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a8 local
Tuesday 25 November 2025

Po-Ké Ono Brings Bold Asian Fusion to Aruba’s Dining Scene

Innovative eatery blends island culture with modern Asian cuisine

around accessibility and en- bao. Its growing popularity is a
joyment. Whether dining in- testament to Aruba’s evolving
doors or grabbing a quick food culture—one that em-
bowl on the go, guests can braces global influence while
expect a consistently high staying rooted in community
standard in both service and and craft.
cuisine. With extensive menu
options, including selections For those seeking a modern
for vegan diners, Po-Ké Ono taste of Asia in the heart of the
caters to a wide range of Caribbean, Po-Ké Ono offers
tastes and dietary preferenc- a flavorful and memorable
es. experience worth exploring.q

In a culinary landscape known for its diversity While the concept leans into
and creativity, Po-Ké Ono stands out as a vi- fast-casual dining, the quality
brant and contemporary addition to Aruba’s of ingredients and thoughtful
restaurant scene. With locations at Azure in
Palm Beach and the Renaissance Market-
place in Oranjestad, the concept introduces a preparation reflect fine-dining
refreshing take on Asian fusion dining—casual roots. Many of the restaurant’s
in style, yet refined in execution. core ingredients are sourced
locally, emphasizing sustain-
ability and support for Aruba’s
Established in 2020, Po-Ké Ono was envisioned
as a space where flavor, culture, and creativ- agricultural community. The
result is a dining experience
ity intersect. The menu features an array of sig-
nature dishes including poke bowls, steamed that honors both the island’s
spirit and the culinary tradi-
bao, and sushi, crafted with precision and a
focus on freshness. Drawing on Asian influenc- tions it draws inspiration from.
es, the restaurant delivers bold flavors in an
approachable format, appealing to a broad Open daily from 11:00 AM to
10:00 PM, Po-Ké Ono contin-
audience of locals and visitors alike.
ues to gain recognition as one
of the island’s premier desti-
The ambiance is designed to be welcom-
ing and relaxed, with a philosophy centered nations for sushi, poke, and

Enjoy one of the best views on Aruba at the top of the Hooiberg Hill

(Oranjestad)—If you are a regular Arikok National Park.
hiker, or maybe want to spice up your The staircase that run on the side of
morning work out session, then you the hill was first built in 1951, when Mr.
might enjoy one of the most popu- Eduardo Tromp constructed it. At that
lar climbing sites on the island: The time, the staircase consisted of 900
Hooiberg Hill. Accompanied with a steps. Over time, as the steps faced
600-step staircase, this hill overlooks erosion, the government decided to
a great part of the island, the Carib- renovate these stairs in 1991. This new
bean sea, and sometimes even the project delivered the newer staircase
Santa Anna mountain located in the with only 587 steps. However, don’t
coastal state of Falcon in Venezuela, be fooled—it may still be a work out
providing one of the best views you to get on top. In addition, there is now
can get on Aruba. a gazebo placed halfway up the stair
for a little rest. The view at this resting
located at the center district of the stop is also a sight to see.
island, Santa Cruz, the Hooiberg Hill
is the second highest point on the is- The best time to climb the hill would
land at 165 meters above sea level be early in the morning or right before
(or about 540 feet above sea level). sunset, as it may not be as hot. How-
The highest point is Jamanota Hill at ever, the hill is of course open all day,
189 meters (620 feet), located in the every day.q