Ahi, when raw or barely cooked, is my favorite fish. This is actually something I only realized a few years ago, since for much of my life, I was so averse to fish that I would only eat cucumber maki in sushi shops. Nowadays, however, ahi is a meat that I would really miss if I decided to give up animal products entirely, rather than opting for pescatarianism. It has such a uniquely rich and fatty yet subtle taste, and such a pleasingly soft, easy to bite texture. It's a bit unfortunate how overfished it is, but if you're as into it as I am, you can simply compromise by declining to indulge in it TOO often. That being said, Honolulu is rife with a places to get a variety of extremely good ahi-based meals. Here are some of my personal favorites!
1) Moku Kitchen
Alright, this first option is the outlier in this admittedly tiny list, so we're starting here. We're also starting here because this is my favorite ahi dish I've tried to date. Moku Kitchen is probably the most high end recommendation I have for you, but it's worth it for an incredibly unique take on seared ahi. Get it medium raw, the way the kitchen suggests! It comes with a perfectly spicy-but-not-too-spicy sauce, wasabi mashed potatoes (which are even beautifully wasabi-colored), and chili-flaked broccoli. Even the ginger served on top offers a nice combo of bite and sweetness. The plate is the perfect size for a dinner, with two reasonably sized filets of fish. This might just be my favorite meal on the island, period, as of now.
2) Fort Ruger Market
If you want poke from a less-touristy establishment than what you'll get in Waikiki (where I live), and you appreciate hole-in-the-wall charm, Fort Ruger Market is the place to go. It's located atop a hill in a residential part of Kaimuki, which was actually very near my childhood home, and the home of my childhood best friend! I've been going here for the occasional ICEE for years, and have recently branched out into trying their food, and not just their cheap sweets. They have a wide variety of options for different bowls, so I can't even begin to suggest which flavor to get, because I can't remember them all. Nonetheless, I guarantee that the flavors are unique and superior to anything you'd get at Foodland. This place has the added bonus of offering sushi rice to pair with your fish, if you want something slightly sweet to contrast with the savory ahi. It's also easier to scoop with your chopsticks.
3) Maguro Spot
Okay, this location IS in oh-so-touristy (well, not so much during this pandemic) Waikiki. Needless to say, most times of day, you'll see a big ol line trailing out of the establishment. The line moves fast, however! There is a slight wait for the fresh-made food, but even that is quite short. This eatery is another little hole-in-the-wall, aesthetically speaking, seeing as the small, dim shop isn't much to look at. It's perfect for taking your food to the nearby, however, if you want a more pleasing ambiance than the few (usually taken) stools they have outside. To be honest, this place is an example of how location really can be everything, since the beach-going convenience seems to add to how good it tastes. The sushi rice is usually sold out, due to the popularity, but the ahi poke is great. It comes in a modest array of sauce options, and is overall just classic poke. The small size is truly tiny, so just get a large if you want a meal rather than a snack.
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