Seemor

Poke Market, LLCA-Worth Trying

Name: Poke Market, LLC
Address: 41 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, Hilo, United States
Rating: 4.8

41 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720 · Poke bar, Asian fusion restaurant, Sushi restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (490 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Destination-quality poke with creative toppings and very fresh fish; mostly takeout with limited seating and portions some find small for the price.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Poke Market delivers exceptional food quality with remarkably fresh fish and balanced, craveable sauces that justify its reputation as among the island's finest poke destinations. Mostly consistent execution and strong destination appeal support the grade A- standing, though limited seating, takeout-focused operations, and occasional early closures prevent the higher tier. Best experienced as a planned outing with realistic expectations about portions and availability.

Restaurant Summary

A tiny counter off Waianuenue turns out bowls that several travelers call the best on the island, with very fresh fish and toppings that snap and crunch. Expect takeout-first operations with just a couple of outdoor seats, so many folks walk to the water and picnic. One diner summed it up: "Fresh, tender fish and sauces that make every bite pop." Early sell-outs and occasional unexpected closures do happen, so timing matters. The cooking leans classic poke elevated by texture and umami—think spicy ahi, creamy shiitake salmon, and unagi truffle sauce with bubu arare crunch. It is not fussy, just dialed-in flavors that reward add-ons like extra fish when you want more heft. Portion sizes skew modest, so value feels best when you choose a favorite bowl and consider the Double Lunch upgrade. For families, the menu offers kid-approachable picks like the Every Day Joe with imitation crab and avocado or mild salmon; raw fish can be a hurdle for some kids. There is no kids menu and seating is minimal, so plan a park picnic. If your crew prefers cooked options only, ask about non-raw accommodations that reviewers say the team can provide, though some signature bowls have limited customization.

At a Glance

Exceptionally fresh fish with balanced, craveable sauces
Creative touches like unagi truffle sauce and bubu arare
Portions can feel small for the price
Limited seating; mostly takeout
Early closures or sell-outs reported; verify hours

What Sets It Apart

award_winning_shiitake_salmon
unagi_truffle_sauce_and_bubu_arare
park_and_bayfront_picnic_ready

What People Love

Melt-in-your-mouth fish texture
Crunch and contrast from toppings
Ube sweet potato salad side
Friendly, can-do service for some dietary needs
Consistent best-on-island praise

Points of Concern

Pricing feels high when portions run small; extra fish add-on improves value
Very limited seating; plan to take food to the park
Occasional early closures or item sell-outs; online orders may be late
Customization limits on signature bowls (e.g., rice removal denied)

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$18-$26 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose a specialty bowl, add Double Lunch for protein, and grab avocado for richness; plan to eat at the nearby park.

Perfect For

Beach picnic after a bayfront walk
Quick, high-quality lunch on the go
Out-of-towners hunting standout poke
Locals craving spicy ahi done right

Location Insights

Area: Historic downtown Hilo with local shops and bayfront parks; casual, visitor-friendly and local workday traffic.

Safety: Generally safe daytime; reviewers note some urban campers nearby but no major safety issues.

Nearby: Short walk to Hilo Bayfront parks; street parking and a few adjacent spots; primarily takeout-friendly surroundings.

HiloHilo's dining scene is casual and diverse, featuring local Hawaiian cuisine, seafood, and small eateries catering to both locals and visitors. The atmosphere is laid-back and community-oriented, with many establishments focusing on fresh, local ingredients and takeout options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday10:00–15:00 Tuesday10:00–15:00 Wednesday10:00–15:00 Thursday10:00–15:00 Friday10:00–15:00 Saturday10:00–15:00 Sunday

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →