Huli Huli Chicken

Got there at 1050 before they were suppose to open up at 1100, waited nearby and chilled by the ocean until 1110. People started to show up but the place was no where near open. No one knew when or if the place was gonna open up. A local with tour group went up and started a line in front, that's when everyone started to follow suit snd form a line after them.. there were workers there but no one said anything... didnt start serving until 1145ish Asked for the ribs and chicken combo, but was told only they had pork and chicken. Asked when the ribs would be available, they told us they didnt know...... As soon as I paid and walked to the table with the food, they served ribs.. why was it so hard to ask the cook when the ribs were ready... Ended up paying 30$ each for the chicken/pork combo.(60$) But really wanted to try the ribs, so I went back on the line and ordered only rib plate... they gave me rib and chicken combo instead for 20$... didnt find out until I got to the black sand. Ended up just eating the 2 piece of ribs that they gave... Overall.... the food was meh... the hype wasn't really worth it.

If you’re looking for the definitive "Road to Hana" experience, skip the fancy resort dining for a day and pull over at Koki Beach for some of the best Huli Huli chicken you will ever have. After hours of navigating those famous hairpin turns and lush rainforest canopies, emerging into the open air at Uncle Russell’s stand feels like finding a hidden treasure. The first thing that hits you isn't even the view—it’s the scent. The mesquite smoke from the grill drifts across the road, mingling with the salt spray of the Pacific. We tried the chicken and were blown away; it was perfectly charred, juicy, and coated in that iconic sweet-and-savory Huli Huli sauce that tastes like pure Hawaii. Eating a hot, fresh plate while sitting on a piece of driftwood is a world away from a standard restaurant, and frankly, it’s much better. The scenery here is unparalleled. If you look to your left, you’ll see the striking contrast of the deep red sand and the massive cinder hill, **Ka Iwi o Pele**. The rich, rusted red of the cliffs against the vibrant turquoise of the ocean and the white foam of the surf is a visual masterpiece. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to put your fork down every few minutes just to take in the sheer scale of the landscape. Between the ocean breeze, the sound of the crashing waves, and the incredible food, this was easily the highlight of our entire drive. If you see the smoke rising from the grill, do yourself a favor and stop. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory.

Huli Huli Chicken at Koki Beach: A Maui Road Trip Essential If you're driving the Road to Hana, there is one stop that is practically mandatory for food lovers: the Huli Huli Chicken stand at Koki Beach. This isn't a fancy restaurant—it’s a roadside operation with a wood-fire rotisserie that fills the air with the scent of kiawe wood and caramelizing glaze. The Experience • The Flavor: "Huli" is the Hawaiian word for "turn." The chicken is constantly flipped over an open flame, basted in a sweet and savory glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and fruit juices. The result is a smoky, char-kissed skin and incredibly juicy meat. • The Plate Lunch: Most visitors opt for the standard plate lunch, which typically includes a generous portion of chicken (or ribs), a scoop of white rice, and a classic Hawaiian macaroni salad that many reviewers claim is the best on the island. • The Setting: There is no indoor seating. You grab your cardboard container and find a spot at a picnic table or head down to the red sands of Koki Beach. Eating fresh BBQ while looking out at Alau Island is one of those "only in Hawaii" moments.

If you’re in Hana, you have to stop at Huli Huli Chicken. Uncle Russell is incredibly kind and welcoming—it feels more like you’re being hosted than just grabbing a meal. The food absolutely delivers. The kalua pork and chicken were both outstanding—perfectly cooked, super moist, and packed with flavor. Simple, authentic, and done right. One of those spots you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.

Huli Huli chicken is a small stand located on Kiki Beach park just outside of Hanna. Made somewhat famous by a visit from Gordon Ramsey it’s one of those place you try because you heard about it on TV. Otherwise, you would not know it was there. We stopped. Shared a Quarter chicken (which comes with rice and macaroni salad) for $18. A half is $27. The chicken has a lot of flavor and is tender and juicy. I think some of that smoke flavor comes from the bbq. But it also seems to have a sauce filled with liquid smoke they spray on it while cooking. Can seem almost pungent. No chicken was being cooked while we were there. They just serve it out of pans and coolers. So you didn’t get to see how it was made. That seemed a bit odd to not have them cooking it fresh. Just selling meals — but no one cooking. Felt like it has moved from a roadside cookery to a money machine no longer focused on the food. I would say…. Stop and try it. The view of the ocean is worth more than the chicken. Keep expectations low and you will be fine. The area is beautiful but also feels a bit overrun and beat up and dirty by the influx of tourists and locals alike.

The chicken plate is the standout dish here, clearly beating the pork ribs. The chicken is special, full of flavor, making it a definite winner. While the pork ribs are good, the chicken's distinct taste is what sets it apart. The location is beautiful, and if you're not doing the full one-day Hana Road trip, there are lovely beaches nearby. Be aware that the spot is a popular stop for tour groups and can get busy. The seating is along the beach on both sides of the tent, so you should be able to secure a spot with unobstructed ocean views. My only hesitation in giving a higher rating is the service. After making the journey to Hana and stopping by, it would be appreciated if the staff could engage with customers instead of being engrossed in their phones. I doubt Uncle Russ would be pleased to see them barely look up from their screens. The general atmosphere lacks a service-friendly vibe. However, the chicken itself is delicious enough to make a stop worthwhile.

This roadside food is DELICIOUS! With the beautiful beach views in the background, it was a really enjoyable experience. It’s not luxurious (port-a-potties, plastic ware, picnic tables) but that is all a part of the charm! Simple and delicious

We stopped here for lunch after hiking up to Waimoku Falls. We got there right at 11 when they opened and everything was perfect! I wish I’d asked what seasoning was in the macaroni salad, it was so yummy! The chicken was perfect, not dry at all.

After a long drive through road to Hana, this was such a treat! The chicken and ribs were cooked perfectly with so much flavor. The potato/Mac salad was one of the best I’ve ever had. Make sure you go earlier as they are open until they are all sold out. We arrived around 12:00pm. View was very nice too - right along the water.

We enjoyed our meal here. After seeing mixed reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect but it turns out the chicken plate was very delicious despite the food being pre-cooked. Would definitely come back and recommend to others! We arrived around 1 pm after driving on the Road to Hana and this was a wonderful place for lunch. Having lunch by the red sand beach was very nice and the food was very good.