Why Locals Believe This Honolulu Burger Stand Serves The Best In Hawaii
Hawaii has plenty of new spots popping up, but W&M Bar-B-Q Burgers in Honolulu’s Kaimukī neighborhood proves that staying the same can be a good thing.
Since the 1940s, the family-run stand has been grilling up burgers that taste exactly how people remember them, simple, juicy, and full of flavor.
Locals stop by after work, families make weekend runs, and visitors who find it once never forget it. W&M isn’t chasing trends, just serving Hawaii’s kind of comfort the way it’s always been done.
A Walk-Up Stand Frozen In Time
Walk into Kaimukī and you’ll find a small burger counter that looks like it never left the 1940s. There’s no dining room, no fancy decor, just a simple walk-up window where people line up for their orders.
It feels like stepping into a postcard from old Hawaii. The stand has kept its original charm without trying to modernize or chase trends.
That authenticity draws locals who want a taste of what their grandparents ate growing up.
Thin Patties Drenched In Teriyaki Sauce
Forget thick gourmet patties. These burgers are thin, juicy, and soaked in a sweet-savory teriyaki-barbecue sauce that makes every bite smoky and rich.
The sauce clings to the meat and seeps into the bun, giving it that island twist people crave. It’s not a dry burger experience.
The teriyaki glaze adds moisture and a caramelized edge that balances perfectly with the beef. Locals say the sauce is what separates W&M from every other burger joint in town.
The Hal Special Stacks Steak On Top
Order the Hal Special and you get more than just a burger. A grilled teriyaki steak slice sits right on top of the patty, doubling down on flavor and making it one of the most popular items on the menu.
It’s a local favorite that regulars order by name without even looking at the board. The steak adds texture and richness, turning a simple burger into something hearty and filling.
People drive across town just for this combination.
The Royal Burger Gets All The Photos
Piled with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, the Royal Burger is a nostalgic classic that people can’t stop photographing. It’s simple but satisfying, with fresh toppings that balance the rich sauce-soaked patty underneath.
Regulars say it reminds them of childhood trips to the stand. The burger hasn’t changed in decades, and that consistency is part of its charm. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to come back and relive the memory all over again.
Running Strong Since The 1940s
W&M has been serving burgers for more than 80 years. The menu is so simple it almost dares you to ask for anything fancy, and that’s exactly how the owners like it.
There are no seasonal specials or limited-time offers. Just burgers, fries, and a few drinks. That kind of focus keeps quality high and customers loyal.
Locals appreciate a place that knows what it does well and sticks to it without trying to reinvent itself every few years.
Soaked In Sauce Before They Hit The Bun
The name says bar-b-q, and it refers to the way they prepare the patties. Each one gets soaked in house sauce before it ever touches the bun, locking in flavor from the very start.
That pre-soak method is what gives the burgers their signature taste. It’s not just a topping or an afterthought.
The sauce becomes part of the meat itself, making every bite rich and tangy with that unmistakable island sweetness that keeps people coming back for more.
Green River Soda Completes The Meal
Locals don’t just order burgers here. They pair them with a neon-green Green River soda, a throwback drink that used to be everywhere at old-school lunch counters across Hawaii.
The soda is sweet, fizzy, and bright, adding a fun nostalgic touch to the meal. It’s the kind of pairing that older generations remember from their youth and now share with their kids.
That connection to the past makes every visit feel like more than just lunch.
Featured In Best Burger Lists Year After Year
W&M shows up regularly in Honolulu Magazine’s best burger rankings and community polls. It’s not a fluke or a one-time win. The stand has earned its reputation through decades of consistency and quality.
Locals vote with their wallets and their words, and W&M keeps winning both. That kind of recognition proves the legacy is real and still going strong.
Even with new burger spots opening all the time, this little walk-up stand continues to hold its place at the top.