Poke is a classic Hawaiian dish, and a must-try if you’re on Maui. Once you’ve had poke once, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
If you’re in Kihei, you’re in luck., it’s home to some of the best poke around. No visit to Kihei is complete without a stop at Eskimo Candy, or at least a quick bite from South Maui Fish Company.
This guide can help you find Poke in Kihei to satisfy all your poke cravings.
What is Poke?
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Poke is served all over Maui, as either a light bite or a lunchtime meal.
It typically consists of seasoned and diced protein on a bed of rice, with a side of veggies. It’s the perfect thing to eat on a warm day, leaving you full but not bloated.
For the Freshest Fish
Eskimo Candy and Seafoods
Eskimo Candy and Seafoods is perhaps one of the best poke places on Maui. It’s a family run operation, born out of a desire to see fresh seafood celebrated daily.
Having built themselves up using word of mouth to grow the reputation, Eskimo Candy is now the place in Kihei for poke.
The ahi poke bowls are fresh off the line, and served with a choice of specialty sauces.
Get your poke to take away, or come in and enjoy the pirate themed decorations. Friendly staff can tell you all about the seafood, and impart some local knowledge.
Open Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 4pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
South Maui Fish Company
South Maui Fish Company is a small operation that’s completely dedicated to catching and serving locally caught fish. Boats go out daily to bring back seafood for the South Maui Fish Company, which they serve with minimal processing. No freezing, no frying, and no loss of flavor.
A rustic food cart, it would be easy to ignore South Maui Fish Company if it weren’t for the buzz it attracts. The poke bowl is next level quality, and you can really taste the freshness. Served with a pineapple and coconut milk coleslaw, this dish is a true Maui classic.
If you can, grab yourself the catch of the day to take home. Once you’ve eaten fish fresh from the seas of Maui, you’ll never want it frozen again.
Open Monday – Saturday, 11:30am to 2:30pm, and Thursday – Saturday, 5pm to 8pm. Closed Sunday.
Tamura’s Fine Wine and Liquors
It may not seem the most obvious place to get poke, but Tamura’s Fine Wine and Liquors actually does one of the best bowls on the islands. Inside the Kihei convenience store are a number of surprising deli options, including a large poke bar. Alongside the typical ahi are some more unusual proteins, like crawfish, and scallop.
Speak to the cheerful bar staff, who can help you put together the perfect bowl. Once you’ve made your poke, spend some time perusing the aisles for a beer pairing to wash it down.
Open daily 10am to 7pm. Poke bar can close early, depending on availability. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Times Supermarket
A local secret on Maui is that sometimes the best place to find poke is in the supermarket. While tourists walk past heading to the restaurants, Times Supermarket attracts locals who enjoy the range available in the fabulous poke bar.
With so many options for sale, it can become overwhelming, but it’s a great opportunity to try something new. Seasoned poke eaters can enjoy picking out different toppings, while first-timers can build the perfect bowl.
Knowledgeable staff will guide you through everything available. And when you’re done, you can pick up all the essentials you managed to forget (hello, sunscreen!).
Open daily 5am to 1am. Poke bar opening hours vary, call ahead to avoid disappointment.
For Something Different
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Nalu’s South Shore Grill is a popular Kihei restaurant that’s loved for its delicious breakfasts and long-lasting happy hour. The poke is a highlight of the dinner time menu, using fresh caught ahi and brown rice to craft something that’s healthy and different.
With live music every evening and a casual atmosphere, Nalu’s is the place to go for that island aloha.
Open daily 11am to 9.30pm.
