Discover O‘ahu’s 8 Newest Poke Shops
Eight have opened since last spring—and more are in the works.
If you’ve been watching O‘ahu’s food scene, it’s hard to tell what’s expanding faster: new omakase sushi options or new poke shops. We’re betting that more of us have had poke lately than a $150 sushi dinner. So here, by our count, are the latest newcomers to O‘ahu’s poke-scape. All have opened since spring 2022—including two that are new locations of budding poke micro chains, and one that opened less than a month ago. Read on to see who’s expanding even more.
HNL Poke Co.
Ala Moana, August 2022
The only late-night fresh poke option we know of, HNL Poke is a food truck that sets up around 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday to Saturday on Kapi‘olani Boulevard across from the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Poke bowls and ‘ahi poke inari bombs are supplemented on the menu by barbecue plates and specials including fried chicken and adobo.
1770 Kapiolani Blvd., @hnlpokeco
HanaPa‘a Market
Photo: Courtesy of HanaPa‘a Market
Hawai‘i Kai, March 2022
At this Koko Marina Center store, you pick your protein, the sauce combo you want it tossed in and a rice or green salad base. Sandwiches, salads and plate lunches feature heart-healthier choices, including ‘ahi and chicken. You won’t find red meat on this menu, but you will find a spicy ‘ahi poke sandwich. Owner Keoni Luka says the market is “looking to expand to other locations in the near future.”
Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalani‘anaole Hwy, (808) 762-3117, hanapaamarket.com, @hanapaa_market
Hou Fish Market
Photo: Courtesy of Hou Fish Market
Kaka‘ako, April 2022
More of a sushi shop with poke, Hou offers ‘ahi and salmon poke plus sashimi, sashimi bowls, sushi rolls, udon and boba tea. It’s also the rare dog-friendly shop, with choices of salmon and rice or chicken and rice for pooches.
1067 Kapi‘olani Blvd., (808) 591-8668, houfish.com, @hou_fish_market
Kai Poke
Waikīkī, April 2023
Open since April 21 near Ross Dress for Less on Seaside Avenue, this one has a DIY setup: You choose between rice or salad, poke type and sides—which, apart from choices like avocado and seaweed salad, include corn and Dole pineapple. Chef special poke bowls include one with Kaua‘i shrimp and lemon mayo and a Hawaiian Salmon bowl with capers, salmon roe and macadamia nuts.
333 Seaside Ave., (808) 200-2060
Monarch Poke*
Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Poke
‘Aiea, October 2022
Poke shares the spotlight with plate lunches and sides at Adam Gilbert’s shop in Pearl Kai Shopping Center. And by “plate lunches and sides,” we mean everything from head-on shrimp in a sauce of crab roe and coconut milk to fried ‘ahi belly ginisang-style and bulgogi beef bao bun.
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 762-3232, monarchpoke.com, @monarch_poke
SEE ALSO: Poke, Sandwiches and Plates Stay Supah ‘Ono at Monarch Poke in ‘Aiea
Morning Catch Poke
Chinatown, January 2023
Morning Catch’s new shop opened on Kekaulike Mall, across the street from the original one, still in business inside O‘ahu Market. On offer at the new place besides poke are sashimi and temaki hand rolls with more dine-in seating.
1039 Kekaulike St., @morningcatchoahu
Paradise Poke*
Photo: Mari Taketa
Waikīkī, February 2023
Paradise’s first location in Nu‘uanu was just the start. Opened in summer 2021, it helped fuel expansion to the Ilikai Hotel in February—and if current plans hold, two more Paradise Poke shops will open this year. Co-owner Chance Kim says the targeted opening for a store at Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center near Costco is September; the other, at 1029 Makolu St. in Pearl City near Panda Express, could follow in October.
1777 Ala Moana Blvd, @paradisepokehi
SEE ALSO: The Winner of the Fan Favorite Vote at Frolic’s 2022 Poke Fest Is …
Ryder’s Poke & Shave Ice
Photo: Courtesy of Ryder’s Poke and Shave Ice
‘Aiea, July 2022
Opened last summer, when Ryder Yamaguchi was 18 years old, Ryder’s sells poke and—you guessed it—shave ice plus ice cream and other frozen desserts (hello, kūlolo sundae!). Fish is fresh and sourced from local fishers. In an Instagram post, Yamaguchi thanks “the awesome ‘regulars,’ neighbors, aunties, uncles, runners and that person at the Arizona Memorial sending us all the tourists.”
99-016 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 762-POKE (7653), @ryderspokexshaveice
*Appearing at Frolic’s 6th annual Poke Fest this Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ka Makana Ali‘i.
