There’s a little burger spot in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, that’s quietly rewriting the rules of what a fast-casual burger joint can be. 🍔
Ultimate Burger isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a movement wrapped in a brioche bun. Built on the belief that a burger can be both indulgent and consciously sourced, this couple-owned gem has captured the hearts of Big Island locals and visitors alike since 2009.
How Ultimate Burger Won Kailua-Kona’s Hearts
Makani Carzino, Big Island born and raised, brought her world-traveled palate and prestigious training back home to share something truly special with her community. 🌺
Together with her co-founder and husband Jeff Carzino, Makani made a deliberate and bold choice: to reimagine the quintessential American burger through a lens of local, organic, and non-GMO ingredients sourced right from the Big Island.
The couple chose a burger joint precisely because it’s universally loved — familiar enough to welcome everyone, yet groundbreaking enough to change how people think about what they eat. 🙌
Makani’s Le Cordon Bleu training elevated every element of the menu, from the double-blanched fries seasoned with fresh organic thyme and parsley to the house-made citrus aioli and house-crafted lemonade that rounds every meal perfectly.
This humble spot has proven that passion, local pride, and an unwillingness to cut corners is a recipe that never fails.
The open kitchen concept lets guests watch every burger being made from scratch — which, for regulars, never gets old. ✨
Visitors who stumble upon this Big Island burger destination often describe it as one of the most memorable meals of their entire Hawaii trip — not because it’s flashy, but because every single bite feels intentional. 🤙
Food Highlights
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Ultimate Cheeseburger: The crowd-favorite — a fresh-ground, grass-fed Big Island beef patty topped with Tillamook cheddar, local veggies, and house aioli. 🧀🍔
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Ultimate Double-Decker 2×2: Two patties, two layers of flavor — for those who believe more is more when the beef is this good. 🙏
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Ultimate Triple Decker 3×3: Three stacked grass-fed patties that make this an epic indulgence — a must-try for serious burger lovers visiting the Big Island.
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Ultimate TKO 4×4: The knockout option — four patties of fresh-ground, hormone-free beef stacked high.
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Lava Burger: Inspired by the volcanic spirit of the Big Island itself, this is one of the most unique signature creations on the menu and a favorite among locals who love some heat and personality in their order. 🌋
- Fish of the Day Burger – Locally Caught Ahi: Perhaps the most Hawaiian item on the menu — featuring locally caught fresh fish (depending on the day’s catch) with house-made tartar sauce. 🐟🌊
- Naked Burger – Bun & Patty Only: Stripped down and simple — a gluten-conscious favorite.
- Ultimate Hamburger: The classic, no-frills version that lets the exceptional quality of the beef speak for itself.
Atmosphere
Ultimate Burger has an easy, no-pretense vibe — the kind of place where flip-flops are always appropriate, and the food does all the talking.
The open kitchen creates a sense of transparency and energy, letting guests watch the made-to-order magic happen right before their eyes.
Outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, live music, and a genuinely warm and efficient staff give the space a laid-back Hawaiian rhythm that makes every visit feel like a local experience rather than a tourist stop. 🎶☀️
It’s the kind of spot you come for lunch, stay longer than planned, and immediately start planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your fries.
Bottom Line
Ultimate Burger earns its legend status through uncompromising local sourcing, a chef-driven menu, and genuine Aloha spirit. It’s inclusive, inventive, and deeply rooted in Big Island pride — a bucket-list stop in Kailua-Kona for anyone who takes their food seriously. 🤙🌺🍔
Address:
74-5450 Makala Blvd Ste 112, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
📞 (808) 329-2326
🕔 Open Mon–Thu 10:30 AM–8:00 PM | Fri–Sun 10:30 AM–8:30 PM