MAUI - Those who know Barbeque know that the art of slow cooking meat is steeped in tradition and dates back practically to the dawn of civilization. Within the genre of Barbeque there are hundreds of regional techniques and ingredients and, each pit master will tell you that his or her style of preparation is supreme. Places such as Puerto Rico, The Philippians, Texas, and Memphis, TN are world renowned for their particular styles of low and slow cooking and each has its own devout almost religious following. Factors like the choice of meat (usually pork or beef), the choice of cooking method, and what type of wet or dry rub is used all play into a regions distinct barbeque fingerprint. Just as many other corners of the globe, the Hawaiian Islands have their own signature style of barbeque using smoke and indirect heat to cook pork, chicken, and sometimes fish. The ever present island staple Kalua pork is a product of this cooking process and, when local tropical woods are used as fuel, the meat takes on a unique sweet smokey taste that is quintessentially Hawaiian. Due to the long history of barbeque on Hawaii and the constant stream of transplants from all over the globe, the barbeque scene on Maui is plentiful and as varied as the people who call this island home. Though almost every restaurant has some sort of barbeque dish on its bill of fare, to find some of the best slow cooked meat Maui has to offer you need to head to Maalea Harbor and Beach Bums Bar and Grill.

Located right across the street from Maalea Harbor, Beach Bums has everything you would expect from a great Maui eatery. The entire front of the building is open provide great, unobstructed views of the harbor from almost every seat in the house. The décor is classic island tavern sheik with hilarious signs, tiki heads, and neon beer lights adorning every wall. All the table and chairs are made of bamboo which is the chosen material for the façade of the bar as well. The main seating area is large with a similar sized outdoor patio providing great harbor side dining. Beach Bums offers a great happy hour from 3p.m. to 6p.m. with $2 domestic beers, $4 imports, $3 well drinks and $3.50 Mai Tais. Beach Bums also provides live music to accompany your happy hour discount drinks seven days a week. The menu servers up much more than just pork, with everything from Maui Cattle Co. beef to turkey to Spam being offered up straight from Beach Bums huge wood fire smoker. Non barbequed dishes such as salads and fresh fish are available as well providing a little something for everyone.

Co owners Dave Mecklenburg and Skip Hildreth have been serving up some of the best barbeque on Maui for three years using only local Keawe and Guava wood to fuel their giant red smoker. Skip was nice enough to give me a quick tour of the smoker room and gave me a little info (as most of the ingredients are proprietary) on the homemade rubs and sauces that sets Beach Bum’s barbeque apart. Two different dry spice rubs are used on the meats at Beach Bums with two homemade, vinegar-based sauces (one hot, one mild) available table side. Both sauces are made using vegetables cooked in the enormous smoker and, both are sweet and tangy with a great smoke note that compliments the slow cooked meat wonderfully. In addition to making all their own rubs and sauces, Beach Bums also makes all of their sides fresh, in house as well.

For those in the mood for a great, primal meal with a heavy dose of island flare head to Maalea Harbor and Beach Bums Bar and Grill. Beach Bums offers up authentic low and slow barbeque in a great, water side setting that is worth the trip all by itself. Take in to consideration the daily live music, drink specials, and friendly staff and you may find yourself sticking around till the next meal. So if you’re looking for the best smoke on the island of Maui there is only place you need to visit, Beach Bums in Maalea Harbor.