Pagaikiki's Kitchen was established in 2005 by the Pagaikiki Family in Samoa, offering Samoan flavored smoked BBQ dishes, such as huli huli chicken, turkey tails, and lechon. In 2016, the Pagaikiki Family moved to HI and focused on catering services. In 2021, a lunch wagon was purchased and upgraded to a 18-foot trailer that was used in Maili, on the Waianae side for business. The family has since relocated and are welcomed in its present permanent location in their own kiosk just outside of the Navy Exchange in Pearl Harbor, a retail department store and commissary for US military. There is also a food court, which is ope to the public. The Pagaikiki's Kitchen prepares, cooks, and offers the following: * Huli huli chicken * Beef BBQ * Lechon Plate * Turkey Tail Plate * Pork Plate * Ribs Plate Note that the marinade is made Samoan style, which has salt, sweet onion, garlic, black pepper, and other spices. Pagaikiki's most popular dish is its huli huli chicken, a grilled chicken dish known for its sweet, savory, and smoky flavor, enhanced by marinating chicken in a special sauce and basting it while grilling. "Huli Huli" means "turn turn" in Hawaiian, frequently turning chicken as it cooks, with a local marinade of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic, creating a carmelized glaze when cooked. Note that Pacific Poultry Co., trademarked the term "huli huli" back in 1967 and restricts the use of "huli huli" on commercial sauces or specifically marketed chicken products by competitors without permission. As such, Pagaikiki's use of the term "huli huli" is describes their chicken as a cooking process, and not as a commercial sauce. This brings back memories of the 1970's and 1980's where school clubs would hold fundraising events of cooking and selling huli-huli chicken. A lot of hard work, but knowing when you follow that sweet smoky wafts, you'll be rewarded with delicious, juicy chicken! After the pandemic, however, these huli-huli chicken events have drastically decreased and hard to find. But when you do, you'll be rewarded with delicious and juicy chicken to savor! We've tried the following: * Whole "huli huli" chicken. A little different taste from your local "huli huli" chicken due to the Samoan flavors of ingredients and spices, but I loved it! Still considered island-style BBQ with smoky huli huli chicken, kiawe is the main flavor, with more smoke being incorporated. The chicken was slow roasted over fire until its glace carmelized, and was juicy, tender, well-seasoned, and very flavorful! Lots of juices came out of the chicken! * Rib plate. Tasty chewy ribs, but wished the meat would fall off of the bones. Can purchase meats ala carte or with two scoops rice and choice of salad, mac salad, or kim chee. The mac salad was tasty, with its Samoan version of ingredients and spices. There is complimentary house-made BBQ seasonings on the side that are very tasty and not spicy. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. Service was very friendly, as the family who operates the business is very welcoming and eager to answer your questions. The covered kiosk is located near the UPS Store and just outside of the NEX. The kiosk is rather large, as it incorporates ordering, pick-up, and houses drinks and equipment to maintain its popular huli huli chicken. No need to have military ID to purchase, as it is open to the public. Hours of operations are Mon to Sat 10a to 3p and closed Sun. Free parking is available in the NEX parking lot. We look forward in returning to having the huli-huli chicken again, as well as trying other menu items. Delicious meats, generous portions, reasonable prices, and friendly service are excellent reasons for enjoying this fine meal! We wish continued success for the Pagaikiki Family in their business venture! Support local! read more

See all

Had to try the main menu item first. Ordered the 4 piece chicken plate and it was great! Took about 5-7 minutes. They are busy so I thought that was fast. The plate has three drumsticks and a thigh. So good. Tasty and moist. The seasoning works well. Doesn't taste like traditional huli huli chicken. More like lightly smoked hibachi chicken. Also included are 2 scoops rice with drippings (nice touch) and Mac or toss salad. Their bbq sauces are good and complement the chicken well. I will be back to try the turkey tails! read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - Business hours - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

See all

I believe it's located outside of the NEX Moanalua area reasonable and bbq smoke grilling their food outdoors food stalls they have been there for years serving the military and civilians who eat at outdoors and indoor food court! The parking is abundant even during lunch hours and other days as well, come by check it out! read more

This is probably my 3rd time eating here. It was ok before, but this last time, it was the best. The Mac salad was amazing and unique as well (I'm usually not too excited about it). There were 3 folks working the stand and the order came out very quickly. That's a major win for me because I don't have a long lunch. It was pretty quiet and not very busy, but usually I see a decent line. As for as ambiance, It's outdoor, so make sure you're ok with the NEX's creatures roaming around. I will be back to try the ribs but this place did not disappoint. read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - Leg and thigh plate. - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Was looking for somewhere to eat, came across this on Google. Located at the Navy Exchange Mall it's an outside eatery. Decided on ordering the Lechon plate and Ribs Plate both $15. Not too bad. We didn't wait long and we were not disappointed. The Lechon was crispy (Filipino Lechon sauce would have hit the spot but the spicy sauce was good).. Ribs plate was good as well. read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - Rib plate and Lechon plate - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

I was happy to see this bbq spot pop up about a year ago. Find them downstairs at NEX, in front of UPS. It's the nicest, largest stand down there. They do close at 3:30 during the week and 2:30 on the weekend so I kept missing them. Finally got to sample the lechon, turkey tail, and huli huli chicken. The food makes me feel like I'm eating at a family bbq. Not the best bbq you've had in your life, but it's better than most, plentiful, and feels like home. The service is friendly and the food is hot. It's absolutely worth what they're charging. The turkey tails had a nice flavor, and so did the chicken and pork. For one plate, they offered tossed salad or mac, then gave all rice. It's all good, I'll still be back. I appreciated the added touch of the kikkoman, bbq sauce, and banana ketchup inside the plates. I kinda hoped to see the Hawaiian red hot dog in my plate like I saw in some photos, but maybe next time. read more

See all

Love this place for our Huli huli cravings:) been coming here since the wife introduced me and it's our go to for some good Huli huli chicken read more

See all

Customer service 5/5 Local family & veteran owned, they were very kind & took the time to explain what's what. Ambiance 5/5 Located outside the NEX, grab a plate and head to the food court sitting area. AC indoors or the lanai area for a view of the parking lot lol Food 5/5 To me, this is comfort food. A taste of true island style bbq served with a smile! No feathers in the turkey tail (if you know, YOU KNOW!) & meats cooked to tender deliciousness. I believe I paid $25 for this plate & will not hesitate to buy it again if I'm in the area! read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - The Mix-turkey tail, pork, chicken, rice, & mac salad - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Loved their Huli-Huli chicken. Juicy and delicious, whole chicken was a very large portion you could hardly close the box plate! The smokiness and flavor was amazing! $15 lunch/dinner what a deal. read more

Ok so this was my second time stopping by. Both times were game changers. If your @ the NEX, this place is located outside near the main entrance. (Center entrance / NEX main customer service) I got the combo that has a little of everything price is great, food tasty, and staff so nice. We will be back read more

See all

For the Huli Huli Chicken Lover's out there, there is a place located right outside of the Pearl Harbor called Pagaikiki's Kitchen and thanks to Braddah Manu for turning me on to this place. I ordered the Whole Huli Huli Chicken Chopped Up for $15 and I have to say this Huli Huli Chicken was probably one of the most Juicy and Tasty Huli Huli Chicken's I've ever had. But to me this Chicken was more like a Rotisserie Chicken Smoked with some Grill Marks so I was a bit confused. But all that aside, this Chicken was fabulous and for the $15 price tag well worth it. And big kudos to Uncle who cut up my Huli Huli Chicken. I swear this Uncle must have been a Surgeon in his early day because I have never seen anyone cut a Whole Chicken with such precision. Normally when Huli Huli Chicken is cut up they cut the Whole Chicken into bits kind of like how they cut up Roast Duck which makes it kind of hard to eat with all the bones But Uncle here cuts it to the point where he actually carves around the Back Bone where the pieces are rather easy to eat especially the Thigh Portion. You will be quite impressed how it's cut up. And I couldn't believe how much juice was just swimming in the plate which shows you how Juicy this Chicken was and not Dried Out. You can tell he takes great care when preparing this Huli Huli Chicken and I left very impressed. Uncle even gives you a little more of the Juice in a small plastic container as well. But in all honesty I never even used it because of how juicy the Chicken was. Now that I've tried their Chicken, my next mission is to try his Smoked Turkey Tails and Ribs as well and he even does Lechon but I heard it's more of the Samoan Version of Version and not the Filipino Style. This place is run by a very nice Samoan Family so I'm sure this is a Samoan Bbq Establishment and I can't be any happier because I'm definitely coming back for more. I might have to do the Combo Plate which has a little of everything for $25 but I heard it's pretty hefty. So if you guys are in the mood for some Killer Samoan Bbq and you are in the Pearl Harbor Area, coke give this place a try. I was pleasantly surprised how delicious it was. Support Local Businesses everyone read more

See all

Saw the food pics on YELP and had to see and try for myself. They're open from 11am-4pm, and are located right outside the NEX. Just follow your nose! The mouth-watering smell of bbq gives you the first hint of how good the food is. Got there around 2:15pm, no line, went straight up to the 2 lovely ladies and asked if they had a sampler plate with all of their offerings. The Combo Plate has everything plus 2 sides...I got rice and tossed salad. There was a rib, a huli huli chicken drumstick, steak, brisket...and there was more than enough food for 2 hungry people! I also ordered a huli huli chicken plate for my oldest daughter. Both massive plates plus a drink totaled less than $40. Happy Dance! The ladies were friendly and gracious, the food came quickly. I didn't have a chance to try their sauces because I wanted to taste the bbq for itself. Next time (tomorrow) I will be sure to try the sauce. Couldn't wait to get home and chow down! For those that prefer, there are ample tables should you wish to eat there. OK...food was so good! Meat had really nice flavor, meat falling off the bone on the ribs, steak was soft but still had a chew...did I already say how tasty it all was?! And they packed the plate. Fully intend to go back tomorrow to try each dish as a stand alone...starting with the ribs. If you're in the area be sure to stop by, I can guarantee you won't regret it! read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - Combo has a little of everything, along with 2 sides (rice, tossed salad or mac salad). More than enough food for 2 hungry people. - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

See all

Just tried a new bbq place located just outside at the NEX. They offer turkey tail, beef ribs, pork ribs, Huli Huli chicken, and lechon plates. We ordered Turkey tail, pork ribs, and lechon. The best item on the menu is the Turkey tail! Each plate comes with rice and choice of salad, Mac salad, or Kim Chee. Other items were also good but don't miss the Turkey tail!! Being Filipino, if you call something lechon it needs to have that crispy skin and usually served with a vinegar dipping sauce. However it was still tender. Try it out!!! read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - Turkey tail plate and pork ribs/lechon plate - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

See all

All I seen was the HuliHuli sign and it was over lol the chicken had great flavor. I like how they poured a little of the drippings on the rice. Service was quick. Definitely a great option when shopping at the N.E.X read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - Half bird with salad - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

First time trying this place yesterday right outside of the NEX. As soon as you exit the NEX, you can smell that hulihuli chicken. The smell is what got my attention. They seemed to have a great selection. I ordered the two piece hulihuli chicken...i should have ordered 4 pieces because it was delicious. Hulihuli chicken was flavorful and well seasoned/cooked all the way through and not dry. I would definitely be back to try more hulihuli chicken, curry chicken, Samoan andagi/pagikeke lapotopoto, and other items on the menu (smoke brisket and lechon). read more

Picked up lunch today and the food is so yummy, the BBQ ribs are so juicy and tender. The staff here is so friendly and welcoming. Keep up the great work. We will definitely be back!! :). Thank you. read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - BBQ Ribs Plate - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Good portion for $15 huli huli chicken, 2 soup rice and 1 side. Definitely does not taste like huli huli chicken but if you not from here I guess you can't really tell the difference. read more

I am writing this review because I went to this place twice. Each time I was served cold, luke warm chicken. The lady said she will make me another and literally nuked it in the microwave. Maybe it's the timing when I go which is close to when they're closing. I just ended up getting my money back because I don't want to risk getting food poisoning. Chicken should be served "hot" and fresh not at room temp where it's been obviously sitting out for too long. I won't be going to this place anymore. I gave it a couple of tries and was disappointed each time. read more

Food was delicious!!! Owners are so kind and generous. My favorite was the beef ribs and smoked pork with that special sauce. Oh and the Mac salad was yummy too. Really enjoyed it. read more

See all

Food was great until I got to the center of my chicken. It's still raw. The service wasn't bad. Price wasn't horrible to horrible. I did get two scoops of Mac instead of my side toss salad and had to ask for an exchange. I'm still hungry. read more

Pagaikiki’s Kitchen - The food was great until I got to the center of my chicken thigh. - Food Trucks Near Me - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Pagaikiki's Kitchen just opened for business at the Pearl Harbor NEX!!! Outside, under the pergola, with a cool breeze blowing, finding Pagaikiki's Kitchen was a super way to end my long day. The lechon was tender and so tasty. The tossed greens were fresh and crisp. A good amount of food to share with my husband. Good thing I got my plate lunch today cuz soon they're going to be BUSY!!! with new customers. read more

This was my first visit to this place and WOW, the food was AMAZING!! The staff here are very nice and welcoming. I can't believe that they were open on Easter, this made my mama heart happy in knowing that they were able to feed our Military on this beautiful Easter Day. Thank you. read more

We had the Huli Huli Chicken and Pork plate. The flavor was ono and plated with awesome culinary skills. I will definitely return and take pictures next time! The staff was friendly and showed a lot of aloha. read more

The hulihuli chicken and pork ribs plate was really yummy comes with a side I got the mac salad that was yummy too . $20

Some of the best chicken I have ever eaten. Service was friendly and fast. The huli huli chicken had a very delicious smoky flavor. I wish I can get my hands on there marinade cause it's outstanding. read more

Food was amazing. my 2 year old destroyed his 2 piece Huli Huli Chicken. mac Salad was delicious. I enjoyed the Lechon, been craving for a while and glad I made the stop. hit the spot. forgot to take a before pic but 100% worth stopping by for chow. read more