If you love seafood, you can’t visit Hawaii without searching for the best poke on Oahu. As avid lovers of all things fish, my husband and I embarked on that very adventure during our last month-long stay on Oahu.
We visited 25 different shops in search for Oahu’s best poke and found some gems we’d love to share. Read on for our personal list of the best poke in Oahu, hope you enjoy!
Best Poke Oahu, Hawaii
First, Here’s the 5 Best Poke in Honolulu
#5. Fresh Catch
Fresh Catch is more of a deli than a poke joint, but the fish is SO good and you should swing by if you’re after fresh poke on Oahu. We got the spicy salmon poke and everything tasted very fresh and tasty. Plus, the prices were way lower than we expected (Honolulu is an expensive place!).
There’s a small parking lot provided but getting into and out of it can get tricky because it’s right off a main street, so heads up. The effort is worthwhile because this poke is both delicious and inexpensive.
But I’m not the only one that thinks this is some of the best poke on Oahu — Fresh Catch has expanded to three locations: Honolulu, Kāneʻohe and Kapahulu.
#4. Aloha Cones
Aloha Cones seems to be a hidden gem. Further removed from the downtown core, we decided to pop in after reading rave reviews. We were the only ones in the shop during our visit, but that didn’t deter us — we had a good feeling.
We were quickly greeted by the sweet gal behind the counter and asked for a few minutes to peruse the menu. We landed on a salmon bowl and patiently waited for the magic to happen. And holy cow! It was so delicious! We practically fought for the last grain of rice.
Aloha Cones really hit the spot and we look forward to returning for more visits in the future. This is definitely a contender for the best poke in Honolulu.
#3. Off the Hook
If I lived in Hawaii (imagine!), I’d eat at Off the Hook daily. Located further inland, Off the Hook is worth driving out of the way for. The humble shop was serving poke through a window during our visit (December 2022), so don’t expect to pop down and linger.
Regardless, this poke is worth taking to-go because it’s some of the best poke on Oahu. The menu is full of the usual suspects — tuna, salmon, etc. and the toppings are standard as well. But there’s just something about the quality of fish and the fresh ingredients that brings everything together and makes the end product sing.
So yes, next time you’re exploring paradise, don’t overlook Off the Hook because they serve some of the best poke on Oahu.
#2. Maguro Spot
I’ve probably eaten here 10+ times over the years yet still find myself craving Maguro Spot as soon as the plan hits the tarmac. Between the fresh fish and top-notch sauces, this is some of the best poke on Oahu. Just writing this makes my mouth water.
This isn’t a sit down restaurant, so you’ll need to grab your bounty to go. There’s two tables outside, but they’re usually taken. If you’re keen on sitting down, just wait a few minutes because they turn over quickly.
In terms of prices, I consider this the most affordable poke on Oahu. When flying solo, I opt for the medium size ($10) which never fails to fill me up. The extra large size can easily feed two adults for $18. Considering the prime location a stone’s throw from Waikiki Beach, I consider this a win.
Also worth mention — the staff is usually super nice (a perk!).
#1. Ono Seafood
You know, sometimes you just have to give credit where credit is due and Ono Seafood deserves high praise. Prior to trying it for myself, I was convinced it couldn’t live up to the hype, but I was wrong.
After trying 25+ different spots, I can confirm that Ono Seafood serves some of the best poke on Oahu. We ordered the miso salmon and spicy salmon, I can’t tell you which one was better because they were both exceptional. Plus, the generous portion size makes up for the cost (this was one of the more expensive poke spots on Oahu).
The shop is tiny and there’s only 3 tables outside, so plan to grab your poke to-go. Parking is also a bit challenging to find, but goodness — this spot is worth the effort.
Try to visit this Oahu poke restaurant after the lunch and dinner rush, otherwise you may get stuck in a long line. And I’m here to tell you — there’s better ways to spend your precious vacation days. In any case, I can’t recommend this Honolulu poke joint enough!
Tamashiro Market
Open since 1947, Tamashiro is a full seafood market in Kalihi with the entire back wall devoted to poke. They carry 7+ varieties of ahi alone, plus tako, aku limu, and blue marlin. The ‘alae (red salt) ahi is a classic. Blue marlin poke runs around $10/lb, making it one of the best values on the island. Go early because the good stuff sells out by mid-afternoon. No seating, strictly takeout. Staff will let you sample.
Maguro Brothers
Run by two Japanese brothers who were former fishmongers at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market. They handpick fish each morning from the Honolulu Fish Auction. The hamachi poke bowl and grilled ahi belly are standouts. The Chinatown location is open roughly 9am-2:30pm, then they close and reopen the Waikiki location for dinner from about 5:40pm. Get to the Waikiki spot by 4:45pm to be first in line. They sell out fast.
Mama Kim’s
In the McCully/Kaheka area, Mama Kim’s slices and mixes your poke right in front of you. Google rating of 4.9, which in the poke world is basically unheard of. Build-your-own bowls with generous topping options at some of the best prices on the island. Closed Sundays.
Morning Catch (Chinatown)
Inside O’ahu Market in Chinatown, Morning Catch opened in 2021 and quickly became a local favorite. The fish is cut fresh in the market and sauced to order, not sitting pre-cut. Sashimi-grade ahi, king salmon, hamachi, and tako. The salmon poke is frequently called the best on the island. One choice bowl $15, two choices $18. Located in the heart of Chinatown, away from the tourist crowds.
Best Poke on Oahu (Outside of Honolulu)#2. Poke for the People
Poke for the People has a cute little outpost in the charming town of Haleiwa on the North Shore. We enjoy exploring the area and spent a few random days driving around in search of new-to-us gems. Enter Poke for the People, which turned out to be a fairly popular spot for poke on Oahu.
We waited in line (it moved quickly) before reaching the counter and deciding on a bowl. Our first fish choice was sold out for the day (again, this place is popular!) so we went with our tried and true salmon order.
There’s a few small tables indoors and a charming bench outside. We opted for the outdoor bench and parked ourselves for a few minutes while enjoying some of the best poke on Oahu. Great, no-frills spot is the best way I know to describe it.
#1. Tanioka’s
Tanioka’s is completely worth driving out of the way for. We swung by en route to Honolulu (we were stay on the west end of the island) and found ourselves completed impressed by the quality of this Oahu poke. It melts in your mouth!
Unfortunately for us, we discovered this gem during our last week on the island, otherwise we would have returned weekly. All told, this was my second favorite poke on Oahu (second only to Ono Seafood). Hard to go wrong with either, both would qualify for “death bed” meals for yours truly.
The Hibachi (Kailua)
Open since 2009, The Hibachi is a one-stop shop for poke, marinated meats, and drinks. Poke is assembled fresh in front of you. The Ginger Shoyu Ahi is the go-to, and they carry trout poke which is unusual and worth trying. The Poke Nachos are a must. A few outdoor tables, parking in back. Go early because options dwindle throughout the day.
Kahuku Superette (North Shore)
This place looks like a run-down liquor store from the outside. Inside, the poke counter is the North Shore’s best-kept secret. Sushi-grade tuna, the shoyu poke is the classic, about $18/lb but you only need $8-10 worth for a solid serving. Where North Shore locals actually go. Don’t judge the book by the cover.
Foodland (Yes, the Grocery Store)
Don’t sleep on grocery store poke. Foodland has been voted #1 poke in multiple local polls. They carry varieties you won’t find elsewhere: raw crab, clam, mussels. The Hot Shoyu Ahi with gochujang and inamona is a standout. The Kailua Foodland and Ala Moana Foodland Farms have the best selection. Ahi poke runs about $14/lb. Locals pick up containers for dinner parties and beach picnics. Also check out Redfish Poke Bar by Foodland in Wayfinder Waikiki for 24 rotating varieties.
Markets Selling Poke on OahuMake no mistake, you can get some of the best poke on Oahu at markets too! We’ve been to Hawaii many times over the years and have personally tried (and can recommend) the following markets for great Oahu poke.
- Alicia’s Market
- Foodland
- Koloa Fish Market
- Tamoshiro Market
- Costco: Not the fanciest option in the bunch, but a damn good one. I love Costco’s poke and stock up whenever I visit the island. It keeps in the fridge for 2 days before becoming questionable, which tells me the fish is fresh.
How to Order Poke Like a Local
Pronunciation: It’s “poh-keh” (two syllables), not “poh-kee.”
How ordering works: Choose your base (white rice is traditional), your protein (ahi is the classic), your style (shoyu, spicy, Hawaiian, limu), and your toppings (furikake, masago, seaweed). If it’s your first time, start with shoyu ahi or Hawaiian-style ahi. These are the traditional preparations and give you the truest sense of what poke is.
Ask for samples. Most local shops will let you taste before committing. This is normal and expected.
Go early. The best shops make poke in small batches. By 2-3pm, top varieties are gone.
Buy by the pound at markets. It’s almost always a better deal than ordering bowls, and you get to mix and match. Prices range from $10-16/lb at local markets, up to $18-25 per bowl in Waikiki. The same quality poke that costs $12 in Kalihi runs $20+ in Waikiki.
Bring it to the beach. Locals buy containers and take them to the beach, a park, or a dinner party. It doesn’t need to be eaten at a table. Most of the best shops are tiny, takeout-only counters. That’s by design.
Best Poke on Oahu (Post Summary)In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the best poke on Oahu.
More from our Hawaii guides
Best Poke in Honolulu
- Maguro Spot
- Ono Seafood
- Off the Hook
- Kahiau Jerky Poke & Provisions
- Fresh Catch
- Aloha Cones
Best Poke Oahu (including markets that sell poke on Oahu)
- Tanioka’s
- Poke for the People
- Alicia’s Market
- Foodland
- Koloa Fish Market
- Tamoshiro Market
- Costco
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