Is Kona Hawaiian BBQ Gluten Free? Decoding Menu Options for Celiac and Gluten-Sensitive Diners

November 13, 2025 •

5 min read

Navigating restaurant menus for gluten-free options can be challenging, especially with potential cross-contamination risks. So, is Kona Hawaiian BBQ gluten free? The answer is complex, as it depends on the specific location and the level of risk you are willing to accept due to shared cooking equipment.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of 'Kona Hawaiian BBQ' varies significantly depending on the specific restaurant. While some local establishments may offer marked gluten-free items, national chain Kona Grill is not a gluten-free environment due to shared equipment, and Ono Hawaiian BBQ explicitly lacks gluten-free dishes.

Key Points

Not all 'Kona' restaurants are the same: Policies vary drastically between national chains like Kona Grill, which is not a gluten-free environment, and local businesses.
Cross-contamination is a significant risk: Shared equipment and fryers mean even ingredients that are naturally gluten-free can become contaminated.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is not gluten-free: The popular chain explicitly states it does not offer any gluten-free dishes due to shared kitchen equipment.
Always communicate with staff: Explicitly state your dietary restriction (e.g., celiac disease) and ask detailed questions about ingredients and preparation methods.
Simple dishes are safer: Stick to naturally gluten-free items like grilled meats, steamed rice, and plain salads, ensuring sauces are GF or served on the side.
Kalua pork is often a safe bet: Hawaiian-style smoked pork and cabbage is a strong candidate for being gluten-free, but always confirm the cooking process.

Understanding the Confusion: Multiple 'Kona' Restaurants

Before addressing whether "Kona Hawaiian BBQ" is gluten free, it is crucial to recognize that this name can refer to several different restaurant entities. There is the national chain Kona Grill, various independent or regional Kona Hawaiian BBQ locations (like those in Oregon and Colorado), and other Hawaiian BBQ restaurants like Ono Hawaiian BBQ. Each has its own distinct allergen policy and kitchen procedures.

Kona Grill's Stance on Gluten

Kona Grill is a nationally-recognized restaurant chain with a contemporary American and sushi menu. Despite once having a more robust gluten-free menu, their official nutrition statement now explicitly warns diners: "Please be aware that Kona Grill is not a gluten-free environment". They acknowledge using shared cooking equipment, including common fryers, which makes them unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities due to a high risk of cross-contamination. While they may mark certain items on their menu as being potentially gluten-free, relying on these markings is risky given their kitchen practices.

Kona Cafe Hawaiian Barbeque (e.g., Springfield, OR)

In contrast to Kona Grill, some independent or regional operations, like Kona Cafe Hawaiian Barbeque in Springfield, Oregon, appear more accommodating for gluten-free diners. Their menus list several items where the meat and sauce are noted as gluten-free, such as Kalua Pork and various BBQ ribs. They also offer gluten-free side options like steamed white rice, spring mix salad, and pineapple fried rice. However, it is always recommended to speak directly with the staff about cross-contamination precautions, as kitchen protocols can vary by location.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ's Policy

Ono Hawaiian BBQ, another prominent chain, offers a different policy. The company states on its website that it prepares all its entrees with shared cooking equipment and therefore cannot guarantee any items are allergen-free, specifically mentioning wheat. They plainly state, "Ono does not have any vegan or gluten free dishes," making it an unsafe option for those avoiding gluten.

Kona Hawaiian BBQ (e.g., Colorado)

Some locally-owned Kona Hawaiian BBQ establishments, such as those in Johnstown and Longmont, Colorado, have received positive reviews regarding their willingness to accommodate gluten-free requests. Reviewers mention specific gluten-free menus and staff who are knowledgeable about allergens. It is imperative to call ahead and confirm their practices and to inform the staff of any severe allergies upon arrival. This highlights the importance of never assuming a small chain has the same policy as a national one.

Safe Ordering Practices at any Hawaiian BBQ

For those with celiac disease or significant gluten sensitivity, navigating any restaurant, including Hawaiian BBQ spots, requires vigilance. Here are steps to ensure a safer dining experience:

Communicate Clearly: Inform your server about your gluten allergy, not just a preference. Use specific terms like "celiac disease" to emphasize the severity of the condition.
Verify Ingredients: Ask about sauces, marinades, and preparation methods. Many teriyaki and BBQ sauces contain soy sauce with wheat. Ensure any sauces are explicitly gluten-free or served on the side.
Avoid Fried Items: Confirm if a dedicated fryer is used for gluten-free items. If a restaurant uses a shared fryer for tempura or other breaded items, fried options are unsafe.
Choose Naturally Gluten-Free Dishes: Opt for simple, grilled meats (like Kalua Pork or plain grilled chicken) and naturally gluten-free sides like steamed rice or salad without croutons. Confirm these are prepared away from gluten-containing items.
Inquire about Shared Surfaces: Ask if they use separate cutting boards, gloves, and cooking utensils to minimize cross-contact with glutenous ingredients.

Comparison of Major Hawaiian-Style BBQ Chains


Feature	Kona Grill	Kona Cafe Hawaiian BBQ (Regional)	Ono Hawaiian BBQ	Kona Hawaiian BBQ (Regional)
Gluten-Free Statement	Not a gluten-free environment	Offers marked GF options on some menus	No gluten-free dishes	Mixed reviews, some GF menus reported
Cross-Contamination	High risk due to shared equipment	Potential risk, varies by location	High risk due to shared equipment	Varies, ask staff about procedures
Gluten-Free Menu	No longer a dedicated GF menu	Some menus show GF options for specific items	No gluten-free menu	Some locations report a separate GF menu
Recommended Action	Avoid for strict GF diet	Inquire carefully, confirm with staff	Avoid for strict GF diet	Research specific location, communicate clearly

Conclusion

While the concept of Hawaiian BBQ offers many naturally gluten-free elements like grilled meats and rice, the reality in commercial restaurants is far from guaranteed. It is incorrect to assume that all restaurants using 'Kona' or 'Hawaiian BBQ' in their name follow the same gluten-free protocol. For strict gluten-free diets, it is vital to perform thorough research on the specific location you plan to visit. While some regional Kona Hawaiian BBQ spots may be suitable with careful communication, national chains like Kona Grill and Ono Hawaiian BBQ openly state their kitchens are not safe for those with celiac disease due to cross-contamination. Always prioritize direct communication with the restaurant staff to assess their ability to accommodate your dietary needs safely. For more information on managing celiac disease, you can visit the National Celiac Association website.

National Celiac Association

Potential Gluten-Free Hawaiian Options at Home

For those who prefer to avoid restaurant risks entirely, many Hawaiian BBQ dishes can be easily prepared at home using certified gluten-free ingredients. Recipes for gluten-free Hawaiian beef short ribs or chicken skewers are widely available and can satisfy your cravings without the worry of cross-contamination.

List of Dishes to Approach with Caution

Teriyaki Chicken: Many teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce with wheat. Always verify the sauce is gluten-free or ask for a plain grilled option.
Katsu: This dish is breaded and fried, making it unsafe unless prepared with gluten-free breading in a dedicated fryer.
Macaroni Salad: The standard macaroni salad contains wheat pasta and is unsafe. Some locations may offer a spring mix salad as an alternative.
Noodle Dishes: Japanese yakisoba or other wok-fried noodles are typically wheat-based and not gluten-free.
Fried Rice: While the rice itself is gluten-free, the sauce used in fried rice (often containing soy sauce) and shared cooking surfaces can introduce gluten. Always inquire.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Kona Grill is not a safe environment for individuals with celiac disease. Their official policy states it is not a gluten-free environment, and they use shared equipment, including common fryers, which presents a high risk of cross-contamination.

Some Kona Hawaiian BBQ locations in Colorado have been reported to have gluten-free menus and accommodating staff. However, policies can vary, so it is crucial to call your specific location, confirm their procedures, and speak directly with staff about your needs.

You should exercise caution with the teriyaki chicken. The sauce often contains wheat. While Kona Cafe has some marked gluten-free items, it's essential to ask if they can prepare the chicken with a gluten-free sauce or no sauce to ensure it is safe.

Traditionally prepared Kalua Pork (slow-roasted pork) is naturally gluten-free. However, a restaurant's preparation method might differ, and they may serve it with a sauce that contains gluten. Always verify with the staff.

Trusting a gluten-free menu depends on the specific restaurant's policies and procedures. For severe sensitivities like celiac disease, always speak with management or the chef to understand their cross-contamination protocols, even if items are marked gluten-free.

No, traditional macaroni salad is made with wheat-based pasta and is not gluten-free. Opt for naturally gluten-free side dishes like steamed white rice or a spring mix salad instead.

The safest alternative is to prepare Hawaiian BBQ dishes at home. You can find many recipes for gluten-free versions of popular dishes like chicken skewers or Kalua pork, allowing you complete control over ingredients and preparation to prevent any cross-contamination.