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BBQ Restaurants in Hawaii – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

BBQ Restaurants in Hawaii

When Guy Fieri brought his red Camaro spirit to the Hawaiian Islands, he uncovered a BBQ scene that blends mainland smoke with island soul. Between 2012 and 2019, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured five Hawaiian BBQ joints, showcasing the unique fusion of traditional barbecue techniques with tropical flavors that only the Aloha State can deliver.

Leading the pack is Sweet Home Waimanalo, earning an impressive 4.8-star rating and proving that some of Hawaii’s best ‘cue comes from its smaller communities. Over in Kauaʻi, Tahini Nui has been serving up memorable plates that earned Guy’s enthusiastic approval, while Kihei’s Three’s Bar and Grill represents Maui’s contribution to the island BBQ tradition—both holding strong at 4.4 stars.

With an average rating of 4.4 stars across all featured spots, these Hawaiian BBQ destinations demonstrate that the islands know their way around a smoker. Though three of the five original restaurants have since closed, the two that remain continue serving the kind of flavor-packed plates that put them on Triple D’s map in the first place.

Sweet Home Waimanalo

Sweet Home Waimanalo

Permanently Closed

Waimanalo, Hawaii

★★★★☆ 4.8
Episode 181: Goin' the Extra Mile
BBQDessert
Tahini Nui

Tahini Nui

Still Open

Kauaʻi, Hawaii

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 401: A World of Barbecue
BBQHawaiian
Three’s Bar and Grill

Three’s Bar and Grill

Still Open

Kihei, Hawaii

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 351: Barbecue, Batter and Beer Can Chicken
BBQChicken
Foster’s Kitchen

Foster’s Kitchen

Permanently Closed

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 374: Playin' Chicken
AmericanMexicanSeafood
Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse

Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse

Permanently Closed

Kihei, Hawaii

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 320: Soakin' Up Maui
BBQHawaiian