Best Poke in Maui: Top 6 Places for Mouthwatering Poke Bowls

Aloha, fellow poke enthusiasts!

My journey for incredible Hawaiian cuisine began when my boyfriend and I hopped on a plane to beautiful Maui. We craved the freshest island poke, bursting with flavor from local ingredients that only Hawaii can offer.

Let me tell you:
I’ve spent years savoring various types of poke bowls – from small Mom-and-Pop shops to high-end restaurants where it’s practically an art form. But during our time in Maui, we took our love for this scrumptious dish even further by meeting chefs and discovering unique flavors at each establishment.

The good news is that I’ve done all the legwork (and fork work) for you! In this article, I’ll be sharing my experiences and insights to help guide you towards finding mouthwatering poke bowls that suit your preferences.

Warning: You might find yourself daydreaming of a tropical paradise while digging into these amazing dishes!

So sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on an epic quest through some of Maui’s finest poke places.

Here are my top six places ranked according to variety, flavorings, locations, dietary requirements, and prices—so there’s something perfect for everyone!

South Maui Fish Company – Best Poke in Maui

This Maui food truck in a small strip mall serves some of the best poke in Maui. The owners catch fresh fish every day for their menu, so it changes seasonally. 

However, the truck is famous in the area, and they sell out during the day so go early to try the poke. 

The poke comes in two different-sized bowls, with ½ a pound of poke in the large one and ⅓ pound in the bento. Plus, you can choose between regular and spicy poke or a mix of both. Try the sweet onion ahi poke, and ahi belly poke, both super delicious and packed with fresh flavors. 

South Maui Fish Company is also famous for its fish tacos made with spicy aioli, grilled fish, and an unagi drizzle. We loved their marlin taco and ahi taco, which were filling and delicious. Another great snack is their tropical ceviche served with tortilla chips, but this might not be available every season.

You’ll love the fresh seafood and traditional flavors of poke at South Maui Fish Company, as theirs is the best poke in Kihei, Maui. 

• They have a few seats outside the truck where you can sit and enjoy the poke. 
• The regular poke costs $20, and the poke bento costs $17. 
• They also sell raw fish fillets caught fresh in the day at market prices. 

Address: 1794 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, Maui, HI.

Eskimo Candy – Best Poke in Kihei Maui

Located off the beaten path in a fish market, Eskimo Candy serves some terrific poke made fresh every day. Since they’re a favorite spot in Kihei that’s always crowded, so you have to wait in line for a while. 

The family-owned business has been serving fresh fish for decades, and its menu has great seafood options. 

Eskimo Candy serves their infamous ahi poke bowls in four flavors; shoyu, wasabi, furikake, and spicy tuna, over white rice and spicy wasabi aioli. If you can’t decide, get the poke sampler with all four types in one. The bowls are always super fresh and sell out before the day ends (so come here early!)

You can also get other great dishes like their Fish and Chips with a choice of Ono, Mahi, or Opakapaka, with fries and coleslaw. Also try the Fish Platter, Teriyaki Chicken bowls, and fish tacos. 

No matter what you try at Eskimo Candy, it’ll be a meal to remember since they serve one of the best poke in Kihei Maui.

• They have a great kids menu, so families will enjoy a meal here.
• Call ahead and place your order to avoid the lines 
• Their prices are reasonable, at $15 for poke.

Address: 2665 Wai Wai Pl, Kihei, Maui, HI.

MonkeyPod Kitchen – Best Poke in Wailea Maui

MonkeyPod Kitchen is an upscale fine dining restaurant with multiple locations in Maui and Oahu. Run by Chef Peter Merriman, it serves delicious seafood meals and Hawaiian classics daily.

Chef Merriman serves classic dishes with a unique twist, so you’ll love his version of poke served in a loaded taco.

The delicious Poke Tacos comes with fresh raw ahi, vegetables like ginger, shoyu, cabbage, and an avocado cream sauce drizzle, served in crispy wonton shells instead of tortillas. My boyfriend and I always get their poke tacos as starters, filling us up before the mains!

MonkeyPod also has terrific lunch and dinner menus, so try the cheesy hand-tossed Margherita pizza, the cheeseburger, and the Saimin, with handmade noodles, all made to order and very flavorful. 

We loved MonkeyPod’s take on poke, and you will too after trying their gourmet flavors.

• They have happy hour starting at 3.30 pm, and you can get the food at half off.
• The service here is friendly and efficient. 
• MonkeyPod Kitchen is pricier than most poke places but well worth the flavor.

Address: 10 Wailea Gateway Pl, Wailea, Maui, HI.

Like Poke? – Cheapest Poke in Maui

After landing in Maui, head straight to Like poke’s food truck, which is in a parking lot alongside many other food trucks outside Costco. There are tables with umbrellas, so it’s a cozy spot to eat and chat with locals. However, come early since the food truck sells out quickly. 

They have different poke flavors, which you can get together in the combo bowl. Try the Raw Poke, Hurricane Poke, Shoyu Wasabi, and Hawaiian, all made with delicious and fresh ingredients that hit the spot. Pair your poke bowls with crispy Furikake Fries and tie the meal together. 

They also have terrific katsu fish, fried in panko crumbs and served with a tangy sauce. 

Don’t miss the poke at Like poke, as they serve the cheapest poke in Maui.

• Guy Fieri featured this truck on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. 
• The poke is pretty cheap at $15 for huge portion sizes. 
• Get the favorite combo plate; Ahi Katsu, Shoyu Ginger, and Shoyu Wasabi Poke.

Address: 591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, Maui, HI. 

Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors – Best Poke in Lahaina Maui

Don’t be surprised to read the name, the best poke in Lahaina is indeed sold inside a grocery and liquor store. Unfortunately, Tamura doesn’t advertise their poke openly, so you can only get some after visiting the nearest store and checking out their deli counter. 

Their poke comes in nearly ten different flavors, all made from the freshest ingredients and incredibly delicious. A local favorite is the Ahi Island Sunrise which is spicy and sweet. Also, try their classic Shoyu and Hawaiian poke bowls with traditional toppings like soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and sweet ones.

My boyfriend and I heard about Tamura’s poke range from a friend who visited Maui, and it’s become our go-to poke place ever since. Aside from poke, you can also get other great food from their incredible deli counter, like fresh fish, cold cheeses, and even Alaskan King Crab.

You’ll love the fresh poke at Tamura’s, as they make the best poke in Lahaina Maui.

• You can get a variety of locally made goods, seasonings, and spirits in the grocery section.
• The staff at the deli counter is friendly and lets you sample poke flavors before getting one. 
• They close early, so stop here by lunchtime at the latest.

Address: 226 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, Maui, HI. 

Tobi’s Shave Ice and Poke – Best Poke in Paia Maui

Tobi’s is a local favorite spot in Paia town for excellent poke, acai bowls, and shaved ice. They’re a food stand on Paia’s lively streets, next to several galleries, restaurants, bars, and live music stations. 

Their Ahi poke is the most famous, so try the original flavor that’s nicely seasoned or with the spicy ‘suicide’ mayo for a kick. And don’t miss the seared Ahi plate, which is a big portion of seared fish served with salad. 

My boyfriend and I always stop at Tobi’s on our way back from Road to Hana for a quick lunch. Our favorite poke flavors are tuna, and wasabi/shoyu, with a side of kimchi, fresh salad, rice, and sides. 

After poke, get their shaved ice topped with naturally made syrups. We love Tobi’s as they have the best poke in Paia Maui.

• Visit in the late afternoon to see the hippy culture, live music, and great company. 
• The poke is a generous serving for $20. 

Address: 137 Hana Hwy, Paia, Maui, HI,

Wrap Up: The Best Poke on Maui

Maui’s shores offer excellent views and delicious food. You can find the best poke on Maui in eateries lining the streets, shacks, food trucks, and local stands. Every poke place has its unique version of the Hawaiian classic, with fresh seafood additions in the raw fish, dressings, and marinades. The traditional Hawaiian poke often features ahi poke tossed with soy sauce, sesame seeds, and green onions, among other ingredients. This Hawaiian dish is a must for any seafood lover.

No matter where you try poke from in Maui, it’ll be excellent quality, fresh daily, and packed with flavor. Some of the popular spots include Kahiau’s Poke Truck, known for its expansive and tasty selection.

Want to have the best fusion poke? Try the poke tacos at MonkeyPod Kitchen, served with fresh guacamole. You might even discover some poke versions featuring cooked shrimp.

Need a no-frills traditional poke? You can’t go wrong with Tobi’s and Eskimo Candy.

Looking for poke made from fresh island catch? Don’t miss South Maui Fish Company, located near a beautiful beach, a perfect place for a seafood feast.

You’ll love the mouthwatering poke in Maui, whether it’s traditional ahi tuna poke or a poke bowl Japanese style.

FAQ

What makes Hawaiian poke different from other types of poke bowls?

Hawaiian poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with fresh raw ahi tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Hawaiian sea salt. Its unique combination of ingredients sets it apart from other poke bowl options like Japanese-style ones. Sesame Tako and Tako Poke with spicy mayo are variations that satisfy the adventurous taste buds.

What are some traditional Hawaiian food items that pair well with eat poke dishes?

Shave ice can complement an invigorating session at any poke bar. Other island favorites include shrimp, scallops, pork, dishes flavored with garlic, and dishes with chili pepper notes to enhance your dining experience.

Are there any must-try variations for people new to enjoying the best poke on Maui?

For those seeking out the best poke on Maui, venture into Takamiya Market in Wailuku, Hawaii, known for its traditional Hawaiian styles. Look out for concoctions featuring diverse combinations like soy sauce-based dressings, ponzu sauce, and accouterments akin to those found in Hawaiian sea salt seasoning mixes.

Why should someone visit Maui for experiencing some best fresh poke on their vacation?

Visiting Maui provides opportunities not only to relish breathtaking landscapes but also savor the island’s unrivaled best fresh poke selections. Renowned eateries like Japengo, an award-winning restaurant, serve up mouthwatering fare featuring distinctive regional flavors. Make sure to try the Japengo poke while you’re there!

How does Foodland contribute to the popularity of Hawaiian poke?

Foodland, a popular grocery store chain in Hawaii, offers an extensive range of delicious, freshly prepared Hawaiian poke options at its deli section. Don’t miss the sesame tako and tako poke at this popular spot.

Is HuiHui a recommended spot for experiencing different styles of Poke in Hawaii?

Yes, HuiHui, a popular food truck in Central Maui, serves as an excellent choice for adventurous foodies keen on trying new variations inspired by classic preparations. Their menu features innovative items blending diverse culinary influences without sacrificing authenticity.

Don’t forget to share your poke experience on Instagram or your blog, as the vibrant, fresh ingredients make for a visually stunning post. And, if you’re dining al fresco, a picnic table can make the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you opt for take-out or dine in, you’re sure to love every bite of the poke in Maui.

Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Brigitte