First - and most important- Happy Eats is in a new location. It's in the Walmart parking lot near downtown Lihue. It's at the far end of the parking lot, near the main road. Apple Maos doesn't know this and sent us to the old address on Rice Street (which is now full of construction equipment). There is no ambience, which in itself, makes it fun. Roasting chickens in a Walmart parking lot...for one of the best meals you will get! There's one large table which becomes communal if need be. And the staff couldn't be nicer - chat them up if they aren't too busty (which they aren't, because no one except locals and visitors who get tipped off know where they are for now). We got the marinated chicken and an a la carte order of lechon, and both were delicious. Order enough for leftovers. I later used the lechon to make a sandwich using Midnight Bear sourdough bread, a ripe avocado purchased that day from the Kauai Community Market, the tomato and onion that came with the lechon, and drenched it all in the sauce provided. Paradise! read more

Happy Eats - Huli Huli chicken on the rotisserie. - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

Food: We got the Happy Plate to try a bit of everything. The ribs are very tasty and flavorful. Between marinated and dry chicken, the latter one is more salty, but both of them go well with the chili water. It's such a refreshing flavor! Service: very sweet ladies help us with orders. Ambiance: they are a good stand in the parking lot, so the sun was a bit stinging. read more

Happy Eats - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

Located in the parking lot of the bank off Rice st, you can find them just by looking for the smoke that floats up in the air. They're only open on the weekends. We ordered: Happy Plate $25 (1 qtr. chicken dry rub and 1 qtr. chicken marinated and 2 pcs of ribs and a boat of lechon) 100% recommend getting the happy plate if you want to try a little bit of everything. Lechon is super crispy (think chopped up crispy pork belly). The ribs have the smoke in every bite. I wish it was a bit more tender. The marinated chicken I found I liked more than the dry rub. However everything was delicious. There's no tables. It's more like a grab and go eat somewhere/take home. Support and give them a try. It's all apart of that island experience with roadside bbq. read more

Happy Eats - Happy Plate $25 (1 qtr. chicken dry rub and 1 qtr. chicken marinated and 2 pcs of ribs and a boat of lechon) - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

Huli Huli chicken is chef's kiss! Got the 1/2 chicken plate which comes with rice and mixed vegetables. Their ribs seemed like a popular choice too. Can't wait to try their lechon! read more

Happy Eats - Huli Huli chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

Was recommended this place by a co-worker, and it did NOT disappoint! They were located at the Veterans Memorial Center near the airport, and we got their Huli Huli Chicken and Rib plate. Was delicious, and ending up taking it to Lydgate Park to enjoy. Very nice people, and great food! read more

Finally... finally... finally.... Huli huli chicken on a Saturday on Rice Street. Mission accomplished on our 7th trip to the island. We kept missing out on previous trips. So glad we finally got to try it. Located along Rice Street in the same general parking area for the Social Security Administration and Central Pacific Bank. You cant miss it. The smoke and smell of the food being cooked will draw you in. I had been wanting to try this huli huli chicken after seeing photos of it. It looked like Rice St but I had no further info on it. I didnt know the name of the business nor the hours. We're usually off to the North Shore or the West Side on weekends but luckily we stayed around Lihue on that Saturday and we scored. I was so happy when we saw them as we were pulling out of the parking lot across the way by the bowling alley after getting fresh pan de sal. We ordered a huli chicken dry rub plate ($15). That's 2 pieces of chicken (2 drumsticks/ 2 thighs), rice and corn niblets. The chicken was very good. The flavor of the rub was tasty and exactly what I wanted. The corn was just ok. The rice was standard and wouldve probably preferred another scoop of rice instead of the corn. We also got a plate of lechon kawali ($14) which is Filipino style fried pork belly with onion and tomato garnish. That also came with one scoop rice and corn. The lechon kawali was good but im used to a bigger cut. These were cut smaller which are easier to eat. There was a hearty helping of the lechon kawali so that was good. We will for sure eat there again next Summer when we are back and every Summer thereafter. Talkin to the Unko out back manning the huli huli chicken was nice. They were super friendly and I thanked them on our way out. A hui hou Unko. read more

I love Happy Eats, I try to stop by here before my flight back to Oahu to bring back a plate or 2. How did I discover Happy Eats on the Garden Isle?! During our walks on Kauai, when we don't have a rental car and after having lunch at Hamura, I happen to see a tent with line, curious, I checked it out since then we have been back or try to stop here if time permits. The staff at Happy Eats are super friendly, they are great peeps! I remember Wanda during all my visits, helping her sister's pop up business. She is super sweet and so friendly! Always great to see her when I visit. My very first visit I got the chicken, 2nd -ribs, 3rd visit all sold out and this time I was early, stopped by after 11am right when they open and decided to get the Happy Plate this time X 2. They were so nice to wrap them in foil, it survived TSA and everything was still kept together in the box due to the packaging. hehe. I was worried the corn and lechon would get all messy but it didn't. Yay! If you don't know what to get, my suggestion is the Happy Plate, for $25. bucks you get one quarter each of chicken ( marinated and dry rub) 2 piece ribs and lechon kawili. Plate comes with corn, rice, and BBQ sauce. This plate is huge and sure enough for more than 2. I always look forward to our dinner after Kauai, My hubby, son and I. Just need to Cook a pot of rice along with some kim chee. Super ono! Its hard to decide if I like the marinated or dry rub more, I like both! The ribs is not fall off the bone but its tasty for ribs. First time trying the lechon kaweli, it is nice and crispy! Only opens on weekends, look for the Happy Eats white tent and the hibachi smoke smell located at Bank of Hawaii Parking lot. They do take credit cards, and they do sell out as I missed out during one of my visits. Get the Happy Plate @ Happy Eats, it will make you Happpy just like how we are feeling after our meal!! read more

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Eat here!!!! My partner and I stopped here by chance our first time in Kauai over 5 years ago, and it has become one of our favorite food spots. We make sure to stop here every time we are in town. The chicken is soooo tender and tastey and the ribs are delicious. Can't go wrong here--it's all so good! Don't miss stopping at happy eats if you're nearby!! read more

Happy Eats - Chicken and ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

This was out 1st meal after we landed in Kaua'i, and boy, did we get off to a good start! We got the Happy Plate for a sampling of everything. The ribs were juicy and tender--not quite fall-off-the bone, but I prefer them this way. You actually have to chew the meat. The Huli chicken was nice and moist and juicy as well! They both have a yummy smokiness. The marinated is a little sweeter than the dry rub, but not extra saucy. If I had to pick, I would pick the marinated. The lechon was a nice crispy snack that was nice to dip in the accompanying BBQ/ketchup or other sauce. Service was pretty quick as the meat is constantly cooking on-site. Note: They are only open on the weekend. read more

Happy Eats - Menu 1/23 - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

Very moist tasty Huli chicken. Very friendly staff. Go early because they are sold out by 2 pm.

One of the best chicken we had, super moist, juicy, tender and flavored perfectly! Service was friendly & quick. It is located in a parking lot behind Central Pacific Bank, corner of Rice St and Umi. I believe it's cash only. It's just during the weekends from 10 am to 2 pm so make sure make your way there around this time if in Kauai. read more

Happy Eats - Bbq the "Happy Eats" way... smells really good - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

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Great Huli Huli chicken and ribs ....... The only problem is that they're unreliable....... We were looking forward to their food many times but they simply didn't show up and when I called them, they never returned my calls so good luck!! read more

I've had BBQ all around the continental US (TX, NC, TN, and all the lesser BBQ meccas) and this was hands down the best BBQ I've ever had. I don't recall how I found about this, but I'm do glad I did. They've moved from their original Rice St local to the Walmart parking lot. We were lucky the forwarding sign is still on Rice St. I love flavors I can't identify, and this was full of them. From the wood used to smoke to the rub, all new to me. And it was an amazing sympathy of flavors, nothing overpowering, everything complementing. So sorry that we'll only be in Kauai for 4 days and can't get back there. This is a must if you're anywhere near Lihue on the weekend read more

Happy Eats - Chcken and ribs combo - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

So glad I stopped by on my last day in Kauai. Amazing chicken and ribs. The ladies at the front are super friendly, too. My family mobbed my plate once I opened it. What bites I could get, I savored for as long as possible. Sigh. Anyway, I look forward to coming here next visit. read more

I was on island and found happy eats on a parade route and I made the right choice to stop and give them a try! The food was DELICIOUS!!! It was so good that I forgot to take a picture of it. The ribs and lechon were on point! The service was great. The lady at the register was super friendly! Oh and the chocolate chip walnut cookies were devoured by the kids in a minute read more

Happy Eats - Stage super friendly staff! - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

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You must try the chicken here! My hubby and I passed by this place when we were on our way to get food from another restaurant. Unfortunately the other restaurant was closed so we decided to come here. They have a simple menu but we were not sure what to get some we asked for recommendations. The staff recommended the happy plate which had a little of everything and is a portion big enough for use to share. I was glad we got the happy plate. The food was delicious. Being able to sample everything on the menu we were able to pick our favorite. Lechon - was crunchy and tasty. Chicken - both the dry rub and marinated were amazing. It was so moist, juicy and tasty. I like the dry rub more than the marinated. Ribs - had good flavor. A little dry and tough but still good. We ended up ordering another large chicken plate, large rib plate and chicken and rib combo for later! read more

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Happy Eats has been around for maybe six or seven years, if you count its previous iteration that operated under a different name and different owners. They're available only on Saturdays and Sundays, and pop up in the parking lot of a local bank. The full-bodied kiawe (Hawaiian mesquite) smoke will convince you to pull over and get a plate of huli huli (Hawaiian for flipped) chicken, which is constantly rotated over kiawe coals. The chicken is available in marinated or dry rub (which I prefer). The ribs are always tender, also a dry rub. Lechon kawali (deep fried pork, Filipino style) is also on the menu, but sells out fast. Be ready for 15-20 minute waits on busy days. Call ahead to avoid the wait. read more

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Woooweeeeee $25 for a plate which is enough for 2. Ribs 2 chicken legs and lechon w rice and frozen veggies. So juicy tender and flavorful. Go! read more

deserves the love and attention! we found happy eats as we were headed to the airport, and it was definitely worth the stop! the meats were cooked great, not dry at all, and the serving sizes were generous. we tried the happy plate to get the variety of their offerings. what really topped it off, was the customer service. we were in kauai for a week and didn't have the best overall customer service experience, but happy eats was one of the most welcoming we had. they were enthused to have us and checked in on our meal even though it's a take out service. read more

Happy Eats - happy plate - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

Great service and delicious food!! Huli huli marinated chicken was amazing! We will definitely be coming back :)

Want to know a Kauai secret? How many people do you know come from Oahu to eat Huli Chicken and Ribs?!?!? This question is not so far fetched. You would be surprised at how many people do this. Come and try the weekend BBQ tents on the CPB South East parking lot. Family run, onolishious. Plate, half orders, full orders. Chicken and ribs delight. Bring the family, sit on the slope. Or take it home in the comfort of home. Up to you. Tastes the same, awesome! read more

Happy Eats - Tents and parking location! - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

Excellent ribs and chicken! Not open very long and almost always sells out. My go to place especially during football season. read more

I bought my dad a 1/2 rack of ribs! He is hard to please and he raved about them the entire time he was eating! Service was fabulous extremely nice and fast! Thank you so much. Plenty parking too! read more

What great Kauai Hospitality and great food. This pop up located in a parking lot was referred too me by a great young man who worked at Kipu adventures. The ribs and chicken were awesome but the pork was Beyond this world. The family run business was worth the trip and I would highly recommend straying away from your resort too try the bbq food here read more

Happy Eats - Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

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Huli chicken and ribs are TO DIE FOR!! Absolute best rub ever! You don't even need the mango barbecue sauce. Family Affair run by sisters Celeste and wanda. You can also purchase these ala carte rather than combine to a meal . I'm not a fan of ribs but I will eat these with relish! read more

Ribs are so good, you don't need sauce, they are dry rub seasoned perfectly, and soft enough to come off the bone, and good amount too. Roast pork plate was terrific too. read more

Always friendly, personal and food is delicious! Count on then for an reasonable and great tasting plate lunch.

Best bbq on Kauai! We had the chicken and rib plate. Both the dry rub and marinade were delicious. Highly recommend this Huli huli chicken stop! read more

Finally found some proper Huli chicken! This a a great little food stand with some delicious eats. Caution be prepared, you will likely eat more than you should...but it is worth an extra workout, or two! read more

Happy Eats - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

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So good! Super friendly and yummy! The marinated Huli Huli is like candy and I will be thinking about this meal until the next time I visit the island! read more

Absolutely amazing! Customer service was great and the food was bomb. The portion sizes are big and you are definitely getting a bang for your buck! Make sure you visit if you are ever on Kauai!! read more

Delicious one of a kind food!! Very reasonable prices and large portions! Highly recommend!!

Holy, wow!! We have been in Kauai for our honeymoon for four days now. We've tried Food trucks, we've tried resort restaurants, and we have tried hole in the wall recommendations from a travel guide book. So far, this was the best meal we've had during our trip. By far! Before we even tasted the food, we were talking about coming back the following day. That is how intoxicating the smell is. We drove past it with our windows down and ended up turning around. They are only open Saturday and Sunday, and only until 2pm. After we finished our meal, my husband and I were talking about trying to come back TODAY before they close. You could tell during the first bite of the rib that they compile their own spice mix. The food was so damn delicious, I got out of the car when we were through and went to tell them such. (They confirmed they make their own spice blends). I am telling you, no matter where you stay in Kauai, Happy Eats is worth the drive. Fairly priced and the people working the operation were absolutely lovely. Truly, you will have dreams of this food, my gosh. We got combo plates, the chicken and ribs and then the lechon and ribs. The rice and veggies that came with the plate were very good, but the meat was the show stopper. Our next visit we will probably just get giant plates of chicken or ribs. This is a must visit eatery. read more