Best Hawaiian food on the mainland. Spam Musubi got two thumbs up from our kids... still warm, freshly made. Perfection! Burgers are delish, even the basic kids' burgers. Teriyaki chicken... "It was goood!" Pork sandwich - "Sooo good!" Loco Moco -"way solid!" Macaroni salad - light & flavorful. read more

More like 2 stars but the customer service makes up for it. If you are looking for healthy food, don't bother eating here. I struggled with the menu. I wound up getting the teriyaki chicken. It tasted like it came from a can. Their coconut shrimp comes pre-made, and then they re-fry it. Gross. My friend liked her burger though. The customer service, however, was awesome. The waitress was prompt, friendly, and attentive. The food was a big boo though. read more

My husband and I have found our new favorite place to eat at Big Kahuna's. The chicken teriyaki plate (IMHO) is the best meal on the menu. The teriyaki sauce is delicious, the chicken is cooked perfectly, and the accompanying macaroni salad is amazing. I've never had Hawaiian style Mac salad but every time I go to Kahuna's, I'm tempted to ask for a bucket to take home. The sandwiches are also delicious and the fries are always crisp and I generally don't order the fries, but end up eating half off of somebody else's plate. The staff is super nice and laid back and the place is very cute with a friendly vibe. Def recommend. read more

This place is absolutely amazing ! I loved their burgers and your never going to find the best burgers that are good price. I highly recommend this place :) read more

The best Teriyaki chicken and burgers in IB...

Finally got a chance to try this place and was very pleased. The coconut shrimp was delish and the chicken teriyaki plate was yummy. Reasonable prices. Clean. Friendly staff. Good eats. read more

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The waitress was cute and attentive. It's has a nice feel the cheese bread was very good the prices are good and the kono beer mmmm read more

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Just foind my new favorite Hawaiian Bbq spot. Large portions and well priced food. Everything is fresh and the service is welcoming. Water tasted a little funky though and a few annoying flies but the food and service made up for that. read more

Open space restaurant and the food is simple and very good. The bbq plates are a good portion and bisque was tender. Their burgers are big and spicy. And filling so I would order them again. Staff is very friendly and check up on you often, I appreciate that at any restaurant. read more

Big Kahuna's - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Love this place. The burgers live up to the name Big Kahunas, the plates are delicious as well. Great burgers great staff and the young ladies in the front of house are very accommodating and friendly. read more

Great food, portions, service and price!! We tried the the teriyaki beef and beef brisket plates and they were delicious. The teriyaki steak comes with 3 scoops of rice and macaroni salad. The beef brisket comes with one side but again big portions. Definitely a must try if your in IB!! read more

I really wanted to love this place - it's close to where I live and I love me a good burger. However, the Teriyaki burger was about as mediocre as it gets before it gets bad. Pineapple that wasn't grilled up, tiny flat burger, way oversized bun. (sigh) I ordered a side of macaroni salad, which was classic Hawaiian and it was decent, but they forgot to bring it out with the burger. No local beers, which was disappointing, but they do have all the Hawaiian "juices". I do have to say the two girls working were simply adorable and friendly and it is only because of them that I would even consider going back here to give this place a second shot... read more

Finally got a chance to stop in while in San Diego after a buddy told me this was actually a real place. Place was really cool, had a lot of Hawaii themed decor. Wait staff was very friendly although our server forgot to ring in two orders of fries so we had to wait longer. She did however offer to take care of them at no charge so that was really cool. Ordered the Big Kahuna burger obviously! Big tasty burger. Not as good as Fatburger but still very tasty! Definitely on the just visit AT LEAST once list. We'd go back for sure! read more

Service was great! Food, unfortunately not. The Spam Masubi was 75% rice, super small portion of spam and the big no-no is that the rice was super over cooked to mush! The coconut shrimps tasted like the oil they had been fried in had not been changed in a while. You foodies know exactly what I'm talking about. The burger was not fresh ground beef, instead some kind of frozen type of processed looking and tasting meat. I don't like leaving bad reviews, but this place needs to step up their game. On a positive note, the beers were delish! the server was great! and the sauce on the burger was yummy too. read more

I have to start by saying I'm a little bias toward L&L HB because I tried theirs first! The food here is good! I had the Kailua pork and cabbage which was just okay for me. I do prefer L&L's but my husband really enjoyed their teriyaki chicken plate! I tried it and it was really tasty!! I will try something else on the menu next time. And they had great service! read more

Authentic and amazing! Ate here 5x in a week and it didn't disappoint once! Very nice staff and would highly recommend!

Great tasting food. Just that I received my bowl of Saimin, and it look like it was sitting on the grill w/ black stains on the spoon. The second time we went the food was arrange differently and the amount was less, plus the ribs were cold, I had to send it back. It will be a while when I will go back. Please have a some consistency!! But I do love your Teriyaki Burger more than Seau's and Islands. read more

Big Kahuna's - Chkn Teriyaki, Kalbi, and extra Mac! - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Food is okay- had better & the customer service was below par

Seated right and ordered right away but the wait for the food and drinks was so long. When we finally got our food, they didn't even give us to eat our food with. What do they expect us to do? Eat with our hands? Asked for utensils and received plastic once. Waiter mentioned that they ran out of clean utensils while I see tables set with clean one. Really? So got our food and utensils. I ordered loco moco. It was good. Then I realized we don't have our drinks. Really nice. It took me a while to get my check as well. Food is good but they need to get more help. I think these girls are trying but is shows that they are struggling. read more

How can you hate this place? I totally don't get the folks who dump on it. It's a basic local burger and Hawaiian food joint that got its start in Hawaii, and is the origin of the actual "Big Kahuna Burger" from the film Pulp Fiction. And yup, the "Big Kahuna Burger" is on the menu! As I've been told, the owner's dad, who started the business years back on Oahu, also had a limo service. One night he gave some guys who happened to be screen writers (or something like that) a ride. From there, conversation ensued between everyone, and the rest of the story writes itself... and write itself it does, into the script of Pulp Fiction. The portions are large and the service is great. I'm totally a fan of the Mahi Mahi sandwich and Shrimp, with the Big Kahuna Burger being my primary go-to. And if you're a fan of traditional Hawaiian plates, they have a good selection of some classic items (ie: Loco Moco, Kalua Pork and Cabbage, and others). The sandwich buns are fresh baked daily, and the fries are seriously friggin' excellent. I know that sounds funny to say about something as simple as fries, but I'm not kidding... they are *super crunchy* and super-mega good. That brings me to my biggest recommendation: If you get take-out, make sure you leave the top of your box open as you head home. If you don't, your food will steam and you'll lose the crispness on your fries (and other crunchy items, like onion rings or whatever). I'm telling you, the crispness of those fries! Also, THEY HAVE HAWAIIAN SUN CANNED DRINKS. I've NEVER seen these off the islands before! Not even at any other "Hawaiian" places on the mainland that I've been to! They also have an awesome selection of Kona Brewing beers. The ever-so-awesome Big Wave, anyway? With every other joint in IB being run down, divey, dirty and half-arsed, Big Kahuna's is more than appreciated. The clean, fun, family-friendly, Hawaiian themed interior is a great place for kids and adults alike who are looking for good food at a good value in a chill, non-rowdy atmosphere. Anytime we're in IB and hungry we hit it up. It's reflexive for us now. "Fries, honey?" "HELL YEAH FRIES!" Bottom line: It's a local burger joint and Hawaiian place that's actually from Hawaii, and it's an actual restaurant (in IB). The food is good, the service is good, and the quantities are hearty. If you're looking for some overpriced phony "gourmet" place with bizarre toppings, or if your idea of quality is validated simply by eating at a tattered "hold in the wall", this is not your place. Big Kahuna's? thumbs up! read more

Teriyaki Burger" I have tasted a few burgers in my lifetime but this by far is THEEE BEST BURGER I have tasted this far. LIKE REALLY! The first bite was so smooth that I had to pause and check my ears because there was no crunch sound. The bread didn't fall apart and the meat was cooked to perfection--and it left no grease behind. I'm so happy that I stopped here; it was worth the $10 bucks. Their secrecy is the Hawaiian bread they said. If you're in San Diego come to imperial beach and try this burger yourself. It triumphs #fatburger any day. read more

Big Kahuna's - this is THEEE BEST BURGER I've had. LIKE REALLY! The bread didn't fall apart and the meat was cooked to perfection - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Love the big kahuna it is so tasty and I bought a five dollars shake, love the staff, everyone is so friendly!!! read more

Big Kahuna's - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

This is our first time here and we just happened to be driving by on our way fishing and decided to pop in and see what this place was all about! We both where seated quickly (it was right after Thanksgiving so we didn't expect too many people to be in there). Service was on point, she was really prompt with drinks and since I have never been here before the waitress help me with the teriyaki bowl which was absolutely delicious they do not skimp on the teriyaki sauce at all!! We also ordered a side of macaroni salad and a side of fries...the fries were absolutely crunchy and delicious and the macaroni salad was a meal in itself. My husband and I split it and it was delicious!! My husband got the hamburger and he couldn't Finish the burger was so huge he literally had to cut it in half and take half of it home!! The bbq on sauce was on point he loved every single bite I would definitely definitely recommend this place! read more

Big Kahuna's - This was a simple burger! - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Loved everything about it. I've been to the Elk Grove location and I am happy to know I don't have to go that far anymore.

This is my cheat spot, it's amazing... When I need a gigantic pulled pork sammie and a pound of cheesy fries this is where I go. They deliver. Awesome because after a couple more of these I won't be able to get off the couch. *ding dong* Hang on, I gotta get that... read more

I got the kalbi plate but they didn't add my macaroni salad. Besides that the food was good.

Pulled pork sandwich.. Delish. Chicken marinated to perfection. Rice is always on point, never dry or mushy. Atmosphere is nice. You can come here with the family or with your buddies to have a beer or two even the Sherrifs eat there and it is still chill. read more

Come here for lunch once in awhile. Also went here recently on a Saturday for a late lunch. Pretty much standard Hawaiian food but the quality is a step above your average L&L. A bit more pricey but you get a lot of food for your money. Plan on leftovers unless you're really hungry. One thing I have come to expect is they are a bit slow on service. Seems they are a bit understaffed, but seeing how empty the dining room is for lunch hours it's understandable (from a business standpoint). read more

Friendly staff, always seem to have smile on their face. My favorite is the short ribs plate. Nicely priced. The coconut shrimp is now one of my favorites. The burger is also good as well the pork and cabbage plate. read more

This was a spur of the moment choice. We had been at the Silver Strand State Beach and wanted to get a meal as we left the area. Yelp pulled this one up...what a great choice! The waitress was sweet and thorough, the meals were spot on and the burgers were delicious! If you get a burger, SHARE an order of fries! We had the Teriyaki Burger, the Guacamole Bacon Burger, the Spicy Chicken Bowl and the Grilled Chicken Salad. All top notch. Strongly recommend this joint for a taste of the island state. read more

Had combo with chicken, ribs, Mac salad and rice . Very flavorful, super tender. Everything tasted fresh , even the rice. The sauce is amazing if you mix it all together you'll eat it so fast. Chicken came already sliced into smaller pieces. Best Hawaiian food. A++++ read more

I walked with my 3 and 4-year-olds in a stroller, waited 18 minutes, walked back-all uphill-the entire order was wrong. I ordered steak/rice and received Spam and eggs with some teriyaki glaze. Since we had walked there was no point in going back, we ate the Spam, it was okay. People were nice but how I received an ENTIRE WRONG order was surprising. read more

I have a carrot allergy, got the kahlua pork and cabbage bowl and the cabbage bowl has carrots. I asked if they would be able to substitute the cabbage bc of my allergy (or was premixed with carrots) , they pretty much said I can substitute with plain uncooked raw cabbage or another side with an upcharge. Once I got the food, it didn't look appetizing at all, it tasted very bland. I had to add so much of the sauce they had at the table, I pretty much drank the sauce bottle. read more

I'm new to the area and I've been to Big Kahuna's twice in one week. The first time was awesome, the food was the best I've had in Imperial Beach, the server was nice and the decor is really cool. I ordered the short ribs and my husband got the teriyaki steak with sticky rice and macaroni salad. It was so good I went back a few days later and ordered the big kahuna burger. They didn't ask how I wanted it cooked and when they brought it out to me, I took a few bites and realized it was raw in middle. I normally order medium rare and this was even too raw for me! But I won't hold it against them because their food is overall very good and I will definitely be back for more! read more

First time here and loved it. Went for the Loco Moco. I've had a few and this one did not disappoint. Bought the endless soda option along with my meal. Food is Good, service was quick and the waitress was very cool, and the atmosphere was welcoming and laid back. I plan on visiting again. Like most Hawaiian food establishments, decked out with cool island decor. Saw a cool poster about the Burger mentioned in the movie Pulp Fiction. Will come back and try the other menu items. read more

Big Kahuna's - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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The only good thing about this place was the hostess/cashier was nice. Other than that, this place SUCKS! I ordered the beef brisket. It's supposedly "Texas style" although it's nothing like Texas BBQ. It's not even cut into slices. It was one big overly salty cube of meat smothered in BBQ. Speaking of BBQ sauce, the menu states you can pick Spicy Hawaii or Regular BBQ sauce. I was never given the option. They just decided to pour half a bottle of sauce all over it. It was so salty, I only ate a few bites. It gave me a stomach ache! It honestly looked like dog food. The macaroni salad was awful. It tasted like bland mac noodles and celery. It was like they forgot to add mayonnaise! I don't even know how you can mess up rice, but they did. It was super dry. They give you three scoops and it was so dry, I could barely put down one of the scoops. read more

The place was clean and the food great the burgers are huge! And the macaroni salad is perfect read more

Big Kahuna's - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

We just happened to be in the area and decided we wanted Hawaiian food for lunch. Food is okay but I've had better. It was a little difficult finding this place as the restaurant faced away from the street but we figured that it was in the shopping strip mall. There was plenty of parking in the parking lot. We got plate combo dinners with choice of two different meats with rice and macaroni salad. One plate was teriyaki chicken and mahi mahi and the other one was teriyaki chicken and kalua pork. Portions were quite large for the kalua pork. The teriyaki chicken were cut up pieces of chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce with pieces of pineapple. I thought the mahi mahi was a little dry. Macaroni salad was tasty. Tho' the plates were not cheap (about $10). It's a nice little restaurant in Imperial Beach. Staff is really friendly. It's just OK for us. read more

Holy moly this place has huge portions! Everyone loved what they are and had plenty to take home. Macaroni salad was yummy and I'm picky. Waitress was so nice and double checked out order to make sure it was correct because we were a group. Loved the place read more

I was in the area for appointments with clients and dropped the wifey off at the clients home so I could do a post office stop. Hunger kicked in because we didn't have breakfast so I Yelp!'d around and saw this place. Decided to grab a late breakfast/lunch and decided it was a Loco Moco kind of day. They prepare it a little different because the meat is not a party but more chopped/crumbles which I was hesitant about but after the first bite I was hooked. Gravy is on point and they don't skimp on it. The gravy is smothered all over the ground beef crumbles so you get a good dose with every bite. Think of it as a meaty, country gravy with bigger chunks of beef instead of sausage and it's topped on the rice. Yumm. Big portion had to stop before I finished all because so wanted the wifey to have some read more

Big Kahuna's - Loco Moco oh so Ono - Hawaiian Near Me - Imperial Beach, California