Diners' Choice: Japanese restaurants in Hawaii

OpenTable

Updated 05 March 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Japanese cuisine in Hawaii? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

J-Shop

5.0

5 (27)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Honolulu

About the restaurant

<< We are BYOB, so please bring your favorite liquor >>
Our restaurant is a small, hidden izakaya restaurant located inside the J-Shop supermarket.
J-Shop is a Japanese fresh food store run by a company that imports fresh fish, wagyu beef, vegetables, and fruit directly from Japan several flights a week.
Please enjoy the freshest Japanese foods at Izakakaya.

Top review

Derek

Dined on 28 Feb 2025

Might be the best sashimi I have ever had. This place is a must go to spot for sushi!

Tempura Ichika

4.9

4.9 (38)

$50 and over

Japanese

Ala Moana

About the restaurant

Discover the vibrant allure of Honolulu’s culinary scene at Tempura Ichika, where Michelin-starred chef Kiyoshi Chikano redefines refined dining with an exceptional Tempura Omakase experience. As Honolulu’s sole full-time resident Michelin-star chef, Chikano infuses his deep-fried creations with a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Our business hours: 5PM to 10PM with two seating system.
Open Tue to Sat, irregularly open on Monday.

Top review

LHfoodieVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious food and exceptional service. Real Japanese tempura with light crispy batter and genuine sauce and salts.

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Experience

Omakase Tempura Special

Omakase By Aung

4.9

4.9 (318)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kaimuki

About the restaurant

Taste the umami!BYOB! (WE DO NOT SELL ALCOHOL )
Omakase By Aung is modern, up beat and contemporary sushi omakase restaurant located at 567 Kapahulu Ave next to world famous Waikiki beach in Honolulu. Mixture of Edomae style nigiris and model innovative nigiris will be served in 1 hour 45 minutes long Omakase meal. Seasonal fish from around the world are used in the 15 courses omakase meal.
Omakase by Aung provides single 15 courses menu to all customers for both Lunch and Dinner Service.
Chef Aung will provide laid back and fun experience for all sushi lovers. Open kitchen with a long 12 seats sushi counter in the middle of the restaurant allows interactive experience between the customers and the chefs.

Top review

yue

Dined 5 days ago

Returning after a year for the second time, I’m once again impressed by the exceptional experience. The food was outstanding — every dish crafted with care and precision. The chef’s skill and passion truly stood out; watching him meticulously prepare each creation before presenting it to us added a special touch to the evening. It was a delightful and memorable experience, one that I would gladly revisit.

Han no Daidokoro

4.8

4.8 (722)

$50 and over

Japanese

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Ward, Han no Daidokoro specializes in Japanese style A5 grade yakiniku. We offer 7 days a week with luxe A5 Wagyu from Japan, Miyazaki and Washu beef from Oregon at the Ward Village. We are conveniently located on the first floor of Anaha. (Across the Whole foods, next to the Istambul) Come join us today for an unforgettable experience!

Top review

OliviaF

Dined today

Very much appreciated.Josh was very attentive and informative... great service..

Izakaya Matsuri

4.9

4.9 (479)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Honolulu

About the restaurant

"Welcome to Izakaya Matsuri!"
We offer you freshest Sashimi, Sushi and various chef Specials in Japanese cuisine along with selected Sake, Shochu and wines to complete your meal. Izakaya Matsuri is located in the center of town- on Young St. with lots of free parking for our customers.
(*We do not provide highchairs, or baby seats for children since we are Japanese - Izakaya style restaurant which is mainly for adults.)
* Please, aware that your reservation may be cancelled if you do not confirm your reservation, please cancel your reservation within 12 hours prior to your reservation,
or you will be subject to charge the cancellation fee per person $30.
Do text, or call us to cancel (business cell) 808-745-5858. (The cancellation fee will be automatically charged if it happens after 12 hours prior to your reservation time)
* You will be charged the fee for NO show.($50 per person on your credit card)
* Please, be aware we may add group service charge20 % for a table of 5 or more.

Top review

Chewy

Dined 4 days ago

Place is cozy, the servers were friendly and food were served pretty fast.

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Wasabi Bistro - Honolulu

4.9

4.9 (805)

$50 and over

Japanese

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Wasabi Bistro Hawaii is one of the Honolulu’s casual dining, with an atmosphere of relaxing out-house theme. The restaurant was founded in 1992 as one of the Japanese restaurants in Oahu as a hidden spot, for family and friends to gather, and it has been treasured for many years.

Wasabi Bistro Global is a modern take on intricate, traditional Japanese food enjoyed in a quiet elegance of an intimate bistro setting. Subtly decorated with exquisite Japanese art and artifacts, the dining areas have been designed to offer guests the utmost privacy. Enjoy a front row seat at the sushi bar and watch the intricate handwork of our master chef, as he displays his skills in the art of sushi making.

Top review

Alexandra

Dined 3 days ago

We had the most amazing experience at Wasabi Bistro. The service was next level and the menu recommendations we got from our server were amazing!

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Papaya Seafood Motoyaki

Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.9

4.9 (209)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Hilo

About the restaurant

A local favorite, Miyo’s Restaurant has served the Hilo area since 1987. Under the direction of it's owner, Louis Pauole, Miyo's Restaurant serves up homestyle Japanese food using quality ingredients and it's beloved recipes created by Miyo herself!

Come and enjoy entrees such as Hot Pots, Curry, Teriyaki, Tempura, Seafood and much more! While you're awaiting your delicious meal, you can also sip on a handcrafted cocktail made by our talented bartenders from our Izakaya Bar - Hilo's newest hot spot! With a full bar, 15 beers on tap, an exclusive evening tapas menu and a cozy, rustic atmosphere, there's something for everyone!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

In general everyone is nice and works hard to be sure we are getting the best service and our food is hot when it get to you . Hi top bar worker (who makes the sushi greets us by our name you don’t see that in other restaurants. Sorry Brother I don’t remember his name 🫢 we always have a great experience, even if we came in crumbling with each other we always enjoy our selfs at the end of the night . Thanks to everyone who always makes our visit returnable.

Oao

4.7

4.7 (961)

$50 and over

Japanese

Wailea

About the restaurant

2nd Anniversary Special! On 11/8/2024 when you walk into Oao you can expect to get HALF-OFF ALL SUSHI! No reservations will be taken on that day it is 1st Come 1st Served! Come celebrate Oao's 2nd Birthday on 11/8!

Oao, is Wailea's hottest & newest Sushi Bar & Grill founded by Chef Bernardo Oao Jr. Here we utilize fresh, locally sourced, and authentic ingredients to serve our customers the finest Sushi & Japanese cuisine (with a French Flair) Maui has to offer! Come eat & talk story while dining on our delicious assortment of Fresh Sushi, Juicy Steak, and Delicious Cocktails.

Oao at Wailea is NOT a BYOB establishment. Wine & Sake are ok to bring but bear in mind that we charge a $35 Corkage Fee per bottle brought.

Top review

Debbie

Dined 6 days ago

Food was fresh and delicious, waiter was attentive, and the restaurant was vey welcoming. Highly recommend.

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Popular dish

Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes (3pc)

Han no Daidokoro/Waikiki

4.8

4.8 (18)

$50 and over

Japanese

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Located in Waikiki, Han no Daidokoro specializes in Japanese style A5 grade yakiniku. We offer 7 days a week luxe A5 Wagyu from Japan, Miyazaki and Washu beef from Oregon at the Kuhio Ave. We are conveniently located on the first floor of Lilia. (2nd floor has Waikiki super market) Come join us today for an unforgettable experience!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined today

Very delicious and outstanding service. We realized they do have a happy hour menu when we arrive at 5:15 as reservation. This’s the best Japanese BBQ since we had same experience in Tokyo. Recommend

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.8

4.8 (229)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Engawa, a small restaurant limited to 20 guests per night, where we offer an exquisite experience of Japanese cuisine. We invite you to indulge in a memorable dinner experience. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and other savory dishes are crafted to bring out the authentic flavors of Japan. Enjoy a unique culinary journey with chef & brew master Chiaki Takahashi, where each dish complemented by our award-winning hand-crafted sake, designed to enhance your dining experience.
At Engawa, we pride ourselves on providing not only exceptional foods but also an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. To ensure you have a wonderful evening with us, we recommend making a reservation. Our attentive team is here to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your visit truly special.

Top review

Ray

Dined 7 days ago

Everything was top notch! From beginning to end, this was an awesome experience. The server was very knowledgeable. Each dish was amazing. The sake pairing was on point.

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