Hilo burger joints often serve up greasy, predictable patties that taste like they’ve been sitting under a heat lamp since last Tuesday. And while that classic diner experience has its charm, your taste buds deserve something more memorable. So if you’re craving a truly great burger, start with these spots. They’re creative and satisfying, and they won’t make you wonder why you didn’t just grill at home.
IHOP
$ | (808) 959-2600 | WEBSITE
There’s a good chance that your family will, at some point, want to take you to a meal before hitting the mall (and it will probably involve pancakes). For breakfast or lunch, IHOP in Hilo is where you should go. It’s in a convenient spot with easy parking, and besides the friendly service, it’s the most accommodating place in the area. As an added bonus, you might even get a server like Candy or Juan who makes you feel special (or, more likely, enjoy some good local music you’ll appreciate).
Arrive early to be safe.
Coconut Grill
$$ | (808) 961-3330 | WEBSITE
Coconut Grill isn’t far from the water, and it’s also a burger spot with some seafood – but it’s good for different situations, such as a meal with some friends who are kind of hungry. Maybe your buddy craves those pork sliders and your other friend recently discovered the lobster sandwich, and now she won’t look back. Great. Bring them here. Coconut Grill is a chill grill, and you can tell they put some effort into the atmosphere. The food is also pretty satisfying.
Kuhio Grille – Home Of The Famous 1lb Laulau
$ | (808) 959-2336 | WEBSITE
If you’re exploring Hilo Bay or wandering through downtown Hilo, and you decide that you’d just rather be eating, go to Kuhio Grille. It’s a Hawaiian spot known for its massive laulau, and, like that dish, Kuhio Grille is so well-executed that it makes most other restaurants look like the food court at the airport. The food also happens to be very good, and there are usually several groups of tourists in there at all times.
This place is just along the bayfront with beautiful views, which happens to be the Land of Tasty Portions.
Poke N Sides @ the Hilo Farmers Market
$ | (808) 238-0336 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re exploring the Hilo Farmers Market, or maybe you’re just craving something fresh and local after a day at the beach. If, for whatever reason, you want a truly satisfying meal in Hilo, know that Poke N Sides is a surprisingly good option. The spot feels like a warm, welcoming corner of the market, and while it’s kind of casual, you’ll probably prefer it to all the tourist traps in the area that taste like a combination of freezer burn and disappointment.
White Guava Cafe
$ | (808) 731-5045 | WEBSITE
Just inside the unmarked entrance of this hidden gem in a Hilo parking lot, there’s a cozy and welcoming cafe. You’ll find some simple tables, chairs, and a relaxed/local atmosphere. Order one of the signature (very generous) burgers and hang out at a wooden table while your friends ask when you’re ordering the Dim Sum Burger and why you haven’t tried the Grilled Pork Chops yet.
McDonald’s
$ | (808) 959-6462 | WEBSITE
Why are fast food chains generally better for families? Mostly, because they don’t get too complicated. They also tend to be consistently reliable and less expensive. The McDonald’s in Hilo is the perfect example. It’s a very accessible, straightforward space located right off the main road. There’s a clean counter, some standard tables, and some comfortable booths in the dining area.
The friendly workers provide quick service even when there’s a line, and the meals are consistently cooked well with no mistakes in large family orders. Customers particularly enjoy the breakfast plate with local options like spam or Portuguese sausage, and the mocha coffee. The hashbrowns are a standout menu item, and the ice cream machine is reliably functional. The Double Quarter Pounder is also a local favorite.
This McDonald’s caters well to families with children and is wheelchair accessible, making it a favorite among locals who appreciate the great service.
Burger King
$ | (808) 920-8188 | WEBSITE
Despite the fact that it now has an Impossible Burger and Oreo shakes, Hilo doesn’t have that many good places to eat with kids. There is, however, always Burger King. At this point, it’s a classic fast-food spot, and it’s still one of the best places to grab a burger in town. It’s the kind of place where the staff is friendly and the dining area is spacious, although, here, this doesn’t seem generic.
You might even be able to find your next favorite meal if you stick around after your kids have finished their cheeseburgers.
Koji’s Bento Korner Inc
$ | (808) 935-1417 | WEBSITE
Koji’s Bento Korner feels sort of like a roadside stand, but it’s actually a proper take-out restaurant. This means that it has both a small counter and delicious food, as well as some rustic charm and a good amount of local flavor. So if your kitchen is too busy to cook a meal, try this place. It’s quick and satisfying, but still tasty enough that you’ll want to come back for more. There’s also a small lunch menu, so you can always grab some food if you and your friends need a bite.
Have some loco moco, a kimchi burger, or a surprisingly good teri beef plate.
Pete’s Belly Bustazs
$ | (808) 969-9505 | WEBSITE
Pete’s Belly Bustazs is where you have burgers and Korean chicken in excess. Your friends will be into it, because they probably like both of these things. Grab a seat on the bench outside this spot that feels like a charming local hangout, and enjoy your food for a while. If you happen to be craving something hearty in Hilo, it’s one of your best options.
Big Island Top Dogs
$ | (808) 657-4469 | WEBSITE
This is a hotdog spot in the heart of Hilo, and you’ll need to eat here after a long day exploring the Big Island. There’s a menu with some seriously satisfying things to try (fried chicken sandwich, wings, GIANT cheese dog), and they do huge portions for a fair price. It’s also pretty cool in here – like the clean, nicely decorated kitchen you wish you had at home.
Hilo Burger Joint
$ | (808) 935-8880 | WEBSITE
If your friends come to visit and they aren’t the type to chase trendy spots in Waikiki, bring them here. It’s a burger joint in Hilo with a little outside seating that you weren’t expecting. The menu is centered around incredible big island burgers, and the fresh catch changes frequently. This place is great for your friends, but it’s also good for a casual night out if you want to schedule a live music thing for when your tourist hang is over.