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Maui Real Estate Resources

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Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

Best Sushi on Maui

Choosing my favorite sushi restaurants on Maui, no easy feat. Surrounded by deep and thriving waters, Hawaii has arguably the tastiest local fish on the planet. Multiple fresh options are the norm. Talented chefs, fish cutting masters, dot the island. This is a tough scene to make it because that bar is so high. With all that said and much consideration, below are my Top 3 Maui Sushi restaurants I’d recommend above all others…

#1 – Koiso Sushi Bar in South Kihei

Koiso Best Sushi Restaurant, Kihei, South Maui, Hawaii. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

It’s a fact, reservations are needed at the most popular Maui restaurants, especially for large groups. Koiso is a bit different. This experience features fifteen seats maximum, and the wait list definitely isn’t same-day. Think the popular restaurants in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles—weeks ahead is a must. This is a dinner you’ll want, and need, to plan months ahead of time.

Koiso Best Sushi Restaurant, Kihei, South Maui, Hawaii. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

My most recent visit was a classic guy’s night out, led by our Marketing Director, Michael Scott. His affinity for Japanese food and culture led me to this restaurant a few years back. Joining us for his very first Koiso experience was our lead Web Developer, Chris Norberg, Project Manager at Hawaii Web Group. Rounding out the table was my son, as well as our superstar salesman, Anthony Sayles. It was a special night for him. He’s the newest dad of the group, and really enjoyed having time to get all the fathers together. We spent the evening talking story about life, family, and children, centered around some tremendous food. Speaking of, just get the Omakase (chef’s choice) and thank the chef!

Sayles Ohana at Koiso Sushi Japanese Restaurant, Kihei, South Maui, Hawaii. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

Koiso Sushi Bar
808.875.8258
2395 S Kihei Rd. #113, Kihei

Property pairings to accompany Koiso

There are several great Kihei condo communities that are conveniently close to Koiso Sushi Bar. Kihei Alii Kai is directly above the mall and Kamaole Beach Royale is just across the street. There is an access gate on the Southwest corner of Ke Alii Ocean Villas so you can easily walk to Koiso if you live in the community as well. Just across South Kihei Road is the Royal Mauian which is a popular Kihei oceanfront condo community.

Fresh condo listing near Koiso

Kihei Alii Kai A-403

Kihei Alii Kai #A403 is our exclusive listing priced at $390,000.

#2 – Nuka in Haiku

Nuka, Best Sushi Japanese Restaurant, Maui, Hawaii. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

The next spot on the Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants is owned by the highly successful group that founded Paia Fish Market. Because of this, Nuka’s relationship with established fisherman is first rate. They garner quite the following amongst Maui locals, specifically Upcountry and North Shore residents, which means there’s usually a line to wait. Don’t be deterred however, because more than likely, in less than 30 minutes, your jittery excitement will be seated. The menu, featuring both sushi and hot items, is chalk full of insanely tasty dishes. Additionally, their craft cocktail selection is one the best on island, mixing local spirits with fresh ingredients gathered straight from the Owner’s large garden

Nuka, Best Sushi Japanese Restaurant, Maui, Hawaii. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

Tonight I was joined by Richie and Nancy Peckner. Richie used to be a Rock ‘n Roll photographer, and traveled extensively with the band The Grateful Dead. He considers Nuka his favorite spot, living just a few miles away. Anthony and his wife Shannon frequent here regularly as well, and feel it’s an outstanding addition to the Haiku community, and a must-visit while on island.

Nuka, Best Sushi Japanese Restaurant, Maui, Hawaii. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

One thing’s for certain, it’s always a great evening seeing Jiro, Master Sushi Chef/Partner at Nuka. I’ve eaten with Jiro for decades now. I’m talking all the way back 25 years at Kobe Steakhouse in Lahaina, then to Fujiya in Wailuku, and more recently Jacques in Paia. Honestly, I don’t think he’s aged a bit, and is still a scratch golfer! Just a great guy all around, and always a pleasure dining with him and his team. Speaking of his talented team, I was thrilled to see a longtime family friend, Peter Baldwin, thriving working on the line! I’d recommend ordering from the daily specials, as well as the Nuka bowl with shio koji salmon and Nuka Roll.

Nuka
808.575.2939
780 Haiku Rd, Haiku

Property pairings with Nuka Restaurant

There are some excellent Haiku neighborhoods and classic plantation style homes near Nuka Restaurant. Below are a couple of freshly listed properties that are close by. You can also see the complete list of homes for sale near Nuka or see all Haiku homes for sale.

951 KOKOMO RD

951 KOKOMO RD
Price: $1,799,000
Beds: 2
Baths Total: 2
Sqft: 1594
Acres: 0.78
City: Haiku
State: HI
Zip: 96708

899 KOKOMO RD

899 KOKOMO RD
Price: $899,000
Beds: 3
Baths Total: 2
Sqft: 1080
Acres: 0.1377
City: Haiku
State: HI
Zip: 96708

#3 – Isana Restaurant in North Kihei

Isana Restaurant, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii Best sushi, korean barbecue, kbbq, south maui. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

My Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants just list wouldn’t be complete without Isana, a restaurant my family has enjoyed for decades, essentially since it opened. Owner/Head Sushi Chef Andy is the hardest-working man on this earth that I know. He’s prepared fish here for 7 days a week, virtually over 20 years straight. I’ve truly grown to know and love him and his family. Andy has 3 boys of his own and I’ve had the pleasure to watch him raise his 3 sons in the restaurant alongside his wife Cindy.

Isana Restaurant, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii Best sushi, korean barbecue, kbbq, south maui. Top 3 Maui Sushi Restaurants

Being Owner/Operator, Andy starts early morning buying all the fish, spends the day preparing the rice, cutting fish and veggies, and finishes with his famous late night 1/2 off happy hour and lively karaoke. A full day for sure! This is the Sushi bar I most frequent, whether it be quick lunch, celebrating countless birthday parties, or hosting friends from around the world. I’ve also taken many a first timer, because of the care and hospitality at here. Just a great local restaurant with positive vibes, and Andy is such a character with all his regulars—kama’aina, businessman, and visitors alike. Can’t overstate it enough. Simply love Isana!

Isana Restaurant
808.874.5700
515 S Kihei Rd, Kihei

Property pairings with Isana Restaurant

Just North of Isana Restaurant you’ve find the condo community of Kihei Holiday where you can buy a 2 bedroom unit for under $400,000. Also nearby is Southpointe at Waiakoa and just a little further North is the newer community of Kai Makani. Below are a couple of freshly listed condos nearby, you can also see the full list condos for sale near Isana or explore our complete MLS list of Kihei condos for sale.

10 KAI MAKANI LOOP A 103

10 KAI MAKANI LOOP A 103
Price: $1,300,000
Beds: 2
Baths Total: 2
Sqft: 1126
Acres: 9.835
City: Kihei
State: HI
Zip: 96753

38 KAI MAKANI LOOP #38-102

38 KAI MAKANI LOOP #38-102
Price: $939,000
Beds: 2
Baths Total: 2
Sqft: 811
Acres: 9.8
City: Kihei
State: HI
Zip: 96753

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