A Must-Visit Poke Spot
I’d been looking forward to visiting this place for three days, and it was worth the wait. If you're exploring this part of the island, this spot is a must-visit. Just remember to plan your day around it, as they're only open from 11 am to 4 pm. You might want to skip breakfast so you can really enjoy your meal!
Easy to Find, Easy to Park
The restaurant is about a 16-minute drive from downtown Honolulu. While it's a bit tucked away, finding a parking spot is a breeze—they have a large parking lot, which is a big plus. The moment you walk in, you'll notice how incredibly clean it is. This instantly gives you peace of mind, especially since you’ll be enjoying fresh, raw ingredients.
Friendly and Helpful Service
The staff was great, and the cashier was very kind and patient with my questions. She was so dedicated to helping me that she asked her team for more details about the ingredients to make sure her answers were perfect.
The Food: Unforgettable Poke
I ordered a poke bowl for $16, which lets you choose two different types of poke. I went with the spicy ahi tuna with masago and the traditional Hawaiian poke. I also added some delicious toppings like seaweed salad, dried cod (Taegu), and pickled ginger for just $1 each—a deal that’s definitely worth it. The portion size is huge, weighing over a pound, and the presentation was beautiful. The flavors were incredible—complex and layered. The seaweed brought a taste of the sea, the pickled ginger added a tangy kick, and the spicy tuna was perfect. The Taegu, a local dish with Korean roots, gave the bowl a savory, chewy texture that made it even better.
For a drink, I chose a local Hawaiian Sun juice. It’s a great option with natural flavors, but if you want to balance out the richness of the poke, a simple water works best.
The poke bowl here is one of the most flavorful and satisfying I've had on Oahu.
A Treat to End the Meal
I also tried the shave ice with mochi, vanilla ice cream, and condensed milk. While I found it a bit too sweet for my taste (which is pretty common for local desserts), the coconut banana flavor was amazing. The small size is big enough for two people, so consider sharing it. Even if you're not a shave ice expert, this is a great place to try it.
I spent $19 poke with add ons +1.5 drink + 11 shave ice with-add ons
Unfortunately if you need to use the restroom that do not have one so make sure that you are not in a hurry and...
Read moreThe Best! Ryder’s is a must-visit. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a big smile.
If you’re looking for the best poke on the island, look no further than Ryder’s Poke and Shave Ice in Aiea. Hands down, this was the best poke I’ve ever had. Their spicy ahi actually lives up to its name—it’s flavorful, fresh, and truly spicy, not just a hint of heat. The rice? Cooked to perfection, the ideal base for their incredible poke bowls.
We ordered the Spicy Ahi and Spicy Shoyu Poke Bowl with furikake and unagi drizzle, with their bubu arare for a little crunch. The pickled ginger and ocean salad on the side were the perfect complements, adding a burst of freshness and balance to the dish.
Save room for dessert, if you can. The Kulolo Sundae is a must. It’s a heated mochi topped with coconut ice cream, macadamia nuts, and a decadent fudge drizzle. Heavenly—comforting, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgence. The P.O.G. shaved ice is another must-try. The combination of passion fruit, orange, and guava syrup poured over a bed of vanilla ice cream and topped with condensed milk is nothing short of magic. The perfect tropical treat—sweet, tangy, creamy, and refreshing all at once.
The staff, clientele, and atmosphere at Ryder’s is unbeatable. The father-and-son duo running the place were so charismatic and friendly, they made the experience even more special. They also offer a 10%...
Read moreRyder's has become an absolute mainstay of my diet since I arrived on the Island. The only negative thing I can say is it took me over a month to find this place! I've tried poke all over the island but I have yet to find a place that even comes close to the freshness of Ryders melt in your mouth poke. Not only the freshness, but intense flavor and tender care if each poke bowl has never left me anything other than completely satisfied!
This isn't to speak down on his great desert selection (which I often treat myself to the Kulolo Sundae). Nothing beats a bowl of poke than following it with a sweet snack. The staff are also wonderful, clearly dedicated to their job. Which given its local and family driven business it's no surprise that every employee treats the shop with immense care, always clean and organized! They make great conversation and genuinely care and appreciate each customer.
If you haven't had Ryder's yet or are just visiting the island, make sure you don't skip out on this...
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