HI Barbeque grows Hawaii’s barbecue scene with local competition

Sunrise admin October 12, 2026 0 Comments

HI Barbeque grows Hawaii’s barbecue scene with local competition

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A local barbecue eatery is gearing up for its annual summer competition, bringing together barbecue teams and enthusiasts.

Lisa Dejournett and Crash Dejournett of HI Barbeque joined Hawaii News Now Sunrise to talk about the third annual Curley Que Classic, scheduled for July 31, 2027, at Pearl Harbor.

The competition drew 12 teams last year, and organizers expect as many as 20 teams to apply this year, bringing local and mainland competitors together.

Dejournett and Dejournett also demonstrated how to trim spareribs into a competition-style St. Louis cut and explained the difference between spareribs and baby back ribs.

“After we trim it, we’re going to put a mustard binder on it to kind of hold that rub. You put your rub on it. Then we put it on the smoker for anywhere from four to six hours, just kind of depending. We’re looking for the meat to kind of tell us when it’s done, you know, the color, the bend of it, all of the different things,” Crash Dejournett said.

HI Barbeque specializes in brisket, ribs and pulled pork, smoked low and slow to develop the bark, smoky flavor and tenderness associated with Kansas City-style barbecue.

“Our specific type of barbecue is more Kansas City style, so it’s sweeter, more saucy, whereas Texas is more salt and pepper. So, it’s a little bit different flavor profile,” Lisa Dejournett said.

HI Barbeque regularly participates in and supports local schools, University of Hawaiʻi athletics and community events. The business works with schools and school organizations through markets, fundraisers and other activities.

The business also participates in the Kaiser High School Farmers Market, held Tuesdays, and offers classes to teach people techniques behind competition-style barbecue.

Organizers say these events are about more than selling food. They’re opportunities to be part of the energy around Hawaiʻi sports and support the local community.

For more information, follow their Instagram.