Honolulu's BBQ scene is one of the most diverse on the island, blending Hawaiian plate-lunch traditions, Korean tabletop grilling, Japanese yakiniku, and good old-fashioned smoke. I pulled together this guide from 51 qualifying restaurants across the city to highlight the spots genuinely worth your time — whether you're after a quick plate or a full sit-down grill session.
At the top of this list is Midtown Eats in Ala Moana, a spot I personally recommend and one that carries the NateEatsHawaii badge. This food hall brings together 12 local vendors under one roof, including BBQ options alongside sushi, banh mi, and more — it's a great way to sample Honolulu's food culture in a single stop. Beyond that, you'll find long-standing favorites like Bob's Bar-B-Que, a window-serve shack that's been feeding Honolulu since 1978, and Gen Korean BBQ House, a popular local chain known for tabletop Korean grilling in a modern setting.
This is a curated guide combining my verified picks with the area's best-rated spots. Restaurants where Nate has personally eaten are marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — look for it to know which spots come with a firsthand stamp of approval.