Best Burgers in Honolulu
Honolulu burgers range from teriyaki-glazed local classics and drive-in counters to smash burgers in Kaimuki and chef-driven burgers in Chinatown, often made with Hawaii-raised beef.
Where to Eat
How to eat burgers in Honolulu
Honolulu's burger scene has its own accent. Teriyaki-glazed patties, plate-lunch counters and local, grass-fed Hawaii beef sit alongside smash burgers and chef-driven burgers from the city's newer restaurants. Many spots lean on island-raised beef, and some of the most loved burgers in town come from takeout windows that have been open for generations.
A few areas are worth knowing. Waikiki is the resort district, with plenty of convenient options inside shopping centers. Kapahulu, right next door, is a neighborhood of local favorites along Kapahulu Avenue. Kaimuki, a little farther inland along Waialae Avenue, is one of the city's best food neighborhoods. Chinatown, next to downtown, mixes historic buildings with bars and restaurants. Every spot below appears in the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.
Best burgers in Honolulu by style
Local classics
Rainbow Drive-In in Kapahulu has served local comfort food since 1961, from loco moco and plate lunches to burgers. W&M Bar-B-Q Burger in Kaimuki grills patties glazed with a barbecue sauce whose recipe dates to 1940; the teriyaki burger is the order. Teddy's Bigger Burgers on Kapahulu Avenue charbroils patties in three sizes and serves thick milkshakes. For more in this style, see our best classic burgers page.
Smash burgers
Boarded Up Burgers in Kaimuki is the 2025 relaunch of Chubbies Hawaiʻi, with thin, crispy patties, onion relish and tangy sauce. Carl's OG3 Burger Shop on Young Street piles on the toppings and sauce, and The Daley in Chinatown serves a double with crispy patties and caramelized onions. Learn what sets the style apart in smash burger vs. regular burger, or browse our best smash burgers picks.
Local beef and Waikiki convenience
Honolulu Burger Co. builds its menu around local, grass-fed Hawaii beef, with the original shop on Beretania Street and another in Kaimuki. In Waikiki, Mahaloha Burger at the Royal Hawaiian Center uses North Shore-raised beef and offers teriyaki and grilled pineapple options.
Chef-driven burgers
Livestock Tavern in Chinatown serves the Tavern Burger with bacon-onion marmalade and Gruyere in a sit-down setting. Our best gourmet burgers page has more burgers like this around the country.
Local burger traditions
The teriyaki burger is Honolulu's most recognizable local style: a grilled beef patty glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce, usually served with simple toppings. W&M Bar-B-Q Burger is one of the best places to taste it, and teriyaki options also show up at Mahaloha Burger. Grilled pineapple is another common island touch.
Local beef is the other big theme. Hawaii has a long ranching history, and burger shops like Honolulu Burger Co. and Mahaloha Burger highlight beef raised on the islands. You will also see the burger as part of plate-lunch culture at places like Rainbow Drive-In, where it sits on the same menu as loco moco, a dish of rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and gravy. If you want to understand how these compare with mainland styles, our guide to American burger styles is a helpful primer.
Tips for visiting
- Group stops by area. Rainbow Drive-In and Teddy's are both in Kapahulu, a short trip from Waikiki, and Boarded Up Burgers and W&M are both in Kaimuki.
- Plan ahead for small shops. W&M keeps limited hours and can sell out, and Boarded Up Burgers announces its hours on social media.
- Expect takeout. Several local classics are counters or windows with limited seating, so a beach picnic is a good plan.
- Try the local flavors. A teriyaki burger or a burger with grilled pineapple is a very Honolulu order.
- Cooking at home? Our burger temperature and doneness guide covers the USDA-recommended 160°F for ground beef.
Browse by style
Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best smash burgers, classic burger joints, cheap burgers in Honolulu.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Honolulu?
For a local classic, go to W&M Bar-B-Q Burger or Rainbow Drive-In. For a smash burger, try Boarded Up Burgers. For local grass-fed beef, Honolulu Burger Co. is a strong choice, and Teddy's is a reliable pick near Waikiki.
Where can I find a cheap burger in Honolulu?
Rainbow Drive-In, W&M Bar-B-Q Burger and Boarded Up Burgers are casual counters that keep things affordable.
Where can I get a burger in Waikiki?
Mahaloha Burger is inside the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, and Teddy's Bigger Burgers and Rainbow Drive-In are a short trip away in Kapahulu.
What is a teriyaki burger?
It is a beef patty glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce, a long-standing local favorite in Hawaii. W&M Bar-B-Q Burger in Kaimuki is one of the best-known places to try one.