My wife and I drove up to Ippy's in Waimea from Waikoloa while on vacation since we were in the mood 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! read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Hawaiian Plate with teriyaki chicken, pina colada shrimp, rice, and mac salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

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

This rating is for the loco moco with fries. Delicious! Loved the gravy flavor and staff was nice. We got it with two side salads. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Loco Moco with Fries and side salad - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

Our go to spot for Hawaiian food or a quick lunch, can't beat anything on the menu and a great value for the price. Grab and go is super convenient, usually pretty quick to get food wether you're dining in or on the run-- but don't call it fast food! The quality is top notch. They also have great catering options! read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Plate lunches are always a good call - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

The food is really good, even though the decor and ambient is like a typical dinner. I had the ono plate, potion is huge. the mini loco moco is plenty for one person! read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

The kalua pig is excellent. It has a gentle smokey flavor and is very moist. It is great with the rice that you can get with it My husband got French fries instead of rice. The fries were very good and hot but I like my kalua pig with rice read more

See all

First time here! Great prices and good service too! I had the grilled mahi burger. It was good. It was easy to grab a seat and eat. The food came right away too. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Dessert - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

Service here was very friendly and fast. I had the gorgy burger and it was so yummy! My wife had the mahi mahi and Ono. She said her fish was a little overcooked...but otherwise good. It was a pretty chill place with music playing. Would definitely recommend the burger though!!! read more

Came to the Big Island and was craving loco moco, so we stopped by here on a Thursday around lunchtime. The place was busy but we were able to find seats quickly, and ordering was fast and easy. My wife ordered the Loco Moco, and I went with the two-entrée combo -- crispy pork and teriyaki chicken. The loco moco had great flavor, the gravy was nicely seasoned, and the portions were huge. The teriyaki chicken was honestly the best I've ever had -- perfectly grilled, not overly sauced, and super tender. The crispy pork was good too; the skin was a bit on the soggy side, but still flavorful. Overall, the food was excellent. Definitely coming back! Just a heads-up -- the portions are massive, so it's a great spot to share a few dishes with friends or family. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Loco moco Teriyaki chicken with crispy pork - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

I ordered the Mahi plate with wasabi dressing and salad and pineapple slaw as the sides. The fish was good but too much dressing for me. The salad and slaw were fresh, service was great and the restaurant was spotless. My husband had the Mahi sandwich and enjoyed the Hawaiian sweet bun that it was served on. Overall a good place for a quick serve meal. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Mahi plate with salad as a side and the - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

Became a fan of Ippy's after trying his old restaurant in Waikoloa. Also had a catered dinner by him previously at Anna Ranch, and his food is always amazing! The kalbi (spicy glaze) were moist with tons of meaty flavor. The green salad and rice helped to cut some of the meat richness too. The garlic shrimp also shined through since they weren't slathered with sauce and you could appreciate the shrimp itself. My husband said the katsu was the best he's ever tried. Fries were also perfectly crispy and the pork belly was juicy too. Ample seating, easy parking, and lots of natural ambient lighting make this the perfect place for a plate lunch! So Ono! read more

See all

Enjoyed Ippy's overall. The prices were a bit much for what you get, but that is common for most places in Hawaii so nothing out of the ordinary. We enjoyed both the ribs and Korean fried chicken. The spot is nicely updated with plenty of seats and the service was really great - the lady at the counter was really helpful. Tried: Korean fried chicken, bbq ribs Loved: the sauce for the Korean fried chicken Tip: ask for extra sauce with the Korean fried chicken to dunk your chicken in - so good! read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Rib plate - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

See all

The best plate lunch on the island. The Saimin was the best I've ever had on any of the islands. I always add crispy pork belly to mine and it is incredible. Super friendly staff! read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Saimin with crispy pork belly. - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

So, only 2nd time here. Cashier was awesome. All by herself & in midst of lunch rush, she handled it like a king. Smoke meat plate with pineapple & coleslaw was winnahs Korean Fried Chicken wings, fried good, but needed a little more flavor. Cesar Chicken wrap was a little disappointing. Very limited Chicken but choke croutons (imagine Cesar salad in a wrap). Like I told my wife, when you go to a BBQ joint, eat BBQ not salad. Sweet potato fries was super good. Still good food & great customer service. It was packed with malahinis. read more

See all

Yassss to Ippy's!!!! So glad to have found you, unfortunately on our last night on the Big Isle. Sometimes ya just gotta get out of the touristy areas and explore/drive to get some good local plates. Clean local establishment with plenty of parking and indoor seating. Order at counter and seat yourself. Lots of great choices on the menu. Ordered: Mixed plate- mahi mahi/garlic shrimp The fish was dry, but the garlic shrimp was bomb! Fresh green salad and the mac were awesome. Mixed plate- Kahlua pork/teriyaki chicken Excellent! Not overly salty. Paired well with the rice and mac. Good food, fast service, reasonable prices! read more

See all

Every time I go to the islands I have to order the Loco Moco which is my favorite Hawaiian meal. You get a fair amount of food for the price and this meal kept me full all day. You order at the cashier and then they call out your name. This is a popular restaurant which had customers coming and going while we were there. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Loco Moco for lunch SEP2025 - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

Drove to Waimea to try Ippy's since I heard great things about it. Hawaiian style mixed plate with garlic shrimp and kalua pig. I got a side of pineapple coleslaw which was very good - a little sweet and tangy. The garlic shrimp was garlicky and buttery. The kalua pig was tender but lacked flavor. Mini plate with kalua pig - the kalua pig was tender but felt very one dimensional in flavor. I seasoned it with black pepper and some chili sauce which helped with flavor and dryness. I'd recommend the garlic shrimp and pineapple coleslaw. read more

See all

Quick stop before heading back to Hilo for work to grab lunch! 3 star for shrimp but 4 star for Sierra who asked the kitchen to help my plate still happen. Thank you. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Terri Beef and Shrimp Special - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

The short ribs are the best on the island. The lady in the front is always so nice. We came here twice with our family cause it was sooo good. Portions sizes are big too! read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Sweet short bibs, Mac salad, twister fries. - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

Ippy's is my favorite restaurant on the Big Island. Considering I've been to many restaurants on the Big Island, and I've visited for several years now, I'd like to think that means something. First, order Orange Bang and thank me later. I'd describe it as a orange creamsicle soda. Second, order a mixed plate with furikake beer battered mahi mahi and Korean pork. Both l are unbelievably good. They prepared the Korean pork similar to kalbi short ribs but it's more tender than the latter. The mahi mahi is seasoned so we'll and covered in a flavorful batter that was almost like a hush puppy. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Sweet grilled kalbi short ribs, mac salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

See all

This is one of my new favorite restaurants on the big island! My husband and I shared: - Sweet Grilled Kalbi Short Ribs with Rice and Mac Salad - Mixed Plate with Furikake Beer Battered Mahi Mahi, Korean Pork, Fries, and Pineapple Coleslaw - Orange Bang - Best Maid Unicorn Crispy Bar The meats are where this spot really shines. My favorite was the Korean Pork. I always love Kalbi Ribs, but they're a bit chewier in texture. The Korean Pork had a similar flavor, but it was easier to eat. I also prefer to be able to get the mixed plate, so I'd skip the Kalbi Ribs next time. I also really enjoyed the Mahi Mahi. I was a bit disappointed by the sides. The coleslaw had no flavor. The Mac Salad was just ok. Crinkle cut fries aren't my favorite. The rice was a good pairing with the meats. I've never seen or heard of Orange Bang before, but trust me when I tell you that you need to try it. It's fantastic. I look forward to coming back next time I visit the big island! read more

See all

Late this afternoon, we had an early dinner at Ippy's Hawaiian BBQ. My wife had the chicken Katsu served like loco moco, over rice with eggs and gravy on top, and I had the Kailu pig and Pina Colada shrimp with rice and Mac salad. Everything was very good. Large dining area with limited decorations. Service was excellent. read more

OMG this was SUCH an amazing idea to stop here. We were starving after zip lining and tried stoping at another bbq place but they were closed so we found Ippy's. Wow. Pulled pork plate and sandwich was SO f'ing good!! 4 out of 5 of us tried it and said it was the best we have ever had (we live in North Carolina and know bbq!) My son also had the bbq burger and he was raving about it being one of the best. read more

Amazing Maui Burger! Crispy charred edges, tender middle with fried onions, Bacon, Swiss, lettuce and tomato. Also got Garlic Fries. Everything so ono! read more

Great saimin and loco moco! Big portions, friendly staff. Came at 2 on a Thursday and didn't wait at all for service.

We drove all the way from Hilo to Waimea and since we are staying at an VRBO we were too tired to cook so we decided to eat out. The restaurant is all glass enclosed which is nice and there is some indoor seating. You ordered we at the counter and fins a seat. They also do take out so you can always take it with you too. I ordered the mix plate with grilled Ono (Wahoo) and hamburger steak. My husband got the Hawaiian plate and my son got the shoyu chicken and kalua pig. It was all really good! I would come here again to try the other dishes. And now I am so full! read more

See all

Loved it. Very casual - read up backstory. This place was full of locals. Everyone in our group of 8 enjoyed it.

The food was delicious! My Asian chicken salad was fresh, the chicken was smokey, the dressing sweet and savory. Our group had loco moco, kal-bi ribs, shrimp with sweet potato fries. All were delicious, hot and fresh. The people were friendly and helpful. Food came out pretty quickly. Restaurant was clean and inviting. It's a good place to eat. read more

See all

We got the loco moco and Korean pork. Both were great but I liked the Korean pork more. Gravy on loco moco was really good. My husband liked the gravy here more than nephi's which is a huge statement. Staff is nice and food came out quickly. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Loco moco - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

See all

Walked in as soon as they opened and sister behind the counter was very welcoming. I can't believe I didn't get her name the one with the pretty eyes. Im an OG in the restaurant industry and I forgot the first rule. Haha Anyways I walk in and I'm stressed girl, in the process of moving from Oahu back to Kamuela after 15 years has me not wanting to make any decisions! This is the first time I've been here and had no idea what I was gonna order so she offered a few suggestions to help me out! I ended up going with the mix plate-Chicken cutlet and hamburger steak with rice, Mac and gravy all ova!!! It was so good. The guys had Hamburger steak plates with extra gravy and let me tell you when I ask for extra gravy this is how you should do it! Everybody else better go and take notes from Ippy's cause they put extra gravy!! Lol but for real kine, everything so far was so good! From the friendly girl behind the counter to the food! The place looks clean and tidy and I like how get all the windows so you can see the mountain or watch the cars drive by! And sorry but we never take before pictures. I never even think to take picture til we were almost pau haha. So I'll post an after picture of my plate cause the guys when already toss their empty plates in the rubbish oh and p.s. their Mac salad get action! Actually get flavor and not just mayo, notice how in my pic it's all gone! Also no say nothing ok, I tried to finish the plate but I couldn't go on anymore. Now I gotta go try and go back to work on the house haha read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Hamburger Steak and Chicken Cutlet Mix Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

Amazing food and service wow! Straight from the bat, Ana, the attentive cashier/server/jack of all trades, had a warm, welcoming personality. She asked us if we had any questions on the menu and happily waited while my fiancé and I discussed what we wanted (in great detail lol). We had the mixed meat plate with teriyaki beef and chicken katsu. The Mac salad was some of the best I've had on the island and the meats were tasty as well. We also had the bbq bacon burger and it was super delicious! Will definitely be back during my short time here on the big island. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

We walked in close to closing, which I normally would NOT do & felt bad about, but was not in control this night. So my apologies to the crew. Despite that, we were met with quick and cheerful service and delicious food. The pina colada shrimp may be my favorite thing I've had since arriving (and the sauce is GREAT on the sweet potato fries). I might have asked to buy some, but we aren't here much longer. Everyone was happy with what they had (burger- noted that the mustard was different and good; pulled pork; Ono, Korean bbq). Probably the pickiest (of the food, not picky eater) of our party raved about the Korean bbq and had we not already been late, the dessert case looked incredible. Not only were we greeted with friendly service, we also had a super friendly goodbye, after their closing time. Kudos all around. read more

Bomb! First time here and it did not disappoint. We got the mixed plates with piña colada shrimp, pork, kalua pork, and local-style smoked meat--plus the mac salad, rice, and pineapple slaw. Everything was flavorful and fresh. We'll definitely be back! read more

See all

Dry BBQ, indifferent service, bathroom outside of restaurant like at a gas station. How do you mess up and burn fries? They figured out how. Chicken wings small, not crispy, the Korean style with no spice, expensive, and one wing was like tiny runt sized but so I paid for 5 and got like 4.3, it's like they poured watery sweet soy sauce over it to purposely make it soggy. Sides were horrible, macaroni salad was like worse than what you get at Costco, rice was just plain rice from a rice cooker. This place blows. How does it have such high reviews. My daughter's pulled pork sandwich was passable so gave an extra star. read more

We had a great dinner at Ippy's Hawaiian Barbeque! The chili, saimin, fried shrimp, sweet and sour shrimp, and rice and mac salad were all big hits with our group. We brought home the NY cheesecake and ube cheesecake for dessert, which both were delicious. We were all very happy that we made the trip over from Mauna Lani for dinner at Ippy's. read more

This is a good local place. I think we were the only visitors. They have a lot of good options and I was very happy with mines. I got the kalbi with spicy sauce. The Teri beef sandwich was very yummy. The saimen was on to me but my husband loved it. Small and perfect for a child. I am not saying anything but he ordered a small and got small. Our friend got the pork belly and it was in like a vinegar red onion and tomatoes salsa. It was pretty good I tried a few pieces. I like the history of this chef owner. I would come back again. read more

See all

Excellent service, Korean pork was excellent, pineapple slaw great. Mahi mahi was good but a little greasy. Key lime pie excellent. It's Hawaiian fast food. Good place to try. read more

This is the place! Try anything, try everything, it's all prepared perfectly and delicious! Anna is so friendly at the front counter, she helps make your visit great with her lively personality. We had the mixed plates and I had Kailua pig and teriyaki beef. Delicious. It cones with choice of two sides. I'm going to say that the side salad is very fresh and the dressings are homemade. Every detail is taken care of. Go for some authentic Hawaiian food. You will not be disappointed read more

Oh man - this hit the spot. Looking for some amazing Loco Moco and found it. One person in the group got traditional, one pork and one Katsu. All amazing! This is the real deal. Service is incredible and lots of clean space. read more

Ippy’s Hawaiian Barbeque - Katsu Loco Moco - Barbeque Near Me - Kamuela, Hawaii

Alright, you saw him on Food Network shows, celebrity, Chef Ippy! He not only owns this establishment, you can often find him working at this eatery! How fun is that!! The best Hawaiian grinds on the big island! Go where the locals eat! Fresh, affordable, wide variety of good eats-from bbq chicken, roasted pork belly, grilled fish, Mediterranean salad, macaroni salad and desserts. Won't break your pocket book here. It's a must stop while on holiday! About 20-30 minutes north from Waikoloa resort area. Keep your eye on the upper old highway and you can spot herds of goats. We saw so many herds and baby goats. Adorable! We came here last Tuesday night, February 2025, it was a full house. No reservations needed. Located in Waimea, just off main highway about 1/2 mile away north from Parker Ranch shopping center. Was so hungry, forgot to take pics. But trust me, all good!! lol The pork belly, so tender, I wanted more!! The mahi mahi with ginger topping was ono-licious! Dessert, we had the chocolate pudding pie and baklava. Both satisfied our sweet tooth. Easy access, ramp for wheelchair and no big stairs, no problem finding parking. Open for lunch and dinner. Eat here or take out. Many take out orders while we were there. Convenient, delicious. Loved everything about it! Definitely recommend. Happy eating!! read more