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I was a vegetarian for about 8 years until this place popped up in my life. It was my first time in Maui and in Hawaii in general. My old boss told me that the Road to Hana is a must so that's the first thing we did! The morning of our Roadtrip to Hana, I didn't know that the options would be so limited. I was so sleepy and hungry and tired and we were about 1.5 hours in then we saw this place so we decided to give it a try. I was supposed to just eat some of the rice and salad until I can find a vegetarian-friendly place. But the chicken smelled soooo good and moist and flavorful. So I took my first bite of meat in 8 years! And that is history. I've been eating meat ever since. That was in 2019. They closed during the pandemic but when we went back to Maui in Nov 2021, they're finally back again! This BBQ spot on the road to Hana is a gem. It can be easy to miss but please pay attention. Note: this is legit island cooking and dining. Don't expect fancy tables or servers. If you set your expectations right, this place can blow your mind away. It's a must-visit spot anytime you're in Maui, esp. if you're going to Hana.
This is a must stop on the Road to Hana and honestly one of my highlights of Maui in general. Authentic BBQ that is off the charts. The whole scene is such a vibe - side of the road stand where you're handed a $20 platter on bamboo with bamboo chopsticks. We brought beers and enjoyed eating in the abandoned cars where you can sit. Cannot wait to come back. Owner was such a cool guy who felt like Ohana. Don't forget to bring cash!
The chicken is to die for as always. The road to Hana feels incomplete without stopping here for the BBQ chicken. The guys were very friendly and accommodating. Great food and great staff makes a 5 star experience!
Save your money for locals who deserve it! We stopped by today and unfortunately forgot my husband's wallet. Once we realized this, we immediately went back. The couple who were working were clearly drug addicts but we decided to give the place a try anyway, because we support locals. BIG MISTAKE! We have photo proof of where the wallet was left (bench in the eating area) AND the airtag in the wallet was showing that it hadn't left the location. The woman was clearly guilty when we asked if she had found the wallet. She wouldn't make eye contact and tried to avoid us. Both her and the chef lied! It's so SAD to see locals stealing from locals! We were visiting from the Big Island for both my husband's birthday and to visit my brother's memorial in Lahaina for his birthday as well. My husband's birthday is on the 28th and my brother's is on the 29th. This happened on the 29th, making an already hard day extra hard! Not only was there $300+ cash in the wallet but our bank cards and my husband's ID to fly home were in there as well. We were forced to extend our stay on Maui because of this, matter of fact we haven't left yet! We can't! Being it was a Sunday, we had absolutely no access to any of our funds because banks are closed. No cards, no cash, no nothing! These people did not care that we were now stranded in Maui with our 3yr old son. So disappointed in this establishment and I warn EVERYONE TO STAY AWAY! Dishonest people DO NOT DESERVE ANY BUSINESS! SHAME SHAME SHAME!! PILAU!
This was a hidden gem! After learning there isn't much to eat/drink outside the main towns, we were becoming famished driving down the road the Hana (I recommend bringing a snack if you're doing the whole drive.) I did see this place mapping out our plan and read the great reviews she had. If you like hawaiian bbq, or bbq in general, this spot takes the cake for me personally. She bbqs traditional and places the meal within a bamboo shoot, creating an epic ambiance to the bbq and local Maui experience. I got both the pork and chicken, but what was the surprise to the dish was her pohole salad, made with local ingredients and wild fern as the main greens, wow was this exceptionally delicious, though mine will not taste nearly as great as hers, I will be practicing making this salad, as it was very refreshing. If you drive pass by this shack and don't stop, you'll be doing yourself a disservice by not experiencing one of the best local bbqs on the island.
There's really only one thing on the menu. What you see on the grill. Five very tender ribs and two quarters of a chicken that will make you forget your first name. Grilled pineapple and I might never eat it raw again. $30. Cash or app (we had no internet service). Also a really incredible salad of onion and who "knows what green" stuff. There's enough for two hungry midwesterners and extra for another meal.
This is known as a must visit pit stop on the road to Hana that certainly lives up to its fame. My boyfriend and I were a little shocked at how ramshackle the setup for the eatery was but don't let the appearances fool you. When you drive up, you'll see these two guys cooking on a BBQ pit, a guy selling fresh coconuts for 10 bucks a piece, a table, and 2 open abandoned cars where you can sit. The seating area looks dirty but the quality of the food makes up for everything. They only sell one thing, a BBQ platter with rice, corn, smoked sausage, chicken, and ribs for $30. Sounds expensive, but the amount of food here is enough to feed 2 people and the BBQ is the best I've ever had. I don't know how they do it, but every single piece of meat here hits you with that unbelievably smoky, savory flavor. The meats were cooked to tender perfection and the rice and corn made it a well rounded meal. Of course, we did buy the $10 coconut because they weren't selling any other drinks. It was refreshing and the seller will cut it open for you after so you can enjoy the meat as well.
A smoke shack indeed... the single cook uses everything from Mother Nature to make and prepare the meal. Only option we were able to order was the combo (pork + chicken). We then we're told to sit at the tables, which is what looked like abandoned trolley cart. He think brought our food out to us in tree husks with two cut up bamboo sticks to use as chopsticks. Very innovative I must say. And for a smoke house in the middle of the jungle on the side of a narrow road (Road to Hana) this place indeed hit the spot for the meat eaters. Unfortunately, this place is definitely not vegetarian friendly--obviously. The meat was on a bed of spring mix, rice, and a few veggies. After we were finished the cook brought out a "leaf" plate of pineapple chunks, which was very refreshing on a hot day following a hot meal. Definitely an experience to try (for all you meat lovers)! I believe we paid $50 for two meals. A bit pricey but supporting a one-man show!
This place is amazing!! We got done with rappelling earlier than planned and saw it on the way to the garden of eden so we figured, why not? We got the combo platter with chicken, sausage, and ribs. Everything was smoked to perfection and had a slight sweetness that didn't overpower the dish, but elevated it. It's a big portion you get for $30 - half a chicken, 2 large pork ribs, and a large sausage over a bed of rice and corn. We just ate in the car since it was raining and all the covered seats were taken. Worth every penny!
What a hidden gem! We stopped by on our way back due to hunger, but definitely was worth it. The meat had a smokey flavor and came on a bamboo stem! Coconut was freshly chopped from their tree. Must try!
On the road to Hāna and about 1/3 of the way in, if hungry strikes- you may be lured in by the smell of smoked meat from the Smoke Shack. Definitely a shack on the side of the road with a small parking lot, and some covered outdoor seating. Watch out for the chickens/roosters walking around the lot. We grabbed some apple bananas (teeny bananas) and on the menu for today was $30 smoked pork plates- pork/white rice/salad-local greens,tomatoes,onions with a light dressing. The plate and chopsticks are all biodegradable. So no waste here. The plate was loaded with a good amount of pork. It was tender and not a lot of seasoning but still had a lot of flavor just from the pork itself, the white rice and the lightly dressed salad were great accompaniments. Did think $30 a plate was a little much but after eating it all- worth it. Total island vibes. Not sure of the hours but when we stopped by at 11am they wear open , after 2pm when we passed by they were closed. Btw, CASH ONLY. read more
Such a cool stop, super low key, cash only, just a couple of guys firing up some food. Super friendly, talked about the different foods they have depending on the day. Cool to see them cook and prepare everything right here on the side of the hill. From the chop stick to the plates to the food and drink they prep it all right here in front of you. Daughter loved sitting in the "train" to eat and everyone really enjoyed the food. Was really great to have a proper quiet spot to hang out and talk to the people running their business. I would certainly come here again. read more
The hours are not so friendly unless you are doing a short trip to Hana or if you decide to have some BBQ for breakfast. We did the latter and were the 1st customers of the day. We got the chicken and some pineapple. He graciously grilled the pineapple for us too. The vibes are also cool at this place with the graffiti art to the actual old sugar cane train sitting area. The chicken was cooked and they serve it on a bamboo plate with sticks to use as chopsticks. Very Eco friendly man. The chicken was served with some rice and a salad. The salad looked like a bunch of ferns dressed with a nice soft dressing. They also serve it with plain white rice. I wish they had a little spice or hot sauce to accompany the meal. The fresh grilled pineapple was on point. Sweet, smoked and juicy! Unfortunately it's a cash only place and they don't advertise prices so both those items came out to $40. You are next to the mountains so bring bug spray since you will get bit up. read more
2 years ago
I was a vegetarian for about 8 years until this place popped up in my life. It was my first time in Maui and in Hawaii in general. My old boss told me that the Road to Hana is a must so that's the first thing we did! The morning of our Roadtrip to Hana, I didn't know that the options would be so limited. I was so sleepy and hungry and tired and we were about 1.5 hours in then we saw this place so we decided to give it a try. I was supposed to just eat some of the rice and salad until I can find a vegetarian-friendly place. But the chicken smelled soooo good and moist and flavorful. So I took my first bite of meat in 8 years! And that is history. I've been eating meat ever since. That was in 2019. They closed during the pandemic but when we went back to Maui in Nov 2021, they're finally back again! This BBQ spot on the road to Hana is a gem. It can be easy to miss but please pay attention. Note: this is legit island cooking and dining. Don't expect fancy tables or servers. If you set your expectations right, this place can blow your mind away. It's a must-visit spot anytime you're in Maui, esp. if you're going to Hana. read more
1 year ago
Great food on the way back from Hāna! Owner is super chill and makes the place have a great vibe. read more
2 years ago
This is definitely worth the stop on the way to Hāna! Excellent food and great island vibes. It was the best meal I had on the island! read more
3 years ago
This is a must stop on the Road to Hana and honestly one of my highlights of Maui in general. Authentic BBQ that is off the charts. The whole scene is such a vibe - side of the road stand where you're handed a $20 platter on bamboo with bamboo chopsticks. We brought beers and enjoyed eating in the abandoned cars where you can sit. Cannot wait to come back. Owner was such a cool guy who felt like Ohana. Don't forget to bring cash! read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Fantastic little shack on the side of the road in the way to Hana; the smell of smoked meats hits you as you exit your car, and it's obvious how fresh the meats are from the first bite. Cannot recommend it enough, worth the brief stop, remember to bring cash. Would go again read more
2 years ago
Save your money for locals who deserve it! We stopped by today and unfortunately forgot my husband's wallet. Once we realized this, we immediately went back. The couple who were working were clearly drug addicts but we decided to give the place a try anyway, because we support locals. BIG MISTAKE! We have photo proof of where the wallet was left (bench in the eating area) AND the airtag in the wallet was showing that it hadn't left the location. The woman was clearly guilty when we asked if she had found the wallet. She wouldn't make eye contact and tried to avoid us. Both her and the chef lied! It's so SAD to see locals stealing from locals! We were visiting from the Big Island for both my husband's birthday and to visit my brother's memorial in Lahaina for his birthday as well. My husband's birthday is on the 28th and my brother's is on the 29th. This happened on the 29th, making an already hard day extra hard! Not only was there $300+ cash in the wallet but our bank cards and my husband's ID to fly home were in there as well. We were forced to extend our stay on Maui because of this, matter of fact we haven't left yet! We can't! Being it was a Sunday, we had absolutely no access to any of our funds because banks are closed. No cards, no cash, no nothing! These people did not care that we were now stranded in Maui with our 3yr old son. So disappointed in this establishment and I warn EVERYONE TO STAY AWAY! Dishonest people DO NOT DESERVE ANY BUSINESS! SHAME SHAME SHAME!! PILAU! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
This was a hidden gem! After learning there isn't much to eat/drink outside the main towns, we were becoming famished driving down the road the Hana (I recommend bringing a snack if you're doing the whole drive.) I did see this place mapping out our plan and read the great reviews she had. If you like hawaiian bbq, or bbq in general, this spot takes the cake for me personally. She bbqs traditional and places the meal within a bamboo shoot, creating an epic ambiance to the bbq and local Maui experience. I got both the pork and chicken, but what was the surprise to the dish was her pohole salad, made with local ingredients and wild fern as the main greens, wow was this exceptionally delicious, though mine will not taste nearly as great as hers, I will be practicing making this salad, as it was very refreshing. If you drive pass by this shack and don't stop, you'll be doing yourself a disservice by not experiencing one of the best local bbqs on the island. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
There's really only one thing on the menu. What you see on the grill. Five very tender ribs and two quarters of a chicken that will make you forget your first name. Grilled pineapple and I might never eat it raw again. $30. Cash or app (we had no internet service). Also a really incredible salad of onion and who "knows what green" stuff. There's enough for two hungry midwesterners and extra for another meal. read more
This is known as a must visit pit stop on the road to Hana that certainly lives up to its fame. My boyfriend and I were a little shocked at how ramshackle the setup for the eatery was but don't let the appearances fool you. When you drive up, you'll see these two guys cooking on a BBQ pit, a guy selling fresh coconuts for 10 bucks a piece, a table, and 2 open abandoned cars where you can sit. The seating area looks dirty but the quality of the food makes up for everything. They only sell one thing, a BBQ platter with rice, corn, smoked sausage, chicken, and ribs for $30. Sounds expensive, but the amount of food here is enough to feed 2 people and the BBQ is the best I've ever had. I don't know how they do it, but every single piece of meat here hits you with that unbelievably smoky, savory flavor. The meats were cooked to tender perfection and the rice and corn made it a well rounded meal. Of course, we did buy the $10 coconut because they weren't selling any other drinks. It was refreshing and the seller will cut it open for you after so you can enjoy the meat as well. read more
3 years ago
A smoke shack indeed... the single cook uses everything from Mother Nature to make and prepare the meal. Only option we were able to order was the combo (pork + chicken). We then we're told to sit at the tables, which is what looked like abandoned trolley cart. He think brought our food out to us in tree husks with two cut up bamboo sticks to use as chopsticks. Very innovative I must say. And for a smoke house in the middle of the jungle on the side of a narrow road (Road to Hana) this place indeed hit the spot for the meat eaters. Unfortunately, this place is definitely not vegetarian friendly--obviously. The meat was on a bed of spring mix, rice, and a few veggies. After we were finished the cook brought out a "leaf" plate of pineapple chunks, which was very refreshing on a hot day following a hot meal. Definitely an experience to try (for all you meat lovers)! I believe we paid $50 for two meals. A bit pricey but supporting a one-man show! read more
5 years ago
This place is amazing!! We got done with rappelling earlier than planned and saw it on the way to the garden of eden so we figured, why not? We got the combo platter with chicken, sausage, and ribs. Everything was smoked to perfection and had a slight sweetness that didn't overpower the dish, but elevated it. It's a big portion you get for $30 - half a chicken, 2 large pork ribs, and a large sausage over a bed of rice and corn. We just ate in the car since it was raining and all the covered seats were taken. Worth every penny! read more
4 years ago
What a hidden gem! We stopped by on our way back due to hunger, but definitely was worth it. The meat had a smokey flavor and came on a bamboo stem! Coconut was freshly chopped from their tree. Must try! read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
10/10 platter it is insane! Served in a banana tree skin! It's our favorite place to go! Mango cfresh was insane. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
5 years ago
More info about Ka Haku Smoke Shack
10301 Hana Hwy
Haiku, HI 96708
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1 year ago
Ka Haku Smoke Shack - bbq - Updated August 2026
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