Big Kahuna Burger


Big Kahuna Burger is a fictional chain of Hawaiian-themed fast food restaurants that has appeared in films by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, including Death Proof, Four Rooms, Pulp Fiction, From Dusk till Dawn and Reservoir Dogs. The packaging was created by Tarantino's old friend Jerry Martinez. The restaurant features most prominently in Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, in which Samuel L. Jackson's character Jules eats a Big Kahuna Burger and remarks, "This is a tasty burger!"
In Pulp Fiction, the burger appears to be a typical American beef burger with cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a hamburger bun. Multiple real restaurants have featured a "Big Kahuna Burger" on their menus, including Atomic Burger in Oxford, England.

Appearances

In Tarantino and Rodriguez' works

AppearanceYearNotesDescription
Reservoir Dogs1992Written and directed by Tarantino.Michael Madsen's character Mr. Blonde drinks a soda from Big Kahuna Burger.
Pulp Fiction1994Written and directed by Tarantino.Brett is eating Big Kahuna Burger when Jules and Vincent show up to his apartment. Jules refers to the restaurant by name.
Four Rooms1995Co-written and directed by Tarantino and Rodriguez.In the segment "The Man From Hollywood", after Ted comes back to listen to the proposal, there is a Big Kahuna Burger drink cup on the bar next to Angela.
From Dusk till Dawn1996Written by Tarantino, directed by Rodriguez.George Clooney's character Seth Gecko gets takeout from Big Kahuna Burger.
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl2005Written and directed by Rodriguez.A Big Kahuna Burger takeout bag appears on the dock during the dream in which Max meets Sharkboy.
Death Proof2007Written and directed by TarantinoKurt Russell's character Stuntman Mike asks Jungle Julia about a billboard "near Big Kahuna Burger".
2014Developed by Rodriguez.In the first season, a scene takes place inside a Big Kahuna Burger.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood2019Written and directed by TarantinoA Big Kahuna Burger billboard is seen on a passing bus.