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International Poke Day

Celebrate International Poke Day with the ultimate poke party - delicious recipes, fun activities, and great deals to make your day extra special!

Monday
28
September 2026
Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATESeptember 28
OBSERVED INInternationally
CATEGORYFood
SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines
INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate International Poke Day on September 28! This day was created in 2018 as a way of celebrating the popular Hawaiian dish and bringing people together through its delicious flavors. The history of poke dates back centuries, and is believed to have originated with early Polynesian settlers who used raw fish as part of their traditional cuisine. Today, poke bowls are enjoyed all over the world for their unique flavor combinations and healthy benefits.

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DEALS & OFFERS

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TIMELINE

International Poke Day Timeline

Origin of Poke

Poke, meaning "to slice" in Hawaiian, originated among Polynesian settlers. Early versions of the dish were simple mixtures of raw reef fish, sea salt, and seaweed.

Modernization of Poke

Poke evolved as non-indigenous ingredients like onions and chili peppers, brought to Hawaii by immigrants, were incorporated into the dish.

Poke Popularity Grows

Poke became a staple dish in local cuisine, often prepared with ahi tuna, later gaining attention from food lovers visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

Mainland Expansion

Poke bowls began to gain popularity in continental U.S. with restaurants adapting the dish for local palates, often adding rice and various toppings.

Global Phenomenon

The poke trend spreads to major cities around the world, evolving further with new fusion styles and ingredients.

First International Poke Day

International Poke Day was established to celebrate this unique Hawaiian dish and its global influence and popularity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Poke Day

EDITOR'S PICK

Make your own Poke Bowl

Making your own poke bowl at home is a great way to celebrate International Poke Day. Choose your favorite fish, some fresh vegetables, and herbs, top with a flavorful sauce, and you'll have a delicious meal in no time.

VISIT

Visit a Poke Restaurant

If you're not up for making your own poke bowl at home, head out to your local poke restaurant and have a delicious poke bowl made by the experts. Enjoy all of the unique flavors that make poke so popular.

THROW

Throw a Poke Party

Invite friends over for an International Poke Day party. Make DIY poke bowls for everyone to enjoy and provide sushi rolls as appetizers. Have fun with decorations, drinks and music to make it a memorable celebration.

TRY

Try out different recipes

Take this opportunity to experiment with different recipes and ingredients. Try making poke with different types of fish, sauces, or toppings. You may even discover something new that you like.

CREATE

Create a Poke Playlist

Create a playlist on Spotify or another music streaming service full of songs inspired by poke. Include some classic Hawaiian tunes as well as modern hits from artists like Bruno Mars or Justin Bieber.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Poke Day

Poke is an easy meal

Rather than having to prepare and cook individual dishes or sides, with poke all you have to do is mix up the ingredients and let the flavors combine. This makes it a great option for busy days when you don't have the time or energy to cook something more complicated!

Poke is healthy

Poke is a healthy and versatile meal that can accommodate almost any diet. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high in protein, and low in calories - perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle!

Poke has endless flavor and ingredient combinations

With poke, you can let your creative side shine. With endless options for toppings and sauces, it's easy to create different flavor combinations every time. Plus, you can mix up the ingredients according to your preferences – from vegan to pretsarian to carnivore – the possibilities are truly endless!

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