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The Fish Express
About
Island-Style Freshness
Located in the heart of Lihue, The Fish Express is a cornerstone for locals craving authentic, no-frills Hawaiian poke. Forget the polished tourist traps; this spot focuses entirely on the quality of the catch. The air inside smells faintly of shoyu and ginger, while the refrigerated cases glow with vibrant, ruby-red ahi and glistening limu-tossed octopus.
The Poke Counter Experience
The workflow here is brisk and efficient. You stand in line, eyeball the glistening bowls of fresh-caught tuna, and order by the pound. Their signature spicy ahi is a standout, delivering a clean heat that doesn’t overpower the buttery texture of the fish. If you are indecisive, the staff is quick with a sample on a toothpick, allowing you to weigh the merits of the kukui nut seasoning against the traditional Hawaiian style.
Local Kauai Flavor
It is the kind of place where you grab your styrofoam containers and head to a nearby beach park or back to your rental. Be prepared for a bit of a scramble during the lunch rush, as this place is a magnet for the Kauai work crowd looking for a quick, high-quality bite. The parking lot can get tight—a small price to pay for some of the most reliable seafood on the island. Whether you are heading to the North Shore or catching a flight out of the nearby airport, stopping here for a bowl of poke is practically a rite of passage for anyone visiting Lihue.
Amenities & Features
Location
3-3343 Kuhio Hwy # 7, Lihue, Hawaii, 96766
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Reviews
Showing 9 of 718 community reviewsAsia AllenGoogle Maps
Recently
I went for the poke but the blackened tuna was the special and it looked so good, I had to have it. Fast and efficient service. Take out only. I ate in the parking lot. It was all good. I will definitely be back for the poke.
katie berbertGoogle Maps
Recently
Some of the best poke we had on Kauai! We loved the selection of fish/sauce and the self-serve toppings. It's very much a takeout place, so don't expect to come in and sit down to eat! But the food was excellent and the staff was very friendly and accomodating!
Tom BardaGoogle Maps
Recently
The fish here is incredibly fresh and delicious! The portions are generous and very satisfying, making it a great value for the price. While the service was only mediocre, the food itself definitely makes it worth a visit. If you're looking for quality seafood in the area, this is a solid choice.
Eric LiGoogle Maps
Recently
the friendliest people and the best poke! so fresh!! got the ahi onion poke and spicy. spam musubi is also the best we’ve had. definitely worth a stop
Peyton LoweryGoogle Maps
Recently
This place was good but had limited parking and no dine in seating. It was a local spot with friendly staff, fresh poke bowls and decent prices.
Grace FanGoogle Maps
Recently
You can tell this is the kinda joint liked by locals. People comment a lot on the poke, which was very good, but I was more impressed by the large selection of unique side dishes (was able to get a shiitake mushroom side that was bomb) and the value of the hot lunch plates. It’s a takeout only spot so we out of the back of our car in the parking lot.
Trevor MelloGoogle Maps
Recently
I am in love with this place. As soon as I landed I B-lined here and within ten minutes was ordering some of their poke. In my opinion best on the island after trying about 5 or 6 different spots. Enough so I ate here 3 more times in one week. The fish is fresh and melts in your mouth and lots of options to choose from for your bowl. My mother and sister also agreed. Be aware of their hours to maximize your enjoyment.
David Nagel-NunezGoogle Maps
Recently
Great poke shop! There were a good variety of options and they were very delicious. My favorite was the scallop poke. It was so flavorful and delicious. The staff were friendly as well. Note, it can get pretty busy inside, and the parking lot is a little small if it's busy. But it's totally worth it, and it was one of my favorite poke on the island.
Allen LGoogle Maps
Recently
The poke was fresh and flavorful, with a wide variety of selections and additional sides to choose from. I ordered one bowl with a green salad base and three scoops: Spicy Salmon, Sliced Tako, and Shoyu Ahi. Everything was well-seasoned and delicious. I also tried the fried tako, which was impressively fresh and perfectly crispy. Definitely a solid spot for poke lovers
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Fish Express
Common questions from diners about The Fish Express in Lihue.
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