Best Poke Spots on Oahu - Hawaii Girl Life

Poke..one of my favorite quick lunches and a regular request from my family. A good poke bowl (made with fresh fish of course) is definitely a favorite local treat. Since we truly do it the best here in Hawaii (not a brag just the pure honest truth 😁), indulging in poke while you’re in the Aloha State is definitely a must!

This traditional Hawaiian dish, featuring fresh, raw fish marinated in flavorful seasonings, is a true culinary gem. With its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, poke has become a beloved staple on Oahu, making it an essential part of any food lover’s itinerary.

What is Poke?

Poke (pronounced “poh-keh”) originates from Hawaii and traditionally consists of cubed raw fish, often seasoned with sea salt and other local ingredients. Over the years, poke has evolved into a versatile dish, incorporating a variety of flavors, toppings, and marinades.

Why Hawaii is the Best Place for Poke

Hawaii is renowned for its access to some of the freshest fish in the world, making it an ideal location to savor poke. The island of Oahu is home to numerous poke shops and restaurants, each offering unique takes on this classic dish. Whether you prefer traditional poke or modern variations, Oahu’s culinary scene has something for everyone.

While you’ll see poke throughout the world (we’ve seen poke shops everywhere from New York City to Bologna, Italy), there’s really nothing like a fresh poke bowl here in Hawaii, eaten while sitting on the beach, staring at the glittering blue ocean.

Key Ingredients in Poke

Poke is highly customizable, allowing for a wide array of ingredients, including:

Fresh Fish: Ahi (tuna) and salmon are popular choices for poke.
Marinades: Soy sauce (or shoyu to us), sesame oil, Sriracha mayo, and chili pepper water enhance the flavor profile.
Toppings: Green and white onions, furikake (seasoned bits of seaweed), and avocado add both texture and taste.
Accompaniments: Poke is often served with rice, seaweed salad, or taro chips (Foodland for sure makes the best poke nachos!).

My Favorite Poke Spots on Oahu

Ask any local where the best poke on Oahu is and you’ll get a variety of responses. More than likely, you’ll hear Foodland, Ono Seafood, and maybe even Off the Hook in Manoa Valley. Here are a few of my favorite poke spots on Oahu:

Taniokoa’s Seafood and Catering (or just Tanioka’s to us): Tanioka’s isn’t the easiest spot to access if you’re staying in Waikiki, but it’s definitely worth the drive. Even if poke isn’t your thing, Tanioka’s has some of the best bentos, cone sushi, mochiko chicken, ahi rolls, and other okazuya type food that can be purchased ala carte. Not only it super delicious, this type of okazuya cuisine has become more of a rarity on Oahu. But on to the poke. The fish is incredibly fresh here and the poke reminds me of the type that I grew up eating. Before all of the fancy concoctions and unagi sauce toppings. If you’re a poke purist, you’ll love the options here. My favorite continues to be the spicy ahi (more of a mild to medium so it’s not unbearably spicy). You can purchase it on seasoned sushi rice with green onions on top though my favorite is by the half pound with a couple of pieces of cone sushi on the side.
Off the Hook Poke Market: A short drive from the main areas of Waikiki and Kakaako, Off the Hook is a small take-out poke shop in sleepy Manoa Valley. Parking is limited (right across the street in the shopping center or behind Starbucks is probably the easiest), but the brief drive and short walk is worth it. Be prepared for a line, even before they open their doors at 10 am. Oh and they aren’t open on Sunday. So be sure to stop by on Monday-Saturday. My “pro” tip? Get there a few minutes before they open and snag one of the popular but limited poke bombs. What’s a poke bomb? Inari sushi topped with spicy ahi and finished off with green onion and masago. Life-changing for sure! Also a good introduction for someone who might be a little nervous about trying a whole bowl to start. Apart from an order (or two!) of poke bombs, my recommendation is for the wasabi furikake over sushi rice. If you aren’t already familiar with sushi rice, it’s seasoned with rice vinegar, a little tangy, a little sweet, and usually a bit more moist than regular rice. I’m not quite sure how they do it, but Off the Hook truly does the best when it comes to a good sushi rice. As for the wasabi furikake poke, it’s made with ahi fresh from the fish auction that morning (as all of their fish is), just enough wasabi to make it flavorful but not so much that it’s overwhelming, and slightly sweet yet slightly salty furikake (seaweed topping) to balance the flavors perfectly. A warning that this one might not be for you if aren’t crazy about mayo, but if you don’t mind it, it’s a super delish poke option. Or try a mix of two types and add the spicy ahi or Kilauea Fire to bump up the heat, cold ginger for a hint at a Chinese classic, or the Hawaiian Style for the type of lime poke that most of us local kids grew up with.
Foodland: Yes, Foodland is a grocery store and perhaps it seems like a generic choice. But…it’s super convenient, we have them all over the island, and it’s consistently fresh and good. So Foodland gets a mention for it’s easy access and reliability. What to order? If you ask my children, they’ll say spicy ahi with unagi sauce drizzled over the top. I’m partial to the garlic chili crunch (though I would ask if they could drain the oil if possible-it can be a bit oily) with toppings of green and white onion along with a light bit of unagi sauce and wasabi. Or the new dynamite ahi poke at the Ala Moana Foodland Farms location (if you’re a wasabi lover like me, you’re going to want to try this!). Or maybe even the fresh salmon poke with wasabi oil and furikake. My only real gripe about Foodland poke bowls are that they tend to use hot rice which lightly sears the cold poke on top. But that’s an easy fix. A friend of mine just asks for the poke separate from the rice and it’s perfect-problem solved! Foodland also is worthy of a mention due to their delectable poke nachos. Poke nachos aren’t a new concept-we’ve seen them on menus all over, including at Disney Aulani. But these poke nachos are special because they are made to order. Starting with a bed of taro chips (a delicacy in its own right), you get the choice of two types of poke, two types of sides (ocean salad is a favorite though you can also choose from lomi salmon, edamame, and Kim Chee cucumbers), and any toppings that you want (white and green onions, crispy garlic and crispy onion, unagi sauce, wasabi oil, and more). It’s a hefty meal, perfect for sharing and one of our favorite quick meals to grab when heading out to the beach.

The Poke Bowl Trend

As you can see, the poke bowl trend has skyrocketed in popularity, making it easier than ever to enjoy this Hawaiian delicacy on the go. Many restaurants on Oahu offer poke bowls that allow you to mix and match different types of fish, sauces, and toppings. This trend has made poke accessible in both gourmet and casual dining settings.

Savor the Fresh Flavors of Poke on Oahu

Poke is more than just a dish; it’s a vibrant part of Hawaiian culture. When you visit Oahu, exploring the local poke scene is a delicious way to connect with the island’s culinary heritage. Whether enjoyed at a local market or a trendy restaurant, the fresh flavors of poke will surely leave a lasting impression. Dive into this culinary delight and discover why poke is a cherished part of Hawaiian cuisine!

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Sunshine and aloha!

Hawaii Girl Life🌺☀️