Las Vegas's Hawaiian food scene thrives far from the Strip, where local spots serve authentic island flavors to homesick transplants and adventurous eaters. These neighborhood joints deliver the real deal without tourist markups.
Our picks span from North Las Vegas to Henderson, focusing on places where locals queue up for proper poke and massive plate lunches. These are the spots serving authentic Hawaiian comfort food that rivals anything you'll find in Honolulu.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Poke Express — Authentic Poke Perfection
- Pacific Island Taste — Fresh Island Vibes
- Zippy's Arroyo Crossing — Hawaiian Chain Classic
- Aloha Specialties — Neighborhood Poke Champion
- Unko Frank's Hawaiian BBQ — BBQ Plate Paradise
- Aloha Kitchen — Comfort Food Heaven
- Grinds 2 Da Max Russell — Family-Run Island Spot
- Ohana Hawaiian BBQ — Generous Plate Lunch
- Generations Kitchen — Hidden Local Gem
- Antidotelv — Creative Poke Innovation
1. Poke Express
✨ Best for: Authentic Poke Perfection
Tripadvisor📍 North Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.8 · 1001 reviews · $$
This North Las Vegas counter-service spot focuses purely on what matters: exceptionally fresh poke served without pretense. The sweet and spicy ahi arrives diced to perfection, with tender fish that melts on your tongue and a marinade that balances heat with subtle sweetness. Construction workers and office employees alike crowd the small space during lunch, eagerly sampling different preparations before committing to their bowls. The no-seating setup keeps overhead low and quality high, making this the closest thing to an authentic Hawaiian fish market you'll find in the desert.
Must-Order:
Sweet and Spicy AhiFresh Poke BowlTraditional Hawaiian Seafood
Insider Tip: Take advantage of their sampling options to try different poke varieties before ordering, and plan for takeout only since there's no seating.
2. Pacific Island Taste
✨ Best for: Fresh Island Vibes
Tripadvisor📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.6 · 808 reviews · $$
Tucked into a strip mall, Pacific Island Taste delivers restaurant-quality Hawaiian plates in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for lingering lunches. Their ahi tuna poke bowl showcases pristine fish with a clean, oceanic taste that transports you straight to the islands. The kalua pork arrives properly smoky and tender, falling apart at the touch of a fork, while the chicken katsu provides satisfying crunch against pillowy rice. Regular customers treat this place like their personal cafeteria, and the staff's familiarity with orders creates an intimate neighborhood vibe.
Must-Order:
Ahi Tuna Poke BowlKalua Pork PlateChicken Katsu
Insider Tip: Visit during lunch hours when they prepare the freshest poke batches throughout the day for optimal fish quality.
3. Zippy's Arroyo Crossing
✨ Best for: Hawaiian Chain Classic
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 3.9 · 1458 reviews · $$
The Vegas outpost of Hawaii's beloved chain brings mainland portions to island classics, creating plate lunches that could feed a small army. Their kalua pork maintains the authentic smokiness of traditional imu cooking, while the chicken katsu delivers restaurant-quality breading and tender meat. The loco moco here is particularly impressive, with perfectly runny eggs cascading over seasoned hamburger patties and mountains of rice. Families pack the dining room on weekends, creating a boisterous atmosphere that feels authentically local rather than touristy.
Must-Order:
Kalua Pork PlateChicken KatsuLoco Moco
Insider Tip: Come during off-peak hours to avoid weekend dinner rushes at this popular neighborhood destination.
View Zippy's Arroyo Crossing →
4. Aloha Specialties
✨ Best for: Neighborhood Poke Champion
Tripadvisor📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.0 · 1027 reviews · $$
This longtime local favorite has perfected the art of the Hawaiian plate lunch, serving generous portions that have kept customers returning for years. Their ahi poke bowl features cubes of ruby-red tuna so fresh it practically glistens, dressed in just enough seasoning to enhance the fish's natural flavor. The teriyaki chicken arrives glazed and caramelized, while their spam musubi provides the perfect salty-sweet bite. The dining room buzzes with regulars who know exactly what they want, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a community gathering than a restaurant.
Must-Order:
Ahi Poke BowlTeriyaki Chicken PlateSpam Musubi
Insider Tip: Hit them up during lunch for the best value on generous plate lunch combinations that include rice and mac salad.
5. Unko Frank's Hawaiian BBQ
✨ Best for: BBQ Plate Paradise
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.4 · 444 reviews · $$
Despite the quirky name, this family-run spot takes Hawaiian BBQ seriously, slow-cooking their kalua pork until it achieves that perfect tender texture that defines great Hawaiian cooking. Their BBQ ribs get a tropical twist with pineapple glaze that caramelizes beautifully without overwhelming the meat's smoky flavor. The loco moco here is a thing of beauty, with house-made gravy that ties together the beef patty, rice, and eggs into comfort food perfection. The generous portions mean most diners leave with tomorrow's lunch already packed.
Must-Order:
Kalua Pork PlateBBQ Ribs with Pineapple GlazeLoco Moco
Insider Tip: Arrive hungry since the plate lunch portions are enormous and perfect for sharing or taking leftovers home.
View Unko Frank's Hawaiian BBQ →
6. Aloha Kitchen
✨ Best for: Comfort Food Heaven
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 3.9 · 939 reviews · $$
Aloha Kitchen specializes in the kind of substantial plate lunches that stick to your ribs and satisfy deep hunger. Their kalua pig arrives authentically shredded and smoky, with that distinctive flavor that only comes from proper traditional preparation. The loco moco features a perfectly cooked egg with a runny yolk that creates its own sauce when mixed with the gravy and rice. The fresh poke bowl showcases clean, oceanic flavors that remind you why simple preparations often work best with quality fish.
Must-Order:
Kalua Pig PlateLoco MocoFresh Poke Bowl
Insider Tip: Plan to take half your massive plate lunch home for tomorrow's meal – the portions are truly enormous here.
7. Grinds 2 Da Max Russell
✨ Best for: Family-Run Island Spot
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.5 · 372 reviews · $$
This Russell Road location has built a loyal following among locals who appreciate their commitment to fresh poke and customizable bowls. The ahi poke arrives diced to perfect bite-sized pieces, with a clean flavor that speaks to the quality of their fish sourcing. Their kalua pork plate delivers authentic smoky flavors alongside perfectly seasoned rice and creamy mac salad. The chicken katsu provides satisfying contrast with its crispy exterior and juicy interior. The relaxed pace here allows for proper poke customization without feeling rushed.
Must-Order:
Ahi Poke BowlKalua Pork PlateChicken Katsu
Insider Tip: Visit during quieter times to customize your poke bowl without feeling rushed by crowds.
View Grinds 2 Da Max Russell →
8. Ohana Hawaiian BBQ
✨ Best for: Generous Plate Lunch
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 3.9 · 570 reviews · $$
Ohana Hawaiian BBQ delivers the kind of consistent, satisfying Hawaiian comfort food that keeps neighborhoods fed and happy. Their kalua pork plate showcases properly prepared meat that falls apart with fork pressure, while maintaining the smoky essence of traditional preparation. The BBQ chicken combo arrives perfectly glazed and tender, paired with rice that soaks up every drop of sauce. Their loco moco exemplifies the dish's humble perfection, combining simple ingredients into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Must-Order:
Kalua Pork PlateBBQ Chicken ComboLoco Moco
Insider Tip: Come during lunch hours for the freshest selections, as popular items sell out during busy dinner periods.
9. Generations Kitchen
✨ Best for: Hidden Local Gem
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.5 · 243 reviews · $$
This family-operated restaurant brings authentic Hawaiian flavors to their corner of Las Vegas, with recipes that have been passed down through generations. The kalua pig here achieves that elusive perfect texture – tender enough to shred with a fork but still maintaining distinct pieces. Their poke bowl features pristine fish with a clean, almost sweet flavor that requires minimal seasoning to shine. The loco moco arrives as a towering monument to comfort food, with house-made gravy that ties everything together beautifully.
Must-Order:
Kalua Pig PlatePoke BowlLoco Moco
Insider Tip: Bring your appetite because portions are massive, and don't skip the mac salad that perfectly complements any dish.
10. Antidotelv
✨ Best for: Creative Poke Innovation
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.5 · 223 reviews · $$
Originally a food truck that built a devoted following, Antidotelv has evolved into a permanent location while maintaining their creative approach to Hawaiian fusion. Their signature poke nachos transform traditional preparations into something entirely new, layering fresh fish over crispy chips with innovative toppings. The spicy salmon bombs pack intense flavor into perfect bite-sized portions that explode with heat and richness. The outdoor patio creates a lively atmosphere where regulars gather to enjoy both classic preparations and creative interpretations of island favorites.
Must-Order:
Poke NachosSpicy Salmon BombsSalmon Poke
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot on the popular outdoor patio with great Las Vegas skyline views.
Tips for Finding Great Hawaiian Food in Vegas
Fresh Fish First: The best Hawaiian spots source their fish daily and prepare poke throughout the day. Visit during lunch hours when turnover is highest for the freshest selections.
Portions Run Large: Vegas Hawaiian restaurants serve mainland-sized portions that often dwarf what you'd get in Hawaii. Come hungry or plan to share plates and take leftovers home.
Strip Mall Gems: The most authentic Hawaiian food hides in neighborhood strip malls throughout the valley, particularly in areas with large Pacific Islander populations like Henderson and North Las Vegas.
Lunch Rush Timing: Most local Hawaiian spots see their biggest crowds during lunch hours when office workers and construction crews queue up for plate lunches. Plan accordingly or visit during off-peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these restaurants based on consistent quality over time, authentic preparation methods, and strong word-of-mouth recommendations from local Hawaiian food enthusiasts. Our rankings consider both traditional authenticity and the overall dining experience in Las Vegas.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
