Ahi (yellowfin tuna), aku (skipjack tuna), and mahimahi are just a few of the fresh fish caught daily in the beautiful blue waters around Hawaii. So while you’re visiting, why not enjoy locally caught fish? Here’s a hand selected list of restaurants that are rolling up some of Maui’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.
Feature Photo: Vana Paia
Sushi on Maui's South Shore
An open air, casual fine dining experience, with views that will make you want to dine slowly and savor it all. The locally sourced menu focuses on fish, fruits and veggies, and there’s a daily “happy sushi menu” from 3pm to 9pm. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh ahi tuna roll after a beautiful day in the sun.
Trip Advisor’s #1 Sushi Bar on Maui, this is an intimate, authentic little sushi joint. Seating is limited and reservations are required — there are currently two seating times, 6pm and 7:30pm. If you can’t dine in, there are takeout options like The Chef’s Selection Sushi Platters. Check out what Chef Hiro is cooking up, and see if he makes it to #1 on your list.
This family-owned-and-operated sushi bar offers delicious and freshly caught local fish as well as excellent service. Owners Shawn and Joy Steadman also captain the “Shiso Phat” boat which provides fresh fish for the restaurant’s specialty sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri.
The vibe here is “modern open-air Japanese beach house” with a menu featuring fresh local fish that’s artistically rolled, expertly sliced, and perfectly paired. Keep the sake flowing, because you’ll want to stick around and catch the Maui sunset — it’s always epic.
There’s nothing boring about this asian-inspired eatery. You’ll find traditional sushi rolls and unexpected rice cakes (you’ll want to try at least 2), alongside Prime Ribeye and Poached Lobster. Chef Oao Jr. focuses on fresh and locally sourced ingredients to highlight dishes that fuse familiar Japanese recipes with a french twist.
Fairmont Kea Lani, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea-Makena
Featuring a dramatic ocean view, this new addition to the Fairmont Kea Lani is a feast for the senses. Open for lunch and dinner, fresh seafood is the centerpiece of the meal, along with inventive cocktails or mocktails. Their hot rock bar is something to experience, and the flourless chocolate torte is not to be missed.
The lobby fountain at the Four Seasons Maui Resort at Wailea marks this intimate spot for sophisticated sushi and other Japanese delicacies prepared by Tokyo-born Chef Kiyo Takeda, whose resume includes working for Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Takeda imports exquisite seafood for nigiri and other preparations, served with custom soy sauce and wasabi hand-grated at your table, and accompanied (if you desire) with exclusive sakes too. For a closer look at his artistry, belly up to the 14-seat sushi bar.
For those looking for sushi at an affordable price point, Oku’s is a local-vetted option. Find your classic sushi menu options like nigiri, sashimi and maki, as well as a few specialty rolls, a couple of ramen or curry choices and more.
Sansei is part of the DK Restaurant group, which has a small fleet of restaurants throughout Hawaii. They are known for delicious sushi and their Sushi Early Bird Special is where it’s at, with 50% off select sushi and drinks. There’s a nice selection of rolls, but if you want some other bites as well, their menu has you covered.
Sushi on Maui's West Side
Japengo’s been winning all the awards: 2019 ‘Aipono Best New Restaurant, 2020 ‘Aipono Gold Best Pacific Rim, 2020 ‘Aipono Silver Best Sushi. The views are stunning, the dining room is beautiful, the service is great, and as we already noted, the sushi is award-winning. If you’re in Lahaina, be sure to drop by and see if they win you over as well.
This family-owned-and-operated sushi bar offers delicious and freshly caught local fish as well as excellent service. Owners Shawn and Joy Steadman also captain the “Shiso Phat” boat which provides fresh fish for the restaurant’s specialty sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri.
Renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi is at the helm of Roy’s, one of Hawaii’s most famous restaurants. The menu offers many different dishes and flavors, plus daily specials and a few sushi options. It’s best to come with a group so you can order an array of menu items. We recommended the Yamaguchi spicy ahi sushi roll, the short rib loco moco, and the “Sunset Prix Fixe Menu.”
Sushi in Haiku and Paia
780 Haiku Rd., Haiku
808.575.2939
This intimate, 50-seat contemporary Japanese izakaya and sushi bar is tucked away in one of the small towns on Maui’s North Shore. Their menu offers a wide array of small plates, hand rolls, specialty rolls, noodles, and salads — everything your need for a great meal on Maui. No reservations required.
93 Hana Hwy., Paia
808.344.7569
The bartenders at this hipster restaurant in downtown Paia are stirring up delicious cocktails to go with the artistically rolled sushi. The lights are dim here, so you may just want to go for the cocktails and ambiance — but a few fresh sushi bites are always a good idea.
Sushi in Wailuku
1063 Lower Main St., Wailuku
808.243.5333
This little sushi spot has been earn rave reviews. They have the basics covered, but you’ll want to try the wonderfully named specialty rolls like the “Superman Burrito Hand Roll” and the “Marilyn Mon Roll.” Chopsticks up, there’s sushi to eat!
1951 E. Vineyard St., Wailuku
808.633.2502
It’s BYOB here at Umi, a relaxed, really good sushi kinda joint. Some of our favorite rolls includes the Special Opaka with fried calamari steak topped with opakaka and a lemon caper aioli, the Shiso Dragon, a spicy tuna roll topped with tuna, avo, truffle oil and potato chips, and the Garlic Tiger, a shrimp tempura roll topped with spicy tuna and tempura flakes.
