The 20 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Hawaii

New Queen Barbeque is a corner spot in Kakaako serving hearty local-style barbecue, plate lunches, and simple breakfast plates. Diners highlight its generous portions, including kalua pig with traditional sides and notably flavorful garlic fried chicken. The setting is clean and unpretentious, and the staff offers welcoming, efficient service suited to a quick bite or a satisfying casual meal.

Kau Kau Grill is a casual, no-frills spot known for local-style barbecue and plate lunches. Guests praise its tender baby back ribs with a thick, sweet and tangy house sauce, along with garlic ahi, shrimp, and poke bowls. Quick, efficient service and a steady stream of regulars create a lively, takeout-focused atmosphere in this industrial neighborhood location.

Kiawe Roots offers bold, spice-driven cooking with dishes such as tender ribs, fresh seafood, and thoughtfully prepared vegetables. The small dining room has an energetic, welcoming feel, suited to relaxed meals and special occasions alike. Guests note creative drinks and a notably wide range of clearly identified gluten-free options.

Harley’s Tropical Barbecue serves hearty island-style plates with a focus on grilled meats and local flavors. Guests order at a walk-up window and dine in a spacious covered outdoor area tucked within an industrial neighborhood. Tender kalbi ribs, garlic shrimp, and slow-cooked pork are praised for their rich, satisfying taste and generous portions.

Huli Huli Chicken serves classic Hawaiian barbecue in an open-air, beachside setting. Tender chicken, kalua pork, and ribs are grilled outdoors and paired with simple sides like rice, salad, and macaroni salad. Picnic tables and casual seating overlook a small red sand beach, creating a relaxed spot to enjoy the ocean view with a flavorful plate of local-style food.

Kiawe Smokehouse serves hearty barbecue in a scenic waterfront setting, combining smoked meats and fish with classic sides. Diners enjoy ocean views from the deck, often framed by the sunset and the sound of waves. Dishes such as brisket, ribs, and hushpuppies are noted for satisfying portions and flavorful preparation, while attentive staff help create a relaxed, easygoing experience.

L & L Hawaiian Barbecue - Airport Trade Center serves classic local-style Hawaiian comfort food in a straightforward, fast-casual setting. Guests highlight hearty plate lunches such as mixed seafood platters, loco moco, and spam saimin, typically paired with rice and macaroni salad. Quick, made-to-order preparation makes it convenient for a satisfying meal before or after traveling.

Huli Huli Chicken And Ribs is a casual roadside stand known for its charcoal-grilled, rotisserie-style chicken with a distinctly smoky flavor. The meat is described as tender and moist, complemented by ribs that offer a different but equally flavorful profile. Simple outdoor cooking and a straightforward setup create an unfussy, local-style experience, with food that travels well for enjoying elsewhere.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit serves a range of smoked meats such as brisket, ribs, turkey, and sausage, often noted for their tender texture and rich flavor. Classic barbecue sides, including salads, beans, and casseroles, round out the plates, with several house sauces available. Attentive, upbeat service and a clean, modern dining space contribute to a comfortable, casual meal.