Ellie Girl Poke: Fresh, Local, and Unapologetically Hawai‘i

It started as a neon-pink roadside sign—a beacon for anyone craving fresh, local fish at a time when Hawai‘i’s seafood industry was on the ropes. When the pandemic shuttered restaurants and tourists vanished, veteran fisherman and chef Kyle Sumner didn’t just wait for things to get better. He adapted. Ellie Girl’s roadside fish stands became an island staple, offering high-quality ahi and seasonal catch at prices locals could get behind.

Now, Sumner has anchored his operation in Hilo’s Prince Kūhiō Plaza, turning the former Yogurtland into a no-frills, all-flavor poke shop. Inside, there’s a generous spread of freshly made poke—spicy ahi laced with a house-made sriracha (a delicious pivot born from the great sriracha shortage of 2023), shoyu-marinated cuts glistening in sesame oil, and daily specials based on whatever comes in off the boat. Through the glass, you can watch Sumner expertly break down a 200-pound Kona ahi—a mesmerizing ritual that reminds you: this is the real deal.

Beyond the fish, Ellie Girl Poke doubles down on its commitment to sourcing locally. Sumner’s bowls come with sides of Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative’s ready-to-use ‘uala (Okinawan sweet potato) and kalo (taro)—prepped, steamed, and frozen for peak freshness. “It saves me time, and the quality is always spot on,” he says. For a chef who moves fast and works with his hands, that’s no small thing.

Whether you’re grabbing a poke bowl, a slab of fresh ahi, or a bag of dried ‘ōpelu, Ellie Girl Poke is one of those places that feels like it’s always been there—built on resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep love for local food.

Ellie Girl Poke
Open daily, 8 AM – 6 PM
Prince Kūhiō Plaza (next to Macy’s)
111 E Puainako St, Ste 105-A, Hilo, HI 96720