
Da Poke Shack
A humble shack serving up Hawaii's best, freshest poke with authentic island flavors and customizable options.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Da Poke Shack

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A humble shack serving up Hawaii's best, freshest poke with authentic island flavors and customizable options.
"This is going to be very hard to beat. Best Poke Ever!"
Arrive Early
Popular poke flavors sell out quickly; visit early to ensure the best selection and avoid disappointment.
Portion Size
Consider ordering larger portions for a more satisfying meal, as fish cuts in smaller bowls may be smaller.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Hawaiian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Incredibly Fresh Poke
Ranked among the best in the U.S., Da Poke Shack offers exceptionally fresh, locally sourced poke with unique, mouthwatering flavors.

Customizable Poke Bowls
Build your perfect poke bowl or plate with a variety of signature marinated fish and delicious side options like kimchee and seaweed salad.

Authentic Hawaiian Flavors
Experience the true taste of Hawaii with traditional recipes and local ingredients, including unique flavors like Pele's Kiss and Shack Special.
Plans like a pro.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Popular poke flavors sell out quickly; visit early to ensure the best selection and avoid disappointment.
Portion Size
Consider ordering larger portions for a more satisfying meal, as fish cuts in smaller bowls may be smaller.
Parking Considerations
Parking is limited; consider parking on nearby streets or by the market and walking over.
Payment Methods
Be aware that they may only accept credit cards during certain times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Popular poke flavors sell out quickly; visit early to ensure the best selection and avoid disappointment.
Portion Size
Consider ordering larger portions for a more satisfying meal, as fish cuts in smaller bowls may be smaller.
Parking Considerations
Parking is limited; consider parking on nearby streets or by the market and walking over.
Payment Methods
Be aware that they may only accept credit cards during certain times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Da Poke Shack is widely acclaimed for its incredibly fresh and flavorful poke, often hailed as the best on the island. Diners praise the authentic Hawaiian tastes and the ability to customize bowls with a variety of delicious toppings. While the food consistently earns high marks, the limited seating and occasional parking challenges are noted drawbacks for some visitors.
"Food: Super fresh and well seasoned! We got the small poke bowl as the price is a bit high there but definitely worth trying! Their shoyu flavor is REALLY good. We tasted nothing fishy and only the balanced seasonings.
Ambiance: they only have 2 outdoor seating and it’s easily got taken by family during traveling season.
Service: nice and helpful. Not very easy to park as they located in a residential building."
Lydia Chang
"We chose this restaurant because it had a high rating with many people reviewing the restaurant. The shrimp and tuna were very fresh, but the taste was way below my expectations. The staff was very informative, friendly, and efficient. The price is standard Hawaiian food, expensive :)"
Juanita Wibowo
"We love poke and this place did not let us down. Very easy to understand the ordering and they had streamlined, fast service. Definitely would go back!
Only suggested upgrade is more seating. We sat down the road at another vendor’s food/shaved ice truck near the ocean."
Ashlyn Hermann Dixon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
They are celebrated for using exceptionally fresh, locally sourced fish, often caught daily, and preparing it with unique, authentic Hawaiian marinades and flavors.
Yes, you can customize your poke bowl or plate by choosing your base, up to four poke selections, and two sides.
Pele's Kiss (spicy tuna), Shack Special (sweet), Spicy Garlic Sesame, and Hawaiian Shoyu are frequently recommended.
The restaurant has very limited seating, with only a couple of outdoor picnic tables. Many visitors opt for takeout.
It's best to visit early, ideally shortly after they open at 10 am, as they operate on a 'sold-out, close-up' system.
Yes, they offer a well-seasoned tofu option for their vegetarian bowls.
Common side options include wakame seaweed salad, edamame, brown rice, and kimchi.
Mentioned in
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Located on Alii Drive at the Kona Bali Kai Condo, Da Poke Shack is a laid back local favorite for high quality takeouts. Must try dishes here include a Hawaiian dish of raw cubed seafood, most often tuna, dressed with soy and other seasonings, as well as the garlic sesame edamame beans. A top spot for authentic cuisine on the Kona coast, the house made spicy mayo and Korean sauce provide the perfect accompaniments to any meal here.
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Yes, your tab might be a bit high, but it will be worth it because authentic, always-fresh poke doesn't get better than this. Enjoy bowls that include two selections of poke, one side, and a scoop of rice. The plates offer more choices.
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Tempt your taste buds with a variety of fresh poke at this classic shack. Spicy Pele’s Kiss is a local favorite, but you won’t go wrong with garlic and sesame. Or why choose when you can order a plate with four poke selections?
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Poke is a local specialty that blends ceviche and sushi: raw, marinated cubes of fish mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, chilies, seaweed and…well, really,…
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This is been ranked one of the best restaurants in the United States and is a tiny little dive in front of an apartment complex on Ali’I Drive so if you blinked you might miss. This very simple and unassuming spot only has a couple of inside tables and a couple of outside tables but you can get some amazing poke in a variety of different flavors such as Dynamite Poke with avocado, spicy garlic sesame poke, and Hawaiian or Shoyu. There are also a lot of sites to choose from such as rice, mixed greens, and kimchee so you can really customize your poke bowl to suit your taste.
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Having earned the Food Network's seal of approval as one of America's best places to eat, Da Poke Shack scores even better with its devoted hometown crowd. Quickly dishing up some of Hawaii's absolute best poke on the island, this Ali'i Drive "shack" is the ideal stop for anyone craving a fresh and authentic poke bowl made with locally sourced fish—sometimes brought in and prepared directly from the boat that caught it. Their poke is marinated to perfection, allowing the natural flavors of the seafood to shine through.
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Da Poke Shack is celebrated for its use of local ingredients and traditional recipes, offering some of the best poke in Kona. This eatery specializes in fresh, flavorful poke bowls that showcase the chef’s recommendations and expertise in Hawaiian cuisine. With a focus on quality and authenticity, Da Poke Shack provides a true taste of Hawaii, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists looking to indulge in traditional Hawaiian food.
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The absolute best place to find fresh, local, and authentic Hawaiian poke is Da Poke Shack. You can build your own poke bowl or plate here, one features two types of poke and the other features four, so regardless of how hungry you are you’ll be able to satisfy your poke craving here. Each bowl or plate is freshly made to order and comes served with rice and your choice of sides including kim chee mussels, wakame seaweed salad, or edamame.
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Serving unbelievably fresh and mouthwatering poke on the Big Island, Da Poke Shack is a take-out style restaurant that lets its food do all the talking!. The place may be small with shared tables and limited outdoor seating, but it’s the perfect spot for grabbing a fresh meal bowl to-go, especially if you’re headed to the beach or a nearby beachfront park. When you step into Da Poke Shack, you have two choices: Poke Bowl or Poke Plate.
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Where: 76-6246 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740What It’s About: Consistently rated as one of the best poke spots in Hawaii, Da Poke Shack serves ultra-fresh, expertly seasoned poke in a casual, beachfront setting. Their poke bowls come with a choice of sides like seaweed salad and kimchi cucumber.Why You Should Go: Known for its high-quality fish and robust flavors, Da Poke Shack is a must-visit for poke enthusiasts.
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There is an on-island rivalry between Umeke's and Da Poke Shack, the two poke mainstays in Kailua-Kona. Umeke's has an expanded restaurant, and also an expanded menu, offering more than sashimi-style fish for pickier eaters (chicken katsu, grilled cheese, and other eclectic offerings). But the takeout counter is the main thing: White or brown rice, a seaweed or edamame side, plus a scoop of poke of your choice to go.
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It’s easy to find good poke almost anywhere in the islands (grocery stores, even gas stations), but for something special, check out Reel Aloha Poke and Fish Co. in Kealakekua. Perfect for grab and go, take it to the beach and enjoy. If you prefer a spot to dine in or not everyone in your party likes raw fish, Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill is located in Kona and has lots of options to keep everybody happy.
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At Da Poke Shack, families can dive into the flavors of the island with fresh, locally sourced seafood that’s both healthy and flavorful. This laid-back eatery offers a variety of poke bowls, from spicy ahi to sweet shrimp, each prepared with a touch of Hawaiian tradition. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to try something new while parents enjoy dishes crafted with gourmet flair.
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Da Poke Shack is close to the beach and has some of the best poke on the island. Hawaii (The Big Island) Best Restaurants in Hawaii (The Big Island) Thanks to its deep waters, green pastures, and fertile fields, the Big Island provides local chefs with a cornucopia of fresh ingredients. +1 for farmers markets - Kona and Hilo - such an easy way to try local foods.
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We had melt-in-your-mouth fancy at the Four Seasons ‘Ulu Ocean Grill on the Big Island and downhome at Umeke’s and Da Poke Shack in Kona. When we wanted to take some back to our hotel along with some rum and P-O-G (passion, orange and guava juice, the perfect cocktail mixer in a carton), we stopped at a KTA Supermarket to pack some poke for a midnight snack.
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No guide to Kailua-Kona is complete without mention of Da Poke Shack – according to Yelp, this seafood joint is one of America’s greatest restaurants. That’s a pretty high honor for a seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads. You need to try a dish at this incredible spot.
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Da Poke Shack may look unassuming from the outside, but inside you’ll find the freshest, locally caught Hawaiian fish around (short of catching it yourself). No matter what time of day you arrive, there will most likely already be a line outside the door. But don’t worry, these guys are used to the queues and the employees inside have seen it all.
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Da Poke Shack is next on our list as one of the best beachside poke shops located steps from Holualoa Bay. Sit outside to dine or order take-out from this quaint cafe-style poke shop that specializes in fresh tuna poke. With flavors like Spicy Garlic, Wet Hawaiian, and the Shack Special, Da Poke Shack has something for every visitor.
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Known throughout the island for its delicious and fresh poke dishes, Da Poke Shack ( website) is the place to try if you are curious about poke and poke bowls. Poke is the perfect lunchtime meal to take on the go, to the beach, or to a nearby beach-front park for example. Da Poke Shack prides themselves to always serve fresh fish.
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I really wanted to visit the famous Da Poke Shack (poke is raw fish), but it was a bit further out of town, and we had to be in Waipi’o Valley by a certain time to pick up the keys for our Airbnb so instead we went to Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill, which was amazing!. Definitely one of the best meals of the trip.
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No visit to Kailua-Kona is complete without savoring the local delicacy – poke. Da Poke Shack, located in the heart of the town, is renowned for serving some of the best poke bowls on the island. With an emphasis on freshness and quality, you can customize your bowl with a variety of fish, sauces, and toppings.
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Diners at Da Poke Shack can rest easy knowing that none of the fish used is ever frozen. In fact, everything is caught fresh, ensuring a rich taste and clean texture. Though Da Poke Shack is most famous for its ahi or yellowfin tuna, it also features shrimp, octopus, and taegu, a seasoned cod fish.
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Sometimes places that are hyped up all over the internet are actually a huge let down ( Tex Drive In *cough cough). I was mentally prepared for that with Da Poke Shack but was pleasantly surprised!. Lines can get a little long out the door, but that’s really because there’s little space inside.
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Popular among tourists and locals alike, Da Poke Shack is the place for poke lovers. Choose between poke bowls and poke platters, made with fresh fish and served with rice and the side dishes of your choice. Side dishes include calamari, potato salad, kim chee, spicy crab salad, and edamame.
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Hawaii is the birthplace of the delicious and healthy poke bowl, but Da Poke Shack made it popular. They use fresh, never frozen, and never from yesterday, fish served with your choice of rice, vegetables, and sauces. If you’re not into fish, they offer shrimp, pork, and vegetarian options.
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Da Poke Shack — The only place on this Big Island, Hawaii restaurant guide I didn’t personally go to (and not from lack of trying). I went the last two days we were there, and on both days, they sold out and closed by the time I got there. If you’ve been, let me know if it’s worth the hype!
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Poke Shack – At one point these guys had the best rating on Yelp in the entire United States!. Located on Ali’i drive, they offer several kinds of poke, sides, & other traditional Hawaiian dishes like laulau. Perfect spot to grab lunch & a few beers after a dip at Magic’s or Kahalu’u.
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Da Poke Shack has long been a favorite of Kona residents, with a wide selection of chef-supervised recipes and combos and the option to build your bowl yourself. No two poke bowls are quite alike, so visitors are encouraged to get creative and let their imagination run wild.
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For those of you unfamiliar with poke, you’ll want to get familiar—soon. All kidding aside, poke is a Hawaiian word meaning cut, cubed or sliced. It’s traditionally seasoned with Hawaiian salt, limu kohu (seaweed), inamona (roasted kukui nut) and other local ingredients.
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Once ranked Best Restaurant in the United States on Yelp, Da Poke Shack is also located in the middle of nowhere. If you’re driving along Ali’i Drive, keep your eye on the addresses. This tiny establishment is located right in front of an apartment complex.
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You can’t have a list of the best restaurants in Kailua-Kona and not mention poke!. Da Poke Shack is close to the beach and has some of the best poke on the island. The restaurant only serves fresh (never frozen) locally-caught yellowfin tuna.
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Poke is raw sushi grade fish sliced into cubes and marinated in sauces such as shoyu (soy sauce). Often mixed with the fish are onions and furikake. A dry Japanese seasoning, furikake includes sesame seeds and seaweed flakes.
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Da Poke Shack is a must-visit for poke lovers, frequently ranked as one of the best poke spots in all of Hawaii. Located near the beach, this small but mighty shop serves up incredibly fresh poke with bold flavors.
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They source fresh fish daily, and the poke bowls are perfect for an easy takeout option. My kids love raw fish, but if someone in your fam doesn’t eat seafood, they also offer vegetarian poke and kalua pork.
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We always stop at Da Poke Shack a couple times and cool off with a Scandinavian Shave Ice on a hot day. If you have a big appetite and are short on time there is always an L&L Hawaiian Barbecue nearby.
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It’s traditionally a chunky, salad featuring various raw fish. Da Poke Shake has incredibly fresh seafood poke selections with an unbelievable choose of options. Similar to ceviche, but more savory.
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If you’re looking for a taste of Hawaii that’s a little more portable, Da Poke Shack in the downtown Kona area is a beachside takeout joint that specializes in poke, salads, and other local dishes.
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76-6246 Ali’i DriveKailua-Kona, HI 96740(808) 329-7653 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Opened in 2010, Da Poke Shack is a seaside joint that serves seafood and local specialties.
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According to Yelp’s top 100 restaurants, this little place came in #1!. There are two locations; Kona and Captian Cook. They close at 6 pm, so plan on it as a lunch or early dinner.
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Craving fresh poke bowls with endless customization options?. Head to Da Poke Shack. Choose from fresh catches, marinades, and toppings to create your perfect poke bowl masterpiece.
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If you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time, trying Poke is a must. Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish of raw marinated fish over rice that’s topped with vegetables and sauces.
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While we were on the Big Island, we went to Da Poke Shack in Kona. We had heard it was one of the best places to get poke on the island. And it definitely didn’t disappoint!.
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill (Kailua-Kona) – A local favorite offering high-quality poke with a variety of marinades, plus a full menu of island-inspired dishes.
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Da Poke Shack($): A casual spot for lunch or a quick bite, Da Poke Shack is known for its delicious poke bowls made with fresh, locally-caught fish.
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Da Poke Shack: If you want to try traditional Hawaiian style poke, this is your spot. Get it to go and eat it out on the beach!
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Da Poke Shack – Award winning poke bowls (raw fish) by the beach South of Kona. Picnic tables outside or take it to go.
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Da Poke Shack has been featured on every travel blog and food show out there—but here’s the thing: locals still go.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit