Best Huli Huli Chicken in Maui: Top 4 Places You Can’t Miss
Hey there, fellow foodies!
Are you planning a trip to Maui and looking for the best local street food? Look no further than Huli Huli Chicken! This mouth-watering dish is a must-try when visiting the island. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.
As someone who has been visiting Maui for years with my boyfriend and trying out all the best local eateries, I’ve done the research for you. From food trucks to shacks and dine-ins, I’ve compiled a list of the top places to get your hands on some delicious Huli Huli chicken.
But beware – once you try this delectable dish, you may never want to leave Maui!
So let’s dive in and discover where you can find the best Huli Huli chicken on Maui.
Huli Huli Chicken – Best Huli Huli Chicken Place in Maui
What came first, Huli Huli chicken or this place? We’re not sure about the origin, but this beachside eatery serves the best Huli Huli Chicken in Maui. So if you’re taking the Road to Hana, don’t miss a stop at the scenic Koki Beach, followed by an unmissable meal from here.
Although the place is crowded even before their opening, the line moves quickly, and you get a hot plate of chicken within 15 minutes. In addition, their fame is partly due to Gordon Ramsay visiting the place and raving about their Huli Huli chicken.
The chefs make their meat Kalua style – cooked in an Imu (an underground oven) topped with banana leaves, rocks to absorb the heat, and charcoal. The result is an incredibly tender chicken served with white rice on a huge serving plate.
They also have ribs and other meats that are slow-cooked for 3-7 hours and smoked to perfection.
So don’t miss a stop at Huli Huli Chicken, as they serve the best place for huli huli chicken in Maui.
- The lunch plates are cheap and cost $15 for a big portion.
- They have outdoor picnic tables where you can enjoy the food with beach views.
- Their service is quick and the women working here are very nice.
Address: Haneoo Rd, Hana, Maui.
Huli Huli Chicken and Ribs – Best Huli Huli Chicken in Kihei Maui
Head to the town of Kihei for its laid-back vibe, terrific beaches, and this food truck that makes the best Huli Huli chicken. Their menu only includes two types of meat – chicken, and pork- incredibly flavorful and well-seasoned.
Their Huli Huli chicken has a strong taste from the charcoal it’s cooked in and is super tender and moist. Also try their slab of juicy ribs, or get it as an add-on to your chicken plate for a great mix of flavors.
We loved the meat from this spot as the flavors were different from most BBQ places but just as good. However, there isn’t any seating, so take your food to the beach and enjoy it with a beautiful sunset.
This roadside truck serves one of the best Huli Huli chicken in Kihei, Maui, and here’s why you have to try it:
- A large plate with half a chicken costs just $12 and is big enough for two.
- You can get a whole slab of ribs or full chicken cooked perfectly.
- There’s no waiting for your meal, as the meat is always ready for serving straight from the grill.
Address: 177 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, Maui.
Ukumehame Huli Huli Chicken & Pork- Best Huli Huli Chicken in Lahaina Maui
One of the lesser-known eateries and a hidden gem in Lahaina, Ukumehame Huli Huli Chicken, is a small roadside tented shack on the Honoapiilani Highway. They serve irresistible chicken and pork packed with traditional BBQ flavors.
We loved this chance find as their Huli Huli chicken has a different taste from most places; not super tender with a nice chew, a great smoky aftertaste, and spicy seasonings. Plus, they serve the chicken with an array of sauces, and we love to get all of them on our chicken for maximum flavor.
If you’re on the West shore, don’t miss a stop here as they’re one of the best Huli Huli chicken places in Maui. Here’s why you’ll agree:
- Their half chicken plate is large enough to easily serve 2-3 people.
- You can get a chicken plate with a side of corn and rice that makes it even better.
- The woman running the tent will hook you with a treat with your meal.
Address: H30, Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, Maui.
Aloha Aina BBQ – Best Huli Huli Chicken Road to Hana
Those taking the Road to Hana must stop by Aloha Aina BBQ just outside Paia, which serves some of the most delicious Huli Huli Chicken in Maui. They’re a local favorite for their traditional Hawaiian-style BBQ, consisting of various delicious meats and sides.
Their Huli Huli Chicken is cooked in a Hawaiian Kiawe wood barbeque, which gives the dish a unique smoked flavor. In addition, it’s paired with cilantro sticky coconut rice, salad, and guava cornbread making the serving enough for two people.
You should also try their local-favorite dishes like the 12-hour beef brisket, classic BBQ plate with meats of your choice, smoked 5-meat Chili, Maui cheeseburger, and the Beef Brisket Loco Moco. The meat flavors here are unmatched, especially when paired with their Kale slaw and creamy wasabi potato salad.
The food at Aloha Aina BBQ is irresistibly delicious; a must-stop if you’re near Paia, as they serve the best Huli Huli chicken in Maui.
- They keep things natural and serve their BBQ on bamboo stalk platters.
- You can enjoy spectacular views of the nearby beach while you eat.
- The BBQ feeds 2-4 people and costs around $17.
Address: 2250 Hana Hwy Maliko Country Farms, Haiku, Maui, HI.
Where to Get Huli Huli Chicken in Maui
| Name | Description | Specialties | Pros | Price | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huli Huli Chicken | A beachside eatery renowned for its Huli Huli Chicken. It has been praised by Gordon Ramsay. The chefs cook their meat Kalua style, which means it is cooked in an underground oven (Imu). | Huli Huli Chicken, Ribs, and other meats slow-cooked for 3-7 hours | Fast service, nice staff, outdoor picnic tables with beach views | $15 for a big portion | Haneoo Rd, Hana, Maui |
| Huli Huli Chicken and Ribs | A food truck in Kihei, known for its flavorful and well-seasoned Huli Huli chicken and ribs | Huli Huli Chicken, Pork | No waiting for your meal, no seating so perfect for a beach picnic | $12 for a large plate with half a chicken | 177 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, Maui |
| Ukumehame Huli Huli Chicken & Pork | A small roadside tented shack serving irresistible chicken and pork with traditional BBQ flavors | Huli Huli Chicken, Pork | Unique flavor profiles, a large half-chicken plate can serve 2-3 people | Not specified | H30, Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, Maui |
| Aloha Aina BBQ | A local favorite on the Road to Hana serving Hawaiian-style BBQ. Their Huli Huli Chicken is cooked in a Hawaiian Kiawe wood barbeque | Huli Huli Chicken, 12-hour beef brisket, classic BBQ plate, smoked 5-meat Chili, Maui cheeseburger, and Beef Brisket Loco Moco | Natural setting with bamboo stalk platters, beach views, dishes serve 2-4 people | Around $17 for BBQ | 2250 Hana Hwy Maliko Country Farms, Haiku, Maui, HI |
One of the Top Spots for Huli Huli Chicken in Maui
Wrapping Up: The Best Maui Huli Huli Chicken
After eating bland chicken dishes with tough and flavorless meat, the Huli Huli chicken in Maui, Hawaii will be a welcome relief. That’s because it’s marinated with a range of delicious sauces and barbecued in charcoal, Hawaiian Kiawe wood, or a rotisserie, making the chicken tender and unmatched in flavor. The grilled chicken recipe which combines chicken thighs and chicken breast is truly a delight to savor.
We’re big fans of the Huli Huli chicken in Maui, as the eatery on Koki Beach is well-known as the OG place in Hawaii to serve this dish. This beachfront restaurant is a must-visit for all those who love to eat flavorful and perfectly grilled Huli Huli chicken.
In fact, Gordon Ramsay, during his visit to the island, was said to be impressed by the unique fusion of Hawaiian tropical flavors in this iconic dish. The blend of pineapple juice into the marinade, adds a distinct sweetness, making it an outstanding pineapple chicken dish.
So definitely stop by the places mentioned in this article when you visit Maui, Hawaii for the best Huli Huli chicken you’ll ever have! And while you are there, do not forget to take a trail towards the majestic Haleakalā, go swimming in the clear ocean, and bask in the tranquility of the beach.
FAQ
How does Mike’s Huli Chicken stand out among the competition?
Mike’s Huli Chicken is known for its perfectly cooked, tender chicken that comes with a special sauce. This BBQ chicken is a popular choice for those looking for a delicious take-out option today, especially in the North Shore area.
What side dishes go well with Huli Huli chicken at Mike’s?
At Mike’s, you can complement your chicken dish with their delicious mac salad or fresh pineapple slices. And for dessert, you can’t miss out on their famous Banana bread. This combination makes it an excellent meal choice on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Where can I find the best Huli Huli chicken near Kihei Canoe Club?
If you’re around Kihei, Maui looking for mouth-watering Huli Huli chicken, head to Koki Beach where some of the finest establishments serve this local favorite dish.
What kind of flavors can I expect from Mike Fuse’s famous recipe?
Mike Fuse has developed a unique blend of ingredients that includes soy sauce, among other components, creating an irresistible flavor profile that sets his signature dish apart from others on Maui.
Why should I choose Koki Beach as my destination for great food on Maui?
Koki Beach is not only known for its beautiful scenery but also as a hotspot featuring amazing food spots that serve freshly cooked meals like Huli Huli chicken prepared using secret recipes and special sauces. And when you are done with the day’s swimming, you can relax at the beach and enjoy the beauty of Hana, another gem in Maui, Hawaii.
Last Updated on July 15, 2023 by Brigitte