Old School Smoke.Island Soul.

Award-winning smoked meats, plate lunches and banh mi. Handcrafted with love in Hilo, Hawai'i. Now catering your next event.

Kai and Evan, owners of Big Island Smokehouse, at a catering event in Hilo, Hawai'i
Kai & Evan · Owners
Big Island Smokehouse banh mi sandwich with pickled daikon, carrots, jalapeno and smoked meat, Hilo Hawaii
Hawaiian plate lunch with smoked chicken, mac salad and island greens from Big Island Smokehouse, Hilo

Everything With Love

Big Island Smokehouse is owned and operated by Kai and her husband, Chef Evan Salvador-Stevens. What started as a passion for old-school smoking techniques and the bold, diverse flavors of Hawai'i has grown into the Big Island's most-loved BBQ food truck and catering service. From our food truck in Hilo, we serve handcrafted smoked meats, homemade sausage, and our legendary banh mi to a community that feels like 'ohana.

Chef Evan recently completed the Culinary Applications in Global Cuisine course through the Culinary Institute of America at the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, bringing classical technique and global flavors home to Hilo. We do everything with love. God gave us these gifts to serve our community, and we serve with passion and aloha. Voted People's Choice 1st Place at the 2025 Smoke It Up Festival, and trusted to cater weddings, corporate events, and 'ohana gatherings across Hawai'i Island.

500+
Events Catered
4K+
IG Followers
#1
People's Choice 2025

All Across Hawai'i Island

Based in Hilo, Big Island Smokehouse caters events everywhere on Hawai'i Island. Whether you're planning a wedding in Kahena, a corporate retreat in Waimea, or an 'ohana gathering in Kona, we travel the island with the smoke and the aloha.

Hilo

Our home base. Catering, food truck, plate lunches, drop-offs across East Hawai'i.

Kailua-Kona

West-side weddings, corporate events, and resort catering. Travel fees may apply.

Waimea

Ranch country events, weddings at Kohala estates, and corporate offsites.

Pahoa & Puna

Lower Puna catering. Beach weddings, off-grid events, and 'ohana gatherings.

Kahena

Wedding catering across the Kahena coast. We deliver and set up on-site.

Volcano

Mountain-side weddings and gatherings near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Kohala & Hāwī

North Kohala destination weddings and resort-side events along the Kohala coast.

+ Anywhere Else

Got a spot in mind? We probably cater there. Tell us in the inquiry form below.

5-Star Reviews

Real reviews from real customers across Hilo, Kona, and the Big Island. All reviews are from Google.

"The food was awesome, nice portions, delicious sauce. Smoke meat was out of this world and the customer service was top tier. Kai and her husband Evan are the absolute best. Would recommend to the world."

"Seriously, they are a must-try if you get the chance. Everything I've tasted has been incredible, so impressive. You can tell they're made with passion and care. It's the kind of food that makes you want to tell everyone about it."

"My favorite Banh Mi. I love it with their smoked meat, it's always so delicious. I get the combo and mac and cheese for my kids, and they clean their plates! This is local comfort food. The owners are also very friendly and service is quick!"

"Meaaaanest grindz, most favorite is the smoked sausage banh mi! Even the huli huli chicken is a must."

"Best Mac and Cheese I ever had! The smoke meat plate is 10/10."

"The best Smoke Meat I've ever eaten! Must try!"

All reviews verified on Google · See all on Google

@big.islandsmokehouse

Weekly food truck schedule, fresh plates, and behind-the-scenes smoke. Tap any tile to follow.

Smoked pork belly searing in the wok, Big Island Smokehouse Hilo Big Island Smokehouse banh mi sandwich, Hilo Hawaii Combo plate with three smoked meats, Big Island Smokehouse Hilo

Earned, Not Claimed

People's Choice 1st Place

Voted #1 by attendees at the 2025 Smoke It Up Festival.

Smoke It Up Festival · 2025

CIA-Trained Chef

Chef Evan Salvador-Stevens completed the Culinary Applications in Global Cuisine program at the Culinary Institute of America.

Culinary Institute of America · Pacific

5.0 Stars on Google

Loved by locals and visitors alike. 500+ events catered across Hawai'i Island.

Build Your Spread

Tell us about your celebration. We'll put together a real-time estimate while you decide. Takes 2 minutes.

Step 1 of 6
Estimate $0
Step 1 of 6

What's the celebration?

Pick the closest match. We'll tailor the rest of the estimate from there.

Step 2 of 6

How many people?

Best estimate is fine — you can adjust later.

Guest Count
50
Full party mode
10125250+
Step 3 of 6

Pick your spread

We've recommended what fits your group best. Pick any one to compare.

Step 4 of 6

How do we serve?

Pick the style that fits your venue. We'll do the rest.

Minimum 2 servers and 2 hours. Final timing confirmed on the call.

Step 5 of 6

The extras

Optional add-ons to elevate the spread. Tap to toggle.

Banh Mi Bar
Build-your-own banh mi station for guests
$20/person
Smoked Meat Dip Tray
House-made dip with chips. A crowd-pleaser.
$80/pan
Pans 1
Dessert Bar
Island-style sweets & desserts
$10/person
Extra Side Pan
More mac salad, rice, or tossed salad
$40/pan
Pans 1
Extra Meat Tray
Pre-cut, pre-cooked, by the pound
$20/lb
Pounds 5
Your Smokehouse Estimate

Here's what we put together

Estimated Total
$0
This is an estimate, not a final quote. Final pricing is confirmed by Kai & Evan after we review your event details. Travel fees outside Hilo and any custom add-ons are quoted on the call.

Lock In Your Date

Drop your details and Kai or Evan will personally reach out within 24 hours.

Mahalo!

We've got your details and your estimate is on the way to your inbox. Kai or Evan will personally reach out within 24 hours to confirm final pricing and lock in your date.

Frequently Asked

We recommend booking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially for larger events or peak season from May through October. For weddings or events over 150 guests, 6 to 8 weeks ahead is ideal. That said, we always try to accommodate last-minute requests.

Our minimum is typically around 20 guests. For smaller groups, we can do individual plate lunch orders or tray drop-offs. Contact us and we will figure out the best option.

While we are best known for our smoked meats, we can work with you on dietary accommodations. Our salads, mac and cheese, and sides can be adjusted. We also offer grilled cheese sandwiches and can customize menus. Let us know in your inquiry!

Absolutely! Having the truck on-site adds an awesome experience. We just need adequate space and access. We also offer buffet-style tray service and individual plate lunch options if the truck does not fit your venue.

Catering pricing is customized based on guest count, menu selections, service style, and location. After you submit an inquiry, we put together a detailed quote. We work with a range of budgets and always find the best value.

We are based in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai'i. We cater events across the island: Hilo, Kona, Waimea, Kahena, and everywhere in between. Travel fees may apply for locations outside the Hilo area.

Standard catering includes food, serving containers and trays, utensils, napkins, and setup. For food truck events, we handle everything. We can add extras like our famous Smoked Meat Dip, additional sides, and desserts.

Follow us on Instagram @big.islandsmokehouse for our weekly schedule! We pop up around Hilo including Mondays and Tuesdays at Kalae Farmacy and Fridays at rotating spots.

Call Get an Estimate