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The Best Places to Get a Poke Bowl on Kauai: A Local's Guide
If you visit the Hawaiian island of Kauai, you must indulge in fresh, flavorful poke (pronounced poh-kay). This beloved Hawaiian dish, typically made with fresh raw fish, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other delicious seasonings, is a staple of island cuisine. But with so many spots serving poke, where should you go for the best bowls on the Garden Isle?
Whether you're looking for traditional ahi poke or creative modern variations, we've got you covered. Here are the best places to get a poke bowl on Kauai.
Koloa Fish Market (Koloa)
Location: 5482 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI
Best for: Fresh, locally sourced poke with a traditional Hawaiian touch
Koloa Fish Market is a must-visit for anyone craving fresh, authentic poke. This small, no-frills spot has been serving high-quality seafood for years, and their poke is some of the best on the island. Choose from classic ahi poke, spicy poke, or shoyu poke, all made fresh daily. Since it's a grab-and-go spot, consider taking your poke to nearby Poipu Beach for a scenic oceanfront meal.
Pro Tip: Arrive early—this place is popular and often sells out of their best poke by midday.
Konohiki Seafoods (Lihue)
Location: 2985 Aukele St, Lihue, HI
Best for: Generous portions and unique poke flavors
Tucked away in an industrial area of Lihue, Konohiki Seafoods is a hidden gem that locals love. Their poke bowls are packed with fresh fish and come in various flavors, including wasabi, spicy mayo, and furikake garlic. The portions here are generous, making it a great value compared to other poke spots on the island.
Pro Tip: Try their smoked tako (octopus) poke—a delicious twist on the traditional dish.
Pono Market (Kapaa)
Location: 4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI
Best for: A mix of poke and traditional Hawaiian plate lunches
Pono Market is a local institution that has been serving Hawaiian-style dishes for decades. Their poke is fresh and flavorful, often featuring locally caught ahi. In addition to poke bowls, they offer plate lunches with rice, mac salad, and other island favorites. The friendly staff and old-school charm make this a must-visit spot in Kapaa.
Pro Tip: They open early (6 a.m.), so stop by for a breakfast poke bowl before hitting the beach.
The Fish Express (Lihue)
Location: 3343 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI
Best for: Customizable poke bowls with tons of toppings
If you're looking for a build-your-own poke bowl experience, The Fish Express is the place to go. Choose from various fresh poke options and top your bowl with seaweed salad, avocado, or spicy aioli. They also offer a fantastic wasabi-crusted seared ahi if you're in the mood for something a little different.
Pro Tip: Grab a poke bowl before heading to Kalapaki Beach—it’s just a short drive away.
Kilauea Fish Market (Kilauea)
Location: 4270 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI
Best for: Fresh, locally sourced fish and a relaxed island vibe
Kilauea Fish Market is an excellent stop on the north shore for fresh poke and other seafood dishes. Their poke bowls feature high-quality fish and offer organic brown rice as an option for a healthier twist. The casual, laid-back atmosphere makes it a great place to sit and enjoy your meal before exploring the scenic north shore.
Pro Tip: Their wasabi ahi poke is a must-try if you like a little heat.
Sushi Girl Kauai (Hanalei)
Location: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI
Best for: Poke with a sushi-style twist
Located in the picturesque town of Hanalei, Sushi Girl Kauai offers poke bowls with a sushi-inspired flair. Their poke is incredibly fresh, and their menu also features sushi rolls and hand rolls. It's the perfect spot for those who love the combination of poke and sushi-style presentations.
Pro Tip: Try their spicy ahi poke roll for a unique take on poke.
Where to Get the Best Poke on Kauai
No matter where you are on the island, you're never too far from a great poke bowl. Whether you're after a traditional Hawaiian-style poke, a sushi-inspired version, or a build-your-own bowl, Kauai offers plenty of delicious options.
If you're short on time, here’s a quick recap of the best poke spots by location:
- South Shore: Koloa Fish Market (Koloa)
- East Side: Pono Market (Kapaa), The Fish Express (Lihue), Konohiki Seafoods (Lihue)
- North Shore: Kilauea Fish Market (Kilauea), Sushi Girl Kauai (Hanalei)
Whichever spot you choose, one thing is guaranteed: you'll enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest poke Hawaii offers!
