Kauai Poke Fest

2022 Poke Fest

A huge mahalo to everyone that came out and supported the 2nd annual Kauai Poke Fest with Sam Choy. From the 20 amazing & talented poke chef’s that prepared and served over 500 pounds of ahi, to our incredible volunteers & workers, to the wonderfully kind and supportive attendees – we could not have done this without you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

The Final Results of the 2022 Kauai Poke Fest

A platter of bite-sized cured meat topped with red caviar-like beads and herbs, served with crisp cracker-like chips.

1st Place Winner

  • Name: Chef Shaun Kawamura
  • Dish: Unagi Poke Crunch
  • Restaurant: Zensai Kauai Style
  • Total Points: 3,632
Fresh Vietnamese-style spring rolls with cucumber leaves, shrimp, cured meat, and cilantro served on a platter, .

2nd Place Winner

  • Name: Chef Taylor Sakimae
  • Dish: Banh Mi Summer Poke Roll
  • Restaurant: Kauai Poke Co
  • Total Points: 2,742
Open-faced tart on a plate topped with prosciutto, green herbs, and crispy fries.

3rd Place Winner

  • Name: Chef Koa Kimmerle
  • Dish: Anattas Twisted Thai Poke
  • Total Points: 2,727

And mahalo to all our incredible chefs that competed, including:

  • Brooke Sugahara from Dolphin Poipu // Pho-Ke
  • Grecean Manuel // Ahi Poke Bomb
  • Meghann Matsuda // Crispy Garlic Poke in Chili Oil
  • Victor Heresa from Sushi Bushido // Ahi Hokkaido Uni Cream Poke
  • Jerrold Tagavilla from the Cabana Bar & Grill // Rainbow Poketini
  • Rafael Camarillo from the Hilton Garden Inn Wailua // Da Poke Bowl
  • Michael Alvarez // Ahi Poke
  • Sonny Thater from Hook You up Outfitters // Tako & Ahi Poke
  • John Gordon from Table at Poipu // Ahi Poke Wonton Crisp
  • Mark Arriola from Living Foods // Gummy Ahi Poke
  • Kekila McCullen // Ahi Limu Kohu Poke
  • Lynell Yonemura from Dim ‘N’ Den Sum // Rainbow Poke Bao
  • Joshua Gerhart // Sisho Good Poke
  • Conrad Palakiko from Kauai Beach Resort // Traditional Ahi Poke Tartar
  • Raelyn Santos // Wepa Poke
  • Rey Montemayor from Royal Sonesta Kauai // Charred Ahi & Sea Asparagus Poke
  • Kalen Kelekoma // Homestead Garden Fresh Poke