All the Best Poke Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii

Poke, pronounced “poh-keh,” is a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of diced raw fish, typically tuna or salmon, marinated in a savory blend of sauces and spices. This dish encapsulates the essence of Hawaiian cuisine: fresh, simple, and flavorful.

Imagine tender cubes of ahi tuna, glistening with a marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of chili pepper, all served over fluffy white rice. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, offering a culinary experience. It’s no wonder that poke has become incredibly popular in Hawaii and across the globe.

Poke’s deep-rooted history in Hawaiian culture is one reason for its long lived popularity. Originally, poke was a simple meal enjoyed by fishermen using readily available ingredients from the ocean.

Today, poke represents more than just food—it reflects the island’s spirit of resourcefulness and appreciation for the ocean and what it provides. Anthony Bourdain himself praised the unique ways Hawaii keeps traditional customs alive during his visit there.

You can find poke almost everywhere on the Big Island, from supermarkets and casual restaurants to upscale restaurants. This widespread availability allows locals and visitors to enjoy this beloved dish in various settings and adds to poke’s allure, making it a true symbol of the food culture on the Big Island.

Now for the exciting part: our quest for the best poke spots on the Big Island of Hawaii. Each spot offers something special with unique flavors and presentations.   

Poke Market

Poke Market, situated in Hilo at 41 Waianuenue Ave, embodies the charm of a classic Hawaiian poke experience. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this spot offers poke in its simplest form.

Poke Market operates as a walk-up window service, creating a fun and lively atmosphere that feels genuinely local. You’ll be captivated by their traditional shoyu poke, a delightful symphony of fresh ahi, soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, and onions.

Each serving comes generously piled atop white rice. It’s simple, authentic, and exactly what you want in a great poke bowl.

Next up is a Hilo institution: Suisan Fish Market, located at 93 Lihiwai St. This family-owned market, established in 1907, offers a variety of seafood, including some of the best poke bowls on the island.

Stepping into Suisan is like traveling back in time. The air hums with local chatter as shoppers browse the fresh catch. Although known for its diverse seafood selection, its poke truly shines.

With numerous poke variations available, there’s a bowl for everyone’s taste. Try their Spicy Ahi Poke, which combines cubed yellowfin tuna, onions, and spicy mayo, or indulge in their Shoyu Ahi Poke, featuring a traditional blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and seaweed. Whichever flavor you choose, Suisan’s generous portions and impeccably fresh fish will surely leave you satisfied.

For those who crave variety, there’s Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill, conveniently located at 74-5599 Pawai Pl. in Kailua-Kona. Known for its oceanfront setting and diverse poke menu, Umeke’s allows you to tailor your poke experience.

Here, you choose your base (brown or white rice, salad greens, or chips), your poke style, and your sauce. The build-your-own concept gives you total control and lets you try combinations tailored to your taste.

Don’t miss their famous Wasabi Ahi Poke, with fresh ahi tuna, wasabi aioli, avocado, and furikake for a delightful flavor explosion.

For poke on the go, there’s no place quite like Da Poke Shack at 76-6246 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona. Popular with locals and tourists, Da Poke Shack consistently wins rave reviews for its flavorful poke, affordable prices, and relaxed setting.

They offer generous scoops of freshly-made poke on various bases, such as rice, chips, or salad. Don’t let their straightforward approach fool you: Da Poke Shack delivers consistently, offering fresh poke with unique marinades.

Be sure to try their Sweet Chili Garlic Shoyu Poke and the Spicy Mayo Poke for delicious and bold combinations.

Nestled in the small town of Kawaihae, Hale I’a, Da Fish House, offers another unforgettable poke adventure. Just look for it across from the Mini Stop at 61-3665 Akoni-Pule Hwy. Hale I’a serves flavorful and reasonably priced poke bowls, keeping customers happy.

Hundreds of reviews rave about this low-key spot. With over 1,200 reviewers, it receives a high 4.6 rating on Google Reviews. Hale I’a gets everything right, focusing on quality ingredients, great flavor combinations, and reasonable prices.

While not explicitly a poke spot, the Kona Grill House still deserves a mention because of its unique “Build-Your-Own Poke Bowl” option. Located in the quaint village of Kealakekua at 81-951 Haleki’i St., Kona Grill House serves an American and Hawaiian fusion menu. Visitors appreciate the diverse selection mixing traditional island flavors with classic American dishes. 

While poke purists might scoff at their custom-poke-bowl concept, many appreciate the creative twists Kona Grill House incorporates into its dishes. The restaurant even won an award from Hawaii Magazine’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, with recommendations from famous chefs and personalities such as Andrew Zimmern.

The high praise this eatery receives, both online and by celebrated experts, speaks volumes about its delicious menu options. If you find yourself in Kealakekua with adventurous taste buds, Kona Grill House is worth visiting.

To make this poke journey even more thrilling, I challenge you to embark on a poke taste test adventure. Pick a selection from our list above and compare different poke varieties, styles, and sauces. Use our Poke Taste Test Table below to guide you.

Make sure to try different marinades, toppings, and sides. Poke bowls offer endless flavor combinations; the joy is discovering your own. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and order something you’ve never had.

As you rate each experience, remember to consider the different aspects of each poke, like the freshness of the fish, balance of flavors, overall texture, and overall appeal.