best burger in hawaii

If you're visiting Hawaii and craving a juicy and delicious burger, you've come to the right place. Hawaii's burger scene is vibrant and varied, offering plenty of options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about finding the best burger in Hawaii. From top burger joints to chains, celebrity favorites, and insider tips, we'll guide you through the burger landscape of the Aloha State.

How to find the best burger in Hawaii

First things first, let's talk about what makes a great burger. A perfect burger requires high-quality ingredients, including fresh buns, quality meat, and flavorful toppings. Start by doing some research online to find the best burger spots in Hawaii. Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local food blogs are good sources for recommendations.

Once you have a list of potential burger spots, it's important to read reviews and check out photos of the burgers. Look for comments about the quality of the ingredients, the cooking technique, and the overall taste. Don't be afraid to ask locals for their recommendations as well. They may have insider knowledge about hidden gem burger joints that aren't as well-known to tourists.

Top 10 burger joints in Hawaii

If you're looking for the best of the best, check out our top ten list of burger joints in Hawaii:

• 1. The Counter - located in Kahala Mall, this chain is known for its customizable burgers, fresh ingredients, and innovative toppings.
• 2. Teddy's Bigger Burgers - with several locations throughout Hawaii, Teddy's offers classic burgers with a Hawaiian twist, like the teriyaki burger and the kalua pork burger.
• 3. Honolulu Burger Co. - this family-owned restaurant in Kaimuki uses locally sourced beef and buns to make their delicious burgers.
• 4. Kua 'Aina - another chain with multiple locations, Kua 'Aina has been serving gourmet burgers in Hawaii since 1975.
• 5. Big City Diner - a local favorite, Big City Diner serves up hearty burgers with generous portions.
• 6. Tucker & Bevvy - a casual eatery in Waikiki, Tucker & Bevvy offers a unique Aussie-style burger made with grass-fed beef.
• 7. Fete Hawaii - located in Chinatown, Fete Hawaii uses quality ingredients to create unique burgers like the kimchi burger and the crab rangoon burger.
• 8. Hank's Haute Dogs - while not strictly a burger joint, Hank's Haute Dogs is a must-try for hot dog lovers who want to try the best gourmet hot dogs in Hawaii.
• 9. Jollibee - this Filipinio fast-food chain is popular in Hawaii for its flavorful burgers and fried chicken.
• 10. Cheeseburger In Paradise - with two locations in Hawaii, Cheeseburger In Paradise is a fun and lively restaurant with a beachy vibe, serving up classic burgers and tropical drinks.

While Hawaii is known for its fresh seafood and tropical fruits, the burger scene in Hawaii is not to be overlooked. Many of these burger joints offer unique twists on classic burgers, using local ingredients and flavors to create a truly Hawaiian experience. Whether you're a local or a tourist, be sure to add these burger joints to your must-try list when visiting Hawaii.

A guide to the best burger chains in Hawaii

If you're in the mood for a reliably good burger from a chain, here are some options to try:

• 1. McDonald's - you can't go wrong with the classic Big Mac or Quarter Pounder.
• 2. Wendy's - their Baconator and Spicy Chicken Sandwich are worth trying.
• 3. Burger King - the Whopper is a staple, but try the Angry Whopper for a spicy kick.
• 4. In-N-Out Burger - this popular chain from California has two locations in Hawaii and is known for its fresh burgers and secret menu items.
• 5. Shake Shack - a newcomer to Hawaii, Shake Shack offers delicious burgers made with hormone-free beef.

However, if you're looking for a more unique burger experience, Hawaii has plenty of local burger joints to choose from. Teddy's Bigger Burgers, Kua 'Aina, and Honolulu Burger Co. are just a few of the local favorites that offer a variety of creative burger options using locally sourced ingredients. These spots are definitely worth checking out if you want to try something different and support local businesses.

The history of best burgers in hawaii

Burgers have been a staple of Hawaiian cuisine for generations. In the early 1900s, American servicemen stationed in Hawaii brought their love of burgers to the islands. As more people moved to Hawaii, so did their desire for classic American food. In the 1950s, fast-food chains began opening in Hawaii, including McDonald's. Today, the Hawaiian burger scene is thriving, with many restaurants putting their own unique twist on the classic burger.

One popular variation of the Hawaiian burger is the "teriyaki burger," which features a beef patty marinated in teriyaki sauce and topped with grilled pineapple, lettuce, and mayonnaise. Another unique twist is the "poke burger," which incorporates the flavors of traditional Hawaiian poke (raw fish salad) into a burger patty. Some restaurants even offer vegetarian and vegan burger options, using ingredients like taro root, sweet potato, and black beans.

Hawaiian twists on classic burgers

One of the joys of eating a burger in Hawaii is trying all the creative twists that restaurants put on this classic dish. Some popular Hawaiian-style burgers include:

• 1. Teriyaki burger - a classic burger topped with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple.
• 2. Loco Moco burger - a burger patty served over rice and topped with gravy and a fried egg.
• 3. Kalua pork burger - a burger topped with tender and smoky kalua pork.
• 4. Poke burger - a burger topped with raw, marinated tuna poke.
• 5. Macadamia nut burger - a burger topped with toasted macadamia nuts and a creamy sauce.

In addition to these popular Hawaiian-style burgers, many restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan options. Some of these include:

• 1. Tofu burger - a burger patty made from tofu and topped with fresh vegetables and sauces.
• 2. Portobello mushroom burger - a burger patty made from grilled portobello mushrooms and topped with avocado and sprouts.
• 3. Veggie burger - a burger patty made from a variety of vegetables and grains, and topped with cheese and sauces.

These vegetarian and vegan options offer a delicious and healthy alternative to the classic meat-based burgers, and are a great way to experience the unique flavors of Hawaii.

Vegetarian and vegan burger options in Hawaii

For vegetarian and vegan burger lovers, Hawaii offers plenty of options. Here are some places to try:

• 1. Peace Cafe - a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Honolulu with a variety of burger options, including a black bean burger and a beet burger.
• 2. Veggie Grill - a chain with a location in Honolulu, Veggie Grill offers several plant-based burgers made with Beyond Meat patties.
• 3. Banan - while not a burger joint, Banan is known for its creative banana-based menu, including a savory banana burger made with a grilled banana patty.

Another great option for vegetarian and vegan burgers in Hawaii is Down to Earth, a natural foods store with locations throughout the state. Their deli offers a variety of plant-based burgers, including a tempeh burger and a quinoa burger. They also have a build-your-own burger option, where you can choose from a variety of toppings and sauces to create your perfect veggie burger.

The secret ingredient that makes a great Hawaiian burger

While every burger joint has their own secret sauce or flavor, one ingredient that makes a great Hawaiian burger stand out is the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Many restaurants in Hawaii pride themselves on using grass-fed beef, locally grown produce, and homemade sauces and toppings to create a burger that truly captures the flavors of Hawaii.

In addition to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, another key factor in making a great Hawaiian burger is the cooking method. Many Hawaiian burgers are cooked on a grill or griddle, which gives them a delicious char and smoky flavor. Some restaurants even use a traditional Hawaiian cooking method called "imu," where the burger is cooked in an underground oven with hot rocks and banana leaves.

Another important aspect of a great Hawaiian burger is the toppings. While traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion are always a good choice, many Hawaiian burgers feature unique toppings like grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and even Spam. These toppings add a sweet and savory flavor that perfectly complements the juicy beef patty.

Celebrity favorite burger spots in Hawaii

If you want to eat like a celebrity, here are some burger spots rumored to be frequented by famous visitors to Hawaii:

• 1. Kua 'Aina - this burger chain has been visited by celebrities like Bette Midler and Barack Obama.
• 2. Koala Moa - a casual eatery in Kailua, Koala Moa was reportedly visited by Rihanna.
• 3. Teddy's Bigger Burgers - with multiple locations throughout Hawaii, Teddy's has been visited by actors Jack Black and Matt Damon.

However, there are also some lesser-known burger spots that have been visited by celebrities. For example, Da Kitchen in Maui has been visited by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, while Chubbies Burgers in Honolulu has been visited by actor Zac Efron. These spots may not be as well-known as the others, but they offer delicious burgers and the chance to dine like a celebrity.

Best drinks to pair with your Hawaiian burger

A delicious burger calls for a refreshing drink to wash it down. Here are some drink options to pair with your Hawaiian burger:

• 1. Local beer - Hawaii has plenty of locally brewed beer options, including Kona Brewing Company and Maui Brewing Company.
• 2. Tropical cocktails - if you're in the mood for a drink with some island flair, try a Mai Tai, a Blue Hawaii, or a Pina Colada.
• 3. Iced tea - a refreshing and non-alcoholic option, many restaurants in Hawaii offer iced tea made with local tropical fruits like passionfruit and guava.

Another great drink option to pair with your Hawaiian burger is a fresh fruit smoothie. Made with local fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya, these smoothies are a perfect complement to the sweet and savory flavors of the burger. You can also add some coconut milk or yogurt for a creamier texture. Some popular smoothie spots in Hawaii include Jamba Juice and Smoothie King.

The best burger deals and discounts in Hawaii

If you're on a budget but still want to enjoy a delicious burger in Hawaii, here are some places to look for deals and discounts:

• 1. Groupon - check Groupon for deals on local burger restaurants in Hawaii.
• 2. Happy hour - many restaurants in Hawaii offer happy hour specials on food and drinks, including burgers.
• 3. Coupons - keep an eye out for coupons in local newspapers and magazines.

Insider tips for ordering the perfect Hawaiian burger

Here are some tips for ordering a burger that perfectly meets your taste buds:

• 1. Customize - many restaurants in Hawaii offer customization options for toppings, sauces, and buns, so don't be afraid to ask for your burger just the way you like it.
• 2. Try something new - while classic burgers are always delicious, don't be afraid to try a Hawaiian-style twist on a burger.
• 3. Ask about the meat - many burger joints in Hawaii offer different meat options, like grass-fed beef or local pork, so ask about the options if you're curious.

The evolution of the Hawaiian burger scene

As Hawaii continues to attract visitors from around the world, the burger scene has also evolved to meet the changing tastes of consumers. More and more restaurants are offering vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free buns and other dietary accommodations. Fast-casual chains like Shake Shack and Five Guys have also expanded to Hawaii, adding to the variety of burger options available. Despite the changes, the Hawaiian burger scene remains rooted in the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to quality.

Burgers worth traveling for: Exploring different parts of Hawaii

While there are plenty of great burger spots on Oahu, don't forget to explore other parts of Hawaii for culinary adventures. On Maui, try the burgers at Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop or The Mill House. On the Big Island, check out Big Island Brewhaus or Annie's Island Fresh Burgers in Kailua-Kona. There are even great burger spots on smaller islands like Kauai, including Bubba's Burgers and The Spot.

How to make your own Hawaiian-style burgers at home

If you want to recreate the flavors of Hawaii in your own kitchen, try making a Hawaiian-style burger at home. Start with a quality beef patty and add toppings like grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and crispy bacon. Or, try a vegetarian version with a black bean or beet patty topped with avocado and sprouts. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

With so many options for delicious burgers in Hawaii, there's no reason not to indulge in this classic American food while enjoying the beautiful scenery and warm weather of the islands. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, a chain aficionado or an adventurous foodie, there's a burger for everyone in Hawaii.

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