Top pick1$$Genki Sushi
Kapahulu·Sushi Restaurant
Diners pluck sushi & maki rolls from a moving conveyor belt at this Japan-based chain outpost.
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Kapahulu punches well above its weight when it comes to Japanese food. From the iconic oxtail soup at Asahi Grill Kaimuki to the elegant three-menu omakase experience at Sushi Ginza Onodera, this stretch of Oahu has something for every Japanese food lover — whether you're after a quick conveyor-belt sushi fix at Genki Sushi or a long, relaxed evening at an izakaya.
This guide pulls together all 16 qualifying Japanese restaurants in Kapahulu, leading with the best-rated spots and rounding out the list with every option worth knowing. Any restaurant Nate has personally visited carries the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — look for it as a signal of first-hand experience.
Whether you're a local heading to your neighborhood spot or a visitor exploring Oahu's dining scene, this curated guide gives you an honest, up-to-date look at Japanese food in Kapahulu.
The ranking
Top pick1$$Diners pluck sushi & maki rolls from a moving conveyor belt at this Japan-based chain outpost.
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6$Outpost of an Osaka-based chain serving sushi & other basic Japanese eats in a no-frills setting.
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8$$Laid-back noodle joint offering traditional Japanese noodle soups, plus vegan options.
9Homestyle Okinawan-style Japanese dishes & other Asian fare served in a down-to-earth setting.
10$$$$Small, wood-hued Tokyo-outpost with a sushi counter offering three omakase menus & sake.
11$$Low-key, long-running, Japanese-style tavern & sushi bar, with small plates, sushi, beer & liquor.
12$$Lively 2nd-floor eatery drawing crowds for house-special breaded pork entrees & other Japanese grub.
13$$Hawaiian casual dining chain known for its stews, chili & other comfort-food dishes.
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15$$See every spot on a live map
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FAQ
Kapahulu has strong options across every style — Asahi Grill Kaimuki is well known for its beloved oxtail soup, Sushi Ginza Onodera is highly regarded for its omakase menus, and Tokkuri Tei is a long-running local favorite for izakaya-style dining. The best choice really depends on what kind of Japanese food experience you're looking for.
For budget-friendly options, Genki Sushi's conveyor-belt format keeps things fun and accessible, while Kozo Sushi Kapahulu — an outpost of an Osaka-based chain — offers sushi and basic Japanese eats in a no-frills setting. Higoto Japanese Eatery is also a takeout option worth checking out.
This guide is regularly reviewed to reflect the current restaurant landscape in Kapahulu, including any openings, closures, or shifts in visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii.
Kapahulu