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OKOME TENDON & POKE
Kakaʻako·Hawaiian
Located in: SALT At Our KakaAko
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Kakaʻako has quietly become one of Honolulu's most exciting dining neighborhoods, and its Japanese food scene is a big reason why. From craft-cocktail izakayas to wagyu shabu shabu and all-you-can-eat sushi, there's something here for every kind of Japanese food lover. I pulled together the 12 spots worth knowing — a mix of my own verified picks and the area's highest-rated restaurants.
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This is a curated guide, meaning our editors' hand-picked recommendations come first, followed by the best-rated Japanese spots in Kakaʻako according to visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii. Standouts on the list include Doraku Sushi Kaka'ako, a modern Japanese gastropub known for innovative sushi and craft cocktails, and Junpuu, a snug, bustling eatery celebrated for its unique takes on Japanese noodle soups. Kats Sushi rounds things out as an unassuming, BYOB-friendly spot popular for its all-you-can-eat sushi roll offerings.
Spots that our editors have personally visited and verified carry the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — look out for that badge when deciding where to eat next.
FAQ
Doraku Sushi Kaka'ako consistently stands out for its innovative sushi and izakaya-style dining with craft cocktails, making it a top pick in the neighborhood. For something more casual, Kats Sushi is popular for its all-you-can-eat sushi rolls in a relaxed, BYOB setting.
Kats Sushi is well regarded as a budget-friendly option, offering an array of all-you-can-eat sushi rolls in a no-frills, BYOB environment. Junpuu is also known for hearty Japanese noodle soups at accessible price points.
This guide combines our editors' personally verified picks — marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge — with the top-rated Japanese restaurants in Kakaʻako based on visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The list is reviewed and refreshed regularly to reflect the current dining scene.
Japanese Food
Kakaʻako
The experiences I actually send visitors on.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationWaikiki sunset sail
After happy hour, get on the water. A sunset cocktail sail off Waikiki is the move — drinks aboard, Diamond Head glowing behind you.
Free cancellationHonolulu tasting walk
If you like eating your way through a neighborhood, this off-the-beaten-path Honolulu tasting walk hits spots you'd never find solo. Come hungry.
Free cancellationOahu luau night
The eating doesn't stop at dinner — a real luau is the one Waikiki night out worth booking ahead. Kalua pig, fire knife, the whole thing.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationCircle the island
Best single day on Oahu if you've got wheels-envy: turtles, the North Shore shrimp trucks, the lookouts — all in one guided loop.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationDiamond Head + breakfast
Earn the breakfast plate: hike Diamond Head first, then eat. Shuttle + reservation ticket included, so the morning's sorted before you refuel in Waikiki.
