By Megan Moseley
Located on the picturesque Hawaiʻi Belt Road in South Kona is one of Big Island’s favorite eateries- Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs. Family-owned and operated, Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs is a staple in the West Hawai’i community, known for its aloha atmosphere and mouth-watering grindz.
Open only Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until the food is gone, lines are often seen from the roadside as guests congregate in the smoke-filled parking lot waiting for their turn to purchase a lunch plate.
A quick search online shows TripAdvisor reviews celebrating the cuisine and the reason for the long lines. Gerald R wrote: “I first discovered Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs from Andrew Zimmern’s ‘Delicious Destination’ episode of the Big Island…”
He added: “…Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs so far is the only BBQ joint in Hawaii where I had no bad bite of chicken, beef, and pork. This is the best BBQ joint in Hawaii and I can’t wait to come back here for huli-huli chicken.”
What started out as a simple concept of serving great food locally has evolved over the years into an entire operation. Today, guests may choose from an assortment of options, featuring everything from BBQ huli chicken with corn and rice to brisket, roast pork and half a rack of ribs with a side of mac salad. There’s also an array of homemade sauces, rubs, and goodies to choose from, as well.
Owner and operator Randy Morris said prior to opening up the now-famous food stand he had a different way of serving his community.
Morris previously worked with the Hawai’i County Police Department, earning an Officer of the Year award in 2013. While he enjoyed giving back to his community, he said he eventually felt called to pursue a different path. “Every day I had to wake up and make a decision. I’d wake up and say, ‘Oh, no. I’ll stay in the police department,’” he said.
Finally, he felt it was time to part ways, leaving on good terms, he said he had the opportunity to go back if he wanted, but after opening up Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs with his ohana, he never looked back.
Now he employs his family and family friends, contributing to his home in a different manner.
Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs also participates in fundraising – from scholarships to helping save a local dance studio, to sport camps and more. They raised more than $20,000 in one day to support a local coach, he said.
It’s all these reasons and more that keep Morris and his ohana motivated to keep up with demand. “This community helped raise me so to me it’s super important for us to continue that,” he said of the Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo area.
Visit Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs today at 79-7552 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua, Hawai’i. Call 808-936-2789 for more information.
