Kohala Burger and Taco has one of the juiciest burger on island!
Are you a fan of juicy burgers, fresh fish tacos, and ice cold milkshakes? Then you’ve probably heard of one of North Kohala’s culinary gems—Kohala Burger and Taco. Nestled in Kawaihae on the Big Island of Hawai’i, this beloved burger joint recently celebrated its 5th anniversary, and boy, did they do it in style!
Let’s dive into what made this celebration special, why locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of this place, and what makes Kohala Burger and Taco more than just a pitstop—it’s a part of the community.
Why Kohala Burger and Taco Stands Out
Food on the Big Island is already something special, with local farms offering fresh produce, and the ocean right there providing some of the best seafood in the world. But Kohala Burger and Taco takes it a step further.
They’re not just about feeding people—they’re about supporting the community, embracing sustainability, and showcasing the flavors of Hawaii.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: They use 100% Big Island grass-fed beef—it’s fresh, delicious, and a big win for the local economy.
- Sustainability at Heart: Their fish tacos? Yup, made with locally caught fish. Blaine even started a local fish program in 2015 to ensure community fishermen could bring their day’s catch directly to the restaurant. Can’t get fresher than that.
- Handmade Deliciousness: From ketchup to pickles to old-school milkshakes, they make a ton of items from scratch. It’s just how they roll.
A Community Celebration, Island-Style
The $5 anniversary menu didn’t just mean great deals for customers. It was a moment for the entire North Kohala community to come together over shared meals and local flavors. And the turnout? Let’s just say you’d better have arrived early to beat the line.
The restaurant served over 400 diners during the event, shelling out hundreds of burgers, mahi mahi tacos, fries, and homemade desserts. Some customers waited up to an hour and still walked away smiling.
Why? Because when food is made with care—when it’s connected to the land and the people—it tastes like home.
Meet Blaine Bradshaw: The Passion Behind the Patty
Originally from California, Blaine Bradshaw knows his way around a kitchen. Inspired by classic American diners and 1950s burger joints, Blaine combined nostalgic vibes with island ingredients to create a menu that’s as much about comfort as it is about flavor.
Back in 2012, he left his culinary gig in California, landed in Hawaii, and opened Kohala Burger and Taco—starting with just seven employees and a whole lot of ambition.
Flash forward to today: the restaurant now employs 20 people and is one of the area’s most talked-about eateries. It’s a success story rooted in passion, persistence, and pupu platters.
A Menu That Keeps People Coming Back
You’re probably wondering: what makes the food at Kohala Burger and Taco worth talking about?
Here’s a taste of the fan favorites:
- Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger: 100% grass-fed beef, house-made pineapple teriyaki glaze, lettuce, tomato, onions… all stacked in a toasted bun. Local, juicy, and flavorful.
- Fresh Fish Tacos: With fish sourced from right off the coast, these tacos are crispy, flavorful, and topped with creamy slaw and house sauce.
- Hand-Spun Shakes: Sweet, thick, and made the old-school way. Try the lilikoi (passion fruit) for a taste of tropical heaven.
Everything is made to order, and portions are generous. Whether you’re a local or arriving straight off the plane, you’re guaranteed a meal that hits the spot.
Giving Back and Growing Roots
One of the coolest things about this anniversary celebration—and the restaurant in general—is how deeply it’s connected with the community.
Buying fish straight from local fishermen doesn’t just support sustainable seafood—it supports families. Employing local workers offers job opportunities in an area where that means a lot.
And by focusing on local, Blaine ensures that money stays within the island economy—helping farmers, hunters, fishers, and food creators thrive.
Think of it like this: when you bite into a Kohala Burger, you’re not just enjoying a great meal—you’re contributing to a bigger picture.
What Can Other Restaurateurs Learn?
We get emails all the time from people asking: “What’s the secret to building a business like that?”
And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, Kohala Burger and Taco offers three big lessons:
- Use What You’ve Got: Tap into your local resources. The Big Island offers amazing produce, seafood, and beef. Why go anywhere else?
- Build Relationships: Blaine didn’t just build a menu. He built relationships—with fishermen, farmers, and guests. That’s what lasts.
- Make it Personal: From the decor to the music to the smile behind the counter—create an experience, not just a transaction.
Celebrating More than Just Years—It’s About Legacy
Five years might not seem like a lifetime, but in the restaurant world, it’s a big deal. Especially when the journey involves sweat, sacrifice, and a love for local.
Kohala Burger and Taco isn’t just celebrating 5 years in business. They’re celebrating the story of a community, of farm-to-fork promises, and of showing how one small restaurant can make a big difference.
If you’re ever on the Big Island, this is one stop you shouldn’t miss. And if you’ve already been there? You know exactly what we’re talking about.
So the next time you crave a burger with a side of aloha spirit—now you know where to go.
Ready for a Bite?
Kohala Burger and Taco is open daily in Kawaihae. Bring your appetite, your love for local flavors, and maybe a little room for one of those handcrafted milkshakes.
Trust us—you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
Happy Anniversary, Kohala Burger and Taco! Here’s to many more years of flavor and aloha.
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