When it comes to fresh fish and Hawaiian-style platters in old Koloa town, no place is more recognized than Koloa Fish Market. The memories of frequenting Koloa Fish Market as a child had my mouth watering. Like many other islanders,
When it comes to fresh fish and Hawaiian-style platters in old Koloa town, no place is more recognized than Koloa Fish Market. The memories of frequenting Koloa Fish Market as a child had my mouth watering. Like many other islanders, poke is an essential staple of the Hawaiian diet. Who on the island doesn’t love fresh poke? A small minority, perhaps — no doubt about that. However, one thing’s for sure: fresh poke on a bed of sushi rice is onolicious. I don’t care what anyone says. Fresh poke is treasured by most islanders, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of trying it, I suggest you do so.
Family owned and operated since 1994, Koloa Fish Market specializes in some of the most delicious island-style poke, bentos and Hawaiian plates available on the market. Jason Matsuoka, assistant manager of Koloa Fish Market, managed to conduct a brief interview while mixing a delicious batch of haupia.
“We started right after Hurricane ‘Iniki,” Jason said. “My father, Bert Matsuoka, was the executive chef at the Sheraton and decided to branch off. When I finished school, he, my mom, my aunty and I went to business for ourselves.”
The rest is history. I visited the store at about 3 p.m., thinking business would be a bit slower than normal.
However, as I approached the store, I saw that it was filled to the brink with hungry customers. Ten minutes later the line of customers thinned out, and I got a chance to speak with the store managers. It goes to show you that even during slow hours, Koloa Fish Market is always busy with loyal customers hungry for something special.
Randy Matsuoka, store manager, gave the spiel on the different types of poke, bentos and Hawaiian plates offered daily. Randy said there are six different types of poke to choose from — all are $14.99 a pound: smoke marlin, taco, shoyu, wasabi, sweet onion seaweed and Korean style.
All the fish are fresh and all styles of poke are distinct and delicious.
When asked about what their most popular item is, Randy said it’s definitely the poke bento.
“Our most popular item is our poke bento,” Randy said. “It costs $6.50. It comes with Korean style poke on a bed of sushi rice.”
Randy gave a sample of the poke bento, and it just melts in the mouth. Between the layers of Korean-style poke and sushi rice, a layer of sweet wasabi sauce is inserted to give this onolicious bento an enhanced flavor.
Next, Randy spoke about the store’s Hawaiian Plates. The lau lau and kalua pork plates run for $8.99. They are served with chicken long-rice, lomi salmon and a small cup of poke. The best deal, however, is the combo of lau lau and kalua priced at $10.99.
If you aren’t familiar with lau lau and kalua pork, then you’re missing out. Lau lau are pieces of seasoned pork wrapped in taro and ti leaves then steamed to create a soft and highly delicious entree. Kalua pork is also wrapped in ti leaves and steamed; essentially the taste is similar to lau lau, however, the pork is shredded and a touch of smoke flavor is added.
Koloa Fish Market is one of those places that you must visit. The quality of Hawaiian-style plates and poke bentos are second to none. If you’re ever on the south side of the island, give it a go and see for yourself. Koloa Fish Market, located on 5482 Koloa Rd. in Koloa, is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (808) 742-6199.
