The 14 Best Poke Bowls You Can Find In Hawaii
The Hawaiian islands have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to amazing food. The humid, tropical weather is conducive to a bounty of tasty produce. On top of that, there are iconic dishes like kalua pork, lau lau, pipikaula, and more. But we're eager to talk about the bevy of seafood that's so fresh it doesn't even need to be cooked. These fish dishes are quite delicious in their raw state. While you can find plenty of Hawaiian restaurants that serve sushi and sashimi, poke bowls are iconic in Hawaii.
For newcomers to this amazing dish, it's not said the way it looks. Instead, this dish is pronounced, "poh-kay." The word poke is a Hawaiian term meaning "slice" or "cut," which is exactly what happens to the fish. Tuna is king when it comes to poke bowls. But whatever protein you choose, you'll typically find it served up in meaty cubes, seasoned with sauce, and served over rice. Poke often comes with an assortment of add-on toppings available. Plenty of places offer variations to accommodate the palates of their hungry patrons.
Let us guide you to some of the most noteworthy poke bowl spots on the islands. We'll be heading from west to east starting with Kauai, breezing through Oahu and Maui, and finally landing on "The Big Island" — also known as Hawaii.
1. Foodland — Princeville
Ask residents of the Hawaiian islands where to get the best poke bowl, and you'll more than likely hear that you can find high-quality fish at a very reasonable price at the local grocer. Even some gas station convenience stores serve up the good stuff. Foodland is no exception.
This locally-owned grocery chain has been around since the 1940s and was started by an Irish immigrant. At the time of writing, the chain has around 30 thriving locations. But we're choosing to highlight one location on Kauai since this island has fewer residents. Kauai also doesn't have as many food destinations; this particular grocery store is the only Foodland on the island (as of April 2023).
Princeville is located on the north shore of Kauai. It's not far from a number of hotels and resorts, so if visitors feel like venturing off the property, this place is conveniently located nearby. When you're at the store, expect to find a section with a wide variety of poke. You can get a poke bowl, or buy poke by the pound.
2. Kauai Poke Co. — Koloa
Kauai Poke Co. is located in Koloa, a city on the south shore of Kauai, not too far from the Lihue Airport. For guests of the nearby Grand Hyatt Hotel, or golfers at the Poipu Bay Golf Course, Kauai Poke Co. has you covered for any poke bowl cravings.
Beginning as a food truck in 2018, Kauai Poke Co. is now a sit-down restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner — and of course, poke. Thanks to the owners' Japanese and Vietnamese roots, this eatery's menu has options that reflect these, as well.
But we're here to talk poke. One menu offering, the Plantation Poke, is topped with a variety of ingredients including inamona nuts, avocado, and tobiko (a type of fish roe). The restaurant also offers a Korean-inspired poke bowl that features kimchi and gochujang. This business is also happy to serve up poke by the pound.
3. Pono Market — Kapaʻa
Kauai — an island sometimes referred to as "The Garden Isle" —is known for its incredibly scenic hikes. There are at least five trailheads not terribly far away from Pono Market on the east shore of the island. At this business, you can score some amazing poke to fuel your body before or after a nature trek. For those not into long hikes, you have other options. There are beaches, forest reserves, and the Wailua River State Park all located nearby.
Although established way back in 1968, this beloved local establishment now has very specific hours. It's open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. It is closed on weekends.
On the plus side, Pono Market has daily specials that go beyond poke. This means that — especially if you're visiting with a group that isn't so sure about raw fish — the business has other options. The poke itself is not fussy; it places the fish front and center. Pono Market also has a few protein options, including ahi, salmon, cooked shrimp, and tako (also known as octopus).
4. Poke for the People — Haleiwa
Poke for the People is all about spreading the gospel of poke bowls to residents of the islands and visitors alike. It has a variety of poke bowls with ingredients that are fusion cuisine-oriented, in an effort to embrace the diversity of the population that has shaped Hawaiian culinary culture. The owner is a former school teacher who spent 20 years as an educator in Hawaii. His passion for local food inspired a shift into the culinary space in 2018.
You'll find Poke for the People open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is located along the Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa, which is on the north shore of Oahu. Head to the area to either surf — assuming you aren't new to the sport because the waves get big — or to watch surfing.
As far as the poke bowl menu, there's a lot. You can get a poke bowl inspired by California sushi rolls, one with crab salad, one topped with shrimp tempura, and even one with tofu. Considering that the menu is mostly seafood, the prices are reasonable — especially if you split a larger bowl with a friend.
5. Poke Fix Hawaii — Honolulu
Located right in the heart of lively Waikiki beach in Honolulu, this poke bowl eatery is completely surrounded by hotels. Tourists visiting Oahu and staying nearby — in addition to the many employees of these establishments — should seek out Poke Fix Hawaii for some good eats.
There is only one situation in which you shouldn't make a journey to Poke Fix Hawaii: if it happens to be Wednesday and the business is closed. But on any other day, head over for an inspired selection of seafood, sauces, add-ins, and toppings that you can mix and match to your liking.
Perhaps another reason to throw some caution on Poke Fix Hawaii is that there isn't a dining room. However, you can ring them up for a takeout order. There's also convenient curbside parking in front so you can order in person. Either way, just take it away and enjoy your meal with a view of the sunset from the comfort of your hotel balcony, or steps away on Waikiki beach.
6. Maguro Brothers Hawaii — Honolulu
Maguro Brothers Hawaii has two locations in Honolulu. One is in holding court in the melee of Waikiki Beach, and the other is in Chinatown. But note that both spots are closed on Sundays, so keep that in mind if you're planning to pay them a visit.
True to its name, this poke spot is in fact owned by brothers: Junichiro and Ryojiro Tsuchiya. The brothers began their culinary journey concerning raw fish across the Pacific Ocean in Kawasaki, Japan.
While it's the standard that poke bowls in Hawaii would be chock full of the freshest seafood — owing to a family history as fishmongers — the brothers are known to take their craft especially seriously. They are particular about which fish are worth buying and serving to customers. Whether you're getting a poke bowl for yourself, or a party-sized giant sashimi platter, these siblings set the bar high for their competition.
7. Alicia's Market — Honolulu
If you're interested in supporting a mom-and-pop, family-owned poke bowl purveyor that's been around for over 70 years, look no further than Alicia's Market.
This Honolulu-based general store has been a local treasure since 1947. If you're flying into Oahu — or heading back home from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport — consider paying it a visit because it's only a few miles away.
Beyond the standard poke proteins you'll find anywhere on the islands, this business presents a great opportunity to graduate from tuna and expand your poke bowl horizons a bit. Alicia's Market is proud to serve poke bowls from a bounty of freshly caught shellfish. This includes clams, mussels, scallops, octopus, and squid. The market also sells hot lunches. It has an impressive meat market selection, including mouthwatering turkey tails and char sui pork ribs. Don't miss the chance to try something new with a poke bowl from Alicia's Market.
8. Tamura's Fine Wines and Liquors — Lahaina
Don't let the name fool you. Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors does indeed sell an impressive assortment of adult libations, but it also has plenty to offer in the poke department with a wide selection of various seafood purchased as fresh as possible. The company has a few locations on Oahu and Maui, as well as a mini-chain of stores.
We're choosing to focus on the store in Lahaina, on the west shore of Maui, because of the high concentration of timeshares in the area, especially north as you head into Ka'anapali. As opposed to staying at a hotel, these temporary condominium rentals tend to have full kitchens with refrigerators.
For poke lovers visiting the island, how could you resist buying poke in bulk at a discount from a local store such as Tamura's? This allows you to have it available for feasting over the course of a multi-day vacation. Tamura's also sells top-notch poke bowls, if for some reason you're only hungry for one meal.
9. Tobi's Poke & Shave Ice — Pa'ia
Pa'ia, a must-stop when you're on the famously beautiful road to Hana, is a charming area to visit on the north shore of Maui. This little town exudes laid-back hippie vibes. If you need any proof of the town's mellow character, Willie Nelson was a famous regular at a local bar, which unfortunately closed during the pandemic. The surf is definitely up in Pa'ia as well. You'll spot not only longboards and windsurfers at nearby Ho'okipa Beach, but also sea turtles that arrive in droves at sunset to take a snooze.
With all the reasons to go to Pa'ia, we would definitely add poke to the list. Since 1992, Tobi's Poke & Shave Ice has offered poke bowls and poke by the pound. For dessert, this eatery also offers the other iconic Hawaiian dish: shave ice. The prices are a bit steep, but the portions are generous and shareable. You can place orders for poke bowls in advance through the Tobi's Poke & Shave Ice website.
10. Takamiya Market — Wailuku
Takamiya Market opened its doors in 1946, as a grocery on North Market Street in Wailuku. It's not far from Kahului Airport, where most visitors to the island of Maui will arrive and depart. It has an easy-to-miss storefront, but if you like supporting local businesses — and if you're famished after a flight — keep your eyes open so you can grab some fresh sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, tons of snack items, and poke from Takamiya Market.
This business has recently expanded its footprint to provide catering services through Dani's Catering, which features a wide assortment of Hawaiian food. However, we wish it provided as much poke on its catering menu as you'd find at the store. It's just something else to keep in mind when it comes to Takamiya Market, especially if you're planning a large gathering and need to feed a hungry crowd who absolutely loves Hawaiian cuisine.
11. Like Poke...? — Wailuku
Like Poke...? This is a question with a very easy response. Yes, we do. This poke food truck tends to be parked on Main Street in Wailuku on the north shore of Maui. It takes poke to the next level.
While there's fresh, raw poke to be found in its plates, there are also intriguing fried options that feature octopus and panko-crusted ahi. There is plenty of artistry within the sauces, recipes, and presentation. After a few bites, the name of this business begins to make more sense. The dishes served at this business are like poke, but maybe not as traditional as the bowls offered by other eateries.
Since this might be a heavier meal than some poke fans are accustomed to, the truck also offers half portions. You can also get poke by the pound, if you're looking to feed a crowd. You can follow the food truck on social media to keep track of its location.
12. The Fish and the Hog — Waimea
For poke bowl lovers on The Big Island, The Fish and the Hog is a sit-down establishment in Waimea that has you covered. If you happen to be with a group that's generally feeling more in the mood for turf than surf — but yet you crave a poke bowl — there are plenty of options on its menu that don't involve seafood. While there is only one poke bowl on its regular menu, we like the diversity of options offered by this Hawaiian eatery.
The Fish and the Hog's poke nachos may convert the reluctant seafood fans among you. Crispy tortilla chips are topped with freshly-caught fish. This poke is gently coated in house-made sauce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, seaweed salad, and avocado. These nachos are a shareable dish. It may encourage someone to take just one bite. With that one bite, these reluctant fans may be able to finally realize the joys of poke.
13. Suisan Fish Market — Hilo
Suisan Fish Market takes the day off on Sunday. If you would like to try its poke bowls, work your schedule around that. Additionally, always call ahead to be sure it's open. All of this is worth making the trek to its location in Hilo, on the east coast of The Big Island.
For more than 100 years, Suisan Fish Market has been feeding hungry Hawaiians with its daily catch fish offerings. It switches up the menu for poke bowls depending on what's fresh and best.
You'll find poke available by the pound. The eatery also sells bowls that start at 4 ounces, ranging from one-third of a pound of poke, all the way up to plates that serve that amount plus two side choices. Pick from white rice, brown rice, or a green salad for your base. Thanks to these filling options, you definitely won't leave Suisan Fish Market hungry.
14. Da Poke Shack — Kailua-Kona
You'll find Da Poke Shack in Kailua-Kona, on the west side of The Big Island. However, you may want to head out to this poke bowl on the early side. It opens at 10 a.m. and intends to stay open until 4 p.m. But if the fresh caught fish happen to run out sooner, that's it for the day. While this requires some strategy on the part of the hungry customer, we can't argue with its policy. Da Poke Shack is quite clear about it on its website. We're glad for this; the only thing worse than not being able to enjoy a fresh poke bowl is spending a pretty penny on a not-so-fresh poke bowl.
There's lau lau and kalua pork at Da Poke Shack for those who don't love fish. There's even a poke bowl for vegetarians. But Da Poke Shack prides itself on its exceptionally shiny ruby red ahi tuna.
Cooked shrimp, scallops, octopus, and taegu — Korean-style seasoned codfish — are some other proteins that you can add to the top of your bowl. Also, make sure to ask about the poke of the day.