Cheeseburger in Paradise: Family-Friendly Restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii

Looking for a fun, family-friendly restaurant in Honolulu (read affordable?) You'll probably love Cheeseburger in Paradise.

The burger joint is within easy walking distance from hotels in Waikiki and is affordable, yet "grown-up" enough, to please palettes of all ages. And yes, there are excellent Hawaiian beers and cocktails to sip while you look out the window toward the setting sun.

If you are looking for a gourmet burger or upscale restaurant, keep walking further down Main Street, and be prepared to spend quite a bit more. Cheeseburger in Paradise is a cross between fast food and a friendly, fun mid-priced restaurant. There is a variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, milkshakes/smoothies and cocktails. You won't wait long for a table, and the atmosphere is classic Hawaiian - ceiling fans, open windows and retro décor.... even the staff wear grass skirts over their khaki shorts.

You might think that Cheeseburger in Paradise is named for the classic Jimmy Buffet song. Not quite true. But read on for the history of this popular burger joint off Waikiki.

Address: 1945 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Waikiki) - approximately 1/2 mile north of the Honolulu Zoo•

Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. every day except Fridays (7 a.m.-midnight)

Price Range: $10-25 per entrée

Child menu: Yes

Menu: Breakfast, lunch/dinner, late night and take-out. Offerings include traditional American (hamburgers, fries, hotdogs, salads and sandwiches), Chinese, and desserts

Alcohol: Full bar

Reservations: No

Credit Cards: Yes

Dress: Casual

Contact: (808) 923-3731

•Additional locations along Waikiki Beach and in Lahaina and Wailea, Maui, HI

In general, Hawaii is a friendly, low-key destination. However, upper-class Waikiki Beach includes quite a few expensive hotels and luxury, boutique shopping outlets. It seems that everything in this neighborhood is about 30% more expensive than elsewhere on Oahu.

Cheeseburger in Paradise is a nice exception to the rule, especially for people traveling with children. Toward the end of Main Street, on the left hand side, if you are walking south toward the Honolulu Zoo, you'll find casual service with a smile.

Those that are familiar with the Red Robin restaurants on the Mainland will see a similarity between menu offerings. However, Cheeseburger in Paradise does not "act" like a chain restaurant (even though there are several locations). The service is more genuine and menu offerings seem a bit more "homemade."

One of our favorite aspects of the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant is the fact that it is so child-friendly. Bring the kids! There are kid menus, the atmosphere is relaxed, and fun, colorful umbrellas are included with all sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs and drinks. (just don't offer the umbrellas to kids under age 4!)

Did I mention affordable? This factor alone added to my enjoyment of the restaurant. We didn't want to go with fast food, and most other eateries in Waikiki are expensive. Cheeseburger in Paradise was enjoyable for a reasonable price. You can save some money on your meal for shopping along the strip!

Cheeseburger in Paradise is a small chain (locations set forth above). However, there is also a separate chain called Cheeseburger in Paradise Bar and Grill on the mainland, owned by Jimmy Buffett. Buffett's enterprise sued the owners of Cheeseburger in Paradise for use of the restaurant name.

Eventually, the case settled, allowing the owners of the Hawaiian Cheeseburger in Paradise to keep the name at their existing restaurants. That said, there is no connection between Jimmy Buffet's "Cheeseburger in Paradise Bar and Grill," and the low-key restaurants in Hawaii with the similar name.