Maybe the craving for a juicy, perfectly charred patty struck you at lunchtime, or maybe you just need something substantial and satisfying after a day exploring the Big Island’s rugged coast. Either way, it sounds like you need a great burger. Read on for our top picks, from classic cheeseburgers to inventive local creations.
Island Hopper Taproom
$$ | WEBSITE
Island Hopper Taproom flies pretty under the radar, but you should know about this casual taproom just outside of downtown Waimea. The portions are generous, but the vibe is relaxed enough that you’ll feel energized after enjoying a full meal. Even the signature dishes here fall under $18 and if you’re low on time, they can get you in and out in under a half hour. Parking can be a little easy, since you can usually find ample space right outside.
We usually go with the Tropical Summer salad, K BBQ sandwich, or the excellent All American burger.
Kings Bistro Restaurant At King’ Land
$ | (808) 881-3000 | WEBSITE
Kings’ Bistro is part of the convenient and affordable dining options available at the Kings’ Land resort in Waimea, including poolside spots like the main bar and snack shack. But when it comes to classic American bar food with Hawaiian touches, Kings’ Bistro is in a league of its own.
Our usual order here is the well-priced nachos and fries (which take at least 20 minutes to prepare when busy) and the great Tsunami Spritzer or Pele’s Sunset drinks—of which even the regular pours are plenty refreshing. This is a popular resort spot so don’t be surprised that everyone on the outdoor patio seems to be a guest enjoying the nightly live music.
The Fish And The Hog
$$ | (808) 885-6268 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, after a long week, you just want to grab a quick bite on your own. And other times, you’re rounding up the whole crew for a proper feast. If you find yourself in the latter situation, head to The Fish and the Hog in Waimea, a standout burger destination with a lively atmosphere ideal for group gatherings. The burgers here are Paniolo-style, which means the patties are high-quality and the presentation is creative.
It’s slightly different than other versions you’ll find around town, and it tastes incredible. Get the Paniolo burger with brisket nacho house fries.
Kohala Burger & Taco
$ | (808) 880-1923 | WEBSITE
Meet the no-bullshit burger joint of our dreams. At this cash-only spot in Waimea, you grab one of the eight stools at the surf-themed counter, order, and eat within five minutes. But don’t take their efficiency as a sign of a rushed kitchen. The Original Double Cheeseburger here arrives piping hot with two perfectly smashed patties and slices of crisp lettuce and tomato stacked between toasted buns.
But the best part is the flavor lurking underneath—the Molcate Guacamole serves some of the creamiest, most aromatic avocado spread on the island that tastes like a ripe avocado rolled down a hill made of lime and cilantro.
Aloha Burger & BBQ
$ | (808) 229-8185 | WEBSITE
Finding a decent burger in Waimea is simple. Finding an exceptional one, however, requires sifting through plenty of average options. End your hunt and make your way to Aloha Burger & BBQ. This cozy burger joint on the island serves the best smash burgers in the area and given the weekend crowds you’ll encounter, we’re clearly not alone in that opinion.
Their menu highlights classic smash style burgers with 100% grass-fed beef, crispy bacon, and cheese on a delicious bun, but your choice must be the one with the ginger-based sauce. Sauce at burger spots can often be forgettable, but the zesty and aromatic ginger sauce here elevates the already juicy patty to another level. A burger also comes with a side of freshly made juice, justifying the $16 cost.
Village Burger Waimea
$ | (808) 885-7319 | WEBSITE
Village Burger Waimea, a bustling spot tucked into a shopping center with a big reputation for burgers, is where we head for beef on the Big Island. The outdoor seating area looks like a relaxed patio that doubles as a local art showcase, and there are plenty of indoor tables in the connected food court where you can eat burgers with huge, meaty patties made from fresh, local beef alongside truffle salt seasoned fries or creamy milkshakes.
There’s even a customizable patty option if you’re building your own. And though it might not technically be a burger without the bun, the best burger-adjacent item here might be the freshly cooked fries, golden and crisp with that truffle salt seasoning that comes with a side of unique, tasty sauces for dipping.
Waimea Lamb Company
A burger at Waimea Lamb Company—the roadside spot known for the best lamb on the Big Island—is restorative. It’s a simple, unpretentious restaurant that’s warm and welcoming. Plenty of natural light streams in through the open windows, too, which lets you watch the smoke rise off their sizzling lamb patties. Waimea Lamb Company doesn’t skimp on the fresh produce so this burger is loaded with crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes.
The juicy lamb patty, melted Gouda, and sautéed mushrooms are so tender you barely need to bite through them, and the overall flavor has a distinct savory richness that’s not overwhelming.
Surf Burger
$ | WEBSITE
Come to Surf Burger for the Tiki Burger. Its juicy patty layers cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, and a tropical-inspired sauce for a flavor combination that packs more of a punch than a Hawaiian wave. Skip the American cheese option and go with the cheddar substitution instead—it adds a sharp richness to the burger and is even better when you add a spoonful of salsa to brighten things up.
This cute spot in Waimea is almost always full of beachgoers, families, and solo diners grabbing meals in a hurry. Avoid the lunch rush and you’ll cut down on wait times significantly.
Da Booze Shop
$ | (808) 338-9953 | WEBSITE
Da Booze Shop always looks like a simple takeaway spot from the outside. This unassuming building in Waimea has a straightforward storefront that gives little hint of what’s inside. But once you realize it’s actually open and get your order, you’ll find some excellent burgers. The Mahi Katsu in particular—which comes with generous portions and perfect frying—is a textbook example of how to do something fresh and very, very well.
Big Island Brewhaus
$$ | (808) 887-1717 | WEBSITE
This brewery has earned a reputation across the Big Island, but the Waimea location deserves the title of best craft brewery in Hawaii. The slightly hoppy Belgian ale here is as refreshing as a mountain stream, and we love that the falafel sandwich comes loaded with crisp patties and creamy macadamia nut cheese. They also make a less-commonly-seen roasted kabocha squash dish that’s hearty enough to fuel a day of exploring nearby attractions.
Grab a seat in the spacious (but somehow always buzzing) taproom and prepare to enjoy the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.