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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.

See all 16 →View on the live map
2 visitor-rated2 Nate-recommendedUpdated October 2026
Also popular nearby:🍱Best Japanese Food in Ala Moana🍱Chinatown Japanese Food🍱Where to eat japanese food in Waikiki
Kamitoku ramen Ward
1PITCH SPORTS BAR
2Doraku Sushi Kaka'ako
3Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
4
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The ranking

16 japanese food in Kakaʻako

Kamitoku ramen Ward
Top pick1
Nate's pick
5.0(2)$$

Kamitoku ramen Ward

Kakaʻako·Japanese
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PITCH SPORTS BAR
2
Nate's pick
3.7(3)$$

PITCH SPORTS BAR

Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant

Chill, compact hangout with seasonal grub & happy hours, plus outdoor seating & live sports viewing.

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Doraku Sushi Kaka'ako
3$$

Doraku Sushi Kaka'ako

Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant

Modern Japanese gastropub specializing in craft cocktails, Izakaya cuisine & innovative sushi.

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Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
4$$

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Kakaʻako·Japanese Restaurant
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Han no Daidokoro / Kaka'ako
5$$$$

Han no Daidokoro / Kaka'ako

Kakaʻako·Japanese Restaurant

High-end locale with Miyazaki & Kuroge Washu beef, plus a robust list of wine, cocktails & spirits.

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Izakaya Uosan
6$$$$

Izakaya Uosan

Kakaʻako·Japanese Restaurant
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Junpuu
7$$

Junpuu

Kakaʻako·Ramen Restaurant

This snug, bustling eatery with outdoor seating offers unique versions of Japanese noodle soups.

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Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House | Honolulu
8$$

Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House | Honolulu

Kakaʻako·Restaurant
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Nori Bar Hawaii
9$$$$

Nori Bar Hawaii

Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant
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Rinka
10$$

Rinka

Kakaʻako·Japanese Restaurant

Sushi, sashimi & other classic Japanese fare in a contemporary eatery offering cocktails & sake.

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Tonkatsu Kuro
11$$$

Tonkatsu Kuro

Kakaʻako·Tonkatsu Restaurant
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Up Roll Café Honolulu
12$$

Up Roll Café Honolulu

Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant
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Yakiniku Sizzle
13$$

Yakiniku Sizzle

Kakaʻako·Yakiniku Restaurant
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Yanagi Sushi
14$$

Yanagi Sushi

Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant

Japanese specialties include inventive sushi rolls & tempura in a festive space with late hours.

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Ginza Sushi
15$$

Ginza Sushi

Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant
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Kats Sushi
16$$

Kats Sushi

Kakaʻako·Sushi Restaurant

Unassuming Japanese spot known for array of all-you-can-eat sushi rolls in a casual, BYOB setting.

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This is a curated guide, meaning my 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 I recommend 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 my 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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