Open Travel Guide
  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. United States
  4. Hawaii
  5. Restaurants
  6. Teddy's Bigger Burgers

Restaurants · Hawaii, Hawaii

Teddy's Bigger Burgers

  • CuisineAmerican Burgers
  • CategoryCasual
  • VibeRetro diner, casual and community-local
  • Price$

Teddy's Bigger Burgers is a locally founded Hawaii burger chain that has grown from its original Waimanalo location into a multi-island operation with storefronts across Oahu and beyond, distinguishing itself from mainland chains by emphasizing hand-formed, thick patties and a retro American diner aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and current.

A local Hawaii burger chain serving thick, juicy patties with fresh toppings in a retro diner atmosphere. Multiple locations on Oahu and beyond, Teddy's delivers consistent quality at reasonable prices. A popular local favorite for a casual meal.

Teddy's Bigger Burgers is a locally founded Hawaii burger chain that has grown from its original Waimanalo location into a multi-island operation with storefronts across Oahu and beyond, distinguishing itself from mainland chains by emphasizing hand-formed, thick patties and a retro American diner aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and current. The Kapahulu Avenue location near Waikiki and Diamond Head is among the most convenient for visitors and draws a consistent mix of local regulars and tourists who have discovered the chain through word-of-mouth and local food guides. The core product at Teddy's is the burger: hand-formed beef patties in quarter-pound and half-pound sizes, cooked to order and built with fresh toppings including lettuce, tomato, and the customer's choice of add-ons. The teriyaki burger is the most distinctly Hawaiian item on the menu — a sweet-soy teriyaki glaze applied to the beef patty reflects the Japanese-Hawaiian cooking tradition that infuses much of the island's casual food culture. Standard American sides — hand-cut french fries, onion rings, and milkshakes — round out a menu that prioritizes quality within its casual format rather than expanding into territory beyond the burger-and-fries idiom. The dining room design references the 1950s American burger stand aesthetic with red vinyl booths and retro signage. Prices are modest by Hawaii standards, making Teddy's one of the more affordable sit-down meal options near Waikiki for travelers managing a budget without sacrificing food quality. Service is counter-style and efficient. Teddy's Bigger Burgers also maintains a strong local following across the islands, functioning as a community institution rather than simply a tourist-adjacent dining option.

Good to know

Reservations
No

Location

134 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Highlights

  • Hawaii-founded burger chain serving thick hand-formed patties in a retro 1950s diner atmosphere
  • Teriyaki burger — beef with sweet-soy teriyaki glaze — is the most distinctively Hawaiian menu item
  • Kapahulu Avenue location is convenient to Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Kapiolani Park
  • Modest prices by Honolulu standards, making it one of the better-value casual dining options near Waikiki
  • Locally founded and multi-island presence — a community institution with a strong local following

Tips for visiting

  • Order the half-pound teriyaki burger for the most distinctly Hawaiian version of the classic Teddy's experience
  • Hand-cut fries and milkshakes are the recommended sides — they reflect the retro-diner philosophy of the restaurant
  • The Kapahulu location is a 10-minute walk from Waikiki Beach and a convenient quick meal between sights
  • Teddy's is generally faster to get into than the tourist-heavy options on Kalakaua Avenue — useful at peak meal times
  • Multiple Oahu locations exist — the Kapahulu original is the most convenient for Waikiki-based visitors

Accessibility

Teddy's Bigger Burgers Kapahulu location is in a ground-floor commercial space with street-level entry and standard commercial accessibility. The counter ordering area and dining room are generally accessible for wheelchair users.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Teddy's Bigger Burgers different from mainland burger chains?

Teddy's is a locally founded Hawaii chain rather than a national franchise, with a focus on hand-formed patties and local Hawaii twists such as the teriyaki burger. It has the character of a community institution alongside its fast-casual format.

Is there a teriyaki burger at Teddy's?

Yes. The teriyaki burger applies a sweet-soy teriyaki glaze to the beef patty, reflecting the Japanese-Hawaiian food tradition common across Hawaii's casual dining scene. It is the menu item most associated with the restaurant's local identity.

How many Teddy's Bigger Burgers locations are there on Oahu?

Teddy's operates multiple Oahu locations including Kapahulu, Waimanalo, Hawaii Kai, and additional sites. The Kapahulu location near Waikiki is the most visited by tourists.

Is Teddy's Bigger Burgers accessible for visitors with mobility concerns?

Teddy's Kapahulu location is in a ground-floor commercial space with standard accessibility. The dining room and counter are generally wheelchair accessible; specific conditions at other locations may vary.