12 Juicy Hawaiian Burgers That Taste Like A Tropical Escape
My taste buds went on a tropical vacation last summer when I stumbled upon a hidden gem serving up unforgettable Hawaiian burgers.
These mouthwatering creations take the classic beef patty and elevate it with bold, island-inspired flavors that instantly transport you to a breezy Hawaiian beach. Think perfectly grilled pineapple rings, tangy teriyaki glaze, crispy bacon, and a touch of spice—all stacked high on a soft, toasted bun.
Every bite is a sweet-and-savory explosion that breaks the monotony of typical burger fare. If you’re craving something different, these Hawaiian burgers are the perfect way to say “aloha” to boring meals.
1. The Classic Pineapple Paradise Burger
Whoever first decided to put pineapple on a burger deserves a medal! The Classic Pineapple Paradise combines a flame-grilled beef patty with a thick slice of charred pineapple that caramelizes beautifully when heated.
Sweet meets savory in this iconic combination, with the pineapple’s natural juices infusing into the meat. I remember making these for my beach-themed birthday party, and even my pineapple-skeptic friends were converted!
A smear of teriyaki sauce and some crisp lettuce complete this tropical treasure. The burger’s simplicity is exactly what makes it so irresistible – proof that sometimes the original really is the best.
2. Spam & Egg Sunrise Burger
Morning sunshine meets dinner delight! This unexpected combo pays homage to Hawaii’s love affair with Spam, featuring a crispy-edged slice atop a juicy beef patty, crowned with a perfect sunny-side-up egg.
The runny yolk creates a rich sauce that coats every bite with golden goodness. I discovered this beauty during my Oahu vacation when our tour guide insisted we try this local favorite.
The saltiness of the Spam balances beautifully with the sweetness of the Hawaiian bun and a light pineapple aioli. One bite of this burger and you’ll understand why Hawaiians consume more Spam than any other state!
3. Loco Moco Burger Explosion
Burgers and gravy? Count me in! This incredible creation transforms Hawaii’s famous loco moco dish into handheld form. The thick beef patty gets smothered in rich mushroom gravy that somehow stays put inside the bun.
My first encounter with this messy masterpiece left me with gravy-stained clothes and zero regrets. The burger includes a layer of sticky white rice that soaks up all those savory flavors.
Traditional loco moco includes an egg, so this burger features a perfectly cooked over-easy egg that breaks when you squeeze it. Keep the napkins handy – this burger demands a full cleanup crew but rewards you with flavor fireworks!
4. Kalua Pork Slider Trio
Smoky, tender, and absolutely swoon-worthy! These mini marvels feature slow-cooked kalua pork that’s been roasting underground for hours, resulting in meat so tender it practically melts in your mouth.
The pork is piled high on three different buns – sweet Hawaiian rolls, taro buns, and coconut bread – each offering a different flavor experience. My neighbor’s Hawaiian grandmother taught me this recipe, insisting that liquid smoke is the secret ingredient for authentic flavor without digging a pit in my backyard.
Each slider gets topped with a different cabbage slaw: traditional, pineapple-infused, and spicy mango. These little guys might be small in size, but they’re massive in flavor!
5. Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Burger
Fish burgers often disappoint, but not this tropical treasure! A generous mahi-mahi fillet gets coated in crushed macadamia nuts before being pan-seared to golden perfection, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the fish moist and flaky.
Last summer, I served these at my backyard luau, and guests were fighting over the last one. The fish sits on a bed of papaya-mango slaw that adds a sweet-tangy crunch to every bite.
A light coconut-lime aioli brings everything together without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor. For an extra flavor boost, I recommend adding a few slices of avocado – the creamy texture complements the crunchy macadamia crust perfectly!
6. Teriyaki Glazed Portobello Burger
Plant-based paradise alert! Meaty portobello mushroom caps soak up a homemade teriyaki marinade before hitting the grill, where they develop gorgeous grill marks and caramelized edges that would make any meat-lover do a double-take.
My vegetarian sister introduced me to these, and I was shocked at how satisfying they are. The mushrooms have an almost steak-like quality when prepared this way!
Grilled pineapple rings and red onion add sweetness and bite, while a wasabi-ginger mayo brings unexpected heat. The whole creation is nestled in a whole grain bun and topped with crunchy bean sprouts for texture contrast. Even dedicated carnivores won’t miss the meat!
7. Luau Pulled Pork Pineapple Stack
Jaw-dropping presentation meets mind-blowing flavor! This showstopper replaces traditional buns with two thick grilled pineapple rounds that serve as the perfect sweet complement to smoky pulled pork shoulder.
The pork gets a 12-hour smoke treatment with Hawaiian kiawe wood chips before being shredded and tossed in a guava BBQ sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy. I created this burger after being inspired by a beachside cookout in Maui where the chef used fruit in unexpected ways.
A crunchy macadamia nut slaw adds texture and a cooling element that balances the rich meat. Fair warning: you’ll need a knife and fork for this beauty – it’s gloriously messy in the best possible way!
8. Coconut Shrimp Surf Burger
Beach vibes on a bun! Plump shrimp coated in coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy centerpiece that’s both elegant and fun. The shrimp are fried until golden then drizzled with a zippy pineapple-chili sauce that balances sweet and heat.
I stumbled upon this idea while trying to combine my two favorite Hawaiian appetizers. The burger gets a spread of avocado-lime mash on the bottom bun that acts like a tropical guacamole.
Crisp butter lettuce and juicy tomato slices add freshness and color. Pro tip: the key to this burger’s success is using jumbo shrimp and not overcooking them – they should have that perfect snap when you bite into them!
9. Huli Huli Chicken Burger Bliss
Chicken burgers often lack personality, but not this Hawaiian sensation! Inspired by the famous roadside huli huli chicken stands, this burger features chicken thighs marinated in a sticky-sweet sauce with ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice.
The magic happens when the chicken is grilled and constantly turned (“huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian) while being basted with more sauce. I learned this technique from a Hawaiian chef who insisted on using thighs instead of breast meat for maximum juiciness.
Green onions and crushed macadamia nuts add crunch and color. A schmear of sriracha mayo delivers just enough heat to balance the sweetness without overwhelming your taste buds. Say aloha to your new favorite chicken burger!
10. Taro Root Veggie Burger with Mango Salsa
Purple power! This eye-catching creation uses Hawaii’s beloved taro root as its base, creating a uniquely colored patty that’s both nutritious and delicious. The taro gets mixed with black beans, quinoa, and Hawaiian sea salt for a hearty, protein-packed burger that holds together beautifully.
My first attempt at making these turned my kitchen into a purple disaster zone, but the results were worth the cleanup! The vibrant mango salsa provides a perfect sweet-tart contrast to the earthy taro patty.
A spread of lime-infused vegan mayo adds creaminess without dairy. The whole creation gets nestled in a taro bun (also purple!) for a monochromatic masterpiece that tastes as amazing as it looks on your Instagram feed.
11. Maui Onion and Blue Cheese Volcano Burger
Sweet Maui onions caramelized to golden perfection form the molten “lava” on this eruption of flavor! These special onions are grown in the volcanic soil of Hawaii and have a distinctly sweet flavor that transforms into caramel-like goodness when slowly cooked.
The burger patty gets stuffed with tangy blue cheese that creates a gooey center when cooked to medium. I discovered this combination at a food truck near Haleakala volcano and immediately knew I had to recreate it at home.
A drizzle of lilikoi (passion fruit) aioli adds a tropical twist that cuts through the richness. For the full volcano effect, I serve it with sweet potato fries arranged vertically around the burger like lava flowing down a mountain!
12. Kona Coffee Rubbed Burger with Bacon Jam
Coffee on a burger? Trust me on this one! This sophisticated flavor bomb starts with a beef patty rubbed in ground Kona coffee beans, brown sugar, and Hawaiian red salt before hitting the grill, creating a magnificent crust with subtle roasted notes.
The magic happens when it’s topped with homemade bacon jam – a sweet-savory spread made from bacon, caramelized onions, and a splash of pineapple juice. My coffee-addicted friend challenged me to incorporate Kona beans into a savory dish, and this award-worthy burger was the delicious result.
Arugula adds a peppery bite that cuts through the richness, while crispy fried onions provide textural contrast. The combination of flavors is unexpectedly harmonious – like a sunset surfing session in burger form!