Our Story

Hānai Hawaiian BBQ was founded with a simple goal: to give an authentic representation of Polynesian & Hawaiian cuisine to the WNY area. After moving from the West Coast to Buffalo in 2023, we noticed something was missing: the comforting flavors of so many Polynesian cultures.

What started as a local pop-up quickly grew into something bigger. Built on the spirit of hānai, a Hawaiian word meaning to nourish or care for like family, we’re proud to serve food that’s bold, balanced, and made from scratch. From pipikaula beef ribs and mochiko garlic shrimp to creamy mac salad and gochujang glazed chicken thighs, every plate is rooted in tradition with a modern, chef-driven approach.

Hānai is about real food, real people, and real hospitality. No gimmicks, no shortcuts, just the kind of food that feeds a community. Whether it’s your first time trying Hawaiian BBQ or it reminds you of home, we’re here to share a meal worth remembering.