About My New Island Hopping Blog Series

All of Hawaii’s beauty does not solely lie on one island, but it’s rather spread out across the eight main Hawaiian islands; however, only six of which are easily visitable. But dispersed throughout the islands are unique microclimates that allow for a range of diverse and lush natural features. The best way I recommend to explore all of Hawaii’s beauty is to island hop from island to island hence my inspiration for this new blog series. I felt that I was cheating my readers a little by only restricting my topics to mainly Maui based blog posts. My main objective in this little blog series is to showcase other places and different activities to do on various islands.

Wada Restaurant: The Finest Happy Hour

Takanori Wada, head chef at Wada admitted that, “I came from New York, where prices are high and portions are small.” It took three years of some growing pains and an adjusting period before Wada found their perfect formula. Which is why the restaurant now has a happy hour menu, offering both early and late night specials. Nowadays, its hard to get into the dining room because it has never been more packed; a reservation is most likely required, I know it sounds weird for a happy hour but it’s the only way to get in then.

The dining room

Hands down this little Japanese restaurant grounded in izakaya/kaiseki/yakiniku principles has slowly been found its way to a special place in my heart. The service is always excellent. Mark (the manager) has them well trained: their staff pays attention to the little details, they know exactly when to bring out your courses depending on your pace of eating, they move efficiently, and precisely to provide a decluttered eating environment.

Although the dinner menu provides a fine array of delectable choices and top grade sushi, it truly is the happy hour that keeps the people coming. Wada is always a no brainer, the pitch is easy: Go for happy hour and dine on well priced refined-casual food (everything between $3 and $5). The best way to describe the happy hour menu is bar food executed with precision, presentation and flavor. Get both salt poke ($5) seasoned simply—the fish’s crisp, clean flavor, and a variety of seaweeds carry the dish. Wada cuts his fish for poke in thick slices, which makes this poke feel all the more luxurious.

$7.50

Try the crispy mochi sticks ($5), mochi and mentaiko wrapped up in rice paper and fried. For simple comfort, finish with the asari sakamushi (clams steamed in sake) and Wada shiso gohan (hot rice mixed with minced beef tongue and shiso).

I can personally attest to eating extremely well off the happy hour menu. But there are some dishes that you’re just going to have to splurge on. Wada’s other specialties, like the beef tataki, seared and drenched in ponzu with garlic chips, and foie gras sushi is something only Chef Wada can conjure out of his impeccable kitchen.

Wada Rice, $3 during happy hour

Restaurant Wada is a labor of love by the proprietors — Takanori Wada, Shige Akimoto and Hiroki Kobayashi — who passionately believe that this remarkable food in this unique environment must be experienced and shared. They are bonded by their love of japanese cuisine and are devoted to maintaining the purity of their vision.

Contact South Maui Real Estate Specialist

Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.

We are also on-site real estate team at the Ho’olei villas, we are open from 9AM-5PM daily, so feel free to stop by anytime. Also, see a full list of Wailea condos for sale and Makena condos for sale.

Aloha,