England is revered for their fish and chips, down south loves their collard greens, and here in Hawaii, we’ve got Poke. Pronounced Poh-kay which means to cut or to slice, this popular pupu (appetizer) is as much a part of Hawaii as the hula.
Poke was originally prepared by native Hawaiians by slicing ahi tuna / yellowfin and seasoning it with sea salt, seaweed and ground kukui nut. Modern day poke is still made with yellowfin, but has evolved to include lobster, crab and other treasures of the sea. You’ll even find vegetarian poke made with tofu.
The passing of time has not only seen poke include other types of seafood; thanks to the melting pot of cultures that make up the fabric of Hawaii, the seasoning has been kicked up a notch as well. Gone are the days of simple sea salt and seaweed poke. Today’s varieties offer a more flavorful twist with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, citrus, and of course “secret sauces”. Throw in some extras like tomatoes and sweet Maui onion and you’ve got yourself a very fine poke indeed!
Here in Hawaii we are so obsessed with our poke that we’ve even got an entire festival devoted to it! Started in 1992, the Poke Festival is the brain child of Chef Sam Choy who is also the author of a cookbook dedicated to the same. The festival includes cooking classes, tastings, poke recipe contests and more.
If you’re wondering where you and your taste buds can go to sample this Hawaiian specialty, check out our post on how Hawaii’s cuisine measures up against the rest of the nation. Kona’s Da Poke Shack actually took the top spot on Yelp’s list of best places to eat in the entire country, and what do you think their specialty is? You guessed it, poke!
We had a wonderful time at Sail Away and I recommended Hawaii Hideaway to dozens of people. You were a delight to work with and I will definitely use you again the next time we rent a home in the islands.
Roseville, CA
Like a Dream
Bliss doesn’t even describe our experience. It was almost like a dream. We are ready to do this again with Hawaii Hideaways – you guys are the best. Everything was perfect!!!
Amarillo, TX
Outstanding Experience From Beginning to End
It was in an outstanding experience from beginning to end, I would work with Hawaii hideaways again in the future unquestionably. Sunny Madeiros was terrific with her recommendations of everything from leisure activities to restaurants and even equipment rentals.
Coral Gables, FL
Perfect Combination of Elegance and Comfort
First time to Maui (and Hawaii). This is a spectacular setting and the home is a perfect combination of elegance and comfort. I could stay on the lanai all day long and be happy. Of course there’s a ton of fun activities, but it was great to have Gull Cottage as our base to come back to!
Arlington Heights, IL
You’re Going to Want to Stay
Our family spent a splendid week in Kauai in early 2017, basing ourselves out of the Touching Green house. It’s in a great location, has everything you need, and is just lovely. The pictures don’t do it justice. You’re going to want to stay!
New Rochelle, NY
A Treasured Memory For Life
We had a wonderful time in Kauai! We remained in awe at the unimaginable beauty, both of the rental home, as well as Kauai itself. It will be a treasured memory for life. I hope we can come back and make more memories.