June 26, 2026

Ono Hawaiian BBQ opens in Maricopa with luau and long lines

By Monica D. Spencer, Associate Editor
Jan 23, 2026

FOOD & DRINK

Maricopa got a taste of the islands this morning as Ono Hawaiian BBQ finally hosted its grand opening luau.

Following a brief ribbon cutting — employees tied together colorful leis in lieu of a ribbon — a long stream of customers walked in and out of the newly opened Hawaiian restaurant at 20320 N. John Wayne Parkway.

The line stretched a couple hundred feet past Jimmy John’s, Crumbl Cookies and around MOD Pizza, as a small group of Hawaiian dancers performed for people waiting in line.

John Jory was the first person to place an order. The Senita resident ordered “a ton of food,” thanks in part to the buy one, get one special valid for today only.

“We got two of the chicken mix and two of the BBQ mix, so we just got a ton of food,” he said. “We used to have to drive forever out of town to get Hawaiian food. Sometimes, we’d end up at other restaurants, but they’re never as good as Ono Hawaiian.”

Cobblestone Farms resident Melissa Cervantes was also among the first customers in line with her family. Donning a colorful lei while waiting in line, she said she was looking forward to order a plate of island white fish and shrimp.

“We usually drive out to Phoenix or Gilbert [for Hawaiian food], so I love it. I’ve been eating there for years,” Cervantes said.

Kevin Keone Okuma was glad to finally have a taste of home after nine months of waiting. The Hawaiian native-turned Sorrento resident who runs the Copa Farmers Market said he was looking forward to seeing the restaurant do well.

“It’s good to bring some of the island flavors here to Maricopa. We have a lot of islanders and Polynesians here in Maricopa, so it’s really nice to have Ono here,” he said. “I think they’re going to do really well because the food’s amazing. They do know somebody from Hawaii, so their flavors are pretty on point.”

California-based Ono Hawaiian BBQ first showed interest in bringing a location to Maricopa in April last year in a location long slated for Filiberto’s. A couple months later, construction was finally moving along after the fast-casual restaurant submitted plans to the city.

The restaurant features a hefty menu of island favorites, including kalbi short ribs, crispy katsu chicken and spam musubi.

A hula dancer performs outside Ono Hawaiian BBQ for the restaurant's grand opening on Jan. 23, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Monica D. Spencer, Associate Editor

Monica is a government and economic development reporter for InMaricopa since February 2023. Previously, she worked for The Arizona Republic’s breaking news desk and visuals department.