17 Spots to Find the Best Poke in Oahu
If you’re visiting Oahu and haven’t eaten a meal that involves poke, then you haven’t really experienced the true essence of eating on the island!
But who wants to drive all over the island in search of a great poke bowl? Don’t waste an extra minute; let us help you narrow it down.
From fish markets selling local catches and food trucks with fresh bowls of poke on the menu, here are 17 places where you can find the best poke in Oahu:
1. Ono Seafood
Ono Seafood is not your average hole-in-the-wall eatery. Although a bit challenging to find, this place is just as busy as any other popular restaurant on the island.
Located on Kapahulu Avenue, Ono Restaurant serves some of the best poke on the island. Choose from ahi tuna, salmon or octopus and can customize your bowl exactly to your liking.
Their shoyu sauce is out of this world and if you’re feeling daring, go for the spicy option. Or, if you’re craving a taste of the islands, try the classic Hawaiian style.
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Oahu that’s reasonably priced and deliciously fresh, then you need to check them out.
2. Foodland
Foodland prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for all your grocery needs in Hawaii. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and bakery items to specialty imported foods. But did you know that Foodland has an amazing poke bar?
From staples like ahi tuna to more adventurous options like delicately seasoned octopus, the poke station offers a variety of delicious, healthy options that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
3. Paina Cafe
Paina Cafe serves some of the best poke on the island, and you’ll be sold just after one bite. The signature poke bowls have just the right combo of ingredients, and there’s also an option to build your own bowl.
It comes with a choice of all of your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded nori, seaweed salad, and pickled ginger, just to name a few. And if you’re still hungry after that (highly unlikely), you can order a tasty salad or sandwich at this cafe!
4. Fresh Catch
When it comes to poke, Fresh Catch is the best of the best. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from here.
This is your spot for poke bowls, with 30 different types, including local favorites such as Spicy Ahi Poke, Ahi Limu Poke, or Tako Poke. For something sweet to finish off your meal, try their red velvet cupcakes that are baked by the owner’s wife!
5. Alicia’s Market
Some of the best poke in Oahu can be found at various local grocery stores scattered throughout the island, and Alicia’s Market is one of them.
A small grocery store in Honolulu, they have some of the freshest and most delicious poke at really great prices. If you’re a poke lover, head down to Alicia’s Market to satisfy your craving.
6. Tamura’s Fine Wine
Satisfy your hankering for adult beverages and poke at the same time at Tamura’s Fine Wine.
With four locations in Oahu, this small family-owned franchise is where visitors and locals alike come to enjoy freshly prepared poke and wine, hand in hand.
Make sure you beeline to the back of the store once you get there because that’s where the poke bar is.
You’ll most likely be greeted with long lines, but Tamura’s is a place that serves poke that you need to taste to believe.
7. The Hibachi
The Hibachi is a hidden gem that never seems to get any advertising, but it is still a popular choice among locals.
Located in Kailua, this grab-and-go market has a wide variety of poke to choose from and are freshly assembled right before your eyes.
Along with poke, they also have tasty plate lunches piled high with BBQ Chicken, Kalbi, Teri Salmon Belly, and other options. This place will not disappoint!
8. Off The Hook
If you’re around Manoa Valley and looking for the best place to get your next poke fix, take a detour and visit Off The Hook.
This eatery offers a great atmosphere as well as a friendly staff with a large assortment of poke for those who come in. Located across the street from Manoa Marketplace, there’s plenty of free parking in the area.
Off The Hook puts a fresh, modern twist on the traditional Hawaiian poke you’ll find on the island (try the green ginger!).
9. Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering
Tanioka’s seafood market is one of the best spots to grab a delicious poke bowl on the go.
Serving customers since 1978, this family-owned business specializes in local-fresh ahi and aku, and also a variety of hot plate lunches.
Browse through their store to find what you’re craving, whether it be fresh poke or a bento box made in-house daily.
If you’re in the area, it’s the perfect place to stop by for lunch if you want something good and scrumptious.
Note: Parking is terrible here, and be prepared for line-ups that go out the door (yes, Tanioka’s is that popular!)
10. Maguro Brothers
Maguro Brothers has been whipping up some of the tastiest poke on the island since their humble beginnings at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.
Their menu features a variety of poke bowls that are sure to satisfy any hunger cravings.
They also have specialty sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, and an assortment of other seafood dishes. A visit to Maguro Brothers is more than just a stop for food; it’s an experience!
11. Poke on Da Run
Poke on Da Run is a small to-go joint, but it’s a little slice of heaven on earth. The best part is, this low-key eatery is a hidden gem that not many people know about (except for the locals!).
The Poke Nachos is a must-order; fresh scoops of poke generously topped over a bed of crispy wonton strips.
12. Tamashiro Market
Tamashiro Market is an iconic spot in Honolulu; the pink 3-story towers over the old neighborhood of Kalihi.
This small Japanese seafood market offers plenty of ready-to-eat food options such as poke bowls and bento boxes.
A favorite amongst the locals, the menu is diverse and offers something for every palette.
13. Ahi Assassins Fish Co.
Ahi Assassins Fish Co. is a place that may not be as well known as others but is no less impressive.
It’s the literal definition of a “hidden gem”; a restaurant that’s tucked away on the 2nd floor of a small building that can be easily missed by passersby.
Ahi Assassins prides themselves in serving only local-caught and never frozen fish – you’ll definitely taste the freshness in every bite you take. There’s no sit-down service here, so the food is take-out only.
14. Poke by the Pound
When it comes to fresh seafood, Poke by the Pound is hard to beat. This unassuming industrial spot in Kalihi is home to some of the best poke on the island.
The ahi is always fresh, and the flavors are on point. Whether you get it by the pound or scooped over sushi rice, you’re in for a treat.
And you can rest assured knowing that you’re supporting the local fishermen of Hawaii!
15. Fish Market at Nico’s Pier 38
Next door to Nico’s Pier 38 restaurant, the fish market is a stop you should add to your Oahu itinerary if you love poke.
They have a wide variety of poke made with some of the best ingredients on the island, so you’re sure to find something that satisfies your craving.
And to make things even better, they also have a wide selection of traditional Hawaiian breakfast dishes like Loco Moco and savory lunch plates.
If you’re looking for a great brunch spot, consider checking them out – you won’t be disappointed!
16. Poke Bar
What’s not to love about fresh, sushi-grade seafood covered in savory sauces? Poke Bar is one of the best places in Waikiki to get your poke fix.
The build-your-own bowl concept lets you customize your order to perfection, and there are tons of protein options including salmon, spicy tuna, scallop, and tofu.
The salmon is especially delicious, but the tofu is a great option for those looking for a vegetarian option.
17. Barefoot Beach Cafe
If you’re looking for a front-row seat to some of the best surfing in Waikiki, look no further than Barefoot Beach Cafe.
While you can definitely find snacks here, they’re also whipping up delicious and fresh ahi poke bowls. So head on down to Queen’s Surf Beach, kick off your shoes, and enjoy the view!
