International Poke Day

International Poke Day, observed on September 28, celebrates the simple, friendly gesture of a poke—a playful tap, nudge, or greeting that can capture someone’s attention and spark a moment of connection. Whether it’s a lighthearted way to say hello or a fun reminder that you’re thinking of someone, the day highlights how small interactions can brighten an ordinary moment.

Take part by sending a playful poke to a friend, sharing a cheerful message, or enjoying a bit of harmless fun with people you care about. International Poke Day is an invitation to keep things light, spread smiles, and connect with others in a warm and memorable way.

International Poke Day is observed annually on **September 28** as a celebration of poke, the Hawaiian dish of cubed raw fish seasoned with ingredients such as sea salt, seaweed, and kukui nuts. The word *poke* comes from the Hawaiian verb *pōki*, meaning “to cut crosswise into pieces,” reflecting the dish’s defining preparation. Long before poke became familiar around the world, Native Hawaiians prepared versions using locally caught fish, especially reef fish and ahi, along with sea salt, limu seaweed, and roasted kukui nuts.

Poke developed from the close relationship between Hawaiian communities and the surrounding ocean. It was traditionally prepared simply, allowing the quality and freshness of the fish to remain central. Over time, the dish incorporated ingredients introduced through migration and cultural exchange, including onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. These changes demonstrate how Hawaiian food traditions evolved while retaining important connections to local resources and island history.

The modern observance of International Poke Day reflects poke’s transformation from a regional Hawaiian food into an internationally recognized dish. During the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, poke became increasingly popular beyond Hawaiʻi, particularly as restaurants and food businesses adapted it into customizable bowls with rice, vegetables, sauces, and a range of seafood or plant-based toppings. Although these contemporary versions may differ considerably from traditional preparations, they have helped introduce poke to wider audiences.

International Poke Day on **September 28** therefore serves both as a food-themed celebration and as an opportunity to recognize the Hawaiian origins of the dish. Its cultural significance lies in the way poke connects ocean stewardship, local ingredients, Indigenous culinary practice, and modern global food culture. While the observance is a relatively modern celebration rather than an ancient Hawaiian festival, it draws attention to the long history behind a dish that is now enjoyed in many parts of the world.