Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market
Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market is famed for its incredibly fresh seafood, including sushi and poke, enjoyed with scenic river views. It's a must-visit fo...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market is famed for its incredibly fresh seafood, including sushi and poke, enjoyed with scenic river views. It's a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking quality and ambiance.
Visit Early for Best Selection
Arrive between 10-11 am for the freshest selection of dishes and to avoid disappointment.
Enhance Your Meal
Ask for soy sauce and ginger to perfectly complement your fresh seafood dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Sushi
Price
$$$
Phone
(808) 826-6113
Address
5-5016 Kuhio Hwy C, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Incredibly Fresh Seafood & Poke
Indulge in sashimi-grade fish, renowned spicy ahi poke bowls, and expertly crafted sushi rolls.
Scenic Riverside Dining
Enjoy your meal with a view of the tranquil river and lush greenery, perfect for a relaxing ambiance.
In-House Fish Market
The adjacent fish market ensures the freshest seafood, with the option to sample before you buy.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early for Best Selection
Arrive between 10-11 am for the freshest selection of dishes and to avoid disappointment.
Enhance Your Meal
Ask for soy sauce and ginger to perfectly complement your fresh seafood dishes.
Embrace the View
Take advantage of the lovely outdoor seating area by the river for a picturesque dining experience.
Sample Before You Buy
The fish market staff happily let you sample before purchasing poke or sushi.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early for Best Selection
Arrive between 10-11 am for the freshest selection of dishes and to avoid disappointment.
Enhance Your Meal
Ask for soy sauce and ginger to perfectly complement your fresh seafood dishes.
Embrace the View
Take advantage of the lovely outdoor seating area by the river for a picturesque dining experience.
Sample Before You Buy
The fish market staff happily let you sample before purchasing poke or sushi.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market is praised for its exceptionally fresh seafood, particularly its poke and sushi, with many highlighting the pleasant riverside dining atmosphere. However, some diners find the prices to be high for the portion sizes and quality, and a few have experienced issues with service, including long waits and perceived rudeness from staff.
"Great quality and super delicious poke. It’s a bit pricy compared to other poke shops in Kauai but the quality of the fish and their flavor combos is well done. Not too far from the beach so a very nice picnic meal to enjoy by Hanalei bay."
Omar Ghani
"Easy place to pick up poke. The fish is fresh! But im not the biggest onion fan and the poke we picked tasted strongly of onions so I had a hard time."
Tina C
"While this is absolutely, without a doubt, a five freakin star review.... I urge you to approach with caution if you are a fan of poke. Maybe you have a favorite local spot back home? Or you had it at another restaurant that was also highly rated as the best? Because what you think you know is a lie... The poke at Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market will change your perception of what poke really is. All other poke will cower in its presence. What you previously regarded as amazing poke, will simply take its place in line next to the Kraft macaroni and cheese box. Don't belive me? Simply ask them to show you how fresh the fish is. And they will guide you to view your next meals cousin. Or maybe even the other half of what will soon be the life changing poke you are about to consume. The same poke you'll dream of the next time you sleep. Causing you to return for breakfast the very next day (they open at 10am 😉 ). *while some of these statements may seem like exaggerations. I also confirm that all above remarks are statements of fact.
PS. To the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market, see you in the morning for breakfast."
Jason Vinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best selection of dishes, it's recommended to visit early in the day, around 10-11 am.
Reservations are not explicitly mentioned as required, but arriving early is advised for the best experience and selection.
The restaurant is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, especially spicy poke bowls and sushi rolls.
Yes, Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market offers lovely outdoor seating by the river, providing a scenic dining experience.
While some reviews mention takeout, one review indicates staff stated they do not do carry-out. It's best to clarify upon arrival.
The fish is consistently described as exceptionally fresh, with many considering it sashimi-grade and a highlight of the dining experience.
Several reviews mention that the restaurant can be pricey, with some feeling the cost is high for the portion sizes.
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Famous for their fresh fish, the Hanalei Dolphin is a one-stop shop for their sushi bar, restaurant, and fish market. It is situated along the Hanalei River surrounded by lush greenery, making it perfect for outdoor dining. Since the early 1970s, the Hanalei Dolphin has been known for its impeccably fresh and mouth watering seafood selection.
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Though the restaurant is for tourists, head to the back of the Dolphin in Hanalei (thanks to a tip from an SF friend with family in Kauai) to a tiny fish market packed with fresh fish of the day and some damn delicious sushi rolls and poke. This is the best poke I’ve had on Kauai and the friendly staff let you sample before you buy.
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The restaurant, The Dolphin, has lovely seating on the side of one of the rivers, and it’s a great place for an early sushi dinner of ridiculously fresh fish while watching the sunset. Also, it sounds strange but their warm artichoke appetizer was crazy good. Like, one of the best whole artichokes I’ve ever had.
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If you are wanting to get fresh fish to cook at your Airbnb, these are both great options!. You can choose from a wide variety of locally-caught fish and delicious side dishes. In addition to their fresh fish markets, both places also offer dine-in options.
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If you’ve never tried Hawaii poke, a raw seafood salad, this is the first place you should experience it. There is a restaurant on one side of the building and a take-out fish market on the other. You can purchase drool-worthy poke in either place.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit