Hawaiian barbecue isn’t just about grilling—it’s about gathering, sharing, and filling your plate with big island flavor.
Sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy all live side by side, often on the same fork. With roots that stretch across Polynesian, Asian, and Portuguese cuisines, every dish brings history and celebration to the table.
These 16 Hawaiian BBQ classics capture that spirit and taste like sunshine and aloha in every bite.
1. Kalua Pig
Traditionally cooked in an underground imu oven, kalua pig is tender, smoky, and deeply seasoned from sea salt and wood smoke.
Shredded by hand and piled high, it’s the heart of a luau feast. The flavor is simple, primal, and unforgettable.
2. Huli Huli Chicken
This crowd-pleaser gets its name from the Hawaiian word for “turn.” The chicken is basted as it rotates over open fire.
A glaze of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates caramelized edges and juicy bites. It’s sweet, smoky, and sticky in the best way.
3. Loco Moco
Loco Moco is comfort stacked high: white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and glossy brown gravy.
The runny yolk mixes with the sauce and rice, making each bite rich and indulgent. It’s a Hawaiian diner classic with serious flavor.
4. Spam Musubi
This on-the-go snack blends Japanese influence with local love for Spam. A grilled slice sits atop sticky rice, wrapped tight in nori.
It’s salty, savory, and perfectly portable. Found everywhere from gas stations to backyard grills.
5. Teriyaki Beef
Thin slices of beef soak up a sweet soy marinade, then hit the grill for charred edges and juicy centers.
The sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze. It’s bold, smoky, and deeply satisfying with every bite.
6. Pipikaula (Hawaiian Jerky)
This dried beef snack is the island answer to cowboy jerky—chewy, savory, and packed with flavor.
Often grilled lightly before serving, it’s tender with a smoky kick. A favorite pupu (appetizer) that disappears fast.
7. Shoyu Chicken
Chicken thighs simmer in a sweet-savory mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until tender and glazed.
It’s braised, then sometimes grilled to finish. Every bite is juicy and deeply seasoned with island flavor.
8. BBQ Short Ribs (Maui-Style)
These ribs are marinated in soy, garlic, sugar, and sesame, then grilled to smoky, tender perfection.
The meat pulls easily from the bone. Sweet, salty, and sticky—these ribs are always a hit.
9. Portuguese Sausage
Brought to the islands by immigrants, this sausage is garlicky, smoky, and just a little spicy.
Grilled until crisp outside and juicy inside, it’s often served with eggs or tucked into plate lunches. A spicy-sweet favorite with staying power.
10. Grilled Mahi Mahi
Firm-fleshed and mild, mahi mahi soaks up marinades like citrus, ginger, or miso beautifully.
Grilled until lightly charred, it holds its shape and shines with island glaze. Light but deeply flavorful.
11. Chicken Long Rice
This light dish pairs clear noodles with shredded chicken in a ginger-scented broth. It’s a mellow balance to richer BBQ items.
Served warm but slurpable, it’s Hawaiian comfort food at its most soothing.
12. Char Siu Pork
With its deep red color and glossy sheen, char siu stands out on any plate. The pork is sweet, salty, and oven-roasted until sticky.
It’s sliced thin for sandwiches, salads, or sliders. A Chinese classic with a Hawaiian twist.
13. BBQ Tofu Skewers
Tofu gets the island treatment with a tangy pineapple-soy marinade, then grilled to golden with caramelized edges.
It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for plant-based eaters. Even meat lovers go back for seconds.
14. Kalbi (Korean Short Ribs)
Cut thin across the bone and soaked in a sweet-salty marinade, kalbi grills fast and comes out juicy with crisp edges.
Thanks to Hawaii’s Korean influence, it’s now a staple. Rich, tender, and full of umami.
15. Grilled Pineapple
Thick rings of pineapple hit the grill for a quick char, intensifying their sweetness and adding smoky depth.
Served as a side or dessert, they brighten every bite. A little tropical sunshine for the plate.
16. Mac Salad
Cool and creamy, mac salad is a staple side at any Hawaiian BBQ. It’s smooth, mild, and slightly tangy.
Often made with elbow macaroni, mayo, and a splash of vinegar, it balances the bold flavors of BBQ. No luau is complete without it.