If you think finding a great burger in Waimea is simple, think again. This charming Upcountry town offers a surprisingly fierce competition between classic roadside stands, farm-to-table innovators, and local institutions that have perfected their patties for generations. The real challenge isn’t deciding if you want a burger—it’s deciding which of these ten exceptional spots deserves your first bite.
Island Hopper Taproom
$$ | WEBSITE
No matter how many times you visit Island Hopper Taproom, Hazuki, the super nice waitress, will probably recommend the All American burger as soon as you sit down. We can explain. The ‘All American’ is essentially a perfect classic—juicy beef patty with all the fixings—and it’ll keep you satisfied until you try what you came for: the sheet pan kahlua pork nachos.
Island Hopper Taproom quickly caught attention in Waimea thanks to its Tropical Summer salad, a refreshing mix of local greens with tropical fruits and light dressing. It’s the best casual meal in the neighborhood.
Aloha Burger & BBQ
$ | (808) 229-8185 | WEBSITE
Think of Aloha Burger & BBQ as a smaller, less-hectic, Hawaiian version of a classic burger joint. It’s another place where you go to the counter and order your burger, and, like those classic spots, there isn’t much going on in terms of decor. The staff here will also serve your food however you want, although you should probably just go with their classic smash style.
A few things you should absolutely get are the burger with crispy bacon and cheese, a side of their ginger-based sauce, and a freshly made juice. Other than that, go wild. This place is pretty affordable, they serve some of the best burgers you’ll find in Waimea, and it’s absolutely worth a trip.
Waimea Lamb Company
Waimea has several spots for a good burger, but you’ll always find locals lining up at the Waimea Lamb Company roadside stand, and for good reason. Their lamb is top quality, and they pile thick, juicy patties high with options like melted Gouda and sautéed mushrooms. You can get fresh, crisp produce that makes your meal feel less like a simple roadside bite, or you can add extra toppings instead.
The best experiences here are impromptu, when the aroma of grilled lamb drifts across the parking lot and you can’t help but pull over for a perfectly seasoned, truly delicious burger.
Kohala Burger & Taco
$ | (808) 880-1923 | WEBSITE
Don’t confuse Kohala Burger & Taco with the chain burger joints just a few blocks down the road. This local spot offers its own take on island favorites, and they took their famous fish tacos with them. You’ll have to arrive early to try the Original Double Cheeseburger, but you can get other items—with fresh, simple ingredients making them special—anytime. We highly recommend the Molcate Guacamole.
Kings Bistro Restaurant At King’ Land
$ | (808) 881-3000 | WEBSITE
At this convenient poolside spot, you’ll find one of the few restaurants in Waimea serving classic American fare alongside Hawaiian specialties. That means juicy burgers with crispy fries, the signature Tsunami Spritzer cocktail, and the bistro’s standout item, nachos piled high with toppings. The casual, open-air patio has plenty of room for families and groups, so expect to relax with your meal while listening to live music.
This is one of the more reliable options at the resort and totally worth the reasonable price.
Da Booze Shop
$ | (808) 338-9953 | WEBSITE
There are so many burgers and fried delights listed on the menu board at Da Booze Shop that it would take several blissful visits to try them all. But we’d be willing to give it a shot. Burgers from this takeaway-only spot—a local favorite for fresh, hot food—have great structural integrity, with every component coming through in each balanced bite. Like the Mahi Katsu: an impressively crisp fish fillet fried to perfection with generous portions and great value for the price.
Expect excellent service and a local experience that will leave you wanting more, especially if traveling with kids.
Surf Burger
$ | WEBSITE
Surf Burger makes some of our favorite burgers on the island with fresh, high-quality ingredients. We love the Tiki Burger, where cheddar cheese and juicy beef come together beautifully on a toasted bun, topped with tropical-inspired fixings. And if you order the Surf Burger, you’ll get a side of those addictive garlic fries. They do fish tacos and specialty shakes as well, like the Coco Loco and their creamy milkshakes.
The place is decorated cutely with a beachy vibe, and the friendly owners and staff make you feel right at home. It’s perfect for grabbing a burger to-go and enjoying it by the pier after a day at the beach.
The Fish And The Hog
$$ | (808) 885-6268 | WEBSITE
We aren’t going to declare the definitive best burger joint in Waimea, because that would be like naming the top BBQ spot in Texas—subjective and bound to spark debate. That said, The Fish and the Hog is certainly in the conversation. Everything here feels generous and shareable, and they specialize in quality meats. You can get things like the Paniolo burger, brisket nacho house fries, and adult mac and cheese—or you can try the onion rings and French onion soup.
This place gets lively, but they might offer you a friendly chat with Quincy at the bar while you wait for your table.
Village Burger Waimea
$ | (808) 885-7319 | WEBSITE
From the massive, juicy patties to the truffle-salt fries, Village Burger Waimea takes the hearty, local approach at every turn. And that’s exactly why we love this burger joint. With the paniolo art on the walls to the creamy, thick milkshakes, you’ll feel like you’re in a rustic Hawaiian ranch without any of the hard work.
If you need another reason to make this Waimea spot a priority, know that Village Burger offers fresh, made-to-order burgers with local Big Island beef—all seating is first-come, first-served in the relaxed shopping center setting.
Big Island Brewhaus
$$ | (808) 887-1717 | WEBSITE
Big Island Brewhaus both looks and feels like a proper Hawaiian brewery. There are local art pieces on the walls, the tables have a rustic wood finish, and there’s a lighting fixture made from repurposed brewing equipment. The food is very good in a fresh, locally sourced sort of way, and you should definitely be drinking some kind of craft beer here. The Belgian ale and Porter are excellent choices.
Dishes like the roasted kabocha squash and the falafel sandwich with macadamia nut cheese showcase the kitchen’s skill with hearty, well-rounded flavors. The fries are crispy, salty, and hot—perfect with a cold brew. While the prices run a bit higher than other spots in Waimea, the quality makes it worthwhile. With excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.
