the Waikiki Makers Market are among the most talked-about options โ the former for its Hawaiian-twist made-to-order burgers, the latter for its truffle smashburger. Look for the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page for Nate's personally verified picks.
Several spots on this list, including food-hall and food-truck options like Banzai Burger and JOJA Hawaii, tend to offer more wallet-friendly pricing compared to sit-down restaurants. Checking each listing on NateEatsHawaii will give you the most up-to-date price range info.
This is a curated BEST guide โ Nate's verified picks appear first, followed by Waikiki's highest-rated burger spots based on real visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect new openings and updated ratings across the site's ~1,900 Oahu restaurants.
Waikiki