Nestled in Lexington’s unassuming corners, Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a flavor-packed portal to the Pacific.
With two locations (Liberty Road and Clays Mill Road), this family-owned gem wraps the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality in every bite, from smoky kalua pork dripping with sweet-savory BBQ sauce to crispy coconut shrimp that crunch like ocean waves.
Here, sticky rice glistens with chili-spiked mayo, macaroni salad leans into creamy simplicity, and every plate feels like a luau for the senses.
🥥 The Magic of Plate Lunches: Where Tradition Meets Generosity
The heart of Big Kahuna beats in its plate lunches, a Hawaiian staple reimagined for Kentucky’s rolling hills.
Take the Loco Moco—a hearty trifecta of beef patties, sunny-side eggs, and gravy cascading over rice like lava down a volcano.
It’s comfort food with a tropical twist, perfect for fueling hikes through Red River Gorge or lazy afternoons on the back deck.
For seafood lovers, the blackened Mahi-Mahi arrives with a kiss of spice, while panko-crusted pork katsu crackles under ribbons of sweet soy and chili sauce.
But the star? The Kalua Pork, slow-roasted until it falls apart in strands of smoky perfection. Paired with tangy slaw and a buttery toasted bun in sandwich form, it’s a dish that whispers of palm trees and pit-roasted feasts.
🍔 Burgers, Spam, and Aloha Innovations
Don’t let the “BBQ” fool you—Big Kahuna’s menu dances between tradition and playful creativity.
The Big Kahuna Burger stacks a half-pound patty with charred pineapple, Swiss cheese, and bacon—a sweet-savory masterpiece that’s earned cult status.
Meanwhile, Spam Musubi (grilled spam draped over rice and wrapped in seaweed) nods to Hawaii’s snack-time darling, proving even canned meat can shine when handled with aloha.
🍤 Crispy Bites and Saucy Surprises
Dive into starters like avocado fries—battered spears dunked in spicy mayo—or coconut shrimp that balance crunch with tropical sweetness.
Every sauce here tells a story: the house chili sauce tingles with ginger and pineapple, the sweet soy glazes like liquid gold, and the spicy mayo adds a creamy kick to rice, sandwiches, and everything in between.
🌴 Vibe Check: Where Kentucky Meets Kauai
Step inside, and the rustic-chic decor wraps you in bamboo accents, surfboard art, and the hum of ukulele tunes.
Servers beam with genuine warmth, recommending favorites like the Mahi-Mahi Sandwich or Teriyaki Chicken Plate without missing a beat.
Portions? Legendary. Most plates could feed two, but leftovers taste even better after a day soaking up those sauces.
🍚 Why Big Kahuna Wins Hearts (and Stomachs)
Lexingtonians keep returning for the value—where else can you snag a katsu plate for $11 or a teriyaki chicken feast for $10?—and the unpretentious joy of food that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
It’s a spot where construction workers, foodies, and road-tripping families collide over shared platters, united by sticky fingers and contented sighs.
🌺 Final Bite: A Taste of Paradise, No Flight Required
Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary vacation tucked into Lexington’s strip malls.
Whether you’re craving the comfort of gravy-smothered Loco Moco or the zing of coconut shrimp, this is where Kentucky bluegrass meets Pacific blue waves—one blissful bite at a time.
Location: 904 Liberty Rd, Lexington, KY 40505 | 3101 Clays Mill Rd, Lexington, KY 40503
Phone: (859) 317-9179 | (859) 407-2301
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