About This Food Place
If you’re looking to grab a relaxed meal with that laid-back Hawaiian vibe, Big Kahuna’s on Palm Ave is a solid spot. It’s a casual place where you can swing by for a quick burger or linger over small plates and a cold beer. They focus on comfort food that’s simple but done right, with fast service whether you’re dining in, sitting outside, or ordering to go. The atmosphere is chilled and cozy, making it easy to enjoy a solo lunch, catch up with friends, or bring the family along. They’re also pretty accommodating with accessible seating and plenty of parking, so it feels welcoming no matter your plans.
Why People Come Here
- People come here for authentic Hawaiian dishes served in a casual fast-food setting that blends traditional flavors with accessibility.
- This place is often chosen for reasonably priced, filling meals that include a variety of protein and side options suitable for quick lunches or relaxed dinners.
- People come here for the convenience of a bar area combined with an inviting space that accommodates both individual diners and groups.
- This place is often selected by cyclists and travelers looking for friendly service and hospitality, including thoughtful accommodations like water offers and bike parking.
- People come here for consistently prepared food with customizable options that cater to different preferences, such as cooking temperature and ingredient adjustments.
When & How to Enjoy This Place
Big Kahuna’s is ideal for lunch or dinner, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a relaxed meal. Perfect for solo diners looking for fast, friendly service or groups wanting to enjoy casual, cozy Hawaiian flavors together. The outdoor seating and bar create a trendy yet quiet atmosphere, making it easy to unwind or catch up without rush. Whether stopping by for a solo burger or sharing plates with friends, expect great food and speedy service in a laid-back setting.
Reviews
Randy Smith
My wife & I are making our 1st visit to Imperial Beach. This is by far our favorite restaurant. My wife got the coconut shrimp. I got the Volcan burger. Both were great. I ordered my burger rare. To my surprise, I got it rare. Ordered large onion rings. Should have ordered small. The large was enough to feed a family of 4. They were great though & only $9. We will be back & highly recommend. Cute Hawaiian atmosphere.
Rhianna Phelps
Really good, authentic Hawaiian yummy plates. Bar when you walk in as well. Legit plates with Mac salad and sticky rice. Not huge portions, and not as busy lately with all the economical stress. But still a great bite to eat in IB! Right on the split of IB and Coronado strand entrance.
MKS
The BBQ burger was so delicious. The onion rings were perfectly crispy. The hospitality was awesome. The nice waitress let me stack my bike on the side of the building and just treated me so kindly. I had just rode 53 miles and had another 40 or so ahead of me. She had a water ready for me with a lemon. Such awesome service! Really made it for me! Mahalo Nui Loa!
J Rametta
Had the 1/4 lb Kahuna burger deal, comes with drink and a side of choice $12.95. It was an ample lunch meal for a reasonable price. Better than a fast food joint, and good service with a smile.
Corey M
This is a personal opinion. Not everyone will agree. Great service, nice and clean inside, but im picky about my burgers. I like medium, and my burger was well done, I'm not a fan of mustard, but mine had too much, but the bun was superb. I'm sure I can modify these issues next time.
Sandi Torres
Big Kahuna's is amazing! My husband and I had one of our first dates here and now it's our go to every date night. The waitresses, cooks, owner, and everyone in the business is so nice! We've ordered most of the menu with our favorites being the cheesy bread appetizer, chicken teriyaki bowl, and any burger on the menu. The entire menu is solid and the quality is always great! It's so nice to support a local owned small restaurant and how amazing the staff is makes it even better! Would 100% recommend stopping in whether it's to dine in or take out - you won't regret it!
Markus Ribbe
What a great lunch we had today! Coconut shrimp, Kalua pork bowl & Kalbi beef plate with extra macaroni salad. Doesn't get much better outside the Hawaiian Islands. Waitress was very fast & efficient. Mahalo
amber enriquez
If you’re looking for humongous and juicy burgers along with yummy Hawaiian themed food, then this is the place to go. We have been coming here for about 12 years and this place never fails to impress us with their delicious and shareable portions. We love to get the spicy aki bowl, and the bbq bacon burger. They serve the spicy bowl with sweet, sticky rice and yummy macaroni salad. This dish is spicy, yet tangy and you can add pineapple to give it a sweeter taste. Their burgers are ginormous and the buns are sweet too. I added their spicy mayo sauce to my bbq burger and it was the perfect combination of flavors. This place is dog friendly and has outdoor seating. This place has a laid back atmosphere with lots of Hawaiian decor. Definitely reminds me of visiting the islands. A must try spot if you are in the area.
When to Visit
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM