Place split peas, ham, Mirepoix, water, bay leaves, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker, and let it cook for 4 hours on high, 8 on low. You may need to add water toward the end.
Open the lid and stir in liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce, and serve.
For the Instant Pot
Place split peas, ham, Mirepoix, water, bay leaves, salt, and pepper into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and cook on high for 20 minutes.
At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
Open the lid and stir in liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce, and serve.