+1 808-329-7653
Nestled in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Da Poke Shack serves up some of the freshest and most meticulously crafted poke bowls and plates on the Big Island. This vibrant poke bar and seafood restaurant invites both locals and visitors to savor authentic Hawaiian flavors elevated by expert preparation and high-quality ingredients. Every dish bursts with the island’s spirit, making Da Poke Shack a must-visit for poke enthusiasts and seafood lovers alike.
The highlight here is undoubtedly their signature Poke Plate—a generous combination of four distinct selections of poke paired with two side dishes and two scoops of perfectly steamed rice. Picture tender cubes of perfectly sliced tuna, cut by hand with precision and care, mingling with richly seasoned Spicy Clams, kimchi-infused Crab, and the indulgently flavorful Pele Kiss shrimp. Each bite delivers an explosion of texture and umami that speaks to the depth of Hawaiian culinary traditions.
Don’t miss the assortment of poke bowls, custom-crafted with any two poke flavors, a side, and a hearty scoop of rice, ideal for a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. Favorites like the Shoyu Kimchi Shrimp and the savory Garlic Sesame Poke showcase the kitchen’s flair for bold, balanced flavors that never overpower the freshness of the fish. For a heartier option, the Kahuna Plate brings together Kalua Pork and Lau Lau, combining tender roasted pork shoulder and butterfish wrapped in taro leaves—offering a comforting warmth that anchors the seafood-centric menu beautifully.
Beyond the poke, the side dishes set Da Poke Shack apart: Kimchi Mussels, Baby Octopus, and Cucumber Kimchi add vibrant, tangy contrasts that perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of the grilled ahi and spicy garlic undertones. These creative side options bring a dynamic range of flavors and textures that elevate the overall meal experience.
While Da Poke Shack’s prices reflect the premium ingredients and location—a sentiment echoed by longtime patrons—the quality and care poured into every dish more than justify the investment. The dining atmosphere is casual and welcoming, mainly featuring limited outdoor seating that fills quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Many guests choose to take their meals to nearby parks or the scenic coastline to enjoy the Hawaiian breeze while diving into their feast.
Customers consistently praise the staff for their friendly, knowledgeable service and efficient order process, making visits smooth and enjoyable even during busy hours. Though parking can be a bit challenging due to its residential setting, the welcoming vibe and unforgettable flavors make the trek worthwhile.
Whether you’re craving a fresh poke bowl bursting with seaside flavors or a comforting Hawaiian hot plate, Da Poke Shack offers a genuine taste of Kona’s vibrant culinary scene. It’s a destination where meticulous craftsmanship meets traditional island ingredients—a little slice of paradise on a plate that beckons you back time and again.
Great food. Meticulously cut poke. Almost every piece is a perfect cube. I watched the guy cutting the tuna up by hand from a huge slab. The downside is the Kona prices. Twice the price and smaller size than the out of the way places. I took it to go and ate at a park just south.
Best poke we tasted in Kona! The fish quality and seasoning flavors were amazing. The quality of side dishes were also impressive.
Poke was good but I loved side dishes like octopus and kimchi mussels. Didn’t love the spicy clams which was not even tint spicy. Other than that everything was super yummy!!!! Will be back if I visit big island.
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.
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.
The best poke on the Big Island! I visited this restaurant 12 years ago and was so excited to go back - it was just as good as I remembered (maybe better!). We had the Shoyun (soy), Pele’s Kiss (spicy tuna), Spicy Garlic, and Shack Special (sweet) with Seaweed Salad and Salmon Salad (Shoyun and Pele’s Kiss shown in photo). Shoyun was the favorite but everything was amazing. The owner and his young son were both incredibly welcoming and helpful. His son showed my kids where the lizards hangout outside the shop while my husband and I enjoyed our meal. It’s a small shop with only 2 outdoor tables but if you go early enough you won’t have trouble getting a seat (we went at 10:30am on Wednesday). Don’t miss this special place!
Best Ahi freshness due to daily fishing catch so I was told. Quality is just superb. Catch of the day without any freezing process . Fish line to table. I had the ahi with seaweed shown garlic ginger and etc.. very good quality. Guy open M-F if you’re lucky. May need to postpone. As always, post wherever you see I we don’t have to.