Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
It’s not unreasonable to describe the current state of poke in the US as a “craze.” Poke places are popping up every day all across the country. The popularity of the dish speaks for itself; but what isn’t spoken about enough is where it all started from.
Hawaii is the birthplace of poke. Rachel Laudan, a food historian and the author of The Food of Paradise, states modern poke was originally born in Hawaii in the 1970’s. Its connection to the islands’ rich Japanese cultural heritage is clear enough; it is essentially sashimi, presented differently.
For those unfamiliar, the crudest description of this dish would be a “sashimi salad,” but it could also be a “sashimi rice bowl.” Lots of colors and flavors can get creatively mixed in to excite your palate and often be remarkably nutritious for something so delicious. Pineapple or mango, fresh ahi, and savory sauce all in the same bite? You won’t believe how fantastic it is; seriously. There’s a reason this stuff is so explosively popular. Hawaii is the homeland of poke and the best place on Earth to get it.
Oahu
If you’re visiting the most popular island, you’ve got plenty of great options.
One very special spot is the Maguro Brothers. If you’re a Poke fan, their Instagram will make you drool - and as you’ll see, they also do regular sushi. The two brothers started their original location in Chinatown and have since expanded to a second location in Waikiki.
Hawaii Magazine readers voted this the best poke in the state.
Another great Oahu poke option is Fresh Catch. Featured on TV multiple times, including being visited by Guy Fieri, this is truly a legendary spot. The poke is delicious, thanks to renowned head chef Reno Henriques.
Fresh Catch has 4 Oahu locations - visit their website for hours and addresses.
The Big Island
Most in the loop agree that the freshest seafood on The Island Of Hawaii can be found at Suisan Fish Market at 93 Lihiwai Street in Hilo. In addition to being a source for your own cuts of fresh fish, the market also sells takeout poke meals. Not only are they delicious, you will also have an easy time finding a great spot to chow down, since the market is right by the water in Hilo Bay.
The history of Suisan goes way, way back. It was originally founded by two Japanese fishermen and business partners on September 7th, 1907, making this one of the rare local food stops you can visit on the islands that are over a century old.
Suisan has seen and survived much of modern Hawaiian history, including WWII, tsunamis, and fire. This fish market is a testament to the human spirit as much as it is a place to get ridiculously tasty fresh fish. After all these years, they’re still open today - from 9 am to 3 pm every day except Sundays and Wednesdays.
Maui
The best food on the islands is often tucked away in an unexpected corner. Such is arguably the case on the island of Maui since one of the most beloved and locally recommended poke places is the elusive Takamiya Market, also known as Dani's Catering.
Located in Happy Valley in Wailuku, this little market is open from 5:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. The catering, which includes shockingly delectable poke dishes, is only part of what is available here. It also serves as a charming grocery store that you may be surprised to learn has been there since 1946.
Kauai
The most authentic local food originally was a food truck, but it has upgraded to a restaurant.
On the island of Kauai, in the town of Poipu, you’ll find the Kauai Poke Company. Here is a source of fresh and beautifully prepared poke bowls and dishes. Scroll around their Instagram if you want to see some examples for yourself!
The restaurant is open daily, from 10 am to 3 pm. You’ll find it at 2250 Ainako St, Koloa, HI 96756
Visiting the islands is a chance to taste this growingly popular food at its source. Whichever island you’re on, visiting some of these local establishments is well worth your time and enjoying poke in its truest form.
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