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Where to Find the Best Poke on Maui

Writer's picture: Elizabeth McGonagleElizabeth McGonagle

Updated: Jan 26, 2024




Whether you’re a long-time fan, a borderline poke addict, or it’s brand new to your taste buds, if you’re in the Hawaiian islands, you’ve got to eat some poke.  The Hawaiian dish features fresh, usually raw, diced fish that’s mixed with other ingredients.  There are tons of different flavor combinations, so try a few, and discover your favorite. 


 We have cross-checked our picks with top sites, like Maui Magazine, Pride of Maui, and Trip Advisor, to make sure we're offering the best poke for you to enjoy on Maui.  Bon appétit! 


200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina — (808) 667-4796  — Reserve on OpenTable


Japengo has been winning all the awards: 2019 ‘Aipono Best New Restaurant, 2020 ‘Aipono Gold Best Pacific Rim, 2020 ‘Aipono Silver Best Sushi.  The views are stunning, the dining room is beautiful, the service is great, and the sushi is well, award-winning.  If you’re in Lahaina, give them a taste, and see if they win you over as well. 


They are open daily from 5 pm to 9 pm. Reservations recommended. 



This spot serves Hawaiian-inspired Filipino Asian cuisine. The quality is high and the price is just right with locally sourced ingredients. There’s an array of items on the menu, but Fresh Ahi Poke Bowl is why we’re here!


Open daily 10 am to 2 pm and dinner from 4 pm to 8 pm, and are grateful for your business.


701 Hana Hwy, Paia -- (808) 579-8844


This little shop has it all. It’s a great grab-and-go stop if you’re about to take the long drive to Hana or indulge in a day at the beach. The kombucha is on tap, the healthy snacks are abundant, the deli is stocked up, and the poke is made fresh daily. 


Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. 


2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina — (808) 661-4495  — Reserve on OpenTable


A fan-favorite and multiple award-winning establishment, Leilani’s has it dialed. The restaurant sources its produce from over 40 family-owned Maui farms and receives fresh Hawaiian caught fish every day. It’s one of the best places to take in a sunset. The menu has a little something for everyone, but you’re going to want the poke bowl to help you soak up the freshly squeezed Mai Tais. 


Leilani’s beach bar is open daily from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm. The dining room is open every day from 4:30 pm to 9 pm. 



The fresh ahi tacos in crispy wonton shells are worth coming here on their own.  Monkeypod also has a hefty selection of beers on tap, delicious locally sourced small plates, and hand-tossed kiawe wood-fired pizzas. The happy happy hour is one of the best on the island and the sunsets aren’t half bad either. 


Hours are 11 am to 10 pm every day. Happy hour is daily from 3:30 pm to 5 pm.

They’d be delighted to have you.


22 Alahele Pl, Kihei — (808) 419-8980


With a motto of “Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local” you know this food truck means business. Their business is sustainably caught fresh fish. It’s so good and popular that they do sell out daily!  Go for the ½ spicy and ½ traditional poke bowl featuring the days' locally caught fish and rice with house-made pineapple coconut slaw; it’ll hit the spot. 


Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. They recommend calling to check if there’s still fish in stock as they sell out each day! Closed Sunday. No cash.  


199 Dairy Rd, Kahului -- (808) 873-8000


This little grocery shop has many locations throughout the islands.  It’s a popular stop to grab some select grocery items, cigars, and booze. Their selection of alcohol is one of the best around.  But most people come to Tamuras for the poke, because it’s really gosh darn good.    


Open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.


360 Papa Place Suite 116, Kahului -- (808) 868-0753


Chef Sheldon Simeon and his wife own and operate this mom-and-pop style shop. It’s a humble little eatery, scooping up some delicious flavors, and seriously good food.  Tucked back, you’d almost miss it if you didn’t go in search of it. Everything here is good, mochiko chicken, garlic shrimp, saimin, kale salad, you can’t go wrong. But they’re serving up one mean poke bowl.  With proximity to the airport, it’s a great stop to grab some food after your landing or before you take off. 


Open for takeout only, Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday.


 127 Hana Hwy, Paia -- (808) 579-9745


Fresh poke, shave ice, and acai bowls, what else do you really need?  Located in the quaint and charming little surfer town of Paia.  The price is right, the fish is fresh, and the portions are large. It’s a great place to get poke as a quick bite while you walk around and enjoy the quaint little Paia town.


Open every day from 11 am to 6 pm. 



If you want to kick back and relax in a beautiful open-air restaurant that serves tasty cocktails and yummy food, Tommy Bahama’s is where it’s at.  The poke is served either as tacos if you just want a snack, or as a poke bowl if you’re looking for a bit more of a meal.  Whatever you decide, alongside their handcrafted pina colada, it’s the right choice.  


Hours are 11 am to 9 pm every day with live music from 5 pm to 9 pm. Happy hour is daily from 2 pm to 5 pm. 


200 Nohea Kai Drive, Kaanapali -- (808) 667-3137 


This poolside eatery has some serious views to enjoy while you eat and drink until your heart’s content. Have some frozen beverages alongside your poke bowl.  Take a dip in the pool afterward, why not, you’re in paradise. Open-air dine-in, takeout, or room service are the ways you can enjoy this goodness. 


Open daily serving a light fare from 11 am to 11 pm.  Happy hour is daily from 4 pm to 6 pm.

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