Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
About
A Daily Catch from Kona’s Coast
Stepping into Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill feels less like a sit-down meal and more like catching up with a local fisherman. Located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, this spot is the brainchild of Chef Nakoa Pabre, a poke champion who treats his fish with religious reverence. You won't find frozen imports here; the kitchen relies on whatever the local boats pull from the Big Island waters each morning.
The Poke Experience
The star of the show is undoubtedly the poke. Whether you order the classic ahi seasoned with sea salt and limu or venture into one of the bolder spicy shoyu creations, the texture is buttery and firm—the hallmark of truly fresh catch. The smell of ocean air mingles with the faint, savory aroma of fried garlic and toasted sesame drifting from the kitchen. It’s an informal, laid-back environment where shorts and flip-flops are the unofficial dress code.
Island Flavors and Local Quirks
Beyond the raw bar, the menu leans into Hawaiian comfort food. Expect hearty portions of kalua pork and lau lau that carry the depth of slow-cooked tradition. The room is often buzzing with high energy and the sounds of locals trading stories over icy cocktails, which can get a bit noisy during the lunch rush. While the open-air layout keeps things breezy, be prepared for the tropical humidity to join you at the table—it’s just part of the authentic Kona dining experience. If you’re looking for a refined, white-tablecloth evening, this isn't it; but if you want the freshest fish on the west coast of Hawaii, this is the definitive destination.
Amenities & Features
Location
74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740-1627
More to Explore
More cuisines in Kailua-Kona
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 1023 community reviewsEmily LiddyGoogle Maps
Recently
A great casual place to grab a bite. I got the poke with rice. It was delicious, mixed with a garlic aoli and onions. Paired it with a Sauvignon Blanc. I would recommend this place to anyone who likes seafood.
Tom LeeGoogle Maps
Recently
Fun place with decent food in a hip area. Went with a large group and we all thought the sampler plate and nachos were the bomb! The individual entrees were just ok. Next time we'd skip the entrees and order two large sampler plates and loaded nachos.
Himani AroraGoogle Maps
Recently
We had poke and tempura fish tacos. The fish was fresh and the tacos were really really good. The poke wasn’t outstanding, there are definitely several other poke shacks on the island with better poke. The service was very nice and friendly. Atmosphere also great
Teena MalicsiGoogle Maps
Recently
## A Must-Visit Gem in Kona! If you find yourself in Kailua-Kona, you absolutely have to stop by **Umeske Fish Market Bar and Grill**. We had an incredible meal here and the entire experience was top-notch from start to finish. ### **The Food** The kitchen knows exactly what they’re doing with fresh seafood. Here’s what we loved: Seafood Pasta 🍝 🍝 This dish was the star of the show for me. It was incredibly savory, perfectly seasoned, and packed with fresh flavors. My friend ordered the mahi-mahi plate and it was cooked to perfection—flaky, fresh, and delicious. Don’t sleep on the sides! The French fries were the perfect crispy accompaniment to the meal. What really made our visit special was our server, Kahulu. They were so friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home the moment we sat down. It’s rare to find service that is both professional and genuinely warm, but Kahulu nailed it. Bottom Line: Great vibes, even better food, and stellar service. Whether you're a local or just passing through, put Umeske on your list!
Steve O'BrienGoogle Maps
Recently
If you're looking for a spot that nails both texture and flavor, Umekes is a must-visit. We tried a couple of different dishes and were seriously impressed. • The Fish Tacos: These were the standout. The fish was perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, and the overall flavor profile was spot on—bright, fresh, and satisfying. • Garlic Shrimp: Often, garlic shrimp can be overwhelming, but these were executed beautifully. You get large, meaty pieces of shrimp with a subtle garlic flavor that doesn't mask the sweetness of the seafood. • The Sides: The crescent fries were a unique and tasty addition to the meal—great for dipping. Plus, the furikake-topped rice balls (musubi style) added that perfect local touch. Overall, a great atmosphere and even better food. We will definitely be back!
Steven HGoogle Maps
Recently
If this review was based on the hostess it would be 1 star. She was unfriendly and unhelpful. After telling us we couldn’t sit inside because she had to seat 4 people at a 4 top, we sat at the bar and she immediately sat two other couples at the same tables we asked for! Thankfully Liam was at the bar and was friendly and welcoming, turning our experience into a positive one. The mahi tacos and ono sandwich were delicious. The fish was so fresh and cooked perfectly. Besides the nasty hostess we had a great meal.
Bo VrGoogle Maps
Recently
We had a great dinner at Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill. The ambiance was lively and casual, with live music and beautiful outdoor scenery that made for a really enjoyable evening. The food was very good. We ordered the poke nachos, Makai platter, ahi katsu, and pulehu beef, and everything was fresh and flavorful. The poke dishes were especially delicious, and we all really liked their mac salad. My personal favorite was the poke nachos—they had the perfect crunch in every bite. The service was good, though a bit slow at times. Overall, it was a great experience, and we would highly recommend it.
Anna NestyforenkoGoogle Maps
Recently
I’ve been here three times already and I honestly love this place. The poke bowls are always super fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully put together — honestly, the best poke I’ve ever had. The service is excellent, everyone is friendly and welcoming, and the prices are really good for the portion sizes and quality. It’s such a chill spot and one of those places you keep coming back to because it never disappoints. Definitely recommend!
Itssofluffeh MeGoogle Maps
Recently
Food was great! The poke bowl was not too bad, although I feel that the ahi could have been fresher. The tacos were of good size and overall a lot of delicious food served for lunch. The family had a great time. Cash is preferred here. Otherwise be prepared to pay an extra 3% for credit card processing fees (which typically should be covered by the restaurant).
ShariGoogle Maps
Recently
The poke was awesome. We got the Poke Nachos and the old boy. The chef flavor of the day, hottie and sweet. Everything had great flavor. Our server gave great suggestions. We even had the coconut ice cream and fried ice cream with coconut and taro. We loved everything and we will be back. The portions are generous.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Common questions from diners about Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill in Kailua-Kona.
