Inside the Experience
Welcome to Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, a beloved dining destination that embodies the spirit of the Big Island with its vibrant atmosphere and freshest seafood offerings. Tucked away conveniently, this local gem has earned a reputation for its exceptional dishes and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit spot whether you're a resident or a traveler. With a bustling indoor space and the option for outdoor seating, guests can enjoy their meals while soaking in the local ambiance.
One of the standout features of Umekes is its dedication to fresh, locally sourced seafood. Diners rave about the poke, often considered the best on the island. Patrons frequently recommend trying the Poke Nachos and the unique poke flights that allow you to sample multiple flavors at once. Freshness is paramount here, and it shows in every bite. Just ask loyal customers, like Alysha Cordova, who describes the poke not just as good, but as something that keeps them coming back every time they visit.
The menu goes beyond poke, offering a delightful array of dishes to satisfy any palate. From fish tacos that receive rave reviews for their Cajun seasoning to the delectable Korean Chicken Wings, there’s no shortage of explosive flavors to discover. Even the sides, like the Mac Salad, complement the main courses beautifully, ensuring a fulfilling meal.
Umekes is not just about the food; it’s also about the experience. Guests report friendly and efficient service, which enhances the overall dining experience. Reviewers like Stephanie Riordan highlight the knowledgeable staff who contribute to the restaurant's vibrant energy, creating an inviting environment where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Additionally, with a convenient location just a short drive from the Kona airport, Umekes serves as the perfect culinary welcome to the island. Whether you’re seeking a chill dining experience after a day of adventure or the ideal spot for your final dinner on the island, Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill promises a dining experience rich in flavor, community, and joy.
So, gather your friends and family, and come on down to Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill. You won’t just be dining; you’ll be indulging in a local culinary experience that celebrates the very best of Hawaiian cuisine!
“ 05/10/2025 (Sat) We chose Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill for the final dinner of our trip, as it’s said to be a popular local spot known for its fresh seafood. When we arrived around 7:00 PM, the restaurant was packed, and we were told there would be a 40–50 minute wait. Thankfully, we were seated in under 40 minutes. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a bar area. On that evening, the indoor seating was already full, and the outdoor area was lively despite the rainy weather. A tent covered the terrace, but rain from earlier had blown in from the sides, leaving some tables and the ground damp. Since we had already had a heavy meal earlier in the day, we weren’t very hungry. So we decided to share the Big Boy Plate ($32) and Poke Nachos ($24), along with two iced teas ($4.50 each). Despite the crowd, our food came out in about 20 minutes, which felt fairly quick. The staff were polite and friendly, though it was a bit difficult to get their attention when we wanted a refill on our drinks — understandably, as they were very busy. As for the food, everything seemed fresh, but we felt that the different scoops of marinated tuna on the Big Boy Plate, while seasoned individually, lacked distinct flavors and came across a bit too similar to each other. The natural quality and freshness of the tuna didn’t quite shine through as we had hoped. The poke nachos were decent, though the chips were slightly soggy. One of the highlights of the evening was the live band playing outside — they had a great sound and really lifted the atmosphere. They even extended their set, which made for an extra enjoyable vibe. By the time we left, the rain had cleared, and overall, it was a fun and memorable way to wrap up our trip. ”
“ Nothing like fresh poke as a first on-island meal. We chose 1 fish and 2 sides with brown rice. Service was nice and efficient. Good selection of poke. ”
“ Went for lunch on Saturday and got there before the crowds and we're in immediately seated. Pictures are the Korean Chicken Wings, Poke Nachos and we chose Da Avo Poke (you get to pick from their options), and a side of Mac Salad. We come here every time we visit the Big Island! I highly recommend it. Very fresh, yummy, and only a 15 minute drive from the Kona airport. ”
“ After seeing the reviews on Google as a traveler, I decided to take my family out to dinner to try Umeke’s. Let me inform you that the food is excellent! We ordered the three taco tempura, poke, and the big boy plate. It wasn't a disappointment. I saw another reviewer mention the flavor of the food, but this is Hawaii. If you stay for over a week, explore different restaurants, and talk to the locals, you will understand their culture a little more. ”
“ Omg the best poke I’ve ever had - we had the poke nachos and the tuna on it was absolutely mind blowing. We also got Korean chicken which was so so good. I got a coolada and it was delicious. Favorite place we’ve been to in Kona! Our waiter was also so so helpful and had the best energy. Shout out to Isaiah for being amazing!! ”