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PITCH SPORTS BAR
Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant
Chill, compact hangout with seasonal grub & happy hours, plus outdoor seating & live sports viewing.
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🍱Japanese Food·Kakaʻako
Best Japanese Food in Kakaʻako
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.
1 visitor-rated1 Nate-recommendedUpdated September 2026
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15 japanese food in Kakaʻako
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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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Japanese restaurant in Kakaʻako?
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.
Where can I find affordable Japanese food in Kakaʻako?
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.
How is this list of Japanese restaurants in Kakaʻako put together, and is it updated?
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.
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