
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
A laid-back Hawaiian favorite renowned for its exceptionally fresh poke bowls and award-winning fish tacos, offering a true taste of the island.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A laid-back Hawaiian favorite renowned for its exceptionally fresh poke bowls and award-winning fish tacos, offering a true taste of the island.
"The best fish tacos on the island, with poke that dreams are made of!"
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy great value with discounted Mai Tais and appetizer specials during happy hour.
Sample Poke Varieties
Ask for samples to discover your favorite poke flavors before ordering.

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

Authentic Poke Bowls
Savor the freshest Hawaiian ahi, marinated in vibrant flavors. A must-try island delicacy.

Legendary Fish Tacos
Critically acclaimed fish tacos, praised as the best on the island, available in Cajun or tempura style.

Lively Local Atmosphere
Experience a vibrant, laid-back setting with live music and a bustling bar, popular with locals and tourists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy great value with discounted Mai Tais and appetizer specials during happy hour.
Sample Poke Varieties
Ask for samples to discover your favorite poke flavors before ordering.
Reserve for Groups
Large parties should make reservations, especially during peak hours or for popular dining times.
Dietary Needs
Clearly communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to the staff for proper handling.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy great value with discounted Mai Tais and appetizer specials during happy hour.
Sample Poke Varieties
Ask for samples to discover your favorite poke flavors before ordering.
Reserve for Groups
Large parties should make reservations, especially during peak hours or for popular dining times.
Dietary Needs
Clearly communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to the staff for proper handling.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is celebrated for its incredibly fresh poke and outstanding fish tacos, drawing praise from locals and visitors alike. While the food often receives rave reviews, some diners have noted inconsistent service and occasional issues with wait times or attentiveness, especially during busy periods. The lively atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, adds to the overall dining experience.
"After seeing the reviews on Google as a traveler, I decided to take my family out to dinner to try Umeke’s. Let me inform you that the food is excellent! We ordered the three taco tempura, poke, and the big boy plate. It wasn't a disappointment. I saw another reviewer mention the flavor of the food, but this is Hawaii. If you stay for over a week, explore different restaurants, and talk to the locals, you will understand their culture a little more."
P N
"05/10/2025 (Sat)
We chose Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill for the final dinner of our trip, as it’s said to be a popular local spot known for its fresh seafood. When we arrived around 7:00 PM, the restaurant was packed, and we were told there would be a 40–50 minute wait. Thankfully, we were seated in under 40 minutes.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a bar area. On that evening, the indoor seating was already full, and the outdoor area was lively despite the rainy weather. A tent covered the terrace, but rain from earlier had blown in from the sides, leaving some tables and the ground damp.
Since we had already had a heavy meal earlier in the day, we weren’t very hungry. So we decided to share the Big Boy Plate ($32) and Poke Nachos ($24), along with two iced teas ($4.50 each). Despite the crowd, our food came out in about 20 minutes, which felt fairly quick.
The staff were polite and friendly, though it was a bit difficult to get their attention when we wanted a refill on our drinks — understandably, as they were very busy.
As for the food, everything seemed fresh, but we felt that the different scoops of marinated tuna on the Big Boy Plate, while seasoned individually, lacked distinct flavors and came across a bit too similar to each other. The natural quality and freshness of the tuna didn’t quite shine through as we had hoped. The poke nachos were decent, though the chips were slightly soggy.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live band playing outside — they had a great sound and really lifted the atmosphere. They even extended their set, which made for an extra enjoyable vibe. By the time we left, the rain had cleared, and overall, it was a fun and memorable way to wrap up our trip.😊✨"
Yulily
"The food was phenomenal! If only the service was too.
We arrived about 15 minutes before happy hour and sat at the bar. After placing our order, a cocktail and 2 appetizers, we overheard the bartender asking the woman next to us if she would like another cocktail. She declined and wanted to wait 10 more minutes so she could get the happy hour price. He shrugged it off and said, "I'll put it in as happy hour." Looking out for your patrons should be a service standard. Happy hour was not even mentioned when we sat down. Support locals, shade the tourists. Aloha."
Halestorm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Umekes is most famous for its incredibly fresh poke bowls and highly acclaimed fish tacos.
Yes, it's recommended to make a reservation for large parties, especially during peak hours.
Yes, it's recommended to ask for samples to try different poke varieties before ordering.
Happy hour often features discounted Mai Tais and appetizer specials, making it a great time to visit.
Yes, they offer options like chicken katsu, burgers, and pulled pork for those who prefer not to have seafood.
The atmosphere is laid-back and lively, often with live music, making it popular with locals.
It's best to communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies clearly to the staff for proper handling.
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Umeke” is the Hawaiian word for bowl, so nearly everything served at both Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill locations are designed to be eaten in bowls. Akamu Moser says her “go-to” order is Da Sweetie Poke, which features sweet shoyu glaze, onions, and furikake flakes, and Ho’io salad, a side of fiddlehead ferns, tomato, onion, kombu, kamaboko, and sesame.
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For a taste of great Hawaiian food, make reservations at Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill. It’s well worth the five-minute drive from the center of Kailua, especially if you haven’t already gobbled up a poke bowl – my absolute favorite Hawaiian dish. Raw chunks of fresh red tuna are marinated in a variety of yummy flavors (soy, oyster sauce, wasabi, spicy mayonnaise and more) and served on a bed of white rice that’s sprinkled with spices. If beachfront dining is what you’re after, make reservations at either Island Lava Java (facing the beach across Ali’i Drive) or at Huggo’s On The Rocks.
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It’s certainly not the fanciest spot in Kona, but if you’re craving good poke, Umeke’s is the place to go. All poke is made with freshly caught Hawaiian ahi; on any given day there will be a half-dozen poke varieties to choose from including Hottie, with spicy aioli, onions, and Hawaiian sea salt, and Sweetie, with sweet shoyu glaze, onions, and furikake flakes. Non-poke people have plenty of options including Kalua Pork, fish tacos, a burger, and French fires slathered with garlic aioli, kukui nuts, furikake and green onions.
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Tucked away in the old industrial part of town on Brewery Block is Umeke’s, a locals-heavy eatery with a wonderful selection of island style eats. As with all restaurants, you should try their specialty, and that is definitely a fresh caught fish dish. The fish tacos here are made to perfection, get either Cajun grilled or tempura style ahi tacos with avocado, pineapple lomi salsa, coleslaw, crispy fried onions, & garlic aioli, Yum!!
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On our last day in Kona and on the way back from Kua Bay beach Adam and I stopped off at a local poké shop called Umekes that Adam’s cousin’s girlfriend Erica had heard about. Up to this point in the trip I had yet to try authentic Hawaiian poké and even though we had plans to have a big family dinner together back at the house, I needed to make this experience happen. As soon as we stepped inside I knew it was going to be good.
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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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Located on Pawai Place, Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is steps from Kamakahonu Beach, making it a must-see for families shopping for Kailua Kona homes for sale. The laid-back, open-floor eatery features Hawaiian classics and fresh poke bowls, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Start with an appetizer of Umekes Nachos topped with pork or poke or Pulehu Ahi Belly served with garlic aioli and unagi glaze.
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is a seafood Kailua-Kona restaurant you will want to visit if your family loves eating fresh fish. Most of this place’s food is from local farmers, so you know it will be good and fresh!. If your family does not enjoy seafood, the Keiki menu still offers plenty of great American food items, such as burgers, chicken nuggets, quesadillas, and teriyaki beef.
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill (6.1 miles, 15 minutes) Great for lunch or dinner this local favorite has one of the best poke bowls in town, but also has lots of other options if raw fish isn’t your thing. Hawaiian ahi (yellow tail tuna) and buttery Hawaiian avocados are a match made in heaven so don’t miss out on a scoop of Da Avo poke with a side of Ho’io Salad (fern shoots).
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Hawaiian cuisine in Kona. Renowned for its signature Hawaiian dishes, this restaurant captures the cultural significance of traditional flavors with every bite. Guests can enjoy a variety of must-try items, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients that highlight the essence of Hawaiian cooking.
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A local favorite in Kona town with popular fish dishes, poke, fish tacos, ahi katsu and many other local favorite foods in this popular establishment. Most dishes are offered in bowls that you can custom order your entrée, sides and other ingredients to fit your flavor profile and taste buds along with choice of sides. 74-5599 Pawai Pl Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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Where: 74-5563 Kaiwi Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740What It’s About: Combining a traditional poke market with a sit-down dining experience, Umeke’s offers a wide range of poke bowls and platters featuring fresh, locally sourced fish.Why You Should Go: Their commitment to using the best local ingredients ensures every dish is bursting with flavor.
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Umeke’s– Although they do not have an ocean view at either location in downtown Kona, but their food is classic Hawaiian and ONO!. Be adventurous and get the ahi belly with garlic aioli and you MUST try their poke!. One of the owners is one of the founders of the Poke Shack and makes a variety of fresh varieties to eat in or take out.
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When you think of Hawaiian cuisine, you often think of sushi rice, poke bowls, and a lot of fresh seafood. Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill has all of those things, and a lot more. The menu, and setting, are unpretentious, so it’s perfect for a stop for lunch after a hike, the beach, or a long morning of looking at Kailua Kona homes.
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For seafood enthusiasts, Umekes Fish Market, Bar & Grill is beyond compare. Specializing in poke bowls and other fresh seafood dishes, Umekes highlights the island's incredible ocean-to-table offerings. With an emphasis on freshness and quality, the poke bowls come in a variety of creative flavors, with options for every taste.
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If you’re looking for a fresh, local seafood dinner, Umekes is the place to be. This restaurant prides itself on serving dishes that feature high quality local ingredients and all of their menu items are authentically Hawaiian. You can build your own poke bowl depending on what kind of fish and sauce your taste buds desire.
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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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Umekes has multiple locations in Kona and the flavor of their poke is consistently good. They have a wide variety of poke styles and sides to choose from, so you might want to peruse their menu beforehand. Some of the sides worth mentioning are their Pipikaula (smoked meat) and Ho’io salad (made from fern fronds).
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If you’re craving seafood, make a reservation at Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill. With outdoor and indoor seating, this casual seafood restaurant specializes in poke bowls made with Hawaiian ahi. Poke is served with avocado, Hawaiian chili pepper, sweet shoyu glaze or furikake flakes, depending on the dish.
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Forget farm-to-table, Umekes is all about a boat-to-bowl experience. Only serving the freshest and most local seafood straight from independent local fishermen, this is the place to try Kona’s famous seafood. You can grab sashimi, poke, oysters, grilled ahi, and shrimp cooked with lots of flavor and care.
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For authentic Hawaiian cuisine in Kailua-Kona and at the airport, head to Umeke's. This family-owned restaurant specializes in traditional Hawaiian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Try their famous poke bowls, featuring fresh ahi tuna marinated in flavorful sauces and served over rice.
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Address: 74-5563 Kaiwi St, Kailua, HI 96740Website: https://www.umekesrestaurants.com/. It’s no surprise that Umekes has made it to the list of the best restaurants to try some Hawaiian-style food. Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill extensively uses local ingredients that are of the highest quality.
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Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill has over 3,000 reviews on Google and counting - and with good reason!. This spot offers local Hawaiin cuisine, large poke bowls, and a fully-stacked bar. The never-ending debate between locals is whether Umekes or Da Poke Shack has the best poke in town.
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Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill has over 3,000 reviews on Google and counting – and with good reason!. This spot offers local Hawaiin cuisine, large poke bowls, and a fully-stacked bar. The never-ending debate between locals is whether Umekes or Da Poke Shack has the best poke in town.
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These foodies believe that their sworn duty is to eat the best poke from every region of the world. The Hawaiian Islands are full of places selling poke and Umeke’s is a front-runner for one of the best on the Big Island. The fish sold at Umeke’s in Kailua-Kona is fresh and delicious.
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If you want fresh seafood in Hawaii, there’s nothing better than Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill. This local favorite is located right on the water in Kailua-Kona, so you know the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, all cooked to perfection.
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For delicious small bites and tropical cocktails with a serene view, On the Rocks (also called Huggo’s) has a waterfront location that is hard to beat. Try the poke bowls and you won’t be disappointed!. They also offer live music and entertainment on a regular basis.
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Umekes has grown from a small hole-in-the-wall shop to their slick new location on the Brewery Block. They have all the classics- spicy, avo, shoyu, Hawaiian, kanaka, & a changing poke-of-the-day. Their kimchi cucumber & spicy crab salad are both outstanding.
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Umeke’s was absolutely one of my favorite restaurants to eat at, so much so that we ate here twice!. And honestly, I would have eaten again. It’s a restaurant started by a local and everything on their menu is delicious.
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Their poke nachos are amazing or get the traditional poke bowl. Their fish tacos are pretty bomb too. Be aware that wait times can be long, but you can check what the wait times are from their Google My Business Page.
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74-5599 Pawai PlKailua-Kona, HI 96740(808) 238-0571 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Located on Pawai, Umekes Fish Market and Grill is a spacious, laid-back restaurant serving seafood and Hawaiian cuisine.
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When I saw the poke flight on Umeke’s menu, priced at market value, I had to try it. It’s listed under pupus but I had it as my entree. The flight consists of your choice of 4 poke flavors from their list of six.
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Umekes is one of the top poke spots on the island, offering high-quality, locally sourced fish with a modern twist. Their poke bowls are generously portioned, and they offer a variety of mix-ins and toppings.
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The food was good, but it felt a little over-priced for what you got. I had fish tacos and they said they could make them corn, but brought me wheat. I get sick from gluten so it was disappointing.
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https://lavalavabeachclub.com/bigisland/ For a fun beachy "sand in toes" experience, with tables right on the beach, and some nights live music. Just keep expectations in check on food and service.
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Some other spots to check out for the best poke on the Big Island are Umeke’s (Kona), Kona Grill House (Kona), Suisan Fish Market (Hilo), and Chef Ernie Gray’s Poke Market (Hilo).
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Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill($): With a focus on using local and sustainable ingredients, Umekes offers a menu of fresh seafood dishes and creative sushi rolls.
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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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Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill (menu) is my spot for the best fish tacos on the island. So much fresh fish, poke, etc. Discounted gift cards available at Costco.
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Umekes – Kona – Casual and loved by locals, the Avo Poke with (no surprise!) creamy avocado and a little kick is the fan favorite here.
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Umekes ( website) is a good place to go to for a poke bowl and some other local favorites suck as fish tacos and fresh catch.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit