Where to Find the Best Poke on Maui

Where to Find the Best Poke on Maui

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Clean Plate Club

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Whether you’re a longtime fan or a complete poke novice, if you’re visiting Hawaii, you’ve got to try some poke (POH-kay). This Hawaiian dish features fresh, usually raw, diced fish mixed with other ingredients. There are many different flavor combinations, so try a few and discover your favorite. 

But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes

If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @HawaiiIslander on Instagram to share the love.

For more suggestions on best restaurants in Maui, the best things to do in Maui, and the best places to stay in Maui, click here.

Featured Photo: HuiHui Restaurant

Poke on Maui's South Side

A rectangular plate holding three fish tacos, topped with diced avocado, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sauce. A wedge of lime is placed on the side, and the background shows a blurred view of a beach or ocean.
Photo: Monkeypod Kitchen

The fresh ahi poke tacos in crispy wonton shells are worth coming here on their own. Monkeypod also has a hefty selection of beers on tap, delicious locally sourced small plates, and hand tossed kiawe wood fired pizzas. The daily happy hour (3pm to 5:30pm) is one of the best on the island and the sunsets aren’t half bad either. Open daily 11am to 11pm with happy hour from 3:30pm to 5pm and 9pm to 11pm. 

With a motto of “Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local,” you know this food truck means business when it comes to sustainably-caught fresh fish. It’s so good and popular, they often sell out. Go for the half spicy/half traditional poke bowl featuring the day’s locally caught fish and rice with house-made pineapple coconut slaw — it’ll hit the spot. Open Monday through Saturday 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 8pm, but they recommend calling first to check there’s still fish in stock as they sell out each day. Closed Sunday. 

A takeout container filled with a serving of poké, featuring cubed raw fish topped with seaweed and sesame seeds, accompanied by a side of colorful shredded cabbage salad. The container is open, and the background is slightly blurred.
Photo: South Maui Fish Company
A plate featuring three crispy wonton shells filled with diced ahi tuna, garnished with fresh greens and green onions. A dollop of wasabi aioli sits on the side, and black sesame seeds are sprinkled over the dish, adding a pop of color and texture—truly the Best Poke Maui has to offer.
Photo: Courtesy of Tommy Bahama

At this beautiful open-air restaurant, the poke is served either as tacos (perfect for a snack) or as a poke bowl (more of a meal). Whichever you choose, alongside their handcrafted piña colada, it’s the right choice. Open daily from 12pm to 8pm with happy hour from 2pm to 5pm.  

Poke on Maui's West Side

The community of West Maui is recovering from the wildfires that devastated Lāhainā. Many restaurants are no longer in business or are temporarily closed. Please check their websites for the most recent information. 

A plate of assorted foods from the Best Poke Maui includes a salad with seaweed, halved cherry tomatoes, a bundle wrapped in green leaves tied with a green string, sliced purple vegetables, and what appears to be a leaf-wrapped dessert. Green leaves are also used as garnishes.
Photo: Courtesy of Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Few chefs in Maui have been fishing, diving and making poke for as long as Chef Tom Murumoto. Formerly a pro surfer, Murumoto loves the ocean and is intimately familiar with the fish in Maui. Look for his poke on the lunch menu, where he makes it with Hawaiian ‘inamona (roasted candlenut seasoning), ogo (seaweed), scallions, onions, ginger, sesame oil and Nioi (Hawaiian chili pepper). Open daily for breakfast 7am to 10:30am, lunch from 12pm to 3pm, happy hour from 2pm to 4pm, and dinner from 5pm to 9 pm. 

A close-up of a sushi roll arranged on a white plate, garnished with green onion. The roll includes pieces of fish, avocado, and rice, reminiscent of the flavors at Best Poke Maui. A side dish of soy sauce and a pair of wooden chopsticks are placed beside the plate.

Temporarily Closed

Japengo’s been winning all the awards: 2019 ‘Aipono Best New Restaurant, 2020 ‘Aipono Gold Best Pacific Rim, 2020 ‘Aipono Silver Best Sushi. The views are stunning, the dining room is beautiful, the service is great, and as we already noted, the food is award-winning. If you’re in Lahaina, be sure to drop by. Start with the Japengo poke, of course. Open daily from 5pm to 9pm. 

Close-up of rectangular pieces of sushi topped with slices of raw salmon and tuna, garnished with small sprigs of dill and a touch of wasabi or cream. The sushi pieces are arranged in a zigzag pattern on a light-colored plate.
Photo: @joeyskitchenhi

This spot on Maui’s west side is serving “Hawaiian-inspired Filipino Asian cuisine.” The quality is high and the price is just right. Locally sourced ingredients, seriously yummy food — we recommend the ahi poke plate. Open daily 8:30am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm.  

A bowl of poke featuring diced raw tuna, avocado, and seaweed, garnished with thinly sliced onions and served over a bed of shredded cabbage. The dish is vibrant with greens and reds, highlighting the fresh ingredients.
Photo: Leilani's

This popular, award-winning restaurant sources its produce from over 40 family-owned Maui farms and receives fresh locally-sourced fish every day. One of the best places to take in a Maui sunset, the menu has something for everyone, but we recommend the poke bowl to help you soak up the decadent mai tais. Open daily 11am to 10pm.

A plate of four crispy tacos filled with diced tuna, topped with green avocado sauce and sprinkled with black sesame seeds from Best Poke Maui. A wedge of lime is visible on the side. The tacos are presented on a white plate on a wooden table.
Photo: @nicolesteenfoodie

The fresh ahi poke tacos in crispy wonton shells are worth coming here on their own. Monkeypod also has a hefty selection of beers on tap, delicious locally sourced small plates, and hand tossed kiawe wood fired pizzas. The daily happy hour (3:30pm to 5pm) is one of the best on the island and the sunsets aren’t half bad either. Open daily 11am to 11pm with happy hour from 3pm to 5:30pm and 9pm to 11pm. 

A wooden table displaying three white bowls of food: one with noodles, one with a salad of green beans and vegetables, and one with diced raw fish, avocado, and green onions.
Photo: Star Noodle

Temporarily Closed

It’s no surprise that this award-winning restaurant is one of Maui’s favorite food spots, thanks to their fresh noodles, sake cocktails and Asian-inspired dishes. Their “Ahi Avo“ poke bowl features raw ahi tuna with avocado and lemon pressed olive oil — it’s a must-have, as well as several other items on the menu!. Open every day 10:30am to 9pm. Reservations strongly recommended. 

Poke near Kahului and the Road to Hana

A colorful salad features diced vegetables, leafy greens, and edible flowers, topped with microgreens and drizzled with a creamy dressing, all reminiscent of the fresh flavors in the Best Poke Maui, presented in a white bowl.
Photo: Courtesy of Jaws Country Store

If you’re on your way to or back from Hana, this little store is a great place to stop. It’s got grocery staples, but the food here is the real secret. There’s a little outdoor seating, the service is friendly, and the poke is delicious. Open daily 6am to 5pm. 

A small, blue-painted store named "Kūau Store" is lit up at twilight. The facade displays a surfboard to the left, festive lights inside, and a chalkboard menu above the entrance. Signs include "ATM" and "OPEN," indicating that the store, known for the Best Poke Maui, is open for business.
Photo: Courtesy of Kuau Store

This little shop is a great place to stock up on the go if you’re about to take a long drive or you’re getting ready for a day at the beach. Kombucha is on tap, the healthy snacks are abundant, the grab-and-go deli is well stocked, and the poke is made fresh daily. Open daily from 6:30am to 7pm. 

Two clear plastic cups filled with rice, topped with poke (marinated fish), seaweed, and microgreens from the best poke Maui has to offer sit on a green table. Behind them are two open takeout containers, one with more poke and rice, and the other with curly fries covered in sauce and herbs.
Photo: Courtesy of Like Poke?

This little food truck is usually parked just past the Costco. There are outdoor picnic tables with shade, so it’s a great place to stop and enjoy some poke. Plates come with rice and greens, and there’s also katsu: fish rolled in panko, deep-fried and served with a special sauce. Open Monday through Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm. Closed Sunday.

Two plastic containers filled with seafood dishes are shown. The container on the left has sliced octopus with green onions and peppers. The container on the right, labeled "Best Poke Maui," has pieces of raw fish, possibly tuna, mixed with onions and herbs.
Photo: Courtesy of Takamiya

Serving the community since 1946, this little market is best known for mini bentos, Hawaiian food and poke. There are specials every day. We love the sesame tako (octopus) poke but if you like an extra kick, go for the kim chee tako poke. Open Monday through Saturday 5am to 6pm. Closed Sunday. 

A hand is holding a black bowl filled with the best poke Maui has to offer. The bowl contains diced raw fish, likely tuna, marinated with green onions, sliced white onions, and other seasonings, all served over a bed of rice. The background is an outdoor setting.
Photo: Courtesy of Tamuras

This grocery chain has many locations throughout the islands. It’s a popular stop to grab a few staples, as well as cigars and booze, since their alcohol selection is one of the best around. But most people come to Tamuras for the poke, because it’s really that good. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 7pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. 

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful dish of diced fish over rice, garnished with chopped green onions and bright orange roe. Surrounding the bowl are chopsticks, a small dish of roe, and decorative seashells. The setting exudes a rustic, coastal vibe.
Photo: @tinroofmaui

Chef Sheldon Simeon and wife Janice are the “mom and pop” behind this humble little eatery that serves a mean bowl of poke. Tucked back from the street, you’ll almost miss if you don’t look for it. While they are not a poke shop per se (they only have one poke bowl on their menu, the fish varies daily), they have earned their mention. Everything here is good — mochiko chicken, garlic shrimp, saimin, kale salad and more. With close proximity to the Kahului airport, it’s a great stop to grab some food after landing or before you take off. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 8pm. 

A poke bowl brimming with an assortment of fresh ingredients, including chunks of raw tuna, chopped green onions, shredded cabbage, and lettuce. Garnished with sesame seeds, avocado, and drizzled with a creamy spicy sauce—it's the Best Poke Maui can offer.
Photo: Courtesy of Tobi's Shave Ice

Fresh poke, shave ice, and acai bowls, what else do you need for a yummy snack? Located in the quaint surfer town of Paia, Tobi’s is a great place to get poke. The price is right, the fish is fresh, and the portions are large. Open daily 10am to 5pm. 

Did we miss your favorite restaurant?

Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.

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