If you go to Hawaii and don’t eat poke, did you even go to Hawaii?! The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the most delicious poke dishes, and Oahu poke is no exception.
From the traditional ahi poke to creative variations like poke nachos and bowls, my time in Honolulu was filled with delicious food.
I made it my personal goal to visit as many poke spots as possible and try every dish I could get my hands on, at the time I didn’t understand just how many poke spots there were in Oahu! Whew! So I’ve narrowed it down to at least 16, ha!
So without further ado, here are my top Oahu poke spots.
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The 16 Best Oahu Poke Spots
1. Paina Cafe
Paina Cafe is one of the very best places to go for a poke bowl on the island, you won’t believe how amazing one bite tastes!
Their signature bowls are masterfully crafted, but if you’re feeling creative, there’s an option to build your own. You can choose from all of your favorite toppings such as avocado, shredded nori, seaweed salad, and pickled ginger among others.
If you’re not in the mood for a poke bowl, they also offer some delicious saimin, soups, and sandwiches.
Honestly, it’ll be hard not to overindulge in this deliciousness!
2. Fresh Catch
Fresh Catch reigns supreme when it comes to poke restaurants in Oahu! You can choose from 30 yummy options, like Ahi Limu Poke and Spicy Ahi Poke.
It’s the perfect place to go for a light lunch before the beach or dinner on the go. Their bowls are huge and the ingredients are fresh, you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
And before you leave, you have to have one of their red velvet cupcakes. They’re freshly baked by the owner’s wife, and you can just taste the love in every bite.
3. Tamashiro Market
Yeah, yeah, we know. Everyone knows about Tamashiro already. But that isn’t going to stop us from including them here.
Tamashiro Market is one of the oldest poke markets in Oahu and it shows with their family-owned business spanning over three generations!
Standing as a beacon of Honolulu’s old Kalihi neighborhood, Tamashiro Market is an iconic three-story pink building that locals flock to for its delicious and diverse menu items.
From Hawaiian poke bowls to bento boxes and beyond, this small Japanese seafood market has something for everyone, and trust me, you’ll want to try everything.
4. Foodland
Poke is so popular in Hawaii, that you can even pick some up at your local grocery store.
Foodland is the ultimate destination for all your grocery needs in Hawaii. From delicious fresh fruits and bakery items to international delights, here you can find whatever you need for your tropical vacation.
Along with picking up the weekly groceries, Foodland also has some of the freshest poke around.
What I love about Foodland’s poke is that they offer unique flavors like mango avocado and the ever-popular limu-style Ahi Poke with sweet onions, celery, and seaweed.
You can also try the Tuna Katsu poke bowl, a deep-fried tuna cutlet with their signature poke sauce. So yummy!
5. The Hibachi
If the locals love it, then you know it’s good.
Tucked away in Kailua, the Hibachi is a local favorite that has been flying under the radar for years.
For those looking for some fresh poke, this market offers an abundance of freshly-prepared options right before your eyes.
Not only do they have poke but they also offer some delicious plate lunches featuring BBQ Chicken, Kalbi, Teri Salmon Belly, and more!
6. Tamura’s Fine Wine
It’s easy for poke to be a quick meal, but at Tamura’s Fine Wine, it can also be the start of a wined and dined night.
Make sure to visit one of the four Oahu locations of this local family-owned franchise, where visitors and locals alike can enjoy their own selection of freshly prepared poke and wine. It’s an unlikely pair but it’s amazingly good.
When you enter the store, you’ll want to head to the back where Tamura’s poke bar is located. Though there may be a line of people waiting for their turn, I promise it’s worth it as you’re about to experience some of the best poke around.
7. Off The Hook
If you’re in Manoa Valley and searching for the most delicious poke around, make sure to swing by Off The Hook!
Not only are their staff welcoming and friendly, but they offer an incredible atmosphere accompanied by a wide variety of poke dishes with a modern twist.
Think green ginger—yum! An all-time favorite is the spicy tuna poke with avocado, cucumber, and a yummy citrus ponzu.
8. Ono Seafood
Ono Seafood is a hidden gem that beats the competition with its famous poke.
Found at 747 Kapahulu Avenue, this popular spot draws in so many people who are craving some of the best seafood Honolulu has to offer.
With its unique menu and hard to beat reputation, it’s no wonder why this hole in the wall restaurant continues to be one of the most popular options in Oahu for fresh poke!
At this incredible spot, you’ll be able to choose from ahi tuna, salmon, or octopus and create your perfect bowl.
Their shoyu sauce is truly unforgettable and if you’re a fan of spicy food like me, then their spicy version is about to rock your world.
9. Poke Bar
I love being able to build my own bowl when I head to a poke place, and Poke Bar is the perfect place to do that.
They have an array of fresh, sushi-grade seafood selections such as salmon, spicy tuna, and scallops which you can smother in delectable sauces. They also have a tofu option for vegetarians.
The salmon seems to be everyone’s favorite as it’s fresh and flavorful and you can top your bowl off with some crunchy edamame and seaweed salad for a delicious meal.
10. Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering
Whether you’re looking for a fresh poke bowl on the go or an in-house bento box, Tanioka’s Seafood Market is your one stop shop.
This family-owned business has specialized in local-fresh ahi and aku since 1978 and offers customers hot plate lunches daily! With its unbeatable selection of delicious seafood dishes, this market is a must.
Just a heads up, parking is hectic here, so be ready for large lines that trail outside the building. Tanioka’s is definitely one of the most popular places for lunch.
11. Maguro Brothers
If you’re looking for a poke experience like no other, then make sure to check out Maguro Brothers.
From their humble beginnings at the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market, Maguro Brothers have been serving up some of the most delightful poke on the island.
With a variety of poke bowls to choose from, specialty sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, and other delectable seafood dishes, you will not go hungry here.
12. Barefoot Beach Cafe
If you’re looking to catch a poke bowl and sunset at the same time, then Barefoot Beach Cafe is the place for you.
Located right on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki beach, this cute little cafe offers up delicious poke bowls with all of your favorites like tuna, octopus, shrimp, salmon, and more.
It’s also the perfect spot for an evening out with friends or family as you can enjoy your poke bowl while watching the sun set over the water.
13. Fish Market at Nico’s Pier 38
The fish market adjacent to Nico’s Pier 38 eatery should be at the top of your list of places to visit during a trip to Oahu, especially if you’re in the mood for poke.
They offer a huge selection of delicious Poke dishes crafted with fresh ingredients from around the island.
Plus, they’re open for breakfast and serve traditional Hawaiian-style favorites like Loco Moco which may just make it your go-to brunch spot.
14. Poke on Da Run
We don’t gatekeep here, so I’m letting you in on this gem.
Poke on Da Run is an absolute must-try, even though it’s a small takeout spot. Only the locals know about this hidden spot.
The Poke Nachos are to die for! With scoops of poke piled on top of crunchy wonton chips, smothered with creamy avocado, spicy aioli, and fresh seaweed salad, you’ll be in heaven.
15. Alicia’s Market
Stop by Alicia’s Market, a small grocery store in Honolulu that offers the freshest and most flavorful poke at amazingly affordable prices.
The Ahi Poke is definitely the star of their show, but don’t forget to try some of their other specialties like the Salmon Shoyu and Crab Poke.
This is a great spot for a quick meal on the go or to pick up some poke for a beach picnic.
The friendly staff is more than happy to help you find the perfect poke bowl, and they even offer samples so you can decide which one is your favorite!
16. Poke by the Pound
Get the freshest seafood at Poke by the Pound in Kalihi!
This little spot is beloved for its top-notch fresh fish, which always uses the best ahi and delicious flavors. Whether you get it scooped over sushi rice or buy it by the pound, your taste buds will thank you.
One of my favorite things about Poke by the Pound is that with every meal, you know you’re supporting the local fishermen and markets.
I seriously cannot get over how delicious Oahu poke is! Let me know in the comments or on Insta (@wtfab) which restaurant you think serves the best poke in Oahu.
Heading to Hawaii? Check out my other Oahu content:
Where to Find the Best Coffee in Oahu
14 Epic Hikes to Waterfalls in Oahu
FAQs
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
