Diners' Choice: Japanese restaurants in Hawaii

OpenTable

Updated June 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!

J-Shop

5.0

5 (32)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Mccully-Moiliili

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

JuneVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Nothing fancy but the sushi is fresh and the servers are very attentive. I love the authentic vibe great value!

Tempura Ichika

4.9

4.9 (53)

$50 and over

Japanese

Ala Moana

About the restaurant

🎉 1st Anniversary Special 🎉
Thank you for your support! From July 1st to 31st, enjoy $3 draft beer in celebration of our 1st anniversary. We look forward to welcoming you.

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

Jina

Dined 7 days ago

We had an outstanding time at Tempura Ichika! We were greeted warmly by the head chef and his team as walked into the door. The Omekase menu provided unique and tasty seafood paired with select flavorings. We were more than satisfied by the end of the meal. We would highly recommend this fine dining establishment.

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Experience

Omakase Tempura Special

Omakase By Aung

4.8

4.8 (344)

$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

AngelaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Chef Aung and his talented team are now my Go-To restaurant for authentic Japanese Omakase dining. Fresh seafood flown in fresh from Japan, Chef Aung creates exquisite dishes that please even the most discriminating palate. Every dish is as magnificently presented, as it is tasty. I bring locals and visitors alike here whenever I want to impress. Lucky for you if you get to dine with this talented Chef. Omakase by Aung! Truly the Best- 5 Trillion Stars! Arigato! ~ Dr Pratt

Han no Daidokoro

4.9

4.9 (762)

$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

AlineVIP

Dined 2 days ago

High quality beef. Great for special occasions . Service was great, helpful, and nice. The American / Washu wagu is beefier, and the Japanese / Miyazaki just melted in you mouth. Great way to indulge in quality meats.

Izakaya Matsuri

4.8

4.8 (485)

$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

ReeceVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

The food and service here is so good. This is one of our favorite izakaya in Honolulu.

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Han no Daidokoro/Waikiki

4.7

4.7 (41)

$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

WhitneyVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Our favorite place to eat in Waikiki. Love the food, staff and whole vibe!

Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.7

4.7 (227)

$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

Janine

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

We had a lovely lunch at sitting at the bar! Shrimp and veggie tempura was outstanding, and Theodora's cocktails were so good.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Kapolei, HI | Kapolei Commons

4.8

4.8 (343)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Kapolei

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

cisco

Dined 1 day ago

After being seated with reservations it was another 12 minutes before server came to table. She was polite and courteous. A menu name that's advertised online at OpenTable is not on the menu in the restaurant

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Experience

Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.8

4.8 (251)

$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 $110, 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

Darcel

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

A delightful private evening (only 8 other diners on the patio ) with lovely food and fabuloua absolutely delicious sake. Perfect for a special evening to celebrate anything!

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Experience

Prix Fixe 6 courses menu (July)

Tempura inaba Hanaleiʻi Sushi inaba Hanalei’i

4.9

4.9 (29)

$50 and over

Japanese

Mccully-Moiliili

About the restaurant

Hanaleiʻi” is a coined word derived from the place name Hanalei on Kauai island. Hanalei means “crescent”. Our restaurant name “Hanaleiʻi” symbolizes “We will strive for success until becoming the full moon …”.

When you make a reservation, Please make sure not to confuse the “inaba Honolulu “ with the “inaba Hanalei’i “, as both are on the same street. Inaba Honolulu cannot make a reservation at an opentable. Please make a reservation by phone. Inaba Honolulu phone number : (808)953-2070

Top review

Paul

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

The lunch Tempura Omakase is such an amazing deal! 5 Star experience at a very reasonable price.

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Experience

Lunch Omakase Tempura Course

Experience

Dinner Omakase Tempura Course

Experience

Lunch Omakase Sushi Course

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