Parade of Poke: All the New Poke Coming to Frolic’s May 16 Poke Fest

Here’s who‘s coming to the 2026 Poke Fest and the exclusive poke creations they’re serving.

1 hour ago

Frolic Hawai‘i,

Frolic’s 9th Annual Poke Fest is going to be so ‘ono—not only are veteran poke shops and newcomers vying for the fan favorite King of Poke Fest vote, competition fever has spread to exciting non-poke specialists who are also creating new poke dishes. All this takes place at the island’s biggest poke celebration next Saturday, May 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ka Makana Ali‘i.

The day is not just about poke: Trishnalei and the Situationships are performing live from 5 to 7 p.m., and admission to the whole event is free, as are keiki activities and music and entertainment all evening.

Poke Passes, available for purchase online, will get you a 4-ounce portion of exclusive new Poke Fest poke from five poke vendors of your choice, plus a special access fast lane at each booth and this exclusive new insulated logo tote to keep your poke cool. Poke Passes sell out every year, so get them fast.

Photo: Frolic Hawai‘i

Frolic’s 9th Annual Poke Fest

Where: Ka Makana Ali‘i, 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, parking lot by ‘Ōlino theaters
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Poke Passes: Purchase online here

So who’s coming?

Poke Stand by Shokudo, the Westman Group’s (Kaimukī Shokudo, Waikīkī Shokudo, Paris Hawai‘i, Búho Cocina y Cantina, Sushi Fukurou, Westman Café) new poke shack next to Rice Factory in Kaka‘ako. Look for their Poke Fest exclusive creation with Japanese touches below.

Monarch Poke, which closed this year, is resurrecting with a new poke just for the event. Ali‘i Fish Market is bringing a Southeast Asian-style creation with kaffir lime and crispy noodles, HiLux Catering is taking poke Ilocano-style, Sato Seafood is going Korean-style. Former King of Poke Fest HanaPa‘a Market is doing a Caesar ‘ahi treatment on parmesan toast.

Also vying for the crown are Guaiqueri, which is filling empanada pockets with Margarita-style poke; Let’s Roll—better known as Corner Rolls—is bringing three kinds of crunchy, poke-stuffed spring rolls; and Yamitsuki, better known for its freshly grilled shrimp and tako sembei, is serving up poke with fresh Vietnamese touches and a shrimp chip.

Here’s the full list:

Photo: Courtesy of Ali‘i Fish Market

Ali‘i Fish Market

Chile Kaffir ‘Ahi Poke with Lemongrass Shoyu—Fresh local ‘ahi, Aloun Farms sweet onion, local kaffir lime and herbs, Hawaiian & Thai chiles, uCook Hawai‘i lemongrass sauce, crispy rice noodles