Three Maui Poke Places Up For USA Today Vote

Three poke places on Maui are among a list of 20 being considered on USA Today’s Reader’s Choice 2019 list for the Best Poke in Hawaiʻi.

Maui’s Kaohu Store in Wailuku, Eskimo Candy in Kīhei and Tobi’s Shave Ice in Pāʻia are among those being considered.

Voting is currently taking place online, with the public invited to cast a vote up to one time per day until the polls close on Monday, July 1 at noon ET.

The winning poke places will be announced on Friday, July 12.

Kaohu Store poke. Courtesy photo.

Poke is a meal preparation of fresh cut fish, often offered in a bowl or take out container.  The island favorite is often served offered over rice, but can be ordered à la carte as well. Each location makes theirs differently, and many of those that made the USA Today list pride themselves on their unique recipes, special ingredients and expert combination of flavors.

poke
nvt. To slice, cut crosswise into pieces, as fish or wood; to press out, as the core of a boil (Kam. 64:105) or the meat of an ʻopihi shell; section, slice, piece. Poke heʻe, a severed portion of octopus; fig., a chubby person. Poke ʻina, the tongue-like meat found in the ʻina, sea urchin; to remove this meat. — Hawaiian Dictionary (Pukui/Elbert)

The complete list of poke shops featured on the list include:

Ahi Assassins Fish Co, Honolulu
Alicia’s Market, Honolulu
Aloha Cones, Honolulu
Da Poke Shack, Big Island
Eskimo Candy, Maui
Fort Ruger Market, Honolulu
Fresh Catch, Honolulu
Ishihara Market, Kauaʻi
Island Vintage Coffee, multiple locations
Kahiau Jerky Poke & Provisions, Honolulu
Kaohu Store, Maui
Kyung’s Seafood, Honolulu
Maguro Brothers, Honolulu
Ono Seafood, Honolulu
Poke Market, Big Island
Poke On Da Rrun, Oʻahu
Pono Market, Kauaʻi
Tamashiro Market, Honolulu
Tamura’s Market, Honolulu
Tobi’s Shave Ice, Maui