There is perhaps no dish more uniquely Hawaiian than poke, a raw fish salad that usually consists of cubed aku (an oily tuna), he’e (octopus), or ahi (yellowfin tuna) marinated with sea salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, limu seaweed and chili powder. The delicious dish is often served as an appetizer and is currently taking over the mainland, though Hawaii obviously still does it best. And, let’s be honest, there is nowhere that serves better Poke than Kailua-Kona’s Da Poke Shack.
This small, hole-in-the-wall eatery might not have white tablecloths, a fancy wine list, or anything else that makes for a traditional five-star restaurant, but it does serve up some of the best poke found throughout the Hawaiian Islands - and it’s been recognized for just that.
According to Yelp, this seafood joint was the best restaurant in America in 2014, but has since been demoted to No. 15 for 2016. That’s a pretty awesome title for a seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads.
But that doesn’t mean that the honor is unwarranted - Da Poke Shack has a 4.5-star rating, with more than 1,400 reviews.
Owner Albert Vasconcelles was once quoted as saying he thought Da Poke Shak would cater to locals, though now admits that approximately 90 percent of his business comes from tourists.
Inside, you will find a glass case with up to a dozen different varieties of poke, from their famous Wet Hawaiian, which features scallions, sesame oil and kukui nut oil, to Pele’s Kiss, with Hawaiian chili and habanero peppers.
Poke bowls come with a third of a pound of poke, rice, and your choice of a side. The cost is determined by the market price of the fish, and usually ranges from $8 to $13.
The lines are often long, and the only place to sit are two picnic tables outside, but that doesn’t mean the tiny eatery isn’t worth the three-mile drive from downtown Kona.
Because the shack is so often busy, we suggest grabbing your poke to-go and heading to a nearby beach to enjoy the most mouthwatering Hawaiian food you’ll find anywhere - with ocean views, and the sound of the crashing waves.
Eating poke at 9 a.m. is normal, right? Well, if it's wrong, I don't want to be right. If Da Poke Shack isn't on your Hawaiian food bucket list, add it immediately, along with these 15 joints that serve up Hawaii's best poke.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
