The 20 Best Sushi Restaurants in Waikiki
Waikiki, also known as Waikiki Beach, is a neighborhood of Honolulu situated along the south shore of Oahu island in Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, Waikiki refers to sprouting fresh water from streams and springs, which feed the wetlands separating Waikiki from the core. Waikiki is best known for its Waikiki Beach since this is among the six beaches located in the district. It is good to note that this beach is entirely man-made.
Besides having fun on the beach, this vibrant neighborhood of Honolulu is also home to many dining establishments offering all food types. Specifically, Sushi lovers will enjoy their stay in Waikiki since the place has so many options when it comes to sushi restaurants. With the many choices, knowing which restaurants offer the best sushi is only fair. Best, in this case, alludes to fresh, tasty, and most delicious sushi. You would also love to be in a place with the best customer service, right? If having the best Japanese cuisine in Waikiki is on your bucket list, we have you covered. Below is a brief guide to the top 20 best sushi restaurants in Waikiki in 2022.
20. Doraku Sushi (2233 Kalakaua Ave Suite 304, Honolulu, USA)
According to guests who have dined here, this is one good spot, especially for their happy hour specials and offers. People also love their extensive menu that features hot food, sushi dishes, and alcoholic beverages for drinkers. Doraku’s menu also features fusion and traditional creations, making it a great destination for connoisseurs and beginners alike. The area is spacious, occupying approximately 6000 square feet, according to Hawaiian Airlines. Doraku Sushi is open every day of the week, starting from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. Happy hours start from 4–5 pm.
19. Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar (2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, USA)
This is a popular sushi spot both for visitors and locals alike. Sansei has remained a staple of Waikiki for more than 20 years. It is locally owned and offers quality and value to American/Japanese cuisines. Here, you will enjoy a casual but very refined dining experience which is just mandatory for everyone spending time in Honolulu. You will love their extensive sushi and bar menu, which caters to everyone’s needs. Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar is open daily from 5:30 to 9:30 pm.
18. Eating House 1849 (2330 Kalakaua Ave #322, Honolulu, USA)
You know what to expect from this restaurant just by its name, right? Eating House 1849 is the home to one of the pioneer restaurants in Oahu. According to Hawaii Magazine, this restaurant was named to recognize the first man to open a restaurant in Honolulu back in 1849. This restaurant pays homage to the vibrant culinary culture in Hawaii. The award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi uses what’s available from local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers. Eating House 1849 is open daily from 4–9 pm, but on Sunday, it is open from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. It later opens from 4–9 pm. The happy hour is from 4–5 pm daily.
17. Furusato Sushi (2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, USA)
This is one of the most stylish sushi restaurants in Waikiki. You will appreciate this place’s wide selection of sushi. However, when dining with a partner, it is good to choose the Hawaiian Bridge or Waikiki Bridge. These two present a delicious mix of fresh sushi and sashimi for two people to share. Sushi lovers will love this place because it is always open every day of the week. This restaurant opens from 11:30 am to 10 pm.
16. Sushi Ginza Onodera (808 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, USA)
Did you know that it takes ten years to become a sushi master? Now you know. The good thing about Sushi Ginza Onodera is that their chefs are sushi craftsmen. They make the best sushi that your taste buds are left yearning for more. You will like their Edomae-style sushi. Make sure to stop here whenever you are in Waikiki for the best sushi. This join is open every other day of the week apart from Tuesday and Wednesday when it remains closed. The restaurant is open from 5–10 pm on Monday, Thursday, and Wednesday. This restaurant opens from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
15. Katsumidori Sushi (100 Holomoana St Waikiki, Honolulu, USA)
This restaurant is situated on Prince Waikiki Hotel’s first floor. Guests always flock to this place for its authentic sushi experience. In particular, this restaurant takes pride in Maguro sushi, sourcing fresh tuna right from Tokyo. You will also love the experience of their nigiri (raw fish slices on top of the vinegar rice). If you love Japanese dishes, but you still want some Hawaiian taste, this is the place for you. Katsumidori Sushi restaurant is open every week from 11:30 am to 2 pm. It later opens for dinner from 5–9:15 pm.
14. Sushi Sho (383 Kalaimoku St Waikiki, Honolulu, USA)
This spot is the best place for people looking forward to an intimate dining experience away from the crowd. It has been built to accommodate 16 people only at a time. This dining establishment allows guests to experience a special dining experience. It serves Japanese cuisines in the Omakase style. According to Sushi-Sho, the restaurant was established in 1983, and the owner is a chef known as Aki Kawata. The reason why people flock to this place is mainly because of sushi. Guests say that sushi here is more delicious compared to the ones found in any other dining establishment. Apart from Monday, this restaurant is open every other day of the week from 5–10:30 pm.
13. TsuruTonTan (2233 Kalakaua Ave Waikiki, Honolulu, USA)
If you are looking for a dining experience you will never forget in Waikiki; you should try TsuruTonTan. Here, you will surely enjoy the Japanese culture at the heart of Waikiki. Guests interested in sophistication and elegance should also check out this restaurant. The food presentation here is top-notch; the staff serves every dish in some beautiful artisanal bowls. Other than sushi, you will also enjoy this restaurant’s authentic udon. The restaurant opens every day from 11 am to 2 pm and from 4:30–9:00 pm.
12. Maguro Brothers (415 Nahua Street, Honolulu, USA)
This is a famous place in Honolulu for its poke on rice and sashimi. This is the place to be if you are looking for the best sushi with the freshest fish. According to Karmalize, the restaurant is owned by two brothers, Ryojiro Tsuchiya and Junichiro. They started with the first location in Chinatown and then set up the second one in Waikiki in 2016.
The menu has three sections; grilled, sushi bowl, and poke bowl. Make sure to try all of them. Apart from Sunday, this restaurant opens every other day from 5–8 pm.
11. Restaurant Suntory (2233 Kalakaua Ave Level, Honolulu, USA)
The full combination of amazing cuisine, hospitality, and ambiance makes one feel as if they are really in Japan for dinner or lunch. This Waikiki restaurant uses incredible ingredients combined with the trademark techniques of Japanese cuisine for an amazing dining experience. The restaurant is home to the best omakase experience, specializing in quality sushi courses. The restaurant is open every week from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. It is also open from 2–4 pm and later from 5:30–11 pm.
10. Sushi ii (655 Ke’eaumoku St #109, Honolulu, USA)
This one is an intimate sushi bar that has very limited seating. You are therefore advised to make reservations for a dinner seat which applies to your final bill. Please note that this is a high-end restaurant. Given their multi-course menu, guests are advised to be above 12 years of age. On Monday, this restaurant opens from 5:30–11:00 pm. From Tuesday to Saturday, this restaurant is open from 11 am-1:15 pm. It later opens from 5:30–11 pm. On Sunday, the restaurant only operates from 5–10 pm.
9. Yoshitsune Restaurant (2586 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, USA)
This one is a nice-looking restaurant with Japanese style that is situated at Park Shire Hotel. You will enjoy your visit here if your taste buds are craving some Japanese cuisine or fresh sushi. Guests also love the place for its variety of Paninis, smoothies, and salads. Yoshitsune Restaurant is open daily from 1 am-2 pm for lunch and from 5:30–10 pm for dinner.
8. Sushi Sasabune (1417 S King St, Honolulu, USA)
Sushi Sasabune is known for its special sushi experience, Omakase-style. Within a range of 13 to 15 courses, this restaurant uses local fish as much as possible. The result is a meal you will never find anywhere in the world. This specialty sushi restaurant means you won’t find noodles or California rolls. Sushi sasabune is open every other day of the week apart from Sunday and Monday. Lunch is served from 12–1 pm and dinner from 5:30–10 pm.
7. Wasabi Bistro (250 Beach Walk, Honolulu, USA)
Situated in a contemporary and textural space, this is a must-visit restaurant in Waikiki. It tempts diners with its delicious Japanese cuisine. According to Wasabi Bistro, this restaurant was founded in 1992. Wasabi Bistro is a conventional Japanese fare designed to offer guests the best privacy. When you secure the front-row seat in this sushi bar, you will be able to watch the hard work of the master chefs as they make sushi. Apart from Sunday, the restaurant is open every day from 5–9 pm.
6. Sushi Izakaya Gaku (1329 S King St, Honolulu, USA)
Whether you intend to impress someone on a date or looking forward to enjoying a delicious meal with friends, Sushi Izakaya Gaku is a perfect spot. At this eatery, you will enjoy the best sushi and creations of sashimi, among other Japanese dishes. The restaurant stands out in using fresh ingredients from the island to develop many flavors with every taste. You will love the cozy dining room that sets the stage for an amazing meal. Other than Sunday, this restaurant operates every day from 5–9:30 pm. On Sunday, it remains closed.
5. Shokudo (1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, USA)
Shokudo is famous for its late-night owls. This is the place to be if you want to enjoy Japanese dishes. It is completely stocked, casual but modern. The restaurant offers different sushi and tempura dishes. You ought to look out for the happy hour, which is filled with specials such as spicy tuna nachos. This restaurant is open every week from 11:30 am-10 pm.
4. Morio’s Sushi Bistro (1150 S King St #103, Honolulu, USA)
Morio’s is where you need to be with friends to come together. You will enjoy good food, good friends and good beverages too. You will never go wrong with the dining experience at Morio’s. They have decided to be a small restaurant to ensure the guests receive all the attention they deserve. Normally on Sundays and Wednesdays, this restaurant remains closed. However, on the other days of the week, you will enjoy dinner starting from 6–10 pm.
3. Aloha Sushi (1778 Ala Moana Blvd #210, Honolulu, USA)
Aloha Sushi is a great spot that serves several sushi dishes for takeout purposes. You will love their menu, which is very family-friendly. The menu also caters to vegetarians. This one is a popular spot both for visitors and locals alike. For food with a high score in taste, you want to try Aloha Sushi. You get to dine as you want at Aloha Sushi. It is open every day of the week. From Monday to Friday, this restaurant opens from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturday, the spot is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The restaurant is open from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm on Sundays.
2. Roy’s Waikiki (226 Lewers St, Honolulu, USA)
According to Roys Restaurant, there are 16 Roy’s restaurants in the US. The menu in Roy’s Waikiki is ideal for all Hawaiian cuisine lovers. Here, you will enjoy quality shrimp spring rolls, butterfish, and crab cakes apart from sushi. You can look forward to tea, hot chocolate, and chocolate frappe for beverages. It is a great spot for holding weddings, anniversaries, and birthday parties. Make sure to dine at Roy’s, open from 4:30–9 pm.
1. Sushi Spot Waikiki (204 Lili’uokalani Ave, Honolulu, USA)
As the name suggests, this is a great spot to enjoy sushi in Waikiki. Guests say that this is a great location that has a great ambiance. The sushi here is on another level. Besides sushi, you will enjoy other Japanese entrees at Sushi Spot as you enjoy your time in Waikiki. Apart from Tuesday, you will find a Sushi spot open from 4–9:30 pm. On Tuesday, the spot is always closed.
