JOJA Smash Burger: The Best Burger in Hawaii?

The Line: What to Expect

Let me be real with you. If you're going to JOJA, you're going to wait. I got in line on a Monday evening at the Waikiki Makers Market around 5:30 PM, and the queue was already deep. Here's roughly how it went:

Watching Unk Work the Griddle

This is the part that makes JOJA different from every other burger spot in Honolulu. Watching Unk cook is like watching a live performance. He trained at The California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and ran restaurants in Marin County for over 13 years before moving to O'ahu — and you can tell. He works a flat-top griddle that takes up the entire front of the tent, managing dozens of burgers at once in precise, rhythmic batches.

Here's the process: raw beef balls go down on one side of the griddle. Brioche buns toast alongside them. He smashes each patty flat, piles thinly sliced onions on top, and presses them into the meat so the onions caramelize directly into the patty as it sears. Then comes a blanket of American cheese, melting over everything.

People crowded around the front of the tent, phones out, recording the whole thing. The steam, the sizzle, the energy — it's electric. You can feel that this guy genuinely loves what he does. Every patty gets the same attention whether it's the first burger of the night or the last.

And then it happened: the "SORRY, SOLD OUT" sign went up. We had already ordered, so we were safe. But the people a few spots behind us in line? Not so lucky. That three-year Best of Honolulu streak isn't just marketing — the demand is real.

The Burger: Honest Taste Review

JOJA serves one item: the Truffle Smash Burger. Here's what's in it:

• •Double smash patties — ribeye and beef chuck blend (100% ground beef)
• •Double American cheese
• •Thinly sliced onions — caramelized directly into the patties on the griddle
• •Special truffle sauce
• •Brioche bun

You can also add bacon and order truffle fries or plain fries on the side.

Since there's no real seating at the Waikiki Makers Market, we found a spot on the artificial turf, sat down, and opened the clamshell container.

First bite: The meat was incredibly tender and juicy. This is not a well-done, dried-out patty. It's cooked closer to medium — pink and wet in the center, with crispy edges from the smash technique. If you like your burgers juicy rather than charred, you'll love this.

The onions: I'll admit, I was skeptical about the amount of onion. It looked like a lot. But once onions are caramelized on a griddle with beef fat, they become sweet, almost jammy. They melt into the patty and basically become part of the meat. It works.

The truffle sauce: This is the signature element. It adds an earthy, slightly funky richness that elevates the whole burger beyond a standard smash. It's not overpowering — just enough to make you think, what is that? Combined with the melty American cheese and the soft, lightly toasted brioche bun, it's a complete package.

The fries: Plain fries and truffle fries are both $7, so pick whichever sounds better to you. I went with the truffle. They're standard cut, nothing fancy, but solid. The truffle oil on the fries doesn't hit quite as hard as the truffle sauce on the burger itself — save that sauce cup for dipping and you'll be set.

Overall verdict: This is not the cheapest burger you'll find in Waikiki. Two burgers and two fries ran us about $60 with tip. But it's also not the most expensive, especially considering you're getting a ribeye-blend double smash with truffle sauce made by the owner himself. For what it is — and more importantly, for how it tastes — it's worth every penny.

Is JOJA Worth the Wait?

Yes. But I want to be clear about what you're signing up for. This is not a quick grab-and-go meal. Budget 30 to 45 minutes minimum, and be prepared for the possibility that they sell out before you reach the front. Arrive early if you want to guarantee your order.

That said, the wait is part of the experience. You'll meet people. You'll watch one of the most impressive live cooking shows on the island. And when you finally bite into that burger on the grass under the Waikiki lights, you'll understand why people keep coming back.

JOJA Smash Burger — Full Menu & Prices (2026)

JOJA's menu is intentionally simple. One burger. A few add-ons. Two fry options. Here's everything with current prices:

JOJA Smash Burger — Locations & Hours

JOJA is a pop-up with no permanent restaurant. They rotate between three O'ahu locations each week:

Pro Tips for JOJA Smash Burger

FAQ: JOJA Smash Burger