L&L Hawai‘ian Barbecue

L&L Hawai‘ian Barbecue in Kailua-Kona is a straightforward plate-lunch stop built for speed, value, and familiar Hawaiian comfort food. Set on Ali‘i Drive in the Keauhou/Kona area, it stands out less for ambience than for reliability: a quick, budget-friendly place to get barbecue chicken, chicken katsu, loco moco, and other island staples without making a production of the meal.

What it does best

This is classic L&L territory: rice, macaroni salad, and a hearty main, served in the no-nonsense way that has made the chain such a fixture in Hawaii. The strongest draws are the dependable crowd-pleasers—BBQ chicken, chicken katsu, BBQ mix, loco moco, and similar plate-lunch staples. It also works well for groups with mixed tastes, since the menu spans chicken, beef, pork, noodles, and combo plates.

The appeal is practical as much as culinary. For travelers moving around Kailua-Kona, this is an easy answer to the “what should we eat fast?” question. Portions are built to fill you up, and the price point stays firmly in the budget category.

The feel of the place

Expect a counter-service meal, not a sit-down experience. The setting is functional and quick, the kind of place where convenience matters more than décor. That makes it a solid takeout option, especially if the plan is to eat back at a hotel, at the beach, or somewhere with a view.

There’s a reason this format works so well on the island: L&L is a long-running Hawaii-born chain with deep plate-lunch roots, and this Kona location fits that legacy cleanly. It delivers the familiar format travelers often look for when they want local-style food without needing a long meal.

Caveats to know

The tradeoff for speed and value is that this is not a destination restaurant. If atmosphere, polished service, or especially nuanced cooking matter most, this may feel too utilitarian. The food can also be inconsistent in the way chain comfort food sometimes is, with some diners finding certain items better than others.

Who it’s best for

L&L Hawai‘ian Barbecue is best for families, road-trippers, and anyone who wants a fast, filling, inexpensive meal in Kona. It is especially useful after a beach day or during a busy sightseeing schedule. Travelers looking for a memorable dining room, chef-driven plates, or a more elevated Hawaiian meal will likely want to keep searching.