Suisan Fish Market
About
A Legacy by the Hilo Bayfront
Tracing its roots back to 1907, Suisan Fish Market has remained an anchor of Hilo’s waterfront culture for over a century. Walking in, the air carries the sharp, clean scent of the Pacific, a reminder that the ahi on your plate was likely pulled from the deep blue waters just hours earlier. This isn’t a polished, high-end bistro; it is a straightforward, no-frills fish market that prioritizes the quality of the catch over white-tablecloth service.
The Poke Standard
For locals and visitors wandering the historic streets near the Wailoa River, the draw here is undeniably the poke. Forget the heavy mayo-laden bowls found elsewhere; Suisan champions the traditional style, focusing on firm, buttery cubes of fresh tuna seasoned with toasted sesame oil, crunchy ogo, and just the right hit of Hawaiian sea salt. The Spicy Ahi and the Shoyu Ahi are the undisputed pillars of the menu. Grab a plastic tray, pick up a pair of chopsticks, and find a spot along the nearby seawall to watch the tide shift as you eat.
Local Insights for Your Visit
While the quality is top-tier, come prepared for a quick-turnover environment. You are here for the freshness, not the seating capacity. Parking can get tight during the midday rush when the line spills out onto the sidewalk, but the queue moves with the efficient rhythm of a place that has been doing this for generations. If you’re looking to experience the authentic heartbeat of Big Island seafood, this is where the Hilo community gathers daily to stock their coolers and grab a quick, honest lunch.
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Amenities & Features
Location
93 Lihiwai St, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-4611
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Reviews
Showing 9 of 500 community reviewsBenGoogle Maps
Recently
So fresh. Best poke I’ve ever had. You can taste the freshness like it’s right out of the water.
Jeffrey KeeGoogle Maps
Recently
Favorite poke of ALL TIME!! Amazingly fresh fish w great texture and flavors. Their salmon was one of the best things I've ever eaten!! All of their poke choices are great even their pineapple side is yummy to clean up the palate after eating. We literally came here daily at open 9am bought our lunch, put it in a cooler in our rental car and enjoyed lunch later whenever we were hungry. It was perfect!!! Don't miss this place you'll be very sorry.
Zheren YangGoogle Maps
Recently
The best poke we had during our trip, including Oahu and big island. The seasoning was so accommodating, not on the heavy side. It really brought out the freshness of the fish. We had soy ahi and hamachi, calamari and shrimps. All of them were excellent. Should’ve got more.
Sarah HoyerGoogle Maps
Recently
We came for Poke based on reviews and were not disappointed. There is a wide variety of fish as well as sides for your bowl. We got there right at open and a few minutes after there was a line-up for orders. It is by far the best Poke we've had on the island. We highly recommend the traditional poke, seaweed salad, octopus salad, and crab salad. Get the wonton chips to use for the sides!
V KGoogle Maps
Recently
Very friendly staff and incredibly delicious poke. The fish is fresh, and you can taste the quality from the very first bite. I’ll definitely be back again!
Brighten Jiang (BESTTWO)Google Maps
Recently
shared three poke bowls here. its my favorite - just meat and sauce on rice haha. super fresh! mango side dish was quite funky, hoping for more mango flavor
Spondon KunduGoogle Maps
Recently
Came in a bit late, so unsurprisingly dint get a lot of options, but the poke tasted very good and still fresh. Service was really good. Hope to come next time to get some ahi poke options.
Shuai “Marshall” JiangGoogle Maps
Recently
We used this as a poke shop rather than a fish market. The poke was fresh and delicious; in the top tier of pokes I ate in Hawaii. It's very seafood-based so if you like toppings, this is not the place. We also liked the sides (mango and seafood salad). There's no sitting in the interior, and parking might be difficult at busy hours so plan accordingly.
LydiaGoogle Maps
Recently
Food: very fresh and reasonable price! The rice ratio is relatively high but their poke can make you finish it for sure. They offer many options from fish to octopus to scallop. Definitely recommend something with shoyu or spicy shoyu. Getting just poke is also more recommended! Service: very patient with tourists like us who can’t decide right away and friendly to recommend flavors and explain their menu. Ambiance: casual. You only get a few white benches outside so takeout is the most recommended option.
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