Looking for poke (poh-kay) on Oʻahu beyond Waikiki’s top spots? Here are our favorite places for this classic diced raw fish dish, brought to the islands by Polynesian voyagers, and its delicious modern interpretations from around the island:
515 Kailua Rd, Kailua, (808) 263-7980
The glass counters at this market are brimming with tasty options for poke (by itself, or with salad or rice in bowls.) But if you count yourself among the ones who like it hot, the spicy ahi and spicy clams versions won’t disappoint.
Open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 6:30 pm.
909 Lehua Ave, Pearl City, (808) 455-4502
Parking can be a bit tough at peak times, but the poke at this bare-bones restaurant is worth the wait. If you’ve got at least one other diner with you, go for the Kamikaze poke nachos — one pound of delicious shoyu or spicy poke on top of crispy wontons. Cash Only.
Check Instagram @poke_on_da_run for weekly hours. He’s open either on a Tuesday & Thursday or on a Monday, Wednesday & Friday schedule; it changes each week. “Sumtimes” open on Saturday & Sunday.
92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei (808) 380-4086
Can’t decide between tacos or poke? Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine co-founder Peter Merriman has the answer at his playful Ko Olina Resort restaurant, serving up ahi (tuna) poke in crunchy won ton shells; his equally yummy sesame ahi poke and tako (octopus) poke are also part of the awesome raw bar mixed plate.
The Ko’olina location is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm!
267 Mokauea St, Honolulu, (808) 841-1921
Even a fire in 2018 couldn’t stop this family-run hole in the wall, founded in 1944, from churning out a rainbow’s worth of delicious poke: spicy salmon, smoked tako, wasabi masago ahi, etc. Ask for a free sample if you can’t figure out what to order—or even if you can.
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Closed on Sunday.
25 Kaneohe Bay Dr # 106, Kailua, (808) 254-2000
Yeah, you read that right — one of Hawaiʻi’s best poke purveyors is a chain of family-owned liquor shops on Maui and Oʻahu that have fresh-made poke bars in the back. The Kailua location is one of five on Oʻahu; click on the link above for deets on the other sites.
Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 9:30 am to 7 pm.
59-680 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, (808) 636-4908
Across the busy road from the popular snorkeling spot of Shark’s Cove, this blue food truck serves a lot more than just poke. Still, you can’t go wrong with spicy ahi, especially with a side of seasoned quinoa.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm and are happy to serve you. Closed on Monday.
66-935 Kaukonahua Road, Suite 105 Wailua, (808) 888-0788
This small business on the North Shore is scooping up some seriously delicious poke. The selection of sides is phenomenal, as you build your Poke bowl just how you like it. If you aren’t into rice, there’s an option for greens instead. Make sure to check the special board when you walk in!
Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, (808) 732-4806
You could drive right past this cute little hole in the wall. It’s just the basics here, but the best of these basics. The house-smoked tako (octopus) is a real treat; there are all different kinds of poke to try, so grab a few and find your favorite.
Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Closed on Sunday.
67-456 Goodale Ave, Waialua, (808) 282-8162
This old gas station is converted into a delicious restaurant serving local-style plates, and they have lots of fish on the menu. There are eight different styles of poke to choose from and save room for dessert because the bakery next door has all the goodies!
Open Monday and Tuesday from 7:30 am to 3 pm, Wednesday from 7:30 am to 11 am, and Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 am to 8 pm.
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