Diners' Choice: Japanese restaurants in Hawaii

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

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

Tempura Ichika

5.0

5 (47)

$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

Amanda

Dined on May 1, 2025

The service here was absolutely phenomenal and the food was extremely delicious. Would recommend to anyone

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Experience

Omakase Tempura Special

Omakase By Aung

4.9

4.9 (331)

$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

Austin

Dined 3 days ago

Aung is a great guy, and him and his team are very kind and interactive and friendly. The food is phenomenal. 10/10

Izakaya Matsuri

4.8

4.8 (481)

$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

Ms. Theo

Dined on Apr 23, 2025

Neighborhood gem, tucked away, unable to see restaurant from the street. One of those places where you have to have heard about from someone and get a good description of where it is. Matsuri has the best fresh fish from Hawaii & Japan, Hokkaido crab & uni, and lots of good sake selections. Everything is clean, service and food is always consistently good.

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4.9

4.9 (742)

$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

Dezire

Dined 7 days ago

So delicious. Definitely go for the pre-fix menu if you can :)

Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.8

4.8 (223)

$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

Krystle

Dined on May 7, 2025

The staff was super helpful. I was able to change my reservation count through the app and they responded promptly. The service was excellent. It's wonderful to see when a server is energetic throughout their shift. It really helps the mood of our experience.

Wasabi Bistro - Honolulu

4.8

4.8 (825)

$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

NikkiVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely incredible!!! A must go with in Honolulu. Get the black cod, tempura avocado and miso soup. So dang good!!! Servers and staff are beyond lovely. Can’t say enough good things about this place

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Papaya Seafood Motoyaki

Oao

4.8

4.8 (1000)

$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

TimothyVIP

Dined today

Best sushi in Wailea. Nobu just joined the territory but not worth all the buzz. Hands down the best - everything from big eye tuna to broke da mouth roll to chicken wings to the house veggie roll (our vegetarian friends) - this is by far a Wailea favorite. Full bar too. Highly recommend.

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Popular dish

Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes (3pc)

Han no Daidokoro/Waikiki

4.7

4.7 (29)

$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

Natsuko

Dined 3 days ago

The best yakiniku quality I've had in Hawaii! The amazing happy hour deal is unbeatable — no other place comes close.

Yohei Sushi

4.8

4.8 (84)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Kazuto Obara came to Hawaii in the 1970s with a dream to open his own authentic Japanese restaurant. Practicing the traditional style of sushi known as Edomae, Chef Obara crafts a special omakase experience from the waters of his birth country (Japan) and his home (Hawaii). With his family roots from Hiroshima, he has served generations of families here in the islands. Book a reservation today

Top review

juneVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The Mother's Day special was so beautifully presented! Loved the way they rolled the salmon sashimi into a rose and put it in a stem glass with other adornment. The mini sushi was the cutest thing ever. The serving staff were awesome! Luv this place!

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Experience

Omakase Course - Market Price

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.8

4.8 (243)

$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. There is no à la carte menu, but the Omakase course is offered for $95, including one glass of Junmai Daiginjo sake. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh 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, 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

EricVIP

Dined 4 days ago

An unique and wonderful dining experience. Food and sake pairing amazing.

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