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Honolulu › Waikiki › HI BURGER Co.
HI BURGER Co.A-Worth Trying
342 Lewers St #101, Honolulu, HI 96815
· Hamburger restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (839 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Thick, juicy, made-to-order burgers with local Hawaiian touches in a small food hall; excellent flavor, moderate waits, and higher prices without sides.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
HI BURGER Co. delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—thick, juicy hand-ground patties cooked to order—and strong service attentiveness from hands-on owners. However, occasional consistency lapses with sides and orders, combined with documented hygiene concerns and operational friction from made-to-order waits, prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. The hidden gem appeal within Waikiki adds character but doesn't overcome these limitations.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked inside a small food hall off Lewers Street, this counter spot draws crowds for thick, juicy patties cooked to order and friendly, hands-on owners. One diner summed it up as “a burger that really hits the spot,” while another praised the hidden gem vibe amid Waikiki’s bustle. Expect a casual setup with shared seating and some wait time during rushes. The cooking skews classic American comfort with Hawaiian touches: grilled pineapple, kalua pork, and a crispy hot chicken sandwich. Burgers are generously sized and beef-forward; sides are mixed, with regular fries and onion rings liked more than the truffle version. Pricing is higher than mainland fast-casual, but most feel the quality of the patty justifies it given the location. Families do well here thanks to familiar flavors, easy counter service, and shared seating. Kids tend to enjoy the cheeseburgers and fries, and lemonade or pineapple tea are popular. Portions are substantial, so consider splitting sides if little appetites prefer a simpler order.
At a Glance
- Juicy, hand-ground thick patties cooked to order
- Pineapple burger delivers a true local twist
- Prices are high and fries cost extra
- Occasional long waits and limited seating
- A few cleanliness and hygiene complaints among otherwise clean reports
What Sets It Apart
- hand_ground_thick_patties
- hawaiian_pineapple_burger
- made_to_order_in_food_hall
What People Love
- Beefy patties that stay juicy
- Local flair from pineapple and kalua pork
- Friendly owner-operators who care about doneness
- Crispy hot chicken sandwich that satisfies
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($19+ burgers; sides extra) which may surprise casual diners
- Waits can reach 20–30 minutes at busy times
- A few reports of roaches and glove-handling issues contrast with many clean experiences
- Occasional order errors or inconsistent sides (truffle fries lack truffle aroma)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$32-$42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose a burger $18.97-$21.27, add regular fries $6.32 instead of truffle, and a lemonade for a balanced value
Perfect For
- Craving a serious burger near the beach
- Casual group lunch in Waikiki
- Post-shopping bite with quick counter service
- Solo diners wanting a hearty meal without a reservation
Location Insights
Area: Touristy, high-foot-traffic Waikiki corridor with mixed visitors and locals seeking quick, quality bites.
Safety: Generally safe, heavy pedestrian presence; occasional cleanliness issues typical of busy tourist zones.
Nearby: Small indoor food hall near hotels, shopping, and the beach; multiple stalls share seating.
KakaʻakoKakaʻako is a vibrant, rapidly developing neighborhood known for its blend of industrial heritage and modern urban renewal. It has become a hotspot for trendy eateries, art galleries, and boutique shops, attracting a diverse crowd interested in contemporary Hawaiian culture and casual dining experiences.
Ward VillageWard Village is a master-planned community within Kakaʻako featuring upscale residential towers, retail spaces, and dining venues. It offers a polished, walkable environment with a focus on lifestyle and convenience, popular among locals and visitors seeking a modern Hawaiian urban experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–21:30
Tuesday10:30–21:30
Wednesday10:30–21:30
Thursday10:30–21:30
Friday10:30–21:30
Saturday10:30–21:30
Sunday10:30–21:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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