Kohala Burger and Taco is on a mission since 2010. This small place with big Island taste whips up some of Hawaii’s best burgers, fish tacos, and sides made with Aloha service today, for tomorrow. You see owner and founder, Chef Cary Peterson wanted to create a restaurant that not only served delicious food from locally sourced ingredients but also wanted to provide great value, accurate and speedy service.
Plus he promised to prepare items with quality locally sourced ingredients, grass-fed, line-caught, and hormone and antibiotic-free. Kohala has kept its promise for more than 10 years and continues to implement ways to reduce environmental impact to the Island while serving quality food to all its customers.
Kohala Burger and Taco is a casual, welcoming spot located right in the beautiful Kawaihae Shopping Center and a short distance from the glorious beaches of the Kohala Coast. It has a fun 1950s- inspired throwback atmosphere making it perfect for families. Laid-back and comfy is how we would describe it, too. Come dressed as you are to Kohala Burger and Taco. But remember to bring your appetite because you’re going to need it for the big burgers and more than enough for one portion. Bring a goodie bag, too, because there might be enough to save for later. The fish tacos are dynamite. There are mouthwatering and made fresh with the catch of the day, sprinkled with Mexican seasonings and tossed on the griddle served with salsa, queso, shredded lettuce, and Picante. Yummie. The Fresh Tuna Avocado Burger is also delicious. This favorite sells out fast daily so like the locals say, “Gotta Get ‘em Early! This is the chef’s award-winning sesame tuna poke patty served on a toasted brioche bun with spicy Asian Mayo, sprouted sunflower, sliced tomato, and fresh avocado smash. It’s award-winning and oh, so good!
In addition to tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, they serve refreshing root beer, lemonade, pina coladas, beer, and wine to complement your meal. Take a look at more items on the Kohala Burger and Taco menu:
Original Double Cheeseburger
Fresh Ground Hawaii Grass-Fed Beef patties on a hot toasted brioche bun, shredded lettuce, tomato grilled onions, and homemade big island dressing
Hawaiian Burger
Fresh Ground Hawaii Grass-Fed Beef patty served with lettuce tomato shaved onions, chef’s aloha teriyaki, garlic, aioli, and grilled pineapple
The Cali-Roots Veggie Burger
Hot grilled veggie patty on hot toasted brioche with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, shaved onion, and island avocado crema
Rosy’s Black Bean Tacos
Two tacos featuring southwest chipotle lack bean Piccadilly, Big Island corn tortillas, grilled crisped with metaled cheese, shredded cabbage, housemaid salsa, lime squeeze with chips, and avocado smash
Kimo’s Beef Tacos
Two tacos featuring Hawaii grass-fed beef picadillo, authentic style grilled corn tortillas, melted cheese, shredded lettuce, and salsa
Hang in there, Not every item on the menu is huge! There are also smaller options like the Little Slugger burger and a junior shrimp basket for the kids. The sides like tsunami fries and sweet Keiki Dole Pineapple Whip will delight them. Every kid’s meal includes a bonus retro pack of baseball trading cards! That should keep them busy!
For dessert try the authentic Pineapple-Passion Cooler. It’s a 12 oz float full of Dole Pineapple whip, Passion Orange Guava, and adorned with a fresh pineapple slice. It’s almost too pretty to eat! They also make the tastiest shakes, malts, and island tropical treats that are sweet tooth worthy and irresistible.
After eating, go next door to the Goody Shop, a nostalgic candy-and-toy retail store owned by the restaurant, and browse the old-fashioned candy, comic books, and other goodies celebrating a bygone era.
Insider Tips:
-Free off-street parking is offered!
-The establishment is wheelchair Accessible and accepts credit cards