5 Reasons You Need to Go to Honolulu PokeFest

Saturday’s event showcases 15 poke dishes—and it’s air-conditioned.

July 21, 2017

Catherine Toth Fox,

The first-ever Honolulu PokeFest on Saturday will feature both traditional and modern takes on poke, including this twist with Asian pear, garlic, mint, toasted pine nuts, ancho-chili powder and habanero-sesame oil from Kai Poke in The Street, A Michael Mina Social House at the International Market Place.

Photos: Courtesy of Frolic Hawai‘i

Obsessed with poke?

Yeah, we can relate.

Which is why we’re excited about a new event for poke lovers, put on by our sister company Frolic Hawai‘i.

The first-ever Honolulu PokeFest, held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Pier 11 terminal next to Aloha Tower, will showcase 15 different poke dishes, ranging from spicy marlin poke by Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering to a fancy version using Maui Nui venison, crispy sunchokes and umami mayo from Forty Carrots.

If that didn’t already entice you, these five reasons should:

1. The biggest poke names all under one roof.

Eating House 1849 is serving fresh fish of the day with poi, pickled ogo, onion, sea asparagus and chili pepper water.

The participating restaurants and eateries run the gamut, from longtime local favorites—Alicia’s Market and Tamashiro Market—to upscale restaurants, including Eating House 1849 and MW Restaurant.

2. There’s poke for everyone.

From MW Restaurant, this surf-and-turf poke has Brandt beef with grilled shrimp, mushrooms and eggplant.

Love ‘ahi? Prefer salmon? Don’t eat raw fish? There are options, including poke with king crab, shrimp, venison and ʻōʻio (bonefish).

3. Beer!

The event will feature local craft beers, including Aloha Beer Co. pouring its popular Aloha Blonde and Kaka‘ako Kommon ales.

4. It helps a good cause.

Five dollars from each ticket—general admission is $60, VIP is $100—will go to the Hawai‘i Seafood Council, a nonprofit supporting responsible fisheries and sustainable seafood in the Islands through consumer education, outreach and research.

5. The venue is air-conditioned.

After these past couple of windless weeks and barely tolerable humidity, air conditioning in Pier 11 by Aloha Tower, where this event will be held, sounds really nice.

$60 general admission, $100 VIP; 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Pier 11, Aloha Tower, honolulupokefest.com