Parade of Poke: All the New Poke Coming to Frolic’s May 17 Poke Fest

The biggest poke event of the year returns this Saturday, with vendors creating new poke dishes to win your vote as King of Poke Fest.

May 12, 2025

Hailey Akau,

Poke enthusiasts need not hunt around the island for the most ‘ono fish—Frolic’s 8th annual Poke Fest happens at Ka Makana Ali‘i on Saturday, May 17, with 12 poke vendors from all over O‘ahu showcasing exclusive new poke you’ll only find at this event.

Feast your eyes on the ‘onolicious new poke below. Every vendor will sell a new one-of-a-kind creation along with their signature poke and other dishes. And it’s a tradition by now that you’ll get to vote for your favorite new poke to crown the King of Poke Fest 2025. Last year, Hawai‘i Kai’s HanaPa‘a Market emerged as a first-time champion of Poke Fest East in August. Paradise Poke won the May event at Ka Makana Ali‘i for the third year running. But new to the lineup this year is Beer Lab HI, which debuted poke at its Beretania Street beer garden. Who’ll take the prize this Saturday?

Other things to know: Admission to the 4 to 8 p.m. event is FREE. In addition to the poke vendors, there will be keiki activities and plenty of booths selling Asato Family sherbet, Nabeya Maido MicrowavaBowls, mochi and Dubai chocolate from Da Mochi Guys, Tropicold Wai’s Polynesian Vaifala, Sama Sama boba teas, barbecue skewers and lots more cold drinks, snacks and desserts.

If you super love poke, purchasing a Poke Pass will let you breeze past the lines with a special Fast Lane and a 4-ounce portion of the special new poke from five vendors of your choice. Plus, this year’s pass also gets you an exclusive Poke Fest cooler bag, so you can take your favorite treats home.

Photo: Courtesy of American Savings Bank

And don’t forget to stop by presenting sponsor American Savings Bank’s booth to pick up an activity card. Complete that, and you’ll get a free ASB-Fighting Eel collab tote.

Frolic’s 8th Annual Poke Fest

Where: Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, parking lot by ‘Ōlino theaters
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 4 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Poke Passes: Purchase online here

Here are the exclusive new poke creations coming to Poke Fest 2025:

poke and rice in takeout container with watercress

Photo: Courtesy of Ali‘i Fish Market

Aliʻi Fish Market

Mōʻiliʻili

Aʻu in the Watercress Patch: charred watercress nairagi poke with chile ʻōpae, limu, sea asparagus and sesame

Photo: Beer Lab

Beer Lab

Makiki

Spicy Ginger Scallion Poke

Photo: Courtesy of Da Hub Store

Da Hub

Food Truck

Acai ʻAhi Poke

Photo: Courtesy of FEAST

Feast by Jon Matsubara

Mānoa

Hawaiian Style Poke Aku with ginger, scallion, ‘inamona, gorilla ogo, avocado, chicharrones

HanaPa‘a Market

Hawaiʻi Kai

Garlic Poke Toast with shoyu aioli, pickled and crispy garlic, parmesan buttered crostini

Photo: Courtesy of Ilea’s Kitchen

Ilea’s Kitchen

Farmers markets

Spicy ʻAhi Poke with homemade signature sauce

laksa poke creation for frolic poke fest

Photo: Courtesy of Kapa Hale

Kapa Hale

Kāhala

Laksa Poke: ʻahi, Maui onion, lemongrass, kaffir lime, wakame, crispy rice noodle and curry leaves

Photo: Courtesy of Kickin’ Sweets

Kickin’ Sweets

Wai‘anae

Layered Poke Dip: imitation crab salad, furikake, shoyster poke, unagi, sweet chile and spicy mayo sauces, toppings of green onion, cilantro and wonton chips, and a side of shrimp chips

Photo: Courtesy of Local Poke Bowl

Local Poke Bowl

Waialua

Torched Spicy Truffle Scallop with sweet onion, tobiko, fried garlic and pork rind crumble

Photo: Monarch Poke

Monarch Poke

ʻAiea

Filipino style green mango ‘ahi poke

Photo: Courtesy of Nico’s at Pier 38

Nico’s at Pier 38

Iwilei

Yuzu & Kahuku Sea Asparagus poke: fresh local fish tossed with a citrus soy sauce, infused yuzu tobiko and sweet onions

Photo: Sato Seafood

Sato Seafood

Honolulu

Ginger Poke Bowl: Featuring fresh Hawai‘i-caught ‘ahi and locally grown Hawaiian ginger, marinated in a Japanese-style nikiri soy sauce. A unique fusion of island freshness and traditional Japanese flavor.