Poni - Hawaii Restaurant

Poni

4.8(54 community reviews)
Budget ($)

About

Discover Poni, offering the best Asian experience in Wailuku. Enjoy Budget ($) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Island Flavor Meets Wailuku Charisma

Stepping into Poni in the heart of Wailuku, you immediately feel a shift from the typical town pace. The atmosphere here balances a laid-back local energy with a modern, intentional approach to casual dining. It is the kind of place where you hear the sizzle of the flat-top grill competing with the upbeat hum of locals catching up over lunch, making it a prime spot for those looking to bypass the tourist-heavy spots for an authentic Central Maui connection.

The Culinary Focus

Poni is widely recognized for its mastery of Hawaiian-inspired comfort food. The menu is heavily anchored by fresh, high-quality poke, featuring fish sourced from local waters. The shoyu poke bowls are a standout—the fish is butter-soft, tossed in a balanced marinade that doesn't overwhelm the natural sweetness of the ahi. Beyond the raw selections, the kitchen excels at quick-service plates that reflect the melting pot of Maui culture. You will find that the portions are generous, designed for those who appreciate a hearty meal that doesn't compromise on ingredient integrity.

The Local Experience

The space is unpretentious and stripped back, putting the focus entirely on the food. It is an ideal stop for a quick refueling after exploring the nearby Iao Valley or before navigating the winding roads toward the North Shore. Be prepared for a bit of a challenge when it comes to street parking along the busy Wailuku corridors; arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot is part of the local ritual. Once inside, the scent of seasoned rice and ocean-fresh seafood sets the stage for a straightforward, high-quality meal. Whether you are a solo traveler seeking a quick bite or a group of friends looking for a casual afternoon staple, Poni delivers a quintessential slice of modern Maui dining that feels deeply rooted in its community.

Location

1063 Lower Main St, Wailuku, Hawaii, 96793-2008

Directions

Reviews

Showing 3 of 54 community reviews
D

Denton CohenGoogle Maps

Recently

Awesome local bar!!! Great service and friendly people in a nice atmosphere. Fantastic place to come for NFL gamedays or just on a regular weeknight. Also a good karaoke machine. Check it out!

M

Maui World TravelersGoogle Maps

Recently

One of my friends always mentioned a bar named 'Poni' that she frequents. Not being a fan of typical Korean bars where a $20 drink buys you company, I was happy to know that Poni isn't that kind of establishment. ATMOSPHERE: Poni is located in the same row of businesses in Puuone Plaza that includes Tokyo Tei and M Sushi. The bar is split into two rooms though the lower room is more of a storage area and where the women's restroom is located. Décor is minimal and the place was clean. Seating styles include bar top, high tops, low tops and picnic-style tables. Color-changing LED rope lights span the ceiling which gives the place a dreamscape-like ambiance in hues of pink, blue and purple, so pictures will come out horribly (see my menu pics). TV's line the bar and pay-for karaoke is available ($1 per song or $2 if no one claps, according to the sign, LOL). There were just four others there on a Friday night around 7pm, with a few souls trickling in thereafter. Reggae tunes played overhead. MENU: Full bar along with a small menu of Asian-influenced bar apps, local fare like saimin, spam and egg sandwich, and oyster shooters. EXPERIENCE: My gang and I were going to attend a funeral nearby so we decided to pop in and have just one drink. Our two chardonnays and one beer came out to $18 and change. Paying via credit card would result in the fee being passed onto us (75-cents for this particular amount). Conversing was easy as the music was at the perfect level. The bar was nice and cool inside. SERVICE: Greeting was immediate and very friendly. We were a party of just three so the server broke down an 8-topper in half for us. Drink service was lightning quick as the place wasn't very busy at 7pm. OVERALL: Chill vibe, great service. I'd return!

K

Kelcie QuemadoGoogle Maps

Recently

Awesome bar food. One of the very few, if not only, karaoke place where you can sing any song you like, not just whatever is limited in the books. Watch whichever game you want during football season, many flatscreens to enjoy multiple games at the same time. Owner is awesome, kind and friendly.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Poni

Common questions from diners about Poni in Wailuku.

Poni is a local dining establishment.

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