The Fish Express

4.4 (1.2k reviews)

ModerateHawaiian, Seafood, Poke

Closed • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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The Fish Express - Spicy Ahi & Spicy Salmon poke - Hawaiian Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

The Fish Express - Hawaiian Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

The Fish Express - One of the best poke spots! - Hawaiian Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

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The Fish Express - Tuna Sashimi and Unagi bento - Hawaiian Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

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99 Photos238 Reviews

3 months ago

Great place to grab a poke bowl from a variety of poke recipes and fresh fish salads. The only area of concern is the parking situation as it is small off a busy roadway-Kuhio Highway.

5 months ago

This is what you get for a two choice Poke Bowl..... fricking rip off...... never again, and I recommend anyone thinking it's good to question everything about this NEW place..... it's not the same!!!!!

43 Photos102 Reviews

10 months ago

Spicy ahi poke with crab was velvety sweet, so good!! Loved the toppings bar-fresh ginger, mussels, pickled daikon and sea weed salad are my favs so far

about 1 year ago

The ahi poke was hands down the best I have ever had. I liked it so much I came back 2 more times during my 5-day visit. Everything tasted flavorful and fresh. I highly recommend the spicy ahi with crab. Note that it is takeout only...

10 Photos102 Reviews

15 days ago

Fresh fish and great variety. Friendly service and reasonable pricing for the quality. No seating, so it's grab and go.

3 months ago

Great place to grab a poke bowl from a variety of poke recipes and fresh fish salads. The only area of concern is the parking situation as it is small off a busy roadway-Kuhio Highway.

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THE FISH EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

59 Photos

Casual

Moderate noise

Good for kids

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Michael X.

When stopping by Lihue, we were looking for a place where you can get some delicious poke quickly, and The Fish Express popped up as an interesting option to stop by. We went on a Saturday around lunchtime and it wasn't too busy. There is a small parking lot near the restaurant on the left hand side. It was filled when we first got there, but we were luckily able to get a spot. I could see this lot filling up quickly during other meal rush hours, so do take note if you plan on driving. The ordering is done like your typical poke place, you tell the service worker what you would like and there's a small toppings bar at the end before the cashier. There was a small line when we went, and even with the line, it still only took about 5-10 minutes to get our food. There isn't interior seating in the restaurant though, you will have to get your food take out, or just eat in the parking lot. I got the 3 scoops of poke option for $15.25, and I think that this is a pretty solid deal for the variety of fish that you can try out! I think based on my personal experience on Kaua'i, it will be difficult to get food, especially poke at a reasonable price. But for this price, it's probably the best place on the island to get poke without paying $20+ for the same variety. The fish tasted fresh, and I am a fan of the selection of toppings they had. If you are in the Lihue area and looking to try some poke at a reasonable price, I would recommend The Fish Express! There seems to be a decent amount of other interesting looking options on the menu, and if I'm ever in the area again, I would totally give them a try!

Natalee C.

Whenever I'm on the islands, I make it a mission to find the best poke and this has to be up there with the best I had on Kauai. Everything is fresh and the flavors are incredible. You can tell the fish is freshly caught, and it's super meaty / not too fishy (always a good sign). Love the option of self serve toppings - something that makes this experience unique compared to other fish markets / poke spots. The Mac salad is delicious, highly recommend topping with that. The service was fast and friendly, and we were in and out in a few minutes. I would come back here for sure, highly recommend!

Madeleine B.

Second time here for poke. they have a good selection, lots of fresh ahi tuna with different marinades, various self serve topping, popular but they are efficient at moving people through. Would recommend.

Bryan C.

This place is one of the best poke joints on the Kauai island. The only downside is the parking situation is very tricky. Their fish are very fresh but you need to be there earlier or a lot of good stuff will be running out early. Big portions of fish so 2 scoops are plenty for us.

Kelsea L.

Friendly and helpful staff! Got the smoked tako and peppered ahi jerky. They even cut the jerky up in small pieces too. Sweet potato haupia bars were ok, hoping it would be a little bit sweeter. Overall great place to grab poke or other goodies.

Chinese plate: fried chicken, fried shrimp, and spare ribs

Ray N.

This place is legit and consistent every time. The fish is all fresh, and not frozen. I like all of their poke, but especially the ahi with ogo and the tako. But I usually get the lau lau plate. They didn't have it yesterday, so I got the Chinese plate instead and it was legit. The oriental fried chicken was sweet with subtle ginger and sesame flavors, and crispy. The fried shrimp was tasty and crunchy. The sweet and sour spare ribs were soft and flavorful. It was the first meal I had back in Kauai and it delivered.

Kyoo C.

No frills place serving fresh ahi poke, not from frozen. Fish quality was excellent, very smooth and fresh ahi in the poke. Definitely go for the 3 scoops since it's not a ton of fish, and of course sushi rice. KISS keep it simple stupid, it's all about the fresh fish quality here so go for the poke bowl. If flavor preference is usually spicy mayo ahi like me, go for the "Ahi Spicy Poke w/Crab". Didn't really taste any crabs, but it is the spicy mayo sauce one that I always love. The "Ahi Spicy Poke" was a little spicier without the mayo. Location was convenient to the east side, and wife loved it and requested to eat this a 2nd time the next day as well:)

Lilian B.

Best poke in town! We came here right after we landed! They charge you by weight so you can put everything you want the only thing is that they don't have seating area but thats fine because it was so fresh and so good!

Brian M.

When I arrived, they were all out of spicy poke (which is my favorite). The owner could tell I was disappointed when she looked at me, and then she said we will make some more for you. It was so thoughtful. After they made me a fresh batch and handed it to me, a smile came across my face. When I got to my car, I could not wait and had a bite (ok, lots of bites) with the chopsticks that they provided. The poke was awesome. Good people and good poke.

Blackened Ahi With pineapple salsa. Amazing dish

Blackened fish was amazing sweet, sour ,spicy well balanced. If your planing to go fish express you gotta try the Blackened fish it's a special but if you ask the chef he would gladly make it for you Aloha

Chicken Katsu plate, no katsu sauce only ketchup- blah!!!

Rhondi S.

Chicken katsu had no katsu sauce, they only gave me ketchup!!! Yuck, I'm no haole, gimme katsu sauce! Should have gotten the poke bowl instead but they were all out of hamachi. I should have tried their smoked fish and smoked salmon instead. Big servings, green salad and spaghetti Mac salad included. Nice and friendly counter service ladies. Take out only, no tables for sitting. Went again 2 days later, got the hamachi poke bowl + extra $4 for a small, but worth it. it was fresh, not hot/spicy with crunchy salty sea asparagus (nice touch)was good; Kim Chee was wayyyy too salty- blah! To go orders only, no seating inside nor out, so ambiance is a 1 star. Poke bowls you can add various add on's (Kim Chee, Takauan, pickled vegetables, edamame and more) they weigh your bowl for the extra sides. Poke bowls are 4-5 stars, chicken katsu a 1 star. Come here for the fresh and smoked fish!

Katherine K.

Hands down the best poke I've had in all of Hawaii! The service was great, the fish was fresh, and I love the DIY toppings bar they have. I got a small poke bowl with brown rice, Ahi Maui Onion Poke and Ahi Spicy Poke (both incredibly delicious separate and together), topped with edamame, kimchee cucumber, Ocean Salad, and their furikake shaker mix. My only complaint would be that I wish there wasn't salt in the furikake shaker mix because the dish didn't need salt. The portion size was really nice for the price, too. They don't overpack it with rice.

Boj o.

Fresh seafood! We came early and there's not much fresh seafood except for the tuna sashimi, which luckily was my favorite. I also got some unagi bento, which was warm and fresh off the grill. Both were delicious! The freshness was next level! The tuna sashimi melted in my mouth. The unagi was smoky, sweet and savory. It was so good! Warm friendly service and there is plenty of parking outside. This place was easy to spot.

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Paula C.

9 years ago

Great fish; great dinners; great price. Really enjoyed my special of the day, garlic Parmesan swordfish with a giant salad. While it's only take-out (can't have a sit-down dinner there) and they close the cooking part of the kitchen at 3pm, it was all really good. I loved the spicy hamachi poke. Would definitely go back. read more

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Fred S.

9 years ago

Good food, but access is a real issue at lunch time because parking is very limited and is on a busy street. Have a good selection of things and most of them are done very well. Inside is somewhat chaotic until you get used to their system. Service is usually good. read more

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Nene H.

9 years ago

The BEST fresh poke!!! Delicious food. Everything was sooo good. I would totally recommend this place when in Kauai. And, excellent customer service. read more

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D L.

10 years ago

My favorite poke on Kauai after 6 visits. I like it better than Pono Market, Koloa Fish Market, and Big Save Supermarket (it's not bad). Consistent quality. Never too salty. Fresh Ahi options versus only previously frozen and pumped with carbon monoxide to give a red fresh color. read more

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Jen C.

Elite 17

338

10 years ago

We got 3 types of poke on our bowl, then added some toppings at the DIY topping bar. What we didn't know was that your bowl is then weighed and you pay for the toppings by weight. A little weird, but everything was super delicious. Not a huge poke bowl for the ~$16 price tag though. read more

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Dina S.

9 years ago

This is by far our most favorite place we ate on the island!!! Fish tacos are amazing. Get the last item on the menu, I believe it's #11! Amazing!!!!!!!!! Poke bowls are a must also. Ate here 6/10 days we were on the island! read more

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Mendy H.

158

286

10 years ago

customize your own poke! good for quick grab-and-go. had the spicy tuna and spicy lobster, both were fresh and well flavored. They do cooked meals too, although some options may run out. No seating area. 3.5 stars. read more

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Linda H.

9 years ago

The poke was awesome, and staff were very friendly! First meal we got off the plane =)

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Michael L.

124

12 years ago

Great food. We really liked the lilikoi (passionfruit) and macadamia encrusted fish. Great service. It's not really a restaurant but a takeout place, so I can cut them slack for no water. There are no tables, but there is a park nearby with picnic benches. read more

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Jessica N.

11 years ago

The freshest fish to ever get in my mouth. It's a fish market with an incredibly friendly staff. Don't come expecting a restaurant. You won't care once you start eating that you're sitting in your car enjoying Lunch. read more

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El A.

Elite 14

115

135

10 years ago

Fish Express is always our first stop when we come to Kauai. We drive directly from the airport to Fish Express. We love their variety of poke and fast foods. The last time we visited, our favorite poke was just about gone. When we asked if they had more of it, the guy behind the counter said, "I can make more for you!" And he did! He whipped up a small batch of yummy goodness just for us to take on the road. Love this place! read more

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Mimy B.

17 years ago

Hawaiians must do lots of takeout bc this is where you'll find the best value and great food. Lots of selection. The fries were disappointing though, so I'd go for the grilled fish lunch plates. read more

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Chris B.

16 years ago

Really fresh fish! The laulau pork was great. Prices are very reasonable and this place makes a great stop for lunch without wasting much time. The ahi poke was not that good, but it doesn't really detract from the meal too much. read more

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Emily Y.

288

15 years ago

Their grill was closed when we went, but the bento box with teriyaki chicken salmon rice seaweed, etc.was pretty good. The poke was good too. We went here when we got off the plane and needed a poke fix. read more

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El V.

139

12 years ago

Ate here three times now. The poke is very good. I did come one afternoon and all the poke was previously frozen. At least they noted it on the signs. In CA they just serve it without saying anything. So we went back earlier the next day and all the poke was fresh and delicious. Spicy ahi and crab poke was my favorite read more

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ti w.

11 years ago

What happened!? I am a big poke fan, and yelpers have always helped me with my poke cravings, from the Big Island to even Honolulu. But this has to be my worse poke experience. Maybe it wasn't my day? The guy behind the counter finally took my order, after I jumped up a couple of time to get his attention. The deli like counter is oh so high up. I patiently waited for him to fill my 1/2 pound order of spicy ahi poke and ahi poke into a small containers. I didn't even mind that he was filling the container with extra dark sauce that the poke was marinated in. But at $$$ a pound, please hold the liquid! Bought some more miscellaneous items like fry chicken for the kiddo, then headed out to our car to enjoy our much anticipated poke dishes. To my disappointment, my husband's and my poke was ubber SALTY. I couldn't believe my taste buds, so I tried a couple of more bites...tried it with white rice...still sooooooo salty! Couldn't finish it. (note: already had poured out the massive amount of sauce in my container already). Too late to turn back and complain. Half way toward the airport. Maybe my fellow yelpers will have more luck then what I had. Off to another poke place! read more

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Sim S.

11 years ago

Amazing! Everything we got was incredible but my favorites are the lobster salad (huge delicious chunks!!), the spicy ahi poke, and ocean salad. The perfect stop straight from the airport to have the true Hawaiian experience! Only bummed they were closed on our return home on a Sunday. read more

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Ralph L.

105

139

11 years ago

Once again the fish here is great. Had a piece of Ono tonight that was fresh and tasty. Will return many more times this trip. Been here probably close to ten times now on our visits to Kauai. read more

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Carla C.

293

10 years ago

Poke is Amazing. Had it almost everyday on the island. Bowl with sushi rice 1 scoop ahi poke and 1 scoop spicy ahi poke. Cost about $8 based on how much extra toppings you put on top. Dressings, salad, and etc. If you have any questions just ask people are super helpful. It's a grab and go though no place to sit and eat. Next time we come back this will be the first place I go to. read more

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Tyler S.

10 years ago

Good bento and poke options. It is essentially a deli where you are ordering to go. No seating available so plan accordingly.

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Jon B.

9 years ago

Very good food! Cashier even, with a busy line, offered to and washed off my can lid of coconut water.

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d l.

18 years ago

had some lomi lomi , poki and kalua pig . the pork was kind of dry but tasty and the poki was good . not really into lomi lomi slamon much but the prices are right . oh i alos had the dried mahi mahi which was good . minus one star for the grill being closed on the wekends. read more

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Michael S.

440

13 years ago

With so many rave reviews, we came to Fish Express as soon as we landed in Kauai. We had the cajun fish sandwich, shoyu poke, spicy lobster poke - everything was as scrumptious as we had hoped. The only problem was it raised our expectation so much that it was almost impossible to please our palate throughout the trip. Fortunately Fish Express was close to our hotel. :-) read more

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Sher D.

11 years ago

Try their macadamia nut ahi...it was the best! Fresh poke was delicious too! Service was great and they had several menu options to choose from. Wish they were open later for dinner but would definitely go here again. read more

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Laura K.

11 years ago

The poke was pretty good. The fish sandwich was not good at all. My boyfriend thought the musubi was excellent.

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Ian N.

10 years ago

ONO! Poke, poke, Poke the best & freshest to be had. Plus so much more.come here to try when you're on Kauai. you won't regret it

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JoAnn T.

10 years ago

Great local place, food and service was awesome. We couldn't wait to eat it so we scarfed the food down in the parking lot. its a must go!

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Lee S.

10 years ago

One of my favorite lunches on the island. I eat here several days a week and they always have such a great variety of selections at the Grill, so it never gets old. Super fresh and friendly staff. Note: all items are To Go only. read more

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Mallory G.

9 years ago

Great service! Fresh food! Super clean! Friendly staff! Mahalo for fueling our ohana with your fresh goodies!

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Caitlin G.

10 years ago

AMAZING! Warn, friendly Hawaiian hospitality and the freshest fish I've ever hoped to eat. Also, super cool concept of create your own poke bowl, Doby worry, the guys there will help you make good choices :) read more

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gammenshowa p.

19 years ago

If you are ever on the Beautitul island of Kauai Hawaii and are in the mood for pupus (thats drinking snack foods for you non locals) pop into the Fish Express. Once in there you can find a miriad of raw fish and seafood bits that are the perfect to go with your ice cold BEER. i mean it is hawaii. So grab some pupus a couple of friends, beers and talk story an relax. mahalo. read more

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Frank Y.

16 years ago

Great pokes (I have to say Pono market is a little better though). The good thing here is you can have a lot of selections of pokes and all of them tasts good. read more

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Sarah E.

15 years ago

Visit early! They tend to run out of fresh poke and sushi rolls by the evening time. This spot was definately a must for poke, seaweed salad and sushi rolls. This was our favorite lunch spot. Since there is nowhere to sit inside, we would grab food and make a picnic at one of the many beautiful beaches in Kauai. This place is a must! read more

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Marge21 R.

290

15 years ago

We ate here several times and were never disappointed. Reminder it's take out only so you can eat it in your car. No tables anywhere. Definitely must try it if you're staying in the Lilhue area. Staff friendly too. read more

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Lei J.

15 years ago

Macadamia crusted Ahi with lilikoi sauce is pretty good!

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Kate B.

14 years ago

Great lunch stop after the airport! Everything we had was delicious! An unexpected treat was their sweet potato chips which go really well with the ahi! Good spot to pick up lunch and enjoy it on a beach somewhere! read more

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Jeremy S.

372

537

14 years ago

another great Yelp find! great poke and macaroni salad. but it was the marlin jerky that was the big winner for me. wow, it was really good. it closes early, so check the hours first before you come. and there isn't seating, so take it to go or find some nearby shade. get a half or quarter pound of a couple different kinds of poke, some rice, some mac salad and some marlin, and you are good to go! definitely a must for real local eats. read more

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Cristen S.

12 years ago

I was wondering why this place had such great reviews...and now I know. It was excellent. The fish must have been caught not long before because the ahi poke was so fresh and tasty, not overly sauced up so you could tell how fresh it was. Also had the ahi and crab with spicy mayo which was a bit heavy on the mayo but still really good. The ahi jerky was also good, maybe not for the beef jerky purist but great for fish lovers, even my picky 2-year-old liked it. The service was great and the prices were great for what you get...the fresh ahi was less expensive than at Costco! Loved it, would go again and again and again.... read more

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Mara L.

11 years ago

From the moment we entered Fish Express, we felt the aloha. We were given samples of poke and lobster salad, and from that moment we were hooked. As we were checking out the woman helping us said, "too bad you can't try the ahi with macnut and lilikoi" - it sounded so good we added it to our already big order on the spot. We risked missing our plane due to the ono food. Too bad we discovered Fish Express on our last day in Kauai. We will be back. read more

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Custm R.

11 years ago

Mixed review. Flavors are great. Price not bad. Service...lacking. Go early if you want a bento box because they run out. Butterfish is amazing and worth putting up with the heat, lack of facilities, etc. read more

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Page 29 of 30

3-3343 Kuhio Hwy
Ste 7
Lihue, HI 96766
Directions
(808) 245-9918
Call Now
Visit Website
http://restaurantwebexpert.com/TheFishExpress

Hours

What time does The Fish Express open?

The Fish Express opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The Fish Express close?

The Fish Express closes at 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Payment methods

Does The Fish Express take Bitcoin?

No, The Fish Express does not take Bitcoin.

Does The Fish Express take credit cards?

Yes, The Fish Express takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Fish Express have catering options?

Yes, The Fish Express does have catering options.

Does The Fish Express have a drive thru?

No, The Fish Express does not have a drive thru.

Does The Fish Express have a happy hour?

No, The Fish Express does not have a happy hour.

Does The Fish Express serve alcohol?

No, The Fish Express does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does The Fish Express allow dogs?

No, The Fish Express does not allow dogs.

Does The Fish Express have TVs?

No, The Fish Express does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Fish Express have bike parking?

Yes, The Fish Express has bike parking.

Does The Fish Express have outdoor seating?

No, The Fish Express does not have outdoor seating options.

Does The Fish Express have parking?

Yes, The Fish Express has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is The Fish Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Fish Express is wheelchair accessible.

Does The Fish Express have free WiFi?

Yes, The Fish Express has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We offer daily lunch specials along with Hawaiian plates, Fresh Hawaiian Fish plates Ginger fried chicken and oriental shrimp plate. We also have a children’s and Senior menu. Our specialty is Poke Bowls & Topping Bar. We pride ourselves by using only fresh Hawaii caught Ahi tuna for our poke. Our Ahi has never been treated with chemicals or any color preserves. We also have fresh Atlantic Salmon poke. We offer seafood counter with at least 2 different type of fresh fish fillets. We pride ourselves is serving Fresh Hawaiian Ahi. If you never tried fresh Ahi, do yourself a favor and treat yourself with one of our poke bowls with choice of rice or spring mix greens.

History

Established in 1988.

From original owner: We first started as a fresh and frozen seafood wholesaler. We now are 100% retail. After 31 years we retired and sold business to the present owner, who kept the recipes and high standards we had when we first opened.

Meet the Business Owner: Calvin and Eva T.

We recently acquired the business from long time owners David & Laverne W. We have kept the same high standards set by previous owners. We only serve FRESH Hawai’i caught Ahi for poke in our case that is cut daily, and have reopened the kitchen to server hot fresh lunches. We offer the best poke bowls on the island, and have multiple toppings to choose from. Put as much as you like or none at all. Toppings for the poke bowl is an additional charge. Come on by and say hello. We will take good care of you and satisfy your poke craving.

More Info

Health Score

The Fish Express Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Fish Express

Which fish are local/wild caught?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

What is gluten free?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan entree options (like tofu instead of fish for the poke' bowls)? Thanks in advance

Hi, We do have a limited selection of vegetarian or vegan options. The most popular is doing a Poké bowl and doing toppings only. almost all of our toppings for the Poké bowls…

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Is the lobster in the spicy lobster poke cooked or raw?

It is cooked.

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Is there anywhere to eat on site or adjacent?

We are a to go restaurant. We do have a tile wall across of handicap parking. There are a few park within a 3 mile radius.

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Does the passion orange grilled fish contain any gluten dairy or eggs?

Yes, it does.

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What are some close beaches where we could enjoy our Poke?

Kalapaki Beach

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9/10 Got the spicy mayo poke bowl and an og musubi. FINALLY…read moremy first good meal in Hawaii. Poke was fresh and is exactly what I was looking for. Musubi was solid. I'll probably be coming back here in a couple days. Update: I went back again today. This place is now a 9.

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Lawai'a Fish Co.

I've been to Kauai tons of times but why only this recent visit I stopped here, something is wrong…read morewith me?! hehe. I happen to search lunch stops on Instagram and came across Lawai'a, I actually made 2 stops, the day before and the day of flight. Cute little store, very popular and busy parking lot. Lawai'a Fish Co. reminds me of Tanioka's back on Oahu. This business got so much seafood goodies along with snacks, desserts, Wow! One stop shop for everything! I also saw a post for cheap eats and had to see it for myself, hehe, the table in front has pre-packaged bento and I spot one that was $6. hard to believe nowdays. I didn't get the plate lunch which looks good too or the poke variety, we had lunch plans so first visit was spicy poke for the other half to try, the tofu poke, and $6. bento of fried ahi limu for me. I am not a fan of poke and don't eat anything raw, so jealous of my hubby and kids to love it so much! I was happy that hey have a fried ahi bento available for only $6. We/I really enjoyed bento, hubby mentioned the spicy ahi was great and that tofu poke salad, WOW. I loved the taste, comes with tofu, sea asparagus, and onion, so GOOD! I stopped by the next day to grab 2 containers of the tofu poke and the ginger fried poke $6. bento. This place is a GEM for sure, very busy, I cannot wait to be back!!

Loved loved the poke here! We stopped by on the way to our airport at the end of our vacation on…read moreKauai and luckily we did as it was my favorite poke spot we tried. First, loved how local it feels and they sell a variety of poke, bento, cooked plates and even desserts! They also sell whole fish so you know the poke is fresh. I grabbed a pick 2 fish bowl with yuzu hamachi and chili garlic ahi. Loved the hamachi with was dressed with sea asparagus for a nice savoriness. You don't see hamachi poke often but it's one of my favorite types of sushi. Chili ahi was good as well and definitely had a kick. We also wanted to try tako (octopus) and got the kimchi tako which was nice and tender. Surprisingly the kimchi was pretty spicy too. Overall great spot for poke and I'll definitely need to come back if I'm in Kauai in the future. I'm still thinking about the hamachi poke a couple weeks ago.

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Whole fish when available

Zesty threesome poke Ahi. Hamachi and salmon

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Poke (any one is just as good, but this one is chilli garlic and shoyu oyster sauce)

Hualani's

An unforgettable dining experience in Kauai Hualani's was,…read morewithout a doubt, one of the finest dining experiences we had on the island of Kauai. From the moment you arrive, you know you're in for something special. Complimentary valet parking, breathtaking views of the ocean, beautifully manicured golf course, infinity pools, and even a distant lighthouse create an unforgettable setting before you even sit down. We started with the Lobster Tempura and the Grilled Octopus, and both were excellent. The cocktails were beautifully crafted and the perfect way to begin the evening. For our entrées, we ordered the Kampachi (the first fish on the menu) and the Filet Mignon. After sharing both dishes, my husband and I completely agreed--the fish was the clear winner. It was absolutely outstanding. Every element on the plate complemented the others perfectly, creating one of those dishes you remember long after dinner is over. The filet mignon was very good--perfectly cooked and flavorful--but if we returned, we would order fish again without hesitation. In fact, we'd probably try the other fresh fish option as well (I believe it was Opah). Dessert was the perfect ending to the meal. We enjoyed the warm chocolate cake and the Hawaiian-inspired banana split, both beautifully prepared and delicious. This is the kind of restaurant you choose when you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply treat yourself to an exceptional meal. The combination of stunning scenery, attentive service, creative cocktails, and outstanding cuisine makes it well worth the visit. It's easy to understand why Hualani's has earned such an outstanding reputation. This was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Kauai, and we can't wait to return. Highly recommended!

Matt was so wonderful our first night that we requested to have him as our server again the next…read morenight as well. This restaurant has the most spectacular views in Kaua'i. The food we ordered was delicious on both nights and the garlic focaccia was spectacular. Matt really made our celebration so extra special. We will absolutely be back next year!

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Oceanfront Dining on Kaua'i

Whole fried Kampachi - appetizer for entree

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Night views from the patio andlive music

Konohiki Seafoods

Is Konohiki Seafoods the best poke on Kauai? If you ask the locals, they'll probably send you here…read more This was our first stop after landing on Kauai, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. It was so good that we came back two more times during our trip. There are plenty of poke options to choose from, along with other local favorites. If it's your first visit, the selection can feel a little overwhelming, but the friendly staff makes the experience easy. We also tried the ginger fried chicken, and it was delicious. This is definitely a grab-and-go spot, there's no seating, but there's plenty of parking. Arrive early for the best selection, and come hungry!

The main reason I rate this four stars is because there's not really any place to sit inside; it's…read moresmall. The food was good, I had a Crab & Shrimp Butter Aioli Poke Bowl. My parents had Spicy Ahi Poke Bowl. Honestly, I liked the Spicy Ahi Poke Bowls better than the Crab & Shrimp Butter Aioli Poke Bowl. The "Spicy" Ahi is not spicy; it has the tiniest kick to it. And that's coming from someone that's sensitive to spice. The service is good; they're quick in giving you your food. Overall, I thought it was great! P.S. I recommend driving to Lydgate Park to eat. Beautiful ocean views and picnic benches. Just be careful; when we went, we saw three baby Portuguese Man o'War Jellyfish on the beach.

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Ginger chicken

An assortment of poke for days to picnic at Lydgate beach.

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Ahi Shoyu Poke

Kauai Sushi Station

It was fantastic. The staff were friendly and professional. The food was amazing and we'll doneread more

Amazing sushi!!! The owners are so kind and the sushi is delicious and affordable! Beautiful views…read moretoo :)

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Shoyu at the tables

Ginger Crazy Roll Pink Salmon Roll King Ocean Roll

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Fire Dragon Roll & King Ocean Roll

Duke's Kauai

Hula pie was delicious and restaurant was really beautiful! Will definitely go back when in Hawaii.read more

Food 9/10 I had the fish and chips and it was amazing!…read more Service 9/10 Our server was amazing! Ambiance 8/10 We were seated in their downstairs dining area but had an amazing view of the water.

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Front entrance

Twisted Hula Pie - Mocha version

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La Pina on 8.5.2023

Kauai Poke Co.

The Shoyu Tamari Poke Bowl is spectacular. Some of the best fresh poke we've had in Kauai! I'm…read morestill thinking about it and missing it over a month later. We stopped in for lunch after visiting Shipwreck Beach. You order at the counter, take a seat in the large indoor dining room area, and a serving robot brings you your food. There's a beautiful view of the golf course through the windows.

Managed to make it back this year. Again, the food as amazing and the atmosphere was great as…read morewell. The service was top notch, as the staff were attentive and very personable. Orders a lot of food, and they wanted to make sure the order was correct: Korean Chicken App* Pork Belly Chinese Style* Iced Drinks x 2 Plantation Tea Fried Rice Bowl* No Egg AhiBelly Tinono Plate* Fried Calamari Plate* Furikake Fries* The order was large, because the food is so good, you want to sample as much as you can. There were two in the party to be fair great food and definitely worth the money. Bottom line, come here and eat and you should be very happy. For the past few years, I make it a point to eat here, while I'm on Kaua'i.

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Hamura Saimin

Born and raised on Oahu. Stayed on Kauai for a month and ate at this place 5+ times -- this is the…read morebest saimin. The broth is the true star, with the saimin noodles following. I disagree with some reviews that say that Hamura is nothing special. Iykyk, saimin is supposed to be simple. The broth is so clear and pure, I would just get the regular saimin. IMO you can skip the other stuff (e.g. wontons, lilikoi chiffon pie, other saimins). The perfect order would be regular saimin with side order of ebi tempura and/or chicken skewer. Don't forget to grab a manapua if you are lucky. FYI the server aunties may forget your order, so you may need to keep a mental tab and remind them. They are more than happy to get it right for you

Hamura Saimin came highly recommended, and we were headed this direction to our hotel from the…read moreairport, so decided to stop by. The family and I were pretty ravenous considering we left early from California and hadn't had a meal for about 6 hours. Stopped in and the service was great - everyone was very kind, and it's definitely like stepping in another time period with the old fashioned diner style. I do think because of this though it didn't really cater to kiddos (e.g. no high chair). We ended up ordering regular and large saimin bowls so that we could share with the little one, and it was pretty good, but also pretty salty. I also acknowledge that I'm probably coming from a place of foodie privilege living in the Bay Area, but I think the noodles just didn't really meet out expectations from all of the hype unfortunately. I would definitely recommend trying it once while in Kauai especially for a quick meal! Also, please note that it is cash only, and you can pay at the register by the door when you are finished (which is nice that you don't have to wait for the bill)

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Interior

Crispy Fried Won Tons (8pcs)

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Sumo Saimin

Lilikoi Bar and Grill

Tonight we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Lilikoi Bar & Grill. We ordered:…read more- Coconut shrimp & a Li Hing Mui Margarita - Cubana pork/ham sandwich & beer - Ahi tuna sandwich & ice tea Both sandwiches arrived with super crispy, crunchy fries. Yum. We heard their patisserie selections are so popular crowds form before they open every day. Dinner portions were so generous we had no room for cream puffs, creme brûlée, Napoleon bars, or meringue cookies. So difficult to pass up. We'll have to come back. Exceptional friendly and efficient service. Although the restaurant is across the highway from the ocean, our table afforded a view to the ocean.

We ate dinner the 1st night of our trip, because we have eaten before with good food and service…read more The staff is very good, friendly and work together to take care everyone. Lilikoi became breakfast place the restof the week. The pull pork Benedict is very good. The meals are good size in filling you up for the day. The pastries are made there. I got the lemon tart. It was delicious! You know and place is good when the locals eat there. My wife and I ate here on getaway day knowing we didn't have to stress about rushing to the airport. We will be back when we return to the area.

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Sleeping Giant Grill

Welcoming, kind, cozy, delicious, amazing people, amazing service. I cannot speak highly enough…read moreabout this place. Looks like a hole in the wall but I assure you it will be some of the best food of your life! Everything we ate was delicious- the ahi tuna wrap was spectacular, as were the Ono tacos and shrimp tacos. The guy working behind the register was so kind and even took us back to see the tuna they were prepping for the next day! This place is a must try! When a place serves food on plates like these- you know it's gonna be good! MUST TRY!

Food 9/10 I had the grilled mahi mahi and it was one of the…read morebest meals I had on the island Service 9/10 They were nice and the service was fast Ambiance 8/10 The place was small but we sat outside so it didn't feel dark and cramped.

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Inside

Ono grilled over salad 4/5

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Konohiki Seafoods

An assortment of poke for days to picnic at Lydgate beach.

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Ahi Shoyu Poke

The Jammin' Banana Bakery & Cafe

The food and drinks were fine, but the service and attitude of the servers need significant…read moreimprovement. We were ready to leave and realized my friend had never even received her food. When she asked about it, we discovered it had been sitting on the back counter the entire time. They simply handed it to her with no apology or attempt to make it right. What made the experience even more disappointing was seeing the servers talking and laughing afterward. Overall, the lack of attention and customer care really took away from what could have been an enjoyable meal.

We loved the coffee and pastries at this cafe. They live up to their name. Jammin Banana! The Mac…read moreNut Banana Bread and Banana Bread Latte were indeed jammin! Great service and super fast too.

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Inside

Kiddo combo

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Smitty’s Smash Burger

We walked in 15 min before they closed not knowing what exactly to do expect, but wanting a quick…read moreburger. The whole experience was incredible. The burger was soooo good. Service and ambiance were welcoming and perfect. I'm going to be thinking about this burger!!!

This place is a fantastic, welcoming, and relaxed neighborhood bar. It has that authentic…read moreold-school atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile, with friendly staff (thank you Justine for your excellent customer service) and a great local vibe. The menu is simple and honestly, when the food is this good, you don't need anything else. The smash burgers are outstanding (the Smittyaki is an absolute must!). The fries and onion rings are equally delicious and pair perfectly with a cold drink. If you appreciate a laid-back spot with personality, great comfort food, and an unpretentious atmosphere, this place is absolutely worth a visit.

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Rainbeau Jo's

10/10 experience. I wish I knew about Rainbeau Jo's sooner! Such an easy and yummy stop right by…read morethe airport. I have to say the service was some of the best on the island. The staff made me smile and brightened my morning with their fun positive personalities. I got the Cowabunga Brah breakfast sandwich and it was so delicious. Do not miss this stop on your Kauai trip!!

1) Food: I couldn't decide between lox bagel and pesto cream bagel so they were more than happy to…read moremodify to include both. Total was $12. Decently priced for Hawai'i (I've had $20 bagels on Oahu). Great flavors! The Kiawe bean taste reminds me of toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy it while it's warm. Not the same as NY bagels but I still enjoyed tMy indecisive-self appreciated having the best of both worlds for the shmears. I didn't get any drinks but they were also decently priced and sounded yummy. 2) Service: EXCEPTIONAL. Nothing less than amazing. If you want to feel special and energized, the staff can provide. 3: Ambiance: My favorite part of this cafe. The interior was intentionally created with a tropical theme and multiple seating areas. Even the bathroom was themed, clean, and neat. You could comfortably enjoy your food and drink here while you catch up with a friend, do some work, or just to sit alone and enjoy.

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JIMMY PESTO - EVERYTHING BAGEL

Iced AMERICANO - 16oz (2 SHOTS)

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NAPALI NECTAR - 16oz MOCHA - 16oz (2 SHOTS) SLEEPY GIANT

Kauai Bakery

Yummy Yummy Yummy donuts were great Malasala was great. Yummy goodness. I would definitely come…read moreback again. I will come here next time every time I can.

Good food poor coordination Do nit follow line of people…read morewaiting Though the customers tend to gang up in the staff.

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The selection of treats!

Malasadas

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Lilikoi malasada

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36 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Delbert W.

119

2 years ago

Aloha! If you're seeking the true taste of Kauai, look no further than The Fish Express, my go-to spot every time I hit the island. Locally owned and operated, this gem embodies the spirit of aloha by supporting real locals, not just transplants. The auntie at the front always greets you with warmth, adding to the island charm. Now, let's talk about their ahi - fresh, local, and caught within a day. You can practically taste the ocean in every bite! But don't stop there; their array of local-style dishes is equally divine. The plate lunch fish plates? Let's just say they give those high-end restaurants a run for their money, at only half the price! But here's the catch (pun intended): they sell out. And why wouldn't they? It's all about that freshness! So, do yourself a favor and give The Fish Express a try. Although I almost feel hesitant to spread the word - I want to keep this treasure all to myself - sharing is caring, right? read more

Richard A.

341

1438

2 years ago

We stopped by The Fish Express on Thanksgiving afternoon and were thrilled to find them open! We arrived about an hour before closing and, luckily, just before a huge crowd showed up. It felt like perfect timing--we could tell the people behind us were getting the very last of the poke for the day. This spot is a gem and so convenient--less than five minutes from the airport! It's the perfect place to enjoy your first meal on the island or grab a divine last snack before you depart. The selection was still impressive, and our group enjoyed some of the freshest and most flavorful poke we've had on Kauai. We truly appreciated the family running the restaurant and staying open on Thanksgiving, allowing us to savor this special meal. If you're in Lihue and want authentic, delicious poke, don't miss The Fish Express. We'll definitely be back--just make sure you get there before the rush! read more

Sarah S.

16 years ago

yum, yum, yum ,yum ,yum. This place has some of the best fresh fish on the island! When I have to go into Lihue for a shopping trip to Costco and Walmart I always make sure to stop in for lunch. Their fresh spicy Ahi Poke is my favorite, but all the types have great flavor and wonderfully fresh fish. (and let me tell you I know my fish!) The Bentos are a great easy take home lunch, or packed lunch for a trip to the beach. Whenever I travel to the Mainland I get a fish plate and bring it on the plane for a snack, always hits the spot! Parking is a nightmare when it gets busy, this is the ONLY downfall. If you are in Lihue (or close) and looking for a good local lunch this is the place for you! read more

Leah C.

2 years ago

This spot offers a fantastic selection of fresh, flavorful seafood at very reasonable prices. The poke bowls are a standout perfectly seasoned and brimming with fresh fish. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or a meal to take back to your accommodation, Fish Express delivers top-notch quality and an authentic taste of Hawaii. Highly recommended! read more

Jo N.

11 years ago

Wonderful spicy ahi poke bowls, deep fried calamari and octopus, bento boxes, fried ginger chicken, fried fish collars, shoyu poke and drink selections. Friendly and efficient folks behind the counter too. Accepts visa/debit cards. Only a couple of parking stalls in the front but you're in and out fairly quick. Take it to go only - no seats available inside. I'm gonna miss Fish Express until we return hopefully soon! read more

John B.

12 years ago

Excellent spicy ahi. Some of the best spicy ahi I have ever had. I, for one, am not a fan of mayonnaise with my poke, well done. The Laulau was superb, even though nobody puts butterfish anymore, but that is a different subject. Now lets discuss the elephant in the room. What gives with the lack of onion in the lomi? Did young bros drop your shipment of onion off in Nihau? Step your lomi game up...smh read more

Jogn S.

8 years ago

Worst customer service and worst poke I tried in my life! A customer has poured the entire sauce on me and when I asked the employee for a wet napkin, he gave a a dirty towel that he picked up from the floor! The poke is terrible! Tastes like rotten fish and over priced! I even got sick read more

Julia B.

11 years ago

Came here for lunch while on our honeymoon. A local recommended. The Macadamia nut crusted ahi was killer. We got a bunch of different poke as well. The spicy poke hit the spot. Great place to pack the cooler with some poke, mac salad, kim chee and hit the beach. read more

Ryan B.

208

5 years ago

Definitely want to quit his best plate lunches. Always has incredible Aji pokey. The lines are a little long but most importantly their food is high-quality. Thank you guys so much for staying in business through this gnarly pandemic. We always will support you read more

Lauren J.

335

5 years ago

This spot is a little crazy when busy, but worth the chaos. The fish melts in your mouth, does a little disappearing act. Little pricy, but hey we're on vacation. Top poke I've had on the island (May or may not be the only poke) read more

Ashlynn F.

200

3 years ago

Yum yum yummy! I had a ahi poke bowl and it was probably the best poke bowl I've ever had. The fish was extremely fresh and it was fun to build my own bowl by choosing my toppings. I would absolutely recommend! read more

Krittic O.

11 years ago

i love the shrimp chix plate. thats all i always get. My wife always get fish plate. fast service. very family oriented. Only thing is sometimes rice is little mushy. other then that its "ono". read more

Joe N.

9 years ago

Every time I come to Kawai I try to eat here at least once great prices fresh fish go here not fancy but great food and great value they close early around five read more

Kenny A.

7 years ago

When I went there, they didn't have a lot of options. I probably went at a wrong time. But I'm definitely going back and hopefully I go at a better time. read more