Duane's Ono-Char Burger

Legendary Duane’s Ono Char Burger in Anahola, Kauai has reopened, much to the delight of the local community and the legions of tourists who drop by this modest roadside shack for mouth-watering burgers.

It was a sad day in October 2019 when the owners of Duane’s retired and closed down the stand. But happy days are here again in Anahola. New owners, using the original recipes, are once again serving what some people describe as grilled cheese hamburgers that melt in your mouth.

There are more than a few varieties of burgers to choose from, including BBQ, teriyaki, blue cheese, the Local Girl (with teriyaki, swiss cheese and pineapple), and Duane’s Special (with 1,000 island, pickles, grilled onions, sprouts, cheddar and swiss).

A variety of Ono Sandwiches are popular as well, along with fish and chips, chicken and chips and deep fried shrimp and fries. Side orders include fries, onion rings, tossed green salad and corn dogs! Shakes are a bit on the pricey side at $9.99 on our last visit, but they are delicious.

In fact, the entire new Duane’s menu is a bit on the pricey side compared to the old Duane’s. Inflation has hit this remote island hard, and Duane’s is not alone on the island for raising prices. A single cheeseburger, fries and a drink is now around $20 at Duane’s, but that is now true for many burger meals around the island. Expect to pay more for your meals out on Kauai.

Some customers lament the long waiting times at Duane’s. Indeed, this is not the place to visit if you are in a hurry. Waiting times can be anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes or more during peak times. Luckily, there’s a nice, shaded patio, with a view of Kalalea (King Kong) Mountain, to kick back in for the wait. (You can also call ahead with your order to minimize the wait.)

Overall, Duane’s is a requisite destination for burger lovers. Visit Duane’s Ono Char Burgers at least once during your visit to Kauai!

Duane’s Ono-Char Burger
4-4350 Kuhio Hwy
Anahola, HI 96703
(808) 822-9181