(This article was updated on Tuesday, May 28).
Hawaiian barbecue joints are making quite the splash here in Tucson. So far in 2024, there are four to keep an eye on — three of them have already opened and one concept is expected to open sometime this year.
Check out our guide if you’re wondering where to find every Hawaiian-inspired restaurant in Tucson.
Keep scrolling to check out the newest additions here in Tucson.
Kahu Hawaiian BBQ
1570 E. Tucson Marketplace Blvd.
(Opened May 2024)
The restaurant quietly opened at Tucson Marketplace, which is over near Dave & Busters and the Cinemark movie theater. Before this new spot in Tucson, Kahu Hawaiian BBQ was serving out of its sole location in Phoenix. There doesn’t appear to be an official website for the chain but you can find their menu online — classic Hawaiian barbecue staples, Chicken Katsu, Crab Rangoon, and more.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
203 S. Wilmot Rd.
(Opened February 2024)
The most recent opening is Hawaiian Bros Island Grill at 203 S. Wilmot Rd. Brothers Tyler and Cameron McNie opened its first location in Belton, Missouri in 2018. The McNies originally come from the West Coast, but some Midwest friends from Kansas City inspired them to bring a version of their family’s Hawaiian grill restaurant here.
“The restaurant features a striking design and island vibe with a kitchen void of freezers, fryers, and microwaves,” the franchise owners said about the spot in Tucson. “The concept offers island-inspired comfort in the form of food Hawaiian plate lunches as well as sides.”
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
4210 N. First Ave.
(Opened January 2024)
The Honolulu-based restaurant chain opened its first Tucson location in January of this year, making it the third location overall in Arizona.
The restaurant is located at 4210 N. First Ave. and serves similar dishes found at Hawaiian Bros — plate lunches. The restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite on that side of town with menu items like barbecue meats, rice plates, and Spam Musubi.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
6610 E. Grant Rd.
(Coming soon)
This concept has yet to open but they’ve already leased the former Boston Market at 6610 E. Grant Rd. — that’s near the corner of Grant Road and Tanque Verde Road where the T. Rex is hanging out in front of McDonald’s.
“Founded in 2002, Ono Hawaiian BBQ is a family-owned fast casual restaurant known for its authentic Hawaiian Plate Lunches and other island specialties. Ono Hawaiian uses the freshest ingredients, prepared from scratch daily in each restaurant and grilled fresh to order.”
The grand opening date has yet to be released so stay tuned.
Check out our interactive guide to every Hawaiian-themed restaurant concept in Tucson.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
