Kalua Pork

Looking for an effortless, flavorful dish for your next potluck, family party, or summer cookout? This easy Kalua Pork recipe brings authentic Hawaiian luau flavor straight to your kitchen. No imu (underground oven) needed!

Traditionally, Kalua Pig is cooked underground over hot rocks and wrapped in banana leaves, giving it a smoky, tender richness that’s deeply comforting and impossible to forget. This recipe keeps it simple: all you need is a pork shoulder, a bit of liquid smoke, and Hawaiian sea salt to get that unmistakable flavor.

Whether you're celebrating Luau-style, adding a tropical twist to your weekly meal prep, or bringing the island vibes to your backyard BBQ, Kalua Pork is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

2.5 lbs pork shoulder (butt), boneless or bone-in
¾ tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
1½ teaspoons liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)
6-8 garlic cloves
¼ cup pineapple juice (or water)

1. Pat pork dry. Rub with salt, stuff with gar and drizzle liquid smoke evenly.

2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until fork-tender in a Crock Pot or wrap in foil and bake in the oven at 325° for 3-4 hours. Juice or water should be poured into baking dish around wrapped pork.

3. Use two forks to shred the pork directly in the pot. Mix into its juices. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with rice, cabbage, or Hawaiian mac salad.

Luau vibes at home, no imu needed