If you’re looking for the definitive "Road to Hana" experience, skip the fancy resort dining for a day and pull over at Koki Beach for some of the best Huli Huli chicken you will ever have. After hours of navigating those famous hairpin turns and lush rainforest canopies, emerging into the open air at Uncle Russell’s stand feels like finding a hidden treasure.
The first thing that hits you isn't even the view—it’s the scent. The mesquite smoke from the grill drifts across the road, mingling with the salt spray of the Pacific. We tried the chicken and were blown away; it was perfectly charred, juicy, and coated in that iconic sweet-and-savory Huli Huli sauce that tastes like pure Hawaii. Eating a hot, fresh plate while sitting on a piece of driftwood is a world away from a standard restaurant, and frankly, it’s much better.
The scenery here is unparalleled. If you look to your left, you’ll see the striking contrast of the deep red sand and the massive cinder hill, **Ka Iwi o Pele**. The rich, rusted red of the cliffs against the vibrant turquoise of the ocean and the white foam of the surf is a visual masterpiece. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to put your fork down every few minutes just to take in the sheer scale of the landscape.
Between the ocean breeze, the sound of the crashing waves, and the incredible food, this was easily the highlight of our entire drive. If you see the smoke rising from the grill, do yourself a favor and stop. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory.
Vanessa Angeles
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July 02, 2026
What a memorable meal! The huli huli chicken had an amazing smoky flavor, and the fresh salad was just as impressive. It had a local ingredient that I had never tried before, and I wish I could find it back home because it was so good.
After seeing Gordon Ramsay recommend this place, I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype—but it absolutely did. The laid-back, beachside atmosphere made the experience even better. Definitely worth the stop. Highly recommend!
Boaz Livny
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February 11, 2026
The chicken plate is the standout dish here, clearly beating the pork ribs. The chicken is special, full of flavor, making it a definite winner. While the pork ribs are good, the chicken's distinct taste is what sets it apart.
The location is beautiful, and if you're not doing the full one-day Hana Road trip, there are lovely beaches nearby. Be aware that the spot is a popular stop for tour groups and can get busy. The seating is along the beach on both sides of the tent, so you should be able to secure a spot with unobstructed ocean views.
My only hesitation in giving a higher rating is the service. After making the journey to Hana and stopping by, it would be appreciated if the staff could engage with customers instead of being engrossed in their phones. I doubt Uncle Russ would be pleased to see them barely look up from their screens. The general atmosphere lacks a service-friendly vibe. However, the chicken itself is delicious enough to make a stop worthwhile.
Jake Hursh
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April 23, 2026
If you’re in Hana, you have to stop at Huli Huli Chicken. Uncle Russell is incredibly kind and welcoming—it feels more like you’re being hosted than just grabbing a meal.
The food absolutely delivers. The kalua pork and chicken were both outstanding—perfectly cooked, super moist, and packed with flavor. Simple, authentic, and done right.
One of those spots you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.
Yonkers12
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April 24, 2026
Huli Huli Chicken at Koki Beach: A Maui Road Trip Essential
If you're driving the Road to Hana, there is one stop that is practically mandatory for food lovers: the Huli Huli Chicken stand at Koki Beach. This isn't a fancy restaurant—it’s a roadside operation with a wood-fire rotisserie that fills the air with the scent of kiawe wood and caramelizing glaze.
The Experience
• The Flavor: "Huli" is the Hawaiian word for "turn." The chicken is constantly flipped over an open flame, basted in a sweet and savory glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and fruit juices. The result is a smoky, char-kissed skin and incredibly juicy meat.
• The Plate Lunch: Most visitors opt for the standard plate lunch, which typically includes a generous portion of chicken (or ribs), a scoop of white rice, and a classic Hawaiian macaroni salad that many reviewers claim is the best on the island.
• The Setting: There is no indoor seating. You grab your cardboard container and find a spot at a picnic table or head down to the red sands of Koki Beach. Eating fresh BBQ while looking out at Alau Island is one of those "only in Hawaii" moments.
If you’re looking for the definitive "Road to Hana" experience, skip the fancy resort dining for a day and pull over at Koki Beach for some of the best Huli Huli chicken you will ever have. After hours of navigating those famous hairpin turns and lush rainforest canopies, emerging into the open air at Uncle Russell’s stand feels like finding a hidden treasure. The first thing that hits you isn't even the view—it’s the scent. The mesquite smoke from the grill drifts across the road, mingling with the salt spray of the Pacific. We tried the chicken and were blown away; it was perfectly charred, juicy, and coated in that iconic sweet-and-savory Huli Huli sauce that tastes like pure Hawaii. Eating a hot, fresh plate while sitting on a piece of driftwood is a world away from a standard restaurant, and frankly, it’s much better. The scenery here is unparalleled. If you look to your left, you’ll see the striking contrast of the deep red sand and the massive cinder hill, **Ka Iwi o Pele**. The rich, rusted red of the cliffs against the vibrant turquoise of the ocean and the white foam of the surf is a visual masterpiece. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to put your fork down every few minutes just to take in the sheer scale of the landscape. Between the ocean breeze, the sound of the crashing waves, and the incredible food, this was easily the highlight of our entire drive. If you see the smoke rising from the grill, do yourself a favor and stop. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory.
What a memorable meal! The huli huli chicken had an amazing smoky flavor, and the fresh salad was just as impressive. It had a local ingredient that I had never tried before, and I wish I could find it back home because it was so good. After seeing Gordon Ramsay recommend this place, I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype—but it absolutely did. The laid-back, beachside atmosphere made the experience even better. Definitely worth the stop. Highly recommend!
The chicken plate is the standout dish here, clearly beating the pork ribs. The chicken is special, full of flavor, making it a definite winner. While the pork ribs are good, the chicken's distinct taste is what sets it apart. The location is beautiful, and if you're not doing the full one-day Hana Road trip, there are lovely beaches nearby. Be aware that the spot is a popular stop for tour groups and can get busy. The seating is along the beach on both sides of the tent, so you should be able to secure a spot with unobstructed ocean views. My only hesitation in giving a higher rating is the service. After making the journey to Hana and stopping by, it would be appreciated if the staff could engage with customers instead of being engrossed in their phones. I doubt Uncle Russ would be pleased to see them barely look up from their screens. The general atmosphere lacks a service-friendly vibe. However, the chicken itself is delicious enough to make a stop worthwhile.
If you’re in Hana, you have to stop at Huli Huli Chicken. Uncle Russell is incredibly kind and welcoming—it feels more like you’re being hosted than just grabbing a meal. The food absolutely delivers. The kalua pork and chicken were both outstanding—perfectly cooked, super moist, and packed with flavor. Simple, authentic, and done right. One of those spots you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.
Huli Huli Chicken at Koki Beach: A Maui Road Trip Essential If you're driving the Road to Hana, there is one stop that is practically mandatory for food lovers: the Huli Huli Chicken stand at Koki Beach. This isn't a fancy restaurant—it’s a roadside operation with a wood-fire rotisserie that fills the air with the scent of kiawe wood and caramelizing glaze. The Experience • The Flavor: "Huli" is the Hawaiian word for "turn." The chicken is constantly flipped over an open flame, basted in a sweet and savory glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and fruit juices. The result is a smoky, char-kissed skin and incredibly juicy meat. • The Plate Lunch: Most visitors opt for the standard plate lunch, which typically includes a generous portion of chicken (or ribs), a scoop of white rice, and a classic Hawaiian macaroni salad that many reviewers claim is the best on the island. • The Setting: There is no indoor seating. You grab your cardboard container and find a spot at a picnic table or head down to the red sands of Koki Beach. Eating fresh BBQ while looking out at Alau Island is one of those "only in Hawaii" moments.