Top pick122 Kailua
Kailua·Sushi Restaurant
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Kailua may be best known for its beaches, but the windward side punches well above its weight when it comes to Japanese food. From sit-down sushi bars to casual ramen shops, I pulled together the six spots worth knowing — whether you're a local or just passing through after a morning on Kailua Beach.
This is a curated BEST guide, meaning Nate's hand-picked recommendations lead the list, followed by the area's highest-rated spots as scored by real visitors on NateEatsHawaii. Any restaurant Nate has personally visited will carry the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — keep an eye out for it.
The list covers a solid range: 22 Kailua brings a dedicated sushi experience to the neighborhood, Daiichi Ramen - Kailua is the go-to for ramen on this side of the island, and Rai Rai Ramen rounds things out as a cash-only noodle spot beloved for its gyoza and chicken katsu alongside a deep ramen menu. Whatever kind of Japanese craving you're working with, Kailua has you covered.
The ranking
Top pick1
2$$
3Down-to-earth outfit with extensive à la carte or platter sushi, plus soups & salads.
4$$Counter-serve Japanese chain offering sushi, udon, donburi & bento in a casual setting.
5$Cash-only Japanese noodle spot with an array of ramen soups, plus gyoza, chicken katsu & fried rice.
6$$Hawaiian casual dining chain known for its stews, chili & other comfort-food dishes.
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FAQ
Kailua has a handful of strong options depending on what you're after. For sushi, 22 Kailua and Kailua-Waipuna Sushi are well-regarded local choices, while Daiichi Ramen - Kailua and Rai Rai Ramen are the neighborhood's top picks for ramen. Spots carrying the NateEatsHawaii badge are Nate's personally verified recommendations.
Ninja Sushi Kailua is a counter-serve chain offering sushi, udon, donburi, and bento at casual prices, and Rai Rai Ramen is a no-frills, cash-only noodle shop that keeps things budget-friendly. Zippy's Kailua also offers Japanese-influenced comfort dishes as part of its broader Hawaiian casual menu.
This is a curated BEST guide for NateEatsHawaii — Nate's verified picks appear first, followed by the best-rated spots based on real visitor ratings collected on the site. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect the current restaurant landscape in Kailua.