Award-winning smoked meats, plate lunches and banh mi. Handcrafted with love in Hilo, Hawai'i. Now catering your next event.
People's Choice 1st Place . Smoke It Up Festival 2025
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. In 2026 he was selected as an invitation-only featured chef at the Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival. 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.
Plate lunches, banh mi, smoked meats, and the island grindz we handcraft every day. Tap any photo to view it full size.
We don't cook for the trophies. We cook for the families we feed. But we're humbled by the love that has come back our way, and grateful for every plate we get to make.
Honored to be invited as a featured chef at the 2026 Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival.
Humbled that attendees voted us #1 at the 2025 Smoke It Up Festival.
Chef Evan completed the Culinary Applications in Global Cuisine program at the Culinary Institute of America.
Grateful for every family we've fed. 500+ events across Hawai'i Island, and counting.
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.
Our home base. Catering, food truck, plate lunches, drop-offs across East Hawai'i.
West-side weddings, corporate events, and resort catering. Travel fees may apply.
Ranch country events, weddings at Kohala estates, and corporate offsites.
Lower Puna catering. Beach weddings, off-grid events, and 'ohana gatherings.
Wedding catering across the Kahena coast. We deliver and set up on-site.
Mountain-side weddings and gatherings near Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
North Kohala destination weddings and resort-side events along the Kohala coast.
Got a spot in mind? We probably cater there. Tell us in the inquiry form below.
Staying in a vacation rental on Hawai'i Island? Chef Evan brings the smokehouse to you. Book one of our experiences right on Airbnb.
A hands-on, in-home dining experience. Smoked meats, plate lunches, and island flavors cooked fresh right at your rental.
Book on AirbnbFeeding a group or celebrating on-island? Tell us the details and we'll build a custom quote for your event.
Get a QuoteIsland-style smoke for your big day, venue to venue across the island.
Learn more →Dependable, on-time catering for teams, parties, and conferences.
Learn more →Chef Evan brings the smokehouse to your vacation rental. Book on Airbnb.
Learn more →Our home base. Plate lunches and events across East Hawai'i.
Learn more →West-side weddings, resort and corporate events in Kailua-Kona.
Learn more →Ranch-country weddings and Kohala coast celebrations.
Learn more →Real reviews from real customers across Hilo, Kona, and the Big Island. All reviews are from Google.
"Amazing food. They did catering for my wedding and deliver to Kahena area. People where awesome and food is so delicious. Still thinking about tasty huli chicken and smoked meat. Yamy."
"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!"
Weekly food truck schedule, fresh plates, and behind-the-scenes smoke. Tap any tile to follow.
Tell us about your celebration. We'll put together a real-time estimate while you decide. Takes 2 minutes.
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.
Weekly food truck spots, first dibs on catering dates, and specials before anyone else. No spam, just smoke.