FRolic’s 9th Annual Poke Fest is going to be a blast: Not only are veteran poke shops and newcomers competing for the fan-favorite King of Poke Fest vote, the competition fever has spread to exciting non-poke specialists who are also creating new poke dishes. It’s all happening at the island’s biggest poke celebration next Saturday, May 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ka Makana Ali’i.
The day isn’t just about nibbling: Trishnalei and the Situationships perform live from 5 to 7 p.m., and admission to the entire event is free, as well as keiki activities and music and entertainment throughout the night.
Poke Passesavailable for purchase online, will get you a 4-ounce serving of new Poke Fest-exclusive poke from five poke vendors of your choice, plus a special fast lane access to each booth and this exclusive logo insulated bag to keep your poke fresh. Poke Passes sell out every year, so get them fast.
Photo: Frolic Hawaii
Frolic’s 9th Annual Poke Fest
where: Ka Makana Ali’i, 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, parking lot by ‘Ōlino Theaters
when: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m
admission: Free
Poke Passes: Shop online here
SEE ALSO: Save the date: Frolic’s Poke Fest 2026 returns to Ka Makana Ali’i
So who’s coming?
Poke Stand by Shokudo, the new poke shack from the Westman Group (Kaimukī Shokudo, Waikīkī Shokudo, Paris Hawai’i, Búho Cocina y Cantina, Sushi Fukurou, Westman Café) next to the rice factory in Kaka’ako. Look for their exclusive Poke Fest creation with Japanese twists below.
Monarch Poke, which was shut down this year, is resurrected with a new event-only poke. Ali’i Fish Market offers a Southeast Asian-style creation with kaffir lime and crispy noodles, HiLux Catering is taking on the Ilocano style, Sato Seafood is going Korean. Former King of Poke Fest HanaPa’a Market is giving the Caesar ‘ahi treatment with parmesan toast.
They are also competing for the Guaiqueri crown, which is filling their pockets with poke empanadas a la Margarita; Let’s Roll, better known as Corner Rolls, carries three types of crispy spring rolls filled with poke; and Yamitsuki, best known for its freshly grilled shrimp and tako sembei, serves poke with fresh Vietnamese touches and a shrimp chip.
Here’s the full list:
Photo: Courtesy of Ali’i Fish Market
Chile Kaffir ‘Ahi Poke with Lemongrass Shoyu: Fresh local ‘ahi, Aloun Farms sweet onion, local kaffir lime and herbs, Hawaiian and Thai chilies, uCook Hawai’i lemon sauce, crispy rice noodles.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Poke Bar
Shiso’Ahi-Fresh yellowfin ahi accompanied by a kim chee butter garlic sauce and a soy daikon and shiso sesame dressing, served on a crispy nori chip
From Hub Store
Fried ‘Ahi Poke Inari Bombs—Fried inari bombs with our signature poke (spicy mayonnaise with wasabi oils)
Photo: Courtesy of Guaiqueri Hawai’i
Daisy Poke Bomb—Golden fried empanada, open and loaded with shoyu poke at Margarita Island. Served with black truffle cream sauce and sweet sweet chili
Caesar ‘There Poke—With Ewa tomato jam, parmesan toast He’eia pohole
Photo: Courtesy of HiLux Catering
‘There Poke Ilocano Style—Fresh ahi tossed with a creamy and spicy Ilocano-style dinakdakan dressing with red onion, ginger, bell pepper, masago and limu. Tortado and topped with pork chicharron crumble and green onion
Photo: Courtesy of Kickin’ Sweets
Fire and extinction—Dice ahi and kalo with onion, limu, sea asparagus and Shoyster chile oil sauce
Photo: Courtesy of Let’s Roll
Looking for Poke—A flight of three spring rolls: crispy garlic taegu, spicy ‘ahi and shoyu onion
Photo: Courtesy of Local Poke Bowl
Ginger I’m ‘Ahi Poke—Tossed with miso garlic oil, namasu and fried wonton
Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Poke
Crawfish Poke—Allegada with roasted garlic and saffron aioli, edamame and lemon
Photo: Courtesy of Nico’s Fish Market
Episode 38 Kilauea Lava Flow-Fresh Firecracker ‘There you punch wonton fries, topped with creamy crab and a garnish of garlic oil to represent the elements of the Kilauea volcano
Photo: Courtesy of Shokudo’s Poke Stand
Spicy Maui Onion ‘Ahi Poke—’Ahi served with our original Maui hot onion sauce, finished with green onions, micro shiso and crispy rice paper
Photo: Courtesy of Sato Seafood
Korean Poke—Original soy sauce meets gochujang in a rich, savory Korean-style poke bowl
Photo: Courtesy of Yamitsuki
Vietnamese inspired poke—Vietnamese XO sauce with herbs and onions, lime and fish sauce, chili oil and fried garlic topped with shrimp chips
Also selling drinks, entrees and desserts at Poke Fest:
- Chillex Pops
- the bald boy
- From the Mochi store
- Ilea’s kitchen
- Island Squeeze Lemonade
- Kay’s Cajun Vybz
- Kitchen Mama Mercés
- Milky Way shaving gel
- welcome
- Shawarma break
- Sunfloral ovens
- Thai Lao restaurant
- Tropicold water
- Uncle Lani’s Poi Mochi
- Yo Mama’s Mochi & Snacks
