Top Maui Sushi Restaurants

With an abundance of fresh fish and a strong local Japanese culture, it comes as no surprise that Maui is a hotspot for sushi. For this roundup, we focused on sushi restaurants unique to Maui (sorry, Morimoto and Sansei— we know you’re amazing!). From sushi food trucks and local hole-in-the-walls to ultra-exclusive 15-seat bars, here are the top Maui sushi restaurants.

​Koiso Sushi Bar

Consider yourself lucky if you can snag a reservation at Koiso Sushi Bar. Not only is Koiso regarded as having the best sushi on Maui, but this intimate restaurant only has 15 seats. Located in an unassuming Kihei strip mall, there are no frills in sight at Koiso. The restaurant’s interior resembles a homey kitchen/living room more than an eatery— which is usually a sign that you’ve stumbled upon something good. Meanwhile, traditional Japanese-style nigiri, sashimi, and rolls dominate here. Sole chef, Hiro, is a veritable sushi master, shaping and rolling every dish to perfection. Hiro’s expertise, coupled with melt-in-your-mouth fish and flawlessly prepared sushi rice, earn this South Maui establishment a place at the top of the list.

2395 S Kihei Rd #113, Kihei
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 6-9 pm.
Reservations required.
(808) 875-8258

Nuka Maui

Nuka, a 50-seat Izakaya sushi bar, attracts scores of people from around the island to the sleepy town of Haiku. This intimate sushi joint is a sister restaurant of the famed Paia Fish Market. Fresh fish, locally grown produce, and house-milled rice are hallmarks at Nuka and manifest in colorful sushi rolls. While sushi is undoubtedly the star of the show, Nuka’s menu also features an extensive list of small plates, including Japanese favorites like edamame and agedashi tofu. Nuka doesn’t take reservations, so expect long waits for tables on busy nights. It’s not uncommon to see a line forming up to an hour before opening.

To pass the time while waiting, go check out Ace of Cups next door in the Aloha Aina Center. Full of witchy wonders like tarot and oracle decks, dream journals, smudge sticks, pendulums, crystals, magic wands, and brooms, Ace of Cups even does live readings!

780 Haiku Rd, Haiku
Open daily, 4:30-10 pm. Open for lunch Monday through Friday, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm.
No reservations, first-come, first-serve.

Miso Phat

This family-owned and operated restaurant is recognized as one of the best sushi restaurants on Maui. The secret to success? Miso Phat is said to have some of the freshest sushi on Maui. Owner Shawn Steadman catches most of the fish for the restaurant on his boat, the Sisho Phat. In addition to exceptionally fresh fish, Miso Phat’s sushi is visually dazzling. Stop by either location from 3-5 pm daily for happy hour and specials on nigiri and sushi rolls.

Kihei:

1279 S Kihei Rd #108, Kihei
Open daily, 11:30 am-8:30 pm.

Kahana:

4310 Lower Honoapiilani Rd #111, Lahaina
Open Monday through Friday, 11:30 am-9 pm. Open Saturday and Sunday 3-9 pm.
No reservations, first-come, first-serve.

Isana

If a fisherman owns the restaurant, you can trust that you’re getting the freshest fish around. Such is the case with Isana in Kihei. Isana is owned by local fisherman John Arabatzis, who, with the help of his fishing buddies, stocks the restaurant with fish right off the boat. The restaurant itself is clean, spacious, and boasts ocean views with a convivial fish market feel— a fish display is featured in the dining room, showcasing some of the freshest catches. In addition to world-class sushi, Isana is also a great place to get your local food fix like ramen and chow fun.

515 S Kihei Rd #C3, Kihei
Open daily, 3-10 pm.
Reservations accepted.

Satori

Located in the heart of Makawao town, Satori is a farm-to-table sushi food truck with a wealth of sushi rolls and temaki (hand rolls) on offer. Satori’s fish and produce are locally sourced, and the eatery relies heavily on local Maui farmers. The sushi truck sits in its own private courtyard, dotted with a handful of picnic benches and bar seats. The laid-back eatery is an excellent place to people-watch the characters on Baldwin Avenue while chowing down on a fresh sushi roll. Satori is also one of Makawao’s premier live music venues, hosting some of Maui’s best musical artists every Friday and Saturday night.

3655 Baldwin Ave, Makawao
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 12-7 pm.
No reservations.

Haven’s

What started as a local secret has exploded into a must-visit on Maui. This take-out-only establishment is located next to Kihei Shell off Piilani Highway, with an additional food truck location next to Costco. Haven’s menu is lined with a delightful motley of offerings, primarily noodles, smash burgers, and temaki. Fresh, local ingredients are paramount to the owner, Chef Zach Sato. And it’s safe to say, the use of clean, local ingredients and fresh fish is what makes the temaki at Haven’s stand out. Three temaki rolls go for $20 and make a delicious, portable snack.

Kihei:

30 Manao Kala St Ste 102, Kihei
Open daily, 10 am-8 pm.

Kahului:

591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 am-8 pm.
No reservations, take out only.

Kojima’s Sushi and Japanese Cuisine

Kojima’s is a long-standing local hidden gem. In 2018, Maui Time readers deemed Kojima’s Sushi the island’s ‘Best Kept Secret.’ Kojima’s location in an unassuming Pukalani business center amid doctors’ offices and yoga studios likely contributed to the establishment’s hidden gem status— but more and more sushi fanatics are catching on. Kojima’s is acclaimed for its Japanese-Hawaiian fusion flavors, laid-back atmosphere, and Mr. Kojima’s artful sushi preparations. Kojima’s is BYOB, and no hard liquor is allowed, so be sure to stop by nearby Pukalani Superette for some beer or sake.

81 Makawao Ave #114, Makawao
Open Monday through Saturday, 4:30-9 pm. Open until 9:30 Friday and Saturday.
Reservations accepted.

Umi

Umi is another delightful hidden gem, once reserved for those “in the know.” Located on Vineyard Street just off Wailuku’s main drag, Umi serves sushi and a host of beautifully plated Asian and seafood dishes. Diners can’t go wrong with the ‘Sushi Dinner’— a sushi roll with six pieces of nigiri of the chef’s choosing— or the resplendent Shiso Dragon roll— a spicy tuna roll with shiso, topped with more tuna, avocado, potato chips, truffle oil, unagi sauce, and spicy aioli. There are no alcoholic beverages served in this sleek establishment, but guests are welcome to BYOB.

1951 E Vineyard St #1714, Wailuku
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5-9 pm.
No reservations.

Sprout Vegan Cafe

Whether you’re vegan or turn up your nose at the thought of raw fish, Sprout Vegan Cafe fills the vegetarian sushi void. While most vegetarian sushi options are limited to avocado cucumber rolls, Sprout Vegan Cafe takes it up a notch. You’ll find classic vegetarian sushi with carrot, avo, and cucumber alongside inventive vegan Philly rolls— smoked carrot “salmon,” house cream “cheese”, avocado, and cucumber— and spicy tofu rolls. Sprout also features a creative tofu poke bowl with tofu, sriracha aioli, local kimchi, green onion, pickled red onion, brown rice, and sprouts.

10 Wailea Gateway Pl B102, Kihei
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am-8 pm.
No reservations.

Those are our favorite Maui sushi restaurants. Let us know if we missed one or if you think one should be dropped off our list in the comments below.