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. Here are the best places to get poke in West Maui — Kaanapali and Lahaina.
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.
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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.
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy., Lahaina
808.661.4495
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.
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 is one of the best on the island and the sunsets aren’t half bad either.
1285 Front St., Lahaina
808.661.3322
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!
Stores located island wide
If you ask any college student returning home to Hawaii on their break where they go for a poke bowl, they’ll likely tell you this spot. You can place your order at the counter and do your grocery shopping, or you can order online and skip the line. Either way, this well-priced island classic is surely one you will return to time and time again.
