About
Welcome to Chicken in a Barrel Hanalei, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Hanalei, Hawaii, at 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy. Known for its mouthwatering smoked chicken and irresistible BBQ dishes, this eatery offers a delightful escape for locals and visitors alike.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly their chicken. Customers rave about its smoky flavor and juicy tenderness, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a satisfying meal. The generous portion sizes mean you can indulge without breaking the bank—affordable options like a 1/4 chicken for $7.50 or 1/2 chicken for $12.20 offer incredible value. Many diners enjoy sharing platters, with one customer noting that splitting a 1/2 chicken platter was ample for two.
But it’s not just the chicken that shines here. The menu also features a selection of BBQ rubs and Mexi'Que offerings, such as tantalizing tacos and hefty burritos. With choices like baby back ribs, pork, and beef, there’s something for every palate. Reviewers like Shahbaz Salehi commend the southern flair combined with Hawaiian vibes, praising the diverse sauces available to elevate your meal.
The atmosphere is equally unforgettable. With its proximity to the beach, diners enjoy their meals in a laid-back setting that complements the delicious food. Friendly service enhances the experience, with staff like Micah making sure you feel welcomed and valued.
Whether you’re grabbing takeout or dining in, Chicken in a Barrel Hanalei promises a delightful experience filled with generous portions, amazing flavors, and a friendly vibe. It truly is the ideal spot for those craving high-quality, smoked chicken and a taste of aloha.
Your taste buds will thank you for visiting this authentic culinary experience. With a simple yet delicious menu and an atmosphere that feels like home, you’ll be planning your next visit before you finish your meal!
“ Looking for an affordable, good, quick meal in town? This is the place. Great smoked chicken that comes out quickly. We got a half chicken and Mac salad for the two of us (around 25) and were easily able to save half and turn it into two meals. Large portions- those hungry would likely still be full with the quarter chicken option. ”
“ I don't know how they get their chicken so smoky but still so juicy!! We really enjoyed eating here, wish we would have stuck with the double serving of Mac salad because it was so good. The chili it came with was nothing special. We shared the 1/2 chicken platter since it was cheaper than ordering 1/4 plates each. Was more than enough food! ”
“ The food and service here WAS outstanding! Such a cool atmosphere and a delicious food right by the beach Micah took my order so friendly and just made the experience even better! Three shouts to chicken in a barrel! ”
“ The BBQ chicken here is great tasting. While it had more of a Southern feel than Hawaiian to me, the portion size was decent for the price, and the chicken itself was very tasty and juicy. They also offer a variety of sauces. Highly recommend! ”
“ My husband and I got the smoked chicken (takeout). Delicious — and the portions are generous! If you want to hit your protein macros and enjoy some juicy, tender, flavorful, amazing smoked chicken, this is your spot. Friendly and fast service! Highly recommend! ”
“ The last time we were in Kauai we ate here & it was really good. So when we made it back to Kauai we wanted our son & his girlfriend to experience it too. They did not disappoint. The chicken was amazing!! My wife & I got the chicken for two with a side of fries & they got the sample platter. All the meats were good but the chicken was the best. The rice was decent. The chili was good but too sweet for us. The fries were great. It took some time to get our order but it was really busy & there were only three workers. We felt they did a good job taking care of order, meal prepping, serving, & keeping up with the ice machine etc. ”
“ It is perfectly Hawaii. Loaded Fries were amazing. Chicken was juicy. Pork and beef were my least fav. But I’m going back for the loaded fries. Every ingredient was fresh and well prepared with perfect ratios. Had a little spice but not crazy. ”
“ This review is for the Hanalei location and it was fantastic. We almost passed this place up for sit down service, and I’m so glad we didn’t. The service was great, and the food was a 10/10. Every single item we ordered was a 10/10. We tried the BBQ platter, Baby Back Ribs, the pork sandwich, and sweet potato fries. It truly was a wonderful meal. The chili and the sauces are also excellent. And if all of that weren’t enough, we ate our dinner with absolutely stunning Kauai mountains views. ”