These Hawaii Seafood Shacks Are The Island Gems Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Find
Hawaii’s best seafood isn’t always found in fancy restaurants with ocean views and valet parking. Hidden along forgotten highways and tucked into local neighborhoods, small seafood shacks serve the freshest catch you’ll ever taste.
I’m sharing these beloved spots that locals have kept secret for years, where the fish is caught that morning and the prices won’t empty your wallet.
1. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
If you’re driving along Oahu’s North Shore, watch for a graffiti-covered truck that’s become a legend among seafood lovers. Giovanni’s started as a simple roadside stand and grew into something locals crave weekly. The garlic shrimp here comes piled high on a paper plate with rice, and the sauce is so good you’ll lick your fingers clean.
I’ve watched families come back year after year, introducing their kids to the same flavors they grew up with. The wait can stretch to 45 minutes during peak hours, but nobody complains. You’ll sit at picnic tables under the Hawaiian sun, cracking shells and trading stories with strangers who quickly become friends.
Bring cash because they don’t take cards, and grab extra napkins because things get messy in the best possible way.
2. Ono Seafood
Tucked into a Kapahulu strip mall, this tiny shop proves that size doesn’t matter when the fish is this fresh. Ono Seafood specializes in poke that gets delivered from the docks each morning before most tourists finish breakfast. The owner personally selects every piece of ahi, salmon, and octopus that goes into the display case.
I recommend arriving before noon because the best flavors sell out fast. Their spicy ahi poke has just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the fish’s natural sweetness. You can mix and match different varieties in one bowl, creating your perfect combination.
It’s a no-frills setup with just a few parking spots out front. Locals grab their poke and head to the beach for an impromptu lunch that beats any restaurant experience.
3. Keneke’s Grill
When locals on Maui want fish tacos that actually taste like the ocean, they head to Keneke’s without hesitation. This laid-back spot near the harbor serves grilled mahi-mahi that was swimming just hours before it hits your plate. The chef marinates everything in house-made sauces that blend traditional Hawaiian flavors with a modern twist.
You’ll find surfers still in their wetsuits grabbing a quick bite between sessions. I love how the menu changes based on what the fishing boats bring in that day. Sometimes it’s ono, other times it’s snapper, but it’s always perfectly seasoned and cooked over an open flame.
The outdoor seating lets you catch the ocean breeze while you eat. Prices stay reasonable because Keneke knows his customers are neighbors, not just passing through.
4. Da Poke Shack
Are you ready for poke that wins awards year after year? Da Poke Shack in Kona earned its reputation by never cutting corners on quality or freshness. The family running this place has been fishing these waters for three generations, and their knowledge shows in every bite.
I’ve tried their wasabi tako, and it’s become my benchmark for how octopus should taste. The texture is tender, not rubbery, and the wasabi adds just enough heat to complement the seafood. They also offer unique combinations you won’t find anywhere else, like limu poke with seaweed harvested from nearby shores.
It’s a small space with limited seating, so most people take their bowls to go. The portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to once you start eating.
5. Uka’s Fish Market
How does a fish market become a community gathering spot? Uka’s figured it out by treating every customer like family and serving the freshest catch in Hilo. This isn’t just a place to buy raw fish; they’ll cook your selection right there and turn it into a meal you’ll remember for years.
I always ask what came in that morning because the staff genuinely loves talking about their seafood. They’ll tell you which boat caught it, where in the ocean it came from, and the best way to prepare it. Their grilled butterfish melts in your mouth, and the teriyaki glaze strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory.
Local fishermen stop by to sell their catch directly, so the selection changes daily. You’re getting the same quality fish that fancy restaurants pay premium prices for, at a fraction of the cost.
6. Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market
Where can you watch dolphins play while eating the day’s catch? Hanalei Dolphin sits right on the river in Kauai’s most picturesque town. The market side sells fresh fish to take home, but I always opt for the restaurant attached, where they transform that same fish into incredible meals.
Their fish and chips uses mahi-mahi instead of cod, giving you a tropical twist on a classic dish. I’ve sat on the deck watching the sun set behind the mountains while savoring perfectly fried fish with a crispy exterior and flaky interior. The coleslaw comes with a tangy dressing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
It’s popular with both tourists and locals, but the locals know to come during off-peak hours. The atmosphere stays casual and welcoming no matter how busy it gets.
7. Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors
Did you know some of Hawaii’s best poke comes from a liquor store? Tamura’s started selling poke as a side offering and accidentally created something locals can’t live without. Each location across the islands has a dedicated poke counter that rivals specialty shops.
I stop here when I need a quick lunch that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Their shoyu ahi poke has a loyal following because the marinade recipe hasn’t changed in decades. You’ll see construction workers, office employees, and retirees all waiting in the same line, united by their love for this unexpected gem.
The convenience factor is huge you can grab poke, a cold drink, and some snacks all in one stop. Prices stay competitive because they’re not trying to be fancy, just consistently good. It’s proof that great seafood can come from the most surprising places.
8. Koloa Fish Market
Though it looks like it hasn’t changed since the 1950s, Koloa Fish Market represents timeless quality in an era of constant change. This Kauai institution has been family-owned for generations, and the current owners learned their craft from parents and grandparents who knew these waters intimately.
I’m always impressed by their poke selection, which includes over a dozen varieties on any given day. The Hawaiian-style poke with sea salt and inamona keeps things traditional, while creative options like spicy mayo ahi attract younger crowds. Everything gets made fresh multiple times daily, so you’re never eating yesterday’s fish.
The building itself is tiny, with barely enough room for a few people to browse at once. But that intimate setting creates a personal experience where the staff remembers your preferences and makes recommendations based on what you’ve enjoyed before.
9. Suisan Fish Market
It’s not every day you find a fish market that still operates its own auction. Suisan in Hilo has been the heart of the local fishing industry since 1907, and watching the morning auction feels like stepping back in time. Restaurant owners and market buyers bid on the freshest catch while tourists snap photos of this authentic Hawaiian tradition.
After the auction, the retail side opens to regular customers who want the same quality fish at fair prices. I’ve bought ahi steaks here that rival anything from upscale seafood counters, and the staff will clean and portion your fish exactly how you want it. They know their customers by name and treat everyone with genuine aloha.
The location right on the bay means unbeatable freshness and a glimpse into Hawaii’s fishing heritage that few visitors experience.
10. Kihei Caffe
Are you brave enough to try seafood for breakfast? Kihei Caffe on Maui serves up fish plates starting at dawn, and locals line up before the sun fully rises. This no-frills spot became famous for generous portions and prices that seem frozen in time while everything else on the island gets more expensive.
I order the fish and eggs whenever I visit, getting perfectly grilled mahi-mahi alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and rice. The fish is tender and flavorful without heavy sauces masking its natural taste. You’ll eat elbow-to-elbow with strangers at communal tables, sharing the morning in true Hawaiian style.
Service is fast despite the crowds because the kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine. Cash only, so hit the ATM first. The casual vibe and authentic local atmosphere make it worth the early wake-up call.
11. Kalapawai Market
When a general store that opened in 1932 still serves the best fish sandwiches in town, you know they’re doing something right. Kalapawai Market in Kailua has evolved from a plantation-era shop into a gourmet deli that never forgot its roots. The building retains its vintage charm while the menu showcases modern Hawaiian cuisine.
I can’t resist their grilled ahi sandwich with wasabi aioli and crisp lettuce on fresh-baked bread. The fish is thick and juicy, cooked to perfection with a slight char on the outside. You can eat on the porch overlooking Kailua Beach or take your sandwich down to the sand.
They also offer a full deli with prepared foods, but the seafood sandwiches are what keep people coming back. It’s a bit pricier than some shacks, but the quality and atmosphere justify every dollar.
12. Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering
How does a family catering business become a poke destination? Tanioka’s in Waipahu started serving poke to customers picking up party orders, and demand exploded. Now their poke case is one of the most extensive on Oahu, featuring traditional recipes alongside innovative creations.
I always try something new when I visit because their rotating specials showcase seasonal fish and creative flavor combinations. The furikake salmon poke is addictive, with the seaweed seasoning adding an umami punch that complements the rich fish. They’re also known for cooked options like seafood salads and garlic shrimp for people who prefer their seafood heated.
The location isn’t touristy, which means you’re eating alongside locals who’ve been coming here for decades. Parking can be tricky, but the reward is worth circling the lot a few times to find a spot.
13. Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill
Where do Big Island chefs go on their days off? Many head to Umekes for poke that sets the standard across Hawaii. This Kona spot combines the casual vibe of a fish market with the creativity of a high-end restaurant, resulting in poke that’s both traditional and innovative.
I’m obsessed with their poke nachos, which layer crispy wonton chips with fresh poke and all the toppings. It’s a fun twist that works surprisingly well, introducing people to poke in a familiar format. Their classic preparations are equally impressive, using only line-caught fish and house-made seasonings.
The staff radiates genuine enthusiasm about their products, explaining different fish varieties and preparation methods. You can taste the difference that passion makes. Multiple locations now exist, but the original Kona spot still feels like a local secret despite growing popularity.
14. Maguro Brothers
It’s rare to find poke made by actual fishermen, but Maguro Brothers changes that equation. These brothers grew up fishing with their father and decided to sell their catch directly to customers, cutting out the middleman. Their knowledge of fish quality is unmatched because they personally catch much of what they sell.
I trust their recommendations completely when choosing between varieties because they know exactly when and where each fish was caught. The ahi they serve today might have been swimming in Hawaiian waters yesterday morning. Their simple preparations let the fish quality shine through without unnecessary additions.
The shop is small and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Locals appreciate the authentic approach and fair pricing that reflects true market value. You’re supporting local fishermen while eating some of the freshest seafood available anywhere in Hawaii.
