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    GJ's Huli Chicken

    4.7 (117 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

    GJ's Huli Chicken Photos

    GJ'S HULI CHICKEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    GJ's Huli Chicken menu
    Jennifer G.

    The chicken and ribs were wonderful with a good flavor and not overdone. They had a good smokey flavor that was not overwhelming.

    A big chicken leg
    Kris L.

    This place was busy so we decided to give it a try. On the plus side, the chicken was a generous portion, between the two of us we couldn't eat an entire half chicken. The sauce was tasty, though didn't have any of the pineapple flavor that some Huli Huli chicken has and overall the meat was a bit bland. If you just get a half chicken, they put it in a plastic bag so very hard to eat, especially since it is piping hot. Hot food in a plastic bag is also not a good idea as the plasticizers can leach into the food and none of us need more microplastics in our food! If you can plan ahead, bring your own plate and a knife and fork instead. You will also need to take it somewhere to eat if you want to site down, or like we and many others did, eat it off of your tailgate or hood of your car.

    Pork ribs, incredible!
    Reena T.

    As soon as we touched down in Hawaii, we drove our rental car directly here because we heard such amazing things about this place. Let me tell you they did not disappoint!!!! You HAVE to get the pork ribs! They were incredibly flavorful and juicy! The chicken was incredible too but if I had to choose one, ribs all the way! We tried Huli Huli chicken from Maui but this place is definitely better and more flavorful!!!! It's a must when visiting the big island!

    Other sweet treats
    Son C.

    Hot fresh huli huli chicken. Best to enjoy when it hot off the grill/ rotisserie smoke wagon. Their chili peppa water is tangy vinegary and complement the chicken well. Lines can be long but once you order, service was quick, less than 5 mins for us on this nice sunny Sunday 12:30 on 4/26/2026. Just 30 mins in Waimea from Waikoloa resorts

    The chickens
    Vivian C.

    My girlfriend and I stopped here on our way from Hilo to Waimea. We were looking for something comparable to that huli huli chicken we had in Maui. And it honestly slapped. We got a combo plate with the chicken and beef rib to try. The chicken came apart so easily and was flavorful. It paired well with the selection of sauces they had on the side. The beef rib was also really good but it's a hard second place. I would recommend just getting a whole chicken instead since that's literally the name of the stand. The plate also came with a banana lumpia which was really good - would recommend if you want a sweet treat for the end. We got a chicken lumpia on the side to try and my girlfriend really enjoyed it as well.

    Chicken and ribs
    Catherine P.

    What a fun little stop in Waimea! We drove out of our way to check this place out and so glad we did because the food was amazing! The huli huli chicken was so moist and flavorful. My husband liked the ribs more. They ran out of rice so we go a lot of Mac salad. They had a lot of other food but the plate lunch was more than filling! They have a lot of parking where they are located and take cash or credit card. No bathrooms but the marketplace nearby has some. If you are in the area or driving from Kona to Hilo I would suggest stopping here! It

    Judy C.

    Oh m..... Goodness., GJs Huli chicken is broke da mouth kine good, I saw an instagram post on GJs chicken, bookmarked and of course on my list to check it out. Luckily it happened spontaneously. We were on our way to Waimea, from Hilo and my hubby drove past GJs, I noticed the long line, the smoke coming out from road, the pop out is in a parking lot. This searched GJs and then I remembered I had this on my bookmarks, this is the spot I want to try. I asked the hubby to stop but we passed it, we were on our way to the Cherry Blossom festival. After parking at Parker Ranch we walked over to GJs. It was about 1 pm when we arrived, the line was still long but it moved quick. I read it is a father and son duo working together, selling their delicious goods! I am glad we were able to get our goods, as I read they do sell out. Glancing at GJ's menu, besides chicken they have Pork Ribs and Beef Ribs plate also, the all 3 meat plates sounds good too but we had our mind set on the chicken. I got the chicken plate ($20.) which comes with rice and mac salad, and banana lumpia. Also got pack of pancit and 5 more lumpia ( just $1. each) There are great selections of package Filipino desserts. Don't forget to pack your sauce, comes with bottles of vinegar, siracha, bbq sauce, shoyu, chili peeper water, containers are available for sauce. I put together 3 different sauces. Of course, vinegar, shoyu and tabasco for the hubby. We walked back to the festival and enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grass, & the verdict- Wow! the chicken was the best we had, broke da mouth. The hubby kept raving about how good and this is the best Huli chicken he ever had. I agree, so moist, tender, just love the flavor of chicken cooked over Kiawe wood, and I love how the chicken is cooked. Super good! We get to enjoy the chicken hot and fresh off the grill, is such a treat! The only complaint I have is the mac. salad is bland, not the best Ive had, but next time I will skip the salad and get all rice. The pancit goes so great together. Chicken, rice, pancit, along with our sauce we made, then the grand finale, banana lumpia, oooh.. I am so HAPPY! It is far of a drive out to Waimea, the problem for me is I need to go back for more chicken! Thinking of it right now, I need to plan out my Hilo visit to include GJs next time. GJ's is a must visit, you will never know what goodies, you will find out of a parking lot. Pro-tip, check out the liquor store nearby to get some drinks, you know the adult kine healthy drinks to go with your plate. hehe. They take credit cards & they sell out, head straight to GJs but only on Saturday & Sunday- 9-2 pm.

    Huli huli chicken plate
    Jennifer C.

    Huge portions and so delicious! Make the drive to find the truck, it's well worth it! Bring a blanket and sit on the grass and enjoy your lunch!

    2 Choice Combo Plate with Huli Chicken and Pork Ribs
    Kevin V.

    The service is very fast with the line moving very quickly. The ambiance is just a parking lot outside with a ton of meat cookers out on display. The chicken was deliciously moist with scrumptious, crispy skin. The Pancit had plenty of zesty flavor and perfectly cooked noodles. The Ube Butter Mochi was flavorful and moist with fun, hard textures on the edges.

    Menu November 2024
    Patrick S.

    GJs is an incredible place to eat! No real signage to speak of, but look for the plumes of smoke crossing the street, which will direct you to the Huli Chicken and Beef & Pork Ribs rotating on the grills. The incredible smell of the smoke stopped us in our tracks. We tried the mixed plate with a Huli Chicken leg and thigh, a hefty beef rib, Mac salad, rice, and a banana Lumpia. One of the best meals we had on the big island. When you see the smoke, stop and savor!

    You can see the magic happen.

    This may be the best huli chicken on the island. Definitely the best on the North West side of the island. They sell chicken and ribs. They also sell chicharones and other dessert foods. But people are there for the meats. The line builds up so go early. No place to sit and eat there. Buy your stuff and go.

    All lined up and ready to go...

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    3 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Wow .. outstanding. I had never had pancit and I loved it. The chicken and macaroni salad were amazing

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    1 year ago

    Great Ono food plus a bonus they have a different variety of goodies to snack on (Delicious)! Everyone is so helpful!

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    2 years ago

    After I learned about GJ's on "Somebody Feed Phil" I had to try it on my next visit to the big island. Fantastic chicken, and nice people!

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    2 years ago

    I have eaten a lot of Huli Huli chicken in Hawaii and in my opinion GJs is the best in the State.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - GJ's Huli Chicken

    What are the days and hours of operation?

    2025 - Open on Saturdays and Sundays in Waimea from 8:30am until sell-out.

    When is this place open/closed and what locations?

    They are open every Thursdays and Saturdays at the Kamuela Liquor Store Lot & Every Sundays along the highway gas station in Honoka'a. They stay open until they sell out, which is pretty fast.

    View All 5 Questions

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    Waimea Butcher Shop

    4.5
    (174 reviews)
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    I found this place completely by accident after being invited to dinner by the manager's mother…read more Honestly, that's the kind of accident I hope keeps happening. They opened with beef tartare that ruined me for every other beef tartare I've ever had. The osso buco is legendary. Then came the double cheeseburger... and I need everyone to understand that I don't hand out compliments like ketchup packets. This is, without question, the best burger I've ever eaten. It's so good it makes you want a cigarette afterward--and I don't even smoke. I've come back many times just for that burger because nothing else I've tried on Hawaiʻi Island or Oʻahu comes close. Their tater tots have developed their own fan club, and the little bar with beer, wine, and cocktails makes it dangerously easy to linger. The staff is consistently warm and welcoming. After being away for six weeks because of a family emergency, one of my first stops after returning was this burger. It was still outstanding, but I did notice the beef patty seemed about a third to nearly half thinner than I remembered. At around $20, that's noticeable. I'm hoping it was just an off day because this place has earned enough goodwill for me to give it another shot. Don't overlook the butcher shop itself. The meat quality is miles beyond what you'll find in a grocery store. I bought their ground beef for a ragù alla Bolognese, and it was so spectacular that I went back specifically to buy more for homemade burgers. Bottom line: this is one of the hidden gems of the island. Come for the butcher shop, stay for the burger, and if you leave without wondering whether you should light an imaginary post-burger cigarette, we clearly ordered different meals.

    If you drive around the big island you will see lots of cattle just out grazing. I really wanted to…read moretry local Hawaii grass fed beef while on the big island. Waimea Butcher Shop is a good place to try them, (it is also a restaurant)! You will be served with warm & friendly service. I found out that I enjoy the taste of fresh grass fed beef, while my family did not. They did not think the meat was fatty or tender enough. This is because grass fed cows are much leaner and don't have their feed come to them. Anyway, I enjoyed my dining experience here and if you're curious, you should definitely come and give it a try! If you're inclined and know how to cook a mean steak, and staying somewhere with a kitchen, grab your supplies here.

    Photos
    Interior, communal table.
    Interior, communal table.
    Beef + Cheddar Sandwich
Lunch Menu
    Beef + Cheddar Sandwich Lunch Menu
    Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich 
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    Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque

    Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque

    4.6
    (345 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    My wife and I drove up to Ippy's in Waimea from Waikoloa while on vacation since we were in the…read moremood for real Hawaiian barbecue, and this spot is an absolute gem! The exterior, and interior, of the building is nothing special. As a matter of fact, that's part of what I loved about it; it helps you realize it's an all around fantastic food joint, not just somewhere that charges overpriced amounts for average food because of the "vibe." It's extremely busy inside this place, and staff was extremely friendly and pretty quick with turning out orders. I ordered a two entree plate, which consisted of their teriyaki chicken and pina colada shrimp, per the recommendation of the woman taking my order. The shrimp was incredible and the pins colada sauce that it comes with it's something I now dream about! The chicken was also great. It's dark meat, which is something to keep in mind in case you're a pickier eater, but the char and flavor of it was wonderful. For the sides I ordered rice and their mac salad. I'm not usually a mac salad kind of guy, but this changed my mind and I can now say I'm a true fan. This is perhaps one of the best places I've eaten between the two islands I visited on this trip, and I can't say enough good things about it!

    Best mixed plate I've ever had in the Islands…read more I like how they allow you to choose from 20 different items for your plate.

    Photos
    Casual setting in Waimea. Pay at the counter. Had a friendly counter person bring the food to the table.
    Casual setting in Waimea. Pay at the counter. Had a friendly counter person bring the food to the table.
    Loco Moco
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    Hawaiian Style~Mixed Plate  Kailua Pig Teriyaki Chicken  Rice Macaroni salad

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    Merriman's

    Merriman's

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
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    We had dinner at Merriman's in Waimea with our family of six, and it was one of the highlights of…read moreour trip to the Big Island. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. Bianca and the entire staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. They made us feel relaxed and well taken care of throughout the evening without ever being intrusive. The food was outstanding. Our table enjoyed the day boat catch, macadamia nut-crusted fish, Caesar salad, beet salad with goat cheese, cucumber salad, smoked taro hummus, and desserts including sorbet and seasonal ice cream. Every dish was fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. The combination of incredible food, gracious service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere made for a memorable family dinner. A heartfelt thank you to Bianca and the entire Merriman's team for making our evening so special. We can't wait to return on our next visit to the Big Island.

    First of all, WHAT?! How can everything we had be a 10/10? Not just the food, but the service as…read morewell. I am so happy that my husband & I got to experience this restaurant while in Hawai'i. For starters, we ordered their special lobster salad (with lobster, mango, avocado, and pickled hearts of palm) and their mushroom side dish. Both were absolutely packed with flavor, and the lobster salad especially included very new flavors for us both. The mushrooms were out of this WORLD! For entrees, we ordered the spicy lobster ravioli and their mushroom side curried macadamia nut fish (swordfish). Each bite was a little taste of fishy heaven for both dishes. We are so happy with our visit here, and cannot wait for the opportunity to come back and try more amazing, home-grown food. Thank you for this wonderful experience!

    Photos
    Restaurant
    Restaurant
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    Tako escargot. The best item of all the great dishes.
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    Lamb and chateau duo was superb

    GJ's Huli Chicken - hawaiian - Updated August 2026

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