Poke is a food gradually gaining popularity around the world. From social media influencers editing their Instagram worthy meal pictures, to locals simply craving a post surf snack, this cuisine waters the mouths of all who hope to consume it. However, this traditional Hawaiian food tastes best when devoured… well in Hawaii of course! If you’re lucky enough to live in the poke capital of the world, or even just be visiting, poke shops can be found left and right, which then causes a sense of indecisiveness in those wishing to feast on this treat. One of the many sure to please poke locations happens to be Pa’ina Cafe. Although this small shop’s environment and food is rather ordinary, its location will escort you to their doors countless times.

          Perfectly located in Hawaii Kai’s Koko Marina Center, the amount of outdoor seating on the marina seems never ending. This option highly benefits Pa’ina Cafe  considering it has a relatively cramped and standard environment. Upon entering, you may catch an employee sweeping the floor full of sand, but don’t be too quick to judge as this is rather a good thing. The sand is evidence that this small shop is a popular grub hub for locals after a quick trip to Sandy’s approximately 5-10 minutes away, or tourists after a lengthy day of exploring Hawaii’s numerous beaches. If the poke is good enough to attract these consumers, it’s good enough for you. Besides, you really don’t have to be a fan of the actual ambience you first walk into as you most likely would opt out for the gorgeous water front seating anyways. 

Despite the ordinary environment, the poke here does it justice. Known as the “Home of the Original Poke Bowl,” Pa’ina Cafe provides a vast variety of options for all your poke desires. This small shop even offers a BYOB option, where customers can build their bowl from scratch. The possibilities may appear overwhelming at first glance, but fortunately the cafe lists the order of building step by step, as well as supplies employees that will be happy to walk you through the process. There is always a menu of signature dishes waiting to be noticed if the process seems to complicated, as well as other meal options such as sandwiches and salads if you for some odd reason decide poke is not on your menu tonight. The system of constructing your own bowl is really quite simple. You first decide between the sizes of small ($8.50), large ($10.50), or extra large ($11.25). Next arrives the decision of whether you want white or brown rice, as well as either drizzling mild or hot shoyu sauce on top. This one technique may seem unnecessary, but in the end it will truly connect the flavors of the poke to the rice. Now would be the time to decide on the type of poke you would enjoy infusing your stomach with. Pa’ina Cafe includes 6 fish alternatives, including their daily special. Lastly arrives your choice of toppings, most of which are fifty cents each. I utilized the BYOB opportunity and constructed a large bowl with white rice, mild shoyu, furikake, spicy tuna, green onions, and garlic chips. As delicious as this combustion of flavors was, I definitely underestimated the sizing with my choice of a large bowl, and would’ve had enough with the simple small bowl. With that being said, bring your appetite so you can enjoy every aspect of your meal without the need to persevere. After all is said and done, find yourself a spot to casually wait before devouring this tasty treat. 

          There it is, the long awaited bowl of your dreams. Your mind is focused solely on the piece of heaven in front of you, and away from the dying sun shining its final rays on the marina. One quick pop of the lid, and the scent automatically directs your fork in the bowl. That first bite is always the best. All the flavors unify as one, and you can’t help but continue ingesting it all no matter how much your mouth is on fire from your spicy tuna + wasabi drizzle decision. The amount of poke to rice is rationalized equally, to which both food seem to have an endless supply. A meal like this definitely requires a close to empty stomach, because your appetite will be driven to push through your mind telling you you’ve had enough. 

         Pa’ina Cafe is definitely a must try for both tourists and locals, and you will surely be driven to return. Whether it be to capture your aesthetically constructed bowl accompanied with a glistening turquoise water backdrop, or to satisfy your poke needs, this cafe will absolutely fulfill whatever it is you desire.