Beyond the mainland’s smokehouses, Waimea, HI might just be one of the most surprising places in the world to find authentic, slow-smoked barbeque. (We see you too, Texas Hill Country.) When we’re craving tender brisket, or facing a serious pulled pork emergency, these are our essential stops—several nestled along the Kohala Coast. Come along for a smoky tour of the Big Island, with a couple of worthwhile detours upcountry.
The Fish And The Hog
$$ | (808) 885-6268 | WEBSITE
Since opening, this popular spot in Waimea has offered scenic views and creative dishes within its lively atmosphere. With no shortage of friendly bartenders like Quincy, efficient service, and a menu full of high-quality meats, coming here feels like visiting a standout destination.
This destination of yours also serves very good food—there’s a full selection of daily specials including the Paniolo burger, brisket nacho house fries, and adult mac and cheese, but we especially love their perfect smoked brisket. Avail yourself of the tasty flavor profiles and a frosty drink, or possibly several, if you’d like to use this as a springboard to enjoy the great experience along with the ribs and Chile Verde tatortot appetizer.
Yum Yum Yoon’s Kitchen Korean
$ | (808) 885-7773 | WEBSITE
There are multiple Korean restaurants in Waimea, but this small, fast-service food court spot in the shopping center is the standout—and a gem of Korean cuisine. Don’t miss the friendly staff giving you welcoming, please-try-us smiles in the restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere: You come to Yum Yum Yoon’s Kitchen Korean to eat Korean food. The generous, flavorful all i combo is a treat, but our favorite dish might be the meat jun. It’s always available with fast service, so come hungry.
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
$ | (808) 338-1388 | WEBSITE
This cheerful, lively restaurant is a beloved neighborhood go-to in Waimea. They make a great BBQ beef plate, and it’s also a fun spot to enjoy a quick, satisfying meal, especially when you’re craving something delicious and consistent. There’s a solid chance of there being a creamy, delightful macaroni salad right on your plate, and possibly an even more refreshing bubble drink in your hand.
The portions here are generous, the combo plates are a good deal (especially the seafood combo with hot and crunchy shrimp, available every day), and you should not allow even a bite of their tender, flavorful kalua pork to go to waste.
Aloha Burger & BBQ
$ | (808) 229-8185 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot that blends classic comfort with a Hawaiian twist, you’ve found it. It’s easy to feel at home in this bright, welcoming space, where the friendly staff greet you with genuine smiles. The commitment to quality ingredients—like 100% grass-fed beef and no seed oils—shines through in every bite. From the classic smash burgers with crispy bacon and cheese to the surprising ginger-based sauce, Aloha Burger & BBQ does a few things, and does them exceptionally well.
But we’d recommend you follow the local vibe: Order a juicy burger, pair it with freshly made juice, and savor the lovely atmosphere.
The Barrel Taps Waimea
$$ | (808) 320-8397 | WEBSITE
There’s almost always a crowd at The Barrel Taps Waimea, but we’d gladly join it even if it stretched twice as far. This casual, counter-service spot serves a variety of excellent, reasonably priced smoked meats and sides (get at least one order of the succulent chicken, and brisket with a bark as flavorful as the views), as well as a very good beer selection. Do not leave without drizzling some of their sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, with its special molasses touch, on everything.
Stop here to refuel after exploring Waimea Canyon and you will be in barbecue heaven forever.
Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ
$ | (808) 885-4147 | WEBSITE
This family-run spot in Waimea serves generous, flavorful Hawaiian food at reasonable prices. There’s plenty of easy parking and a laid-back atmosphere with quick service in the welcoming restaurant (which is also wheelchair accessible). That’s a good thing—it’s a comfortable place to gather, with simple decor and more aloha spirit per square foot than some tourist spots.
There are no misses in that two choice plate, but highlights include the savory teriyaki beef, the crispy katsu chicken, and the tender Kalua Pig and Shoyu chicken. Apply their variety of sauces liberally.
3 Mountain BBQ
It probably goes without saying, but at 3 Mountain BBQ in Waimea—which only opens its doors on Saturdays—you should be eating barbecue. There are a few different kinds, like the perfectly spiced and crisp chicken and the juicy, savory pork belly. Both of those are solid choices, but be sure to get at least one order of the homemade lau lau.
This is tender, flavorful, and filled with smoked meat—and if you don’t order it, you might lie awake at night and wonder how you could have done things differently. 3 Mountain BBQ also serves brined chicken that stays moist and pipi, with friendly, attentive service and large portions that make sharing a good idea.
Chicken In a Barrel BBQ & Da Pizza Place
$ | (808) 320-8397 | WEBSITE
For very good, substantial barbecue in Waimea, look to this popular, welcoming restaurant on the beautiful plantation property. Best of all, the pulled pork plate is only $16. The chicken and the ribs are both delicious, tender and flavorful, but their special BBQ sauce—which adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness—is our favorite part.
We also appreciate that Chicken In a Barrel serves beer from a self-serve wall with refreshing flavors, and that you can relax with family when the friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel at home.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
$ | (808) 885-8880 | WEBSITE
A half-eaten French toast here, a chili spaghetti bowl there: it’s love at first sight of the reliably welcoming atmosphere at this clean, friendly restaurant in Waimea. But it’s their comforting, plentiful food that transforms this into a long-term relationship. The beef stew is amazing, with a rich, hearty flavor, and the corned beef hash omelette (available all day) might be our favorite item on the menu. Get them with a side of decent coffee and a kid-friendly mini plate.
Da Booze Shop
$ | (808) 338-9953 | WEBSITE
Waimea is a town on the Big Island known for its lush, tropical surroundings, and for its barbeque. This small takeaway spot embodies that local spirit, and even before you order, the Hawaiian pride is on display: All along the counter, there’s a simple, welcoming vibe that promises fresh, hot food. The contents of the menu here are straightforward too, and taste as good as they sound. Try the Mahi Katsu, fried to perfection with large portions and great value for the price.
The burgers are a highlight, and the portion of fries is generous. It’s a great place to eat, especially if traveling with kids, offering excellent service and a local experience that will leave you wanting more.
