Fish & Poi Co. Opens in Hilo
Can’t get enough poke? Me, neither. Thankfully, there is a new spot in Hilo where we can purchase poke, as well as Hawaiian plates and poi: Fish & Poi Co. Hilo, located at 21 Kalanianaole Ave.
It’s a busy intersection but look for the freshly-painted blue Quonset hut near the 76 station. Inside, it is airy and clean.
Lynelle Paranada co-owns the business with local celebrity BJ Penn (and their poi comes his farm in the Waipio Valley).
I did some sampling and ended up taking some food home, too. The poke is fresh, delicious, and full of briny flavor. Poke Bowls are $12.75 and you’ll get a scoop of rice (topped with Furikake), two choices of seafood, and a side. The staff is helpful and will explain the menu items.
If you’re a little hungrier, they offer Poke Plates for $18.75. The plates have two scoops of rice, four choices of seafood, and two sides.
Really, really, hungry? Well, you’re in the right place. Check out the Kamehameha the Great Plate (I love the name of this one) for $19.50. It contains Pork Laulau, Kalua Pig, rice or poi, lomilomi salmon, haupia, kulolo, and a choice of poke. You won’t go away hungry.
Hawaiian plates are available for $13.50. Choose from Pork Laulau, Chicken Laulau, Kalua Pig or Kalua Turkey. Plates are served with rice or poi, and a choice of side.
As the saying goes, “Location, location, location.” Fish & Poi Co. is conveniently located near the beaches, a major industrial area, and the airport.
Right now, they are open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Paranada says there are plans to remodel, and after that, they will be open six days a week. For now, you can take food to go or eat outside. There is a covered area available.
Fish & Poi Co. Hilo is located at 21 Kalanianaole Ave. in Hilo. Ample parking; outdoor dining.