Hawai'i's Best Restaurants

BURGERS AND BARBECUE

Burgers are burgers the world around. But if you're a visitor, you need to understand what we mean when we say "barbecue" in the Islands: Unless the words Southern-style are in front of it, we mean grilled meats prepared in an Asian-style marinade — either a salty-sweet Japanese-style teriyaki sauce with ginger and garlic, or a Korean-style kal-bi preparation with sesame oil, shoyu and spices. Here's our guide to burgers and barbecue (Southern and other).

Kua 'Aina Sandwich Shop

When you see this sign — in Hale'iwa or townside at Ward Centre — you're close to burger and fries heaven: big, smoky, meaty burgers and addictive thick fries.

ADVERTISER LIBRARY PHOTO | 2004

This is the definitive Island burger spot, equally beloved of North Shore surfers and city lunchers. The burgers come in big and bigger, with a smoky, meaty grilled flavor, choice of breads and the required tomato, lettuce and mayo. The hefty fries are made in-house.

Two locations: Ward Centre, 1200 Ala Moana, 591-9133, and 66-160 Kamehameha Highway, Hale'iwa. 637-6067. Ward: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Hale'iwa: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. No reservations. No credit cards. Local checks accepted. $.

Legend:

VS: Visa
MC: Mastercard
AX: American Express
DC: Diners Club
DS: Discover Card
JCB: JCB Card
Olioli: Olioli Card

$$$: Pricey; entrées mostly more than $17
$$: Moderate; entrées $10-$16
$: Budget-friendly; entrées mostly less than $10

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only

Past 'Ilima Award winner

"Cheap eats" restaurant

"Local classic" eatery