Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Aram Vardanyan
Aloha, burger lovers! Are you looking to cure your hunger with something juicy, often messy, and always satisfying?
Whether you’re fresh off the plane or fresh off the waves at Waikiki Beach, Honolulu is packed with ono (delicious) burger spots.
They run the gauntlet from food trucks to retro-style diners and sophisticated gourmet grills. If you’re searching for the best burger in Honolulu, you’re in the right place!
I’ve gone through the lists and asked the locals, because everyone has a favorite, to bring you the ultimate guide to biting into paradise.
You’ll have to choose between smashed or loaded, vegetarian or grass-fed, and various buns (sesame, brioche, or potato).
Best Burgers in Honolulu: From Smash to Gourmet
Burgers in Honolulu (Estimated Prices):
- Fast Food Burger (e.g., McDonald’s, local fast-casual): $5.00 – $8.00
- Casual Restaurant Burger (standard patty, toppings): $14.00 – $19.00
- Gourmet/Specialty Burger (craft patty, unique toppings): $20.00 – $28.00+
- Avg. Burger Meal (burger + fries/side + drink): $20.00 – $30.00
What makes a burger truly Hawaiian? It’s all about the ingredients and the unique flavors that you just won’t find anywhere else.
The best burger in Honolulu comes with plenty of island flair, think teriyaki-glazed creations, unique toppings, and loco-moco-inspired patties.
Practical Information
Just a crucial piece of advice for my visitors from the mainland:
- No Mainland Chains: Many popular chain burgers are not available in Hawaii. There is no In-N-Out or Shake Shack in Hawaii. You also won’t find Johnny Rockets, Culver’s, or White Castle here.
- Local Chains Available: Five Guys and one Sonic location on Oahu and Maui are exceptions, but for a true taste of the islands, stick to the local burger places in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Categorized Picks: Finding Your Perfect Patty
Ready to dig in? There are so many unique Burger places in Honolulu, Hawaii; here are my top recommendations, broken down by style:
Here are the places to Honolulu’s must-try burger spots, organized by style and highlighting what makes each location special.
1. The Daley (Chinatown)
This spot is a staff favorite, beloved for its local grass-fed smash burger, known for its beautifully crisped edges and juicy patty centers.
If you’re looking for the absolute best burger in downtown Honolulu right now, The Daley is a must-try.
Recommended: Ordering the double with two crispy-edged patties.
Address: 1110 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI
2. Boarded Up by Chubbies Burgers (Kaimuki)
Boarded Up continues the legacy of Chubbies Burgers, the original pioneers who introduced the smash burger style to Hawaii back in 2016. Visit this location for an authentic taste of the island’s smash burger history.
Address: 1108 12th Ave A, Honolulu, HI
3. The Lei Stand Waikiki
Located inside the Romer House, this burger is causing major buzz. It features a juicy 6-ounce beef patty, balanced by coleslaw, and a drizzle of sweet teriyaki for a distinctly local flavor.
Address: 415 Nāhua St, Honolulu, HI
4. Livestock Tavern (Chinatown)
This sleek gastropub whips up a culinary standout.
If you want the best burger in downtown Honolulu with an elevated twist, try the Tavern Burger, topped with rich bacon-onion marmalade and sharp Gruyère cheese on a soft brioche bun.
Address: 49 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI
5. Morning Glass Coffee (Mānoa)
While known for coffee, their burger is a “thick boy” made with grass-fed beef and topped with house-made sweet pickles on a soft brioche bun, providing a hearty, high-quality lunch option.
Address: 49 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI
6. W&M Bar B-Q Burger (Kaimukī)
This classic mom-and-pop joint has been family-owned since the 1950s. It’s celebrated for its affordability and the simple, nostalgic meal you eat in your car—a true taste of old-school local life.
Address: 3104 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI
7. Forty Niner Restaurant (‘Aiea)
Step back in time at Forty Niner, which offers an old-school cheeseburger deluxe and all the classic local drive-in vibes for a truly authentic, nostalgic experience.
Address: 98-110 Honumanu St, Aiea, HI
Insider Tips for Your Honolulu Burger Hunt
- Insider Ordering Strategy: If you visit W&M Bar B-Q Burger, ask for The Hal—a special named after a regular customer, which Chef Alan Wong once called his “fast food sin”.
- Limited Availability Alert: The highly rated burger at Morning Glass Coffee is a special available only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Ambiance Check: For a cozy, upscale setting, Livestock Tavern is perfect for pairing your burger fix with local cocktails. The Daley (one of the burger places in Honolulu, Hawaii, focused on smash burgers) offers an inviting, casual vibe, great for takeout.
- The Big Challenge: If you’re a “next-level burger lover,” you can attempt the King Kamehameha Challenge at Honolulu Burger Co.’s Makiki/Beretania location: down eight burgers, two pounds of fries, and a giant milkshake in just one hour.
Beyond Beef: Plant-Based and Vegetarian Options
Here are the best places to find dedicated vegan and plant-based burgers in the city:
Badass Burgers Hawaii
For completely meat-free indulgence, Badass Burgers Hawaii is the spot.
They serve creative and satisfying vegan burgers, such as the famous Mac Daddy burger with its “ooey, gooey ‘cheesy’ Mac Daddy sauce,” or the spicy BBQ-N-ASS burger featuring truffle BBQ sauce.
The Daley
As one of the top burger places in Honolulu, The Daley ensures everyone has options by offering the Beyond Burger.
Crucially, they prepare it using the same smash burger technique as their classic beef patty, ensuring it has that signature crispy edge.
Teddy’s Bigger Burger
This popular chain is a reliable choice, as it also provides dedicated vegan and vegetarian alternatives on its menu.
What Makes Honolulu’s Burgers Special: Quality & Local Twist
- Local, Grass-Fed Beef: Many top burger spots prioritize high-quality, local grass-fed beef. For instance, Morning Glass Coffee sources its beef from Mauka Meats.
- Big Island Sourcing: Look for places using premium beef from the Big Island, like Honolulu Burger Co. (Hamakua coast grass-fed) and Mahaloha Burger (certified Angus/free-range).
- Premium Cuts Available: If you’re craving something truly upscale, you can find options like local 8-oz wagyu beef at Basalt or USDA prime beef at Butcher & Bird.
- Secret Island Sauces: Beyond the standard, expect unique local flavors. W&M Bar B-Q Burger, for example, pre-soaks its patties in a secret teriyaki BBQ sauce.
- “Loco Moco” Inspiration: Experience the classic local dish as a burger! Both Mahaloha Burger and Honolulu Burger Co. offer Loco Moco-style burgers with gravy, eggs, and other savory local additions.
- Creative Toppings: Prepare for inventive and delicious combinations. Honolulu Burger Co. is renowned for its unique creations, such as the “Aloha Elvis” (featuring bacon, banana, peanut butter, and guava jelly) and the “Teri-Kim” (made with teriyaki sauce and kimchi).
Conclusion and Call to Action
Whether you choose a classic institution that has been family-owned since the 1950s, a smash burger spot like The Daley, which offers the best burger in downtown Honolulu, or a loaded island creation, you are guaranteed a delicious, always satisfying taste of Honolulu.