Visit Kona: Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

I recently went to Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill for the first time.

Caesar

There is an Ahi Caesar on the menu, but my co-worker asked to sub the ahi for poke, and they allowed it for an extra charge (he chose Da Avo poke).  He enjoyed the poke!

Poke Nachos

The Poke Nachos consisted of won ton chips, seaweed salad, unagi sauce, lomi salmon, garlic aioli, and your choice of poke (pictured is Kanaka poke - ogo, Hawaiian chili pepper, onions, shoyu, & oyster sauce).

Our team member really liked the poke.

Crispy Pork Belly

I really liked the Crispy Pork Belly and the accompanying Bug Juice.  

Lolo for Kulolo

The Lolo for Kulolo consisted of panko crusted Kulolo, deep fried and served with your choice of ice cream (we opted for Haupia).  

The lau lau dishes on the menu were sold out for the day, so it seems like those are the popular items.

Portions were huge and prices reasonable!

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

74-5599 Pawai Pl

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Redfish Poke Bar Waikiki

Thank you to our sponsor for this complimentary meal. All reviews and opinions are my own.

Redfish Poke Bar by Foodland, tucked away in a quieter corner of Waikiki, is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the main streets. The location, off the beaten path, makes it easily accessible by car and provides a more laid-back vibe, perfect for those seeking a relaxed, open-aired dining experience.

What sets Redfish apart is its innovative approach to poke. The menu features a creative array of poke varieties, available in unique flavor combinations that are sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you're a traditionalist or looking to try something new, there's something for everyone. In addition to their poke, Redfish offers a selection of "small bites" — perfect for appetizers — and "medium bites," which are ideal for sharing family-style.

For families, the keiki menu is a great option, and for those looking to unwind, the happy hour (2 PM - 5:30 PM daily) is not to be missed. The beverage menu is just as diverse, featuring both boozy and non-boozy drinks that complement the fresh, flavorful dishes.

We had the pleasure of trying a few dishes during our visit, and we were impressed by the bold flavors and fresh ingredients. 

Okonomiyaki Fries

Crispy Chicken Wings

Poke Flight

Hamachi (Ginger Scallion +$3)

Salmon (Hawaiian)

Ahi (Hawaiian)

Short Rib Loco Moco

Shrimp & Garlic Noodles

Malasada Bites

Chocolate Haupia Sundae

The highlight of the meal was definitely the Poke Trio. The poke was incredibly fresh and packed with flavor. The Okonomiyaki Fries would delicious but it would have been even better if the fries were served hot. The malasada bites were our favorite dessert of the two desserts we tried. 

A big thank you to our sponsors for inviting us to experience one of Waikiki's best spots for local favorites and poke!

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday & Saturday, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Located in the Wayfinder Waikiki

2375 Ala Wai Blvd.

Honolulu. 96815

(808) 921-3220

Validated Parking: $6 for 3 hours (valet only)

Kama'aina Discount: 10% off with Hawaii I.D.

redfishpoke.com

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Paradise Poke

Paradise Poke is one of my favorite places for poke bowls. Their poke is always fresh and often times made to order (can't get any fresher than that!). But did you know they have a lot of other delicious non-poke items on their menu? 

Ever since I tried one of their onigiri, I have been coming here whenever I am in need of onigiri for gifting.  Why just gifting? Because I only gift the best to my friends and family, and I feel that Paradise Poke makes one of the best onirigis in town.  They have a variety of flavors (crunchy ume, tuna, salmon, kombu, spicy ahi, salmon & ikura, spicy negi mentaiko), and onigiri are all packaged in a special wrapping that separates the nori from the rice, so the nori is crispy when you're ready to eat it!  They also have musubis with spam, and Goteborg, which is a Swedish sausage made of beef and pork.

On a recent visit to Paradise Poke to pick up some onigiri and musubis for a friend, I saw a couple of bentos at the register. I asked the cashier what it was and she said it was ahi katsu, $8.  I told the cashier "I'll take one!"  I couldn't resist,  even though I had leftovers for lunch that day.

The bento was not made to order, so the ahi katsu wasn't super hot or crispy, but I didn't mind. The ahi part was moist, considering it was cooked ahi, and the mayo and other sauce that was was drizzled on top is what really made this bento delicious in my mind. Also, I love the rice that Paradise Poke uses. I heard they use premium rice from The Rice Factory, which really makes a difference.  And for $8, I felt this was a great deal. I just wish this was on their regular menu. Maybe they'll put it on their rotation of daily specials more often (hopefully!).

 

One of these days I will try their baked salmon w/garlic noodles - it's been on their menu since they opened but I've never ordered it. 

You can find Paradise Poke in Nuuanu, Waikiki, and is coming soon to Hawaii Kai!

Online ordering is available at: paradisepokenuuanu.com

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PARADISE POKE
1613 NUUANU AVENUE
808-260-4580

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Monarch Poke at Pearl Kai Shopping Center

Shoyu Ahi Poke Bowl

Created by the owners of Plantation Tavern in Kapolei, Monarch Poke is a relatively new restaurant located in the Pearl Kai shopping center.  Monarch Poke specializes in quality, fresh poke while serving up a variety of poke bowls, plate lunches, pupus, and sandwiches.  

We stopped in for lunch and being our first time, we were a little overwhelmed by the menu.  The counter person was very nice and offered us a sample of their poke which was delicious!  The spicy ahi had a nice kick to it.  I ended up getting the three piece bulgogi beef with gochujang aioli and cucumber kim chee which was very tasty.  

California Ahi Poke Bowl

Bulgogi Beef Bao Buns

With such a great menu, Monarch Poke is a welcomed addition to Pearl Kai!  They are open from 11am to 6pm Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Go check them out for your next poke fix! 

   

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K.bay Bros Fish & Ice

K.bay Bros Fish & Ice recently celebrated their first year of business with discounted poke bowls and a raffle drawing. I am a huge fan of K.bay Bros - they have the freshest tasting poke and the people who work here are sooooo nice!

I always get the poke made with previous frozen ahi because it's a lot cheaper in price, yet to me the taste and texture is just as good as fresh ahi (no strings, not fishy).

You can buy poke by the pound, or as a poke bowl .. I like to buy the poke bowls because it comes with furikake and unagi sauce (for select poke varieties). You have the option of one or two scoops of rice.

And another reason why I like to get my poke fix here is because they have a freezer full of sherbert made by Scoop Scoops HI! The K.Bay Bros Special is a must-try!

 

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K.BAY BROS FISH & ICE

46-028 Kawa Street

808-235-0858

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K. Bay Bros Fish & Ice

K. Bay Bros took over the spot formerly occupied by Love's Bakery in Kaneohe (near Windward Mall) last September, featuring more than 20 varieties of poke a day.  Some are made with fresh fish, some frozen, and for the most part, you can tell which is which by the price per pound.  I stopped by here on a whim to get some poke to bring home for the hubby to try, since poke is one of his favorite things to eat.  

After deliberating in front of the display for what seemed like forever (since there were so many choices!), I settled on the salmon furikake (mostly for me since I love salmon!) and the Pau Hana for him.  Although the Pau Hana is made with previously frozen ahi, you wouldn't notice it because of all the ingredients that are mixed in (imitation crab, cucumbers, green onoins, black sesame seeds).  

It's definitely a place that you have to visit on more than one occassion.  If you like spicy ahi, I've heard the Inari Bombs are a must-try.

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K. Bay Bros
46-028 Kawa Street
(808) 235-0858

 

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Sushi Cake from Poke Market

Poke Market is THE spot for poke in Hilo. I have many culinary professional friends who have proclaimed Poke Market the best spot for poke, as Chef Ernie Gray really layers on the flavors, creating the tastiest poke bowls like no other you can find in Hilo.

Poke Market also creates special Sushi Cakes! Poke Market is the first place I've seen create Sushi and Poke Cakes, and now it's a trend throughout Oahu and beyond.

The Sushi Cakes come in all different sizes, so no matter how big or small your party (or if you just want one for yourself) - Poke Market can create one perfect for that special occasion (or just because!).

This Sushi Cake was filled with imitation crab, aburage, cucumber, and topped with sashimi, sushi, microgreens, bubu arare, and wasabi peas. It was such a tasty combination of textures and flavors - I ate two slices in one sitting!

Check out Poke Market to satisfy all your poke cravings!

Poke Market

41 Wainuenue Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii
(808) 426-0277

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Paradise Poke Hawaii

New to Oahu's poke bowl scene is Paradise Poke Hawaii, a small restaurant in Nuuanu Shopping Plaza (next to Starbucks). 

They feature fresh poke, musubi/onigiri, grab & go bentos, sashimi, and plate lunches.  

I came here to pick up some poke for the husband to try at home. The poke is fresh and sold by the pound, or as a poke bowl.  

1/4 pound is the perfect size for sampling. They had 8 different flavors, all of which looked very fresh and flavorful!

ginger scallion ahi

truffle ponzo salmon

The two we tried were the ginger scallion ahi and truffle ponzo salmon, both of which we would highly recommend!  The prices here are higher than normal, but you won't be disappointed with the quality. 

I am planning to return soon to try the garlic shrimp plate with garlic noodles!

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PARADISE POKE HAWAII
1613 Nuuanu Ave
(808) 260-4580

 

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Poke For The People Express

Poke For the People, a hole-in-the-wall joint on the North Shore of Oahu, has a second location in Honolulu, in a nondescript pink standalone building, within walking distance of the Board of Water Supply and Queen's Medical Center.

On the menu you will find poke bowls, sushi bowls, salads, and grab-n-go bentos.  They offer a variety of poke (shrimp, ahi, hamachi, salmon), and you can get your poke bowl with one or two choices of poke.

Each poke bowl comes with crab salad, edamame, ocean salad, pickled ginger, and unagi drizzle. You can add extra toppings for an additional charge per topping.

Prices are very reasonable and the portions are larger than most other places. 

Phone and online orders are accepted and highly recommended. Catering is also available!

POKE FOR THE PEOPLE EXPRESS

725 KINAU STREET

(808) 312-3626

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