About
Smoke and Aloha on the Kona Coast
If you are driving along the Mamalahoa Highway through the heart of Kealakekua, the scent of kiawe wood smoke is your North Star. Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs isn't looking to win any design awards for its setup; it’s a roadside operation defined by the rhythmic turning of chicken over an open flame. You’ll hear the sizzle of fat hitting hot coals before you even see the stand.
Island-Style Barbecue Traditions
The menu focuses on the essentials, and that is exactly why the locals line up here. The huli chicken is the primary draw, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that caramelizes into a sticky, charred skin. The ribs are equally popular, falling off the bone with a smoky depth that only slow-roasting can provide. While the seating is limited to simple picnic-style benches, the experience is quintessentially Hawaiian, offering a no-frills meal that hits the spot after a morning of snorkeling in nearby Kealakekua Bay.
A Local Pit Stop
Be prepared for a casual experience. The parking can get a bit tight when the lunch rush kicks in, and you will likely be eating with plastic forks while looking out over the lush, green slopes of the Kona district. It is a grab-and-go staple that prioritizes flavor over formality. Whether you are stocking up for a day at the beach or just looking for a quick lunch in South Kona, Randy’s provides an authentic taste of local island barbecue that relies on time-tested techniques rather than fancy presentation.
Amenities & Features
Location
79-7552 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, Hawaii, 96750-7908
More to Explore
More cuisines in Kealakekua
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 93 community reviewsGeri MoormanGoogle Maps
Recently
Fun place with best smoky rotisserie chicken. We got a half chicken plate and kept it for our dinner with some of our own salad and their yummy sides. The chicken was so moist, a little bit smoky , v tender. Constant line up of people. It's only Thurs/Fri opening but a huge set up. A lot of people were getting the brisket as well - sorry , maybe next time! Large area to pull in park.
Jordan DGoogle Maps
Recently
One of the best BBQs I've had on any of the Hawaiian Islands. Unpretentious, quick service and solid food. Not alot of seats so get there before the rush! The chicken, ribs and pork were all very good. Smoked and cooked to perfection. There's even a malasadas kiosk right beside it!
Joe JacksonGoogle Maps
Recently
OMG, so good! Really 'broka da mouth' fantastic. Such tender, juicy chicken! Best on the island that we have had. A MUST go. Only Thursday and Friday, but worth it. We got the 1/2 chicken plate and it was a ton of food for two hungry people and came with seasoned corn and a scoop of white rice. White meat was as tender and juicy as the dark. Super fast service and friendly people. Tents and picnic tables to sit and eat. Such good chicken, if we lived here, we would go every Thursday and Friday!
AmyKGoogle Maps
Recently
We went about 1pm on a rainy day. There was only a small line so we had to make quick choices. I got the chicken - whole chicken was two halves but both halves were more than half, including the back. Hubby got the Huli platter. He didn’t think there was any way he could eat it but he almost did! The chicken was fall off the bone tender and tasty, especially the skin! I sort of wish we had tried more sides but all the meats were great. The bbq sauce is not spicy and I didn’t need it for the chicken. For the brisket and ribs, my guy used it. The place isn’t much to look at but the food is great and the service efficient. They were not out of anything.
Linli PaoGoogle Maps
Recently
Totally worth the trip out! The food is delicious, the families that run this place are kind, and the views are lovely. If you sit quietly all of the chickens and chicks will run around the picnic tables! Agree with other reviewers- go early. If you go late, they will be sold out of certain items.
Jeannie Hanes WrightGoogle Maps
Recently
If you’ve heard that Hawaiian people are nice this is the place to go to find the nicest of the bunch. We love this place. The chicken is delicious. The people are fabulous. The ribs are great. Everything they sell is wonderful. Just always check to make sure that they’re there because they sell out because the food is so fabulous.
Mark KGoogle Maps
Recently
This unassuming local favorite was serving burgers and brisket sammiches wheb we stopped by. You can dine under a small setup overlooking the pacific. Absolutely stunning lunch views. You may a friend too 🐈 🐔 The food: brisket sammich was amazing. I could eat that every single day for the rest of my life. My wife enjoyed the burger but said it lacked anything to make it stand out from burgers anywhere else. I took a bite and began to ask whether or not her taste buds worked. I thought it was great. Quality meat. Quality bread. Quality ingredients. Definitely do not pass this up. One of the best lunch stops in the area.
Amanda PattenGoogle Maps
Recently
On the side of the road is a covered tent and questionable looking food truck. Could this really be where you'll find the best BBQ on the island? The answer is YES. Generous portions, cooked to perfection. This kitchen is a well oiled machine. Don't skip on the mac and cheese! NOTE: If they run out of food (which is very likely) they WILL close so get there early!
Steph CouvretteGoogle Maps
Recently
This might have been the best, fastest, and most budget friendly meal we had. Two of us split a Huli Combo and half banana bread and everything was so good. It might be a tie between all four meats for best but honestly everything down to the BBQ sauce was delicious and we devoured it. The lady that took our order was so friendly and the food came out just in the time we walked over to the other table.
Marie DiRuzzaGoogle Maps
Recently
Amazing food, kind people, reasonable prices. Just go! It was a bit of a drive from Kua Bay, but totally worth it. We ordered a combo plate, getting the last ribs of the day with the rotisserie cooked BBQ chicken. Both were great. The Mac & cheese was rich, creamy and had a smoky flavor with bits of chicken throughout. We liked the food so much, we ordered brisket, Mac & Cheese, corn bread and banana bread to take back to the resort for dinner. the brisket was some of the best I have ever tasted. The banana bread had whole bananas baked in, making it rich, flavorful and fruity. The cornbread was scrumptious. They are only open Thursday and Friday. Go early for best selection. This is an outdoor open-air experience. There are picnic tables, but seating is limited.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Randy's Huli Chicken and Ribs
Common questions from diners about Randy's Huli Chicken and Ribs in Kealakekua.
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