Ahi (yellowfin tuna), aku (skipjack tuna), and tako (octopus) are just a few kinds of fresh seafood caught daily in the beautiful blue waters around Hawaii. So while you’re visiting, why not enjoy locally caught fish rolled up with some nori and sushi rice? Oahu’s best sushi restaurants are numerous, but here’s a hand-picked list of restaurants that are rolling up some of Oahu’s finest sushi.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
Featured Photo: Doraku Waikiki
Sushi in Waikiki and Honolulu
From the accomplished restaurateur Kevin Aoki, this is a very popular spot — as in lines out the door. It’s also one of our favorite happy hour destinations with an extensive menu featuring hot food, sushi dishes, as well as alcoholic beverages. Doraku’s complex menu consists of both traditional and fusion creations that satisfy sushi beginners and connoisseurs alike.
2330 Kalakaua Ave #322, Honolulu
808.924.1849
We LOVE the story behind this restaurant’s name — it’s an homage to one of the first restaurants on Oahu. Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi honors Hawaii’s history by using the simple flavors of the past in bold modern dishes.
A sprawling gourmet food hall in the heart of Waikiki, STIX ASIA is the only place in Hawai’i where you can taste a diverse selection of Asian cuisines from countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea, all in one place. Dip your chopsticks into dishes like ramen from Baikohken, Taiwanese soups from Honolulu Noodle Company, freshly made noodles from Udon Yama and remarkably fresh sushi from Sushi Matsuri, reminiscent of Tokyo’s fish auctions in Tsukiji and Toyosu.
2424 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
808.922.4991
This stylish sushi restaurant is front and center in Waikiki. There’s a wide selection of sushi but if you’re dining with a partner, opt for the Waikiki Bridge or the Hawaiian Bridge. Both offer a delicious assortment of fresh sashimi and sushi for two to share.
1436 Young St. #103, Honolulu
808.949.3939
Chef Yoshi moved to Hawaii from his native Japan back in 1998, and opened his first restaurant here in 2002. Yoshi and wife Julie – Izakaya’s sommelier — launched this place in 2017 and are committed to serving the best sashimi and sushi paired with wine and sake.
524 Ohohia St., Honolulu
808.837.7774
The best sushi in Honolulu (according to their website) and we just might agree. Be sure to go early as this casual space is tiny and seating is limited.
808 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu
808.735.2375
Let’s start with the fact that here they call the chefs “sushi craftsmen” … and these craftsmen aim to dazzle the most sophisticated taste buds by delivering authentic Edomae style sushi.
655 Ke’eaumoku St. #109, Honolulu
808.942.5350
This is one of Honolulu’s best kept secrets. Hidden in a back alley location, the small space of Sushi ii is usually filled with Hawaii restaurateurs and foodies. It’s rumored that the chef is the tempura master on island.
1417 S. King St., Honolulu
808.947.3800
Chef-owned and -operated since 1997, Sushi Sasabune brings authentic omakase-style sushi to Honolulu. This means no menu and no soy sauce served at the table — each course is prepared to be eaten as is, already dressed and seasoned accordingly. Sushi Sasabune’s “Omakase” is designed to be flexible and unique to each customer, as there is no set price or fixed options to choose from. They specialize in nigiri made with hot sushi rice and cold fish.
This popular restaurant group does not disappoint! Centrally located in Waikiki, Sansei is an easy walk from most hotels.
Sushi on Oahu's North Shore
Voted one of Oʻahu’s best by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser four years in a row, BANZAI prides itself in offering some of the finest sushi the islands have to offer. They’ve partnered with local fishermen and North Shore organic farmers to procure the best ingredients (according to season) for their unique sushi.
Small business in North Shore — delicious poke, absolutely worth your business. They have an easy build-your-own style option, with many poke flavors, toppings and sides.
Sushi on Oahu's Windward Side
46-026 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe
808.398.9366
If you find yourself on the windward side of Oahu (in other words, off the beaten path), make sure you stop at Local Boy Sushi. Founded by the Pantastico brothers in 2009, their motto is “simple, classy, affordable.” Local Boy serves unparalleled ’ono grinds and local favorites with a mouth-watering twist. Just ask Siri for directions and you can thank us later.
