Where to Eat Poke on Oahu

Photo by onolicioushawaii.com

Nothing is better than the taste of aloha and fresh poke in Hawaii! Synonymous with Hawaiian cuisine, don’t leave the island without trying poke (pronounced poh-kay)!

The popular dish, which is comprised of cubes of fresh raw fish, is mixed with sauces such as ponzu, soy sauce, and various oils, topped off with additions like furikake, garlic, onions and sesame seeds, typically paired with sushi rice or made with nachos (mmmm wonton chips). The most common types of fish used in poke are ahi, salmon and octopus. 

From the local supermarket and Oahu food trucks to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, here are some places on Oahu to get your poke fix!

Doraku Sushi – located at the Royal Hawaiian Center, Doraku is a hip spot serving classic rolls, poke alongside Japanese microbrews. Hotel guests receive 10% off food (not valid during Happy Hour or with any other discount)  when you present our room key.

Foodland – locally owned grocery retailer serving up a variety of poke, one of the supermarket best sellers!

Maguro Brothers Hawaii – fresh poke and fish – think sashimi, grilled fish and sushi

Maguro Spot – fresh poke satisfying offerings 

Nico’s Pier 38 – Fish market offers many types of poke, sashimi platters, fresh fish fillets, home smoked fish, local products like Nico’s own bottled dressing and dips, and beer and wine.

Ono Seafood – no-frills, fresh poké and combo bowls. A favorite among locals!

Poke & Box – located at Ala Moana Center, Makai Food Court, stop by and create your own poké boxes, and Every morning with their fresh ahi (yellowfin tuna) caught in rich Hawaiian waters. Fresh salmon arrives from the Pacific Northwest, delicious scallops from Hokkaido, Japan, and succulent shrimp from Vietnam.

Shaka Poke-Don – hidden gem right in the heart of Waikiki located inside Waikiki Shopping Plaza – make your own bowls!

Fun Fact: The Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, a reef triggerfish, is the state fish of Hawaii. 

(Although edible, you likely won’t find poke made with this fish)

Foodland Farms Ala Moana. Photo by James Lyau