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The word poke (rhymes with ‘okay’) means “to cut crosswise into pieces.” This favorite seafood dish on the islands is made with chopped seafood – typically ahi tuna – marinated in sesame oil and soy sauce and mixed with fresh onion. Today, restaurants and grocery stores around the state serve numerous varieties with different seafoods (like octopus, salmon or mussels) and toppings. To find the best spots for poke, our readers voted for their favorites, and the results are in. Here are the 10 best places for poke in Hawaii for 2023.
No. 10: Fresh Catch - Honolulu, Hawaii
Fresh Catch specializes in island-style seafood, and that includes poke made fresh daily. Diners can choose from different styles, including local favorites like spicy ahi and tako.
Photo courtesy of @ca_boi250 via Instagram
No. 9: Pono Market - Kapaa, Hawaii
The lunch counter at family-owned Pono Market on Kauai is a popular spot to pick up the fixings for a poke picnic.
Photo courtesy of Kateri Tennberg via Instagram
No. 8: Ishihara Market - Waimea, Hawaii
A popular spot for takeout, this historic market serves several varieties of poke – fresh, delicious and perfect for a picnic lunch.
Photo courtesy of Alicia's Market
No. 7: Alicia's Market - Honolulu, Hawaii
Diners at Alicia’s Market in Honolulu can choose between several styles of freshly prepared poke, such as green onion ahi or spicy salmon.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
No. 6: Poke on Da Run - Pearl City, Hawaii
This poke shop on Oahu’s leeward side is known for their giant poke bowls, made with freshly cut and seasoned fish, white rice and a sprinkle of furikake. Lovers of fusion food should try the poke nachos, served on a bed of wonton chips.
Photo courtesy of Island Vintage Coffee
No. 5: Island Vintage Coffee - Multiple locations
In addition to providing the world with gourmet Kona coffee, Island Vintage Coffee pairs a cup of joe with a poke bowl, made with wild-caught Hawaiian ahi. They even offer vegan and shoyu spicy tofu poke bowls for non-fish-eating travelers.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Space_Cat
No. 4: Foodland - Multiple locations
It may sound hard to believe, but any local will tell you that a supermarket chain is one of the state's top spots for poke. Foodland has been in business since the 1940s, dishing out top-notch seafood from behind the dedicated poke counter, with spicy, wasabi-loaded, California roll-inspired bowls, and a wealth of other varieties all up for grabs.
Photo courtesy of Merriman's Hawaii
No. 3: Merriman's Honolulu - Honolulu, Hawaii
Merriman's Honolulu opened its doors in 2018, providing the state capital with fresh farm-to-table cuisine courtesy of chef Peter Merriman. While dishes range from kalua pig quesadillas to the bag o' biscuits, the tableside poke is a star player on the menu, with fresh ahi, Maui onion, avocado, ogo and inamona.
Photo courtesy of Mariah Williams
No. 2: Poke Market - Hilo, Hawaii
At Poke Market on the Big Island, diners enjoy upscale poke bowls with several varieties to choose from. While all are tasty, Poke Market wins rave reviews for its salmon shiitake poke.
Photo courtesy of Kahiau Poke
No. 1: Kahiau Jerky Poke & Provisions - Honolulu, Hawaii
The mission of Kahiau Jerky Poke & Provisions is to highlight locally sourced ingredients while offering fresh food to the local community. The menu comprises six poke options, including cold ginger and spicy ahi.
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USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
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USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com