This awesome restaurant is AMAZING! your up on the second story and it's alllll open so it's good with a view. The wait staff it's AMAZING as well! We have had dinner and breakfast here the food is fantastic. They have a bar and love music. The flaming pineapple drinks are more than perfect! We celebrate to Hawaii for vacation and one goal was to find a place with a drink in a pineapple and they have it! Very much recommend!
1 / 10

Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ brings a taste of the islands to Kentucky with flavorful, authentic dishes served in generous portions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
This awesome restaurant is AMAZING! your up on the second story and it's alllll open so it's good with a view. The wait staff it's AMAZING as well! We have had dinner and breakfast here the food is fantastic. They have a bar and love music. The flaming pineapple drinks are more than perfect! We celebrate to Hawaii for vacation and one goal was to find a place with a drink in a pineapple and they have it! Very much recommend!

Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ brings a taste of the islands to Kentucky with flavorful, authentic dishes served in generous portions.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is one of our most frequented spots here, with amazing Hawaiian BBQ! TikTok"

TIP

Parking can be tight

Look for additional parking down the street if the main lot is full.

Mind the seating

Only high-top stools are available; be aware if you have back issues.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Tuesday 11AM

Cuisine

Hawaiian BBQ

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(859) 317-9179

Address

904 Liberty Rd, Lexington, KY 40505, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Hawaiian Flavors

Authentic Hawaiian Flavors

Indulge in delicious Hawaiian tastes like katsu pork, teriyaki chicken, and coconut shrimp.

Unique Island Bites

Unique Island Bites

Dare to try unique island specialties such as spam musubi and creative fried avocado creations.

Generous Portions, Chill Vibe

Generous Portions, Chill Vibe

Enjoy hearty, flavorful meals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Great value for money.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @foodfaerie🍒✨ @Big Kahuna is one of our most frequented spots here! Where should we try next? #lexky #lexingtonky #hawaiian #food #foodie #local #review
@katlynmarie1024
3.4K likes • 54.1K views

Parking can be tight

Look for additional parking down the street if the main lot is full.

Mind the seating

Only high-top stools are available; be aware if you have back issues.

Some of, if not the best Hawaiian BBQ I have ever had. @Big Kahuna deserves a line out the door and I hope they get it❤️☺️ #bigkahuna #hawaiianbbq #lexington #lexingtonky #foodtok #foodreview #restaurantreview #foodie #yummy
@grootiethefoodie
1.1K likes • 24.2K views
Be sure to check out Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ next time you’re in Lexington, KY. The flavors were absolutely incredible. This will be our new go-to when we visit Lexington. #lexingtonky #goodeats #hawaiianbbq #kentucky #lexingtonkentucky
@kayla_sue91
158 likes • 11.4K views

Consider off-peak visits

Visiting during off-peak hours may help avoid higher noise levels.

Best Hawaiian food made with love in KENTUCKY? Big backs and proud #fyp #foodie #bigkahuna #bigbackactivities #katsu #hawaiianbbq #firstpost #fyp #lexington #lexingtonky
@bigkahunalexky
279 likes • 11K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Parking can be tight

Look for additional parking down the street if the main lot is full.

Mind the seating

Only high-top stools are available; be aware if you have back issues.

Consider off-peak visits

Visiting during off-peak hours may help avoid higher noise levels.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners rave about Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ for its authentic and flavorful island cuisine, generous portions, and friendly service. While the unique dishes like spam musubi and Hawaiian fries are highlights, some patrons note that the atmosphere can be a bit noisy, and seating is limited to high-top stools.

"Wonderful Hawaiian BBQ restaurant with amazing food and a great chill atmosphere. The food tasted wonderful and was prepared quickly. The prices were reasonable and there were several options to choose from on the menu. We had the pork sandwich and chicken and rice, all with unique Hawaiian flavors. Parking lot is located behind the restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant!"

Timothy Evans

"Amazing food. Small easy to miss from the outside, but the food is unforgettable. You can order online or eat in. The dining area is small but decorated in a cool manner. The parking is behind the building and the entrance is a yellow stickered door on the back side (where the parking is) of the building.

Food is absolutely fantastic. The Hawaiian fries are the absolute best. If you like tofu is it fantastic as well. It is all amazing."

Swaggzilla Audits and Reviews

"I rarely give five stars but they have earned every one. I took my family here and I couldn’t recommend this enough. We tried so many things… spam musibi, katsu burger, teriyaki chicken, coconut shrimps and those kahuna fries (swoon). Everything was so tasty and so filling! Staff was very personable and service was quick. Place was very clean. They have high tops for seating so just a heads up for those who back have back issues. I stood the whole time and it was so worth it. Can’t wait to go back!"

Caitlin Kay

What People Like

Authentic Hawaiian flavors
Generous portions
Friendly service

What People Dislike

Can be noisy
High-top seating only

Frequently Asked Questions

Many diners recommend the spam musubi, Hawaiian fries, Loco Moco, Katsu chicken, and pulled pork.

TikTokThe Best Restaurants in Lexington, KentuckyGoogle Review

Parking is available behind the restaurant, but can be tight. Additional parking can be found down the street.

Google Review

The restaurant primarily features high-top stools for seating. Those with back issues should be aware of this.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant offers options like fried avocado specials and has a mahi mahi option for pescatarians.

Google Review

Yes, you can order online or in person for takeout, and the food is excellent for catering.

Google Review+1

Yes, it's described as having a great chill atmosphere and is a good place to take a friend for a casual meal.

Google Review+1

Mentioned in

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Enough about southern BBQ, let’s go even further south and enjoy some sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ. When you’re enjoying Big Kahuna, you might as well be eating straight from a luau. Every plate comes with the fabulous macaroni salad as well as sticky rice dressed with house chili sauce, spicy mayo, and sweet soy. As far as your meat choice, it’s hard to beat Kalua Pork (pulled pork in a Hawaiian-style sauce), but Teriyaki Chicken and Coconut Shrimp are both divine choices that will leave you quite satisfied.

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What’s the best family-owned restaurant in Kentucky?

Their Big Kahuna burger is the star of the show, weighing in at a 1/2-pound patty topped with charred pineapple, Swiss cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce on a toasted bun. Not in a burger mood?. Get a taste of some tropical barbecue or other Hawaiian favorites.

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Best Restaurants in Lexington, KY

Most bbq joints have the same meats and sides to offer, it’s all about who can do it better. Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ does things a little differently. They offer a great Hawaiian twist on the classic bbq flavors we know and love, to spice things up a bit.

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Hawaii is only half-way to Asia, but it’s included because it claims to be the birthplace of poke, one of the trendiest dishes currently around. So, hopefully, you’ll forgive our geographical blunder.

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Highest-rated Restaurants in Lexington by Diners

- Rating: 4.7/5 (329 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 904 Liberty Road Lexington, Kentucky - Categories: Burgers, Sandwiches, Hawaiian- Read more on Yelp

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