Hanalei Poke — Restaurant in Kauai

Poke Paradise or Poke Predicament?

Let me take you on a journey through the treacherous waters of my recent poke adventure. After bravely navigating a menu so busy it could qualify for its own traffic control system, I finally managed to order two poke bowls at $20 each. Or so I thought...

The friendly cashier, bless her heart, was apparently operating with an alternative set of facts. When I specifically asked about Maui onions (you know, those sweet, mild onions that are a staple in authentic poke), she confidently assured me they were included. Spoiler alert: they weren't. Instead, I discovered regular red onions lurking in my bowl - a classic bait and switch that would make even the sneakiest fish proud!

But wait, there's more! Hidden away like buried treasure (or perhaps evidence) was a sandwich whiteboard tucked down and to the right of the entrance. This mysterious board spun a tale worthy of Hemingway about some fishing shortage, justifying an additional $3 "market adjustment" per bowl. None of the several menus at the counter mentioned this surcharge. I guess transparency isn't on their menu!

The poke itself raised more red flags than a maritime warning system. The fish was suspiciously diced into perfect little cubes about half the industry standard size - a technique often used to mask poor quality fish. Instead of the deep maroon color of premium poke, this fish was notably lighter in color, suggesting a cheaper cut. It was like they were trying to pull a fast one on my taste buds!

For comparison, Kōloa Fish Market offers bowls with twice the amount of poke for just $18, complete with toppings that don't require taking out a second mortgage to add to your bowl.

In conclusion, between the misleading information, hidden surcharges, and questionable fish quality, I cannot recommend this establishment. My wallet and palate both left feeling like they'd been caught in a net of disappointment.

Two stars - one for the friendly cashier who, despite being misinformed, didn't actually throw a fish at me, and one for the fact that I didn't find any actual fishing hooks in my food. Small...

Still a bit unsure of what to think, I LOVE poke-my Hawaiian vacation has essentially been a quest through Maui and Kauai enjoying all the yummy little cubes of fish so beautifully offered. I was really stoked to try this place.

The good:

the menu is really unique with a lot of cool flavors and combinations fish tasted VERY fresh and my poke was super yummy

The "meh"

employee seemed a little, hm annoyed maybe? Definitely curt. I'm a poke fanatic and was thinking "did I come across too crazy?" But if you're going to be crazy exited about poke shouldn't a poke cart be the place?! I specifically chose my poke bowl for a few essential ingredients, such as mac nuts and another type of roasted nut. I'm not sure if they were left out or shaved super teenie tiny but some items were not really distinguishable. I feel like for $16, I should be able to see and taste all the yummy ingredients!

Overall it's worth trying, the poke is amazing! But I was hoping to return again but after paying $16 and not feeling the most stoked about customer service and wondering 'where-are-all-the-ingredients' I'm grateful to have tried it but will probably continue onwards to find the...

This is one of the finest fish you will get on the island, no kidding! I got the kealia and the flavors were amazing! Here are a few things that might help you enjoy the food here! For half an hour tell yourself you are spending 30$ to “treat yourself” yes it’s expensive! Also tell yourself that it’s ok and you will recover from this!! Next up be ready for getting handed a smaller looking bowl for 30$, but if you are under 200lbs person, this quantity is good enough to satisfy you!! It’s not a big lunch but it is not too small either, you will know once you have eaten it!! Lastly when you go to pick your food ask for two packets of soy sauce, trust me you need two, women at counter might hand you just one, be ready to ask for another and then ask for a chilli sauce too(it’s up to you if you add it or not) but get it!! Now, do a taste test!! Do you like the flavors!! Yes yumm! Now add one packet of soy and taste again!! Ohh yeah it is soo good! But wait add the last packet of soy and a little bit of chilli sauce!! Heaven!! You are welcome!! After a couple of hours!! There will be a smile of satisfaction on your face, and you will know that it’s 30 bucks spent...