About Us
Poke Etc blends Hawaiian tradition with a casual, takeout‑friendly format, and has become a local staple since opening in 2014
From Hawai‘i to Carson, With Aloha Since 2014
Founder Ofelia Shively was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She started her journey nearly 15 years ago by introducing authentic Hawaiian poke to Southern California. Her first foray was a space in the back of a grocery store selling simple poke bowls with steamed rice. The popularity grew and she opened her first Poke Etc. location in Carson, California. Over the years she expanded with locations in San Diego, Las Vegas and Alaska.
The original location is still going strong, driven by Ofelia's passion and vision to bring people together. Her native island of Oahu is known as the "Gathering Place" and Ofelia embodies this spirit every day.
Poke Etc. Carson has been serving local Hawaiian style poke and plate lunch since 2014. We specialize in take out and catering. The menu is a melting pot of ethnic diversity featuring Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Hawaiian, and American dishes.
Signature items include our famous Spicy Mayo Ahi Poke and the Cali Hawaiian Poke which are modern iterations of traditional poke. People come back time and again for our garlic chicken, hamburger loco moco, katsu and teriyaki dishes made from scratch. The Filipino longganisa sausages are proprietary recipes created by Ofelia.
A Hawaiian Legacy Brought to the Mainland
A wide variety of poke flavors featuring traditional ingredients combined with modern creativity is what we are known for. Poke Etc. revolutionized the "poke rice bowl" and "create your own" focused on generous portions of fish and rice with no additional fillers. We are here to serve the community of Southern California with a smile and lots of Aloha!
Sustaining Hawai‘i’s Future, One Bowl at a Time.
Poke Etc. partners with Agrifuture Marine in Hawai‘i, led by Dr. Wenhao Sun, a marine biologist whose patented innovations in sustainable aquaculture support healthier oceans. Their shared mission focuses on protecting marine ecosystems, advancing responsible ocean farming, and preserving Hawaiian cultural heritage. Through Agrifuture Marine’s work and the initiatives at Olakai Hawai‘i, Poke Etc. champions authentic flavor and true ocean stewardship.
Our Legacy
A Legacy Preserved in Every Bowl
Ofelia’s story is now captured in her book, The Story and Legacy, a tribute to the culture, flavors, and people who shaped her. It reflects the same spirit that fills every plate at Poke Etc.—a celebration of Hawaiian heritage and the belief that food connects us.
Poke Etc. isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a continuation of Ofelia’s story—one that honors where she came from and the community she built here.
