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These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce. Made right in the crockpot, this easy rib recipe is perfect for summer dinners without heating up your kitchen.

These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are fall off the bone tender with a sweet sauce made of bbq sauce, pineapple juice and brown sugar.  Seasoned with a great blend of seasoning these are perfect for the summer and so full of flavor.

There are certain meals that just instantly feel like summer, and ribs are always at the top of that list for me.

But I’ll be honest, as much as I love ribs, I do not love standing outside in the heat or dealing with the grill when it’s already a hundred degrees out. That’s exactly why these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs have become one of my go-to dinners.

I can throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, go about the day, and by dinner, the house smells amazing and the ribs are perfectly tender.

The first time I made these, it was one of those really hot days where turning on the oven wasn’t happening. I had ribs in the fridge and a can of pineapple, and I just decided to try something a little different from the usual BBQ.

That sweet pineapple with the BBQ sauce turned out so good, it immediately became one of those recipes I knew I’d be making again.

There’s always that moment when you lift the lid on the slow cooker and the ribs are so tender they’re practically falling apart already. That’s exactly what you want.

And when you brush on that extra sauce and give them a quick broil at the end? That sticky, caramelized finish is everything.

This is also one of those dinners where no one really talks much once they start eating. Just quiet, messy plates and sauce everywhere, which honestly is how you know it’s good.  My whole house loves this meal.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is while still feeling like a full, satisfying meal. It’s simple ingredients, minimal prep, and it always turns out.

What Are Hawaiian Ribs?

Hawaiian ribs are slow-cooked ribs made with a sweet and tangy sauce that typically includes pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar.

The pineapple juice adds a natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat, while the BBQ sauce brings that classic smoky flavor. Together, they create a rich glaze that coats the ribs as they cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker recipe
• Sweet and tangy flavor
• Fall-off-the-bone tender
• Perfect for summer dinners
• No grill required
• Family-friendly and crowd-approved

When To Serve This Recipe

These ribs are perfect for:

• Summer dinners
• Weekend meals
• Family gatherings
• Potlucks
• Cookouts without a grill
• Easy comfort food nights

I love serving these hawaiian ribs with my Pickle Pasta Salad, Deviled Egg Potato Salad or Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.

Some of our favorite slow cooker recipes we love: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Drumsticks, Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ribs, Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

You will want to make these delicious easy slow cooker ribs again and again! 

FAQs

Can I use different types of ribs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby back ribs, spare ribs, or even boneless ribs. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slightly different cooking times. Baby back ribs tend to cook a bit faster, while larger cuts like spare ribs may need a little longer to become fully tender.

Do I have to broil the ribs at the end?

You don’t have to, but it makes a big difference. Broiling helps thicken the sauce and gives the ribs that sticky, caramelized finish that makes them taste like they came off a grill. If you skip it, the ribs will still be tender but won’t have that same texture.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

Yes, these ribs can be made ahead and reheated. You can cook them fully, store them in the refrigerator, and then reheat and broil with extra sauce before serving. This makes them a great option for parties or gatherings.

What makes pineapple juice work so well in this recipe?

Pineapple juice adds sweetness, but it also helps break down the meat slightly as it cooks, making the ribs more tender. It also gives the sauce that signature tropical flavor that makes these ribs different from traditional BBQ ribs.

Can I cook these on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can boil the ribs until tender, then make the sauce separately and simmer it until thick. After that, brush the sauce over the ribs and broil them in the oven until caramelized. The slow cooker is easier, but the stovetop method works if needed.

Serving Ideas

Serve these ribs with:

• Corn on the cob
• Macaroni salad
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw
• Mac and cheese
• Dinner rolls

Ingredients

1 rack ribs (about 2–3 pounds)
Baby back ribs are my favorite because they cook up tender, but any ribs will work.

1 teaspoon black pepper
Adds a little heat and balances the sweetness.

1 teaspoon onion powder
Gives depth and savory flavor.

1 teaspoon garlic salt
Adds both seasoning and garlic flavor.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Brings a subtle smoky flavor.

2–3 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic adds bold flavor.

1 cup pineapple juice
Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the ribs.

1–1½ cups BBQ sauce
Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the base.

2 tablespoons brown sugar
Enhances sweetness and helps the glaze thicken.

Green onions (for garnish)
Adds a fresh pop of flavor and color.

How To Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

1. Place the ribs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle black pepper, onion powder, garlic salt, and smoked paprika over the ribs.
3. In a bowl, whisk together garlic, pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar.
4. Pour about ¾ of the sauce over the ribs and reserve the rest.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until ribs are tender.
6. Carefully remove the ribs and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush with the reserved sauce.
8. Broil for a few minutes until the sauce is thick and caramelized.
9. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Substitutions

Ribs → beef ribs, boneless ribs, or chicken legs
Pineapple juice → orange juice (slightly different flavor)
BBQ sauce → any style you like
Brown sugar → honey or maple syrup

Variations

Spicy Hawaiian Ribs
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Extra Sweet Version
Add more brown sugar or honey.

Garlic Hawaiian Ribs
Add extra minced garlic.

Grill Finish
Finish ribs on the grill instead of broiling.

Tips & Tricks 

Remove the membrane from ribs for better texture.

Cook low and slow for the most tender results.

Don’t skip the broil, it adds that sticky finish.

Handle ribs carefully when removing from the slow cooker.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Did you make these SLOW COOKER RIBS, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

Want more Hawaiian recipes? Check these out!

• Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ chicken
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
• Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
• Hawaiian Meatballs

Continue to Content

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are fall off the bone tender with a sweet sauce made of bbq sauce, pineapple juice and brown sugar.  Seasoned with a great blend of seasoning these are perfect for the summer and so full of flavor.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 pound rack of ribs
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice from a 20 ounce can of pineapple chunks
• 18 ounce bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Place your ribs in the bottom of your slow cooker.

1. Sprinkle the black pepper, onion powder, garlic salt and paprika over the ribs.
2. In a bowl combine the garlic, bbq sauce, pineapple juice and brown sugar, whisk until combined.
3. Pour ¾ of the sauce over the ribs. 
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. 
5. Optional, Before serving remove the ribs from the slow cooker, brush with the reserved sauce and broil for a few minutes until glazy.
6. Serve!

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can add some red pepper flake for a little heat.
• You can add the pineapple chunks to the slow cooker if you like. 
• Garnish with a little green onion and serve over rice for a fabulous dinner.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1631Total Fat: 106gSaturated Fat: 32gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 47gCholesterol: 357mgSodium: 2059mgCarbohydrates: 99gFiber: 3gSugar: 85gProtein: 73g

 

These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs are one of those recipes that just works every time. They’re easy, flavorful, and perfect for those days when you want something really good without putting in a ton of effort.

And once you make them once, they tend to become one of those dinners you come back to again and again.