Hihimanu sets the standard for omakase. From the outside, it is unassuming, but the experience is exceptional from start to finish, with amazing fish quality, creative courses, generous portions, and warm service. They spoil you with luxurious ingredients like lobster, oyster, scallop, and wagyu. One standout course had three types of uni layered over chu toro, topped with salmon roe. The dinner felt like we got a taste of the ocean. The interior is somewhat eclectic. They have ten seats at the chef's table and have two offerings in a day: a smaller lunch omakase with 15 courses for $185 and a dinner omakase with 19 courses for $245. The complimentary green tea paired nicely with the sushi. One of the best meals I'll probably ever have. This will be a must stop when I visit Oa'hu. read more

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Chose this spot on a whim during our vacation in Hawaii and turns out my husband knew chef Ray from a previous sushi restaurant. Hihimanu only takes resos for their omakase with a lounge area for drinks. They had an opening for us at 5:30pm and our meal lasted until 8pm. Attire is tastefully casual; when in doubt, wear all black and you're good. Chef Ray is so creative and unique in his flavor profiles and plating. You're coming here for the full experience of sushi modern art. read more

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Dining at Hihimanu with Chef Ray feels like stepping into a performance. The counter is lined with pristine cuts of otoro, kinmedai, akamutsu, iwashi and sake, each piece glowing under the lights like it belongs in a gallery. Ray works with calm precision, brushing soy with painterly strokes, searing edges with the lightest touch, and presenting each plate with elegance that makes you pause before eating. The omakase is a journey that builds beautifully. It begins with clean flavors and slowly moves toward indulgence. Lobster crowned with caviar was rich and briny in perfect balance. Scallop paired with uni in crisp nori was so decadent it stopped conversation. Kinmedai topped with caviar and gold leaf shimmered like something from a jeweler's case. Even the fried baby octopus had its own spotlight, crunchy and fun, a playful interlude between courses. The uni, ikura and toro bowl arrived like an artist's palette, a riot of color that tasted even more vibrant than it looked. Other highlights carried their own weight. Seared katsuo left a smoky depth that lingered. Nodoguro melted with sweetness unlocked by a careful sear. Anago dissolved instantly with warmth and richness. Every piece was purposeful, with a touch of citrus, salt or seasoning that revealed its best qualities without ever distracting from the fish. What sets Hihimanu apart is not only the food but Chef Ray himself. He is proud of his ingredients and his creations, and he is not shy about letting you know the quality of what you are eating. When he explains the sourcing of the uni or points out the fattiness of the tuna, it comes with the confidence of someone who knows he is serving the very best. That pride comes through in every bite. During the meal Chef Ray mentioned that Jason Momoa, Aquaman himself, flies in just to eat here and had been at lunch earlier the same day. We missed him, but with sushi of this caliber, you do not feel like you missed out. The fact that someone would fly across the ocean just to sit at this counter says everything. Service was warm, attentive and perfectly in sync with the flow of the evening. The pacing was flawless, each course arriving at exactly the right moment, never rushed and never dragging. By the end I was not just satisfied, I was amazed. Hihimanu with Chef Ray is not simply another sushi bar in Honolulu. It is the experience by which all others will be measured. Aquaman may fly in, but after this night, I would swim here if I had to. read more

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We spend hours reading restaurant reviews before we travel, and I'm so glad we found Hihimanu! Chef Ray has a unique and creative personality, and his 15 course+dessert omakase was the food highlight of our ten-day trip to Honolulu! I believe we booked about a month out, and the only reservation we were able to get was a 2pm on a weekday. We spent $185 each with no alcohol before taxes and tip. As other reviewers have noted, this is not the restaurant for a sushi "purist", most dishes have glazes and relishes like caviar or micro greens - but in my opinion, they really really add!! I generally am a sushi-purist, but I really was blown away by the flavor combinations, textures, freshness, etc. We will absolutely plan on coming back the next time we're in Honolulu! read more

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My goodness! Such a lucky last minute find. Visiting Honolulu and as our last day looking to eat delicious sushi when I stumbled on one open rvsp! Omakese to cap off our trip was such an amazing experience! 18 course and other than eel which I am not a fan of this was such an elevate experience. Every bite with an explosion of intricate flavors. Friendly awesome environment to top it off. I only added a few photos to ensure you are pleasantly surprised read more

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If omakase is an art form, then Hihimanu is the gallery where every piece deserves a standing ovation. What We Ordered We went with the omakase course, and from the very first bite, it was clear this wasn't just a meal -- it was a journey. Each course flowed seamlessly into the next, with the chef carefully explaining the story behind each piece of fish. The highlights? A buttery otoro nigiri that melted instantly, a uni bite that tasted like the ocean's best-kept secret, and a perfectly torched nigiri that nearly made me weep. Service & Atmosphere The experience feels new yet intentional. The chef and staff were welcoming, balancing professionalism with a genuine aloha spirit and a lot of witty banter. The space itself is not a typical omakase style but -- it lets the food shine while still feeling special. Standout Details What really sets Hihimanu apart is the precision. The balance of flavors, the temperature of the rice, the way every piece was served at its peak -- nothing felt rushed, nothing felt overlooked. You can taste the craftsmanship in every bite. Wrap-Up If you're in Oʻahu and want a meal that's equal parts delicious and unforgettable, the omakase at Hihimanu is the move. It's not just sushi -- it's storytelling, hospitality, and artistry on a plate. read more

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Dined in here on February 27 at 5pm and we had a great time! All my friends who came to Oahu recommended this place. Booked a week advance on open tables. I really enjoyed every single item I had here. Chefs were kind and funny. All their fish are super fresh due to it being imported from Japan. Will definitely be back! :) read more

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Chef Ray ( aka Deeana.. ) was amazing! Omakase was 100% so authentic! Atmosphere was 101% dalmatian! Will visit again when im back in Hawaii! read more

Hihimanu Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We had a great experience at this restaurant the chefs are pretty engaging and joking and like to have fun and the menu is inventive with clearly a lot of thought going into the dishes creating a lot of unique and amazing flavours. read more

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Ok, so I was given the warning to not eat a lot before this meal... and I failed and hugely regretted it. We ate a coursed meal most nights and this one was by far my favorite experience. The setting is more intimate, 9 people were seated across the countertop, and I loved the personalization of the experience. When you walk in, you are seated at the countertop, we sat on the left side by the owner, Ray (who is extremely charismatic and funny). I have to admit, this was my first omakase sushi experience and I was slightly nervous to not like a certain fish. We ordered a midrange bottle (or what I think a midrange bottle was) of sake called manju ($145), 1 of 5 in which Ray recommended based on my palette. Honestly, I loved it a lot. It was definitely smooth, delicious, and an easy drink. As far as the sushi goes, it was easy to love each piece and like an art watching them make it. From the specialized salts to caviars, truffles and smoke, to everything in between- it's like everything he touches turns to gold... like a very delicious sushi piece of gold. I wish I could say what my favorite was but it would indicate that I had a less favorite and I can't really describe anything as "less". I truly loved every bite even of fish I didn't think I liked. Everything was insanely fresh and beautifully paired and presented! I love trying new restaurants and it's rare for me to want to revisit a place based on a restaurant, but this would be the one. Great experience start to finish!!! read more

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Probably my favorite omakase spot on the island. The sushi is incredibly fresh, and every dish is so thoughtfully and beautifully crafted. I love the modern twist with micro garnishes--it adds a delicate, elevated touch to each course. Even though I was full by the end, I still wanted to try the additional sushi add-ons because everything just looked too good to pass up. It's definitely on the pricier side, but 100% worth it--especially when you're treating someone special. I'd absolutely come back here for a special occasion with the right person. read more

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One of the best meals of my life...mind blown...beautiful combinations. I was scared to go back for a long while after that first time because I didn't want to be disappointed. But, I've been back a few times and it never disappoints. Thank you Chef Ray! read more

Hihimanu Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Visited there for lunch. The chef, Ray's presentation is great however I have couple points that made me deduct the points. 1the chef called Uzukuri but Usuzukuri (the second dish) was served for two persons , however since it was prepared earlier and waited for other guests to be seated, it was warm and unfortunately it didn't taste fresh. 2 As you can see from my photos, the chef served sushi with caviar (5 dishes ) a lot which I think a bit salty and all the fish taste caviar. 3 Ikura rice seems to be not ikura from salmon maybe from trout: trout Ikura is small and not much fun of eating its bubbles. (I am sorry I missed the chef's explanation) 4 dessert: mint did not go well with sorbet (I don't think we need mint). The chef is ambitious and I am sure his creativity and sense will improve his omakase course. Gochiso sama deshita! read more

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Beautifully crafted one or two bite creations with hand crafted custom seasonings and sauces that add nuanced, multi dimensional micro flavors. BUT... First, my cred; I've been fortunate enough over the years to dine at five Michelin three star and literally dozens of Michelin awarded sushi restaurants across Japan. One thing all their omakase have in common, the progression from one piece to the next is deliberate. The flavor of the next piece relies on the memory of the flavor of the previous creating an experience. The omakase at Hihimanu does NOT at all try to accomplish this. Rather each plate is a complete expression. It's not a bad thing, just not traditional Japanese. Fresh, well sourced seafood. Some treated simply to showcase the extreme seasonal freshness, some aged a week to bring out their deeper flavor. Some very innovative and unexpected ie a piece of uni teased with the essence of blood orange; a brilliant use of citrus that subtly balanced the richness with acidity and almost transformed the Japanese delicacy into in Italian one. Excellent use of caviar. Unlike some sushi eateries that pile it on just because its luxe, here its purposeful adding salinity, oceanic, yolky flavors that enhance the seafood. Micro greens (onion sprouts), edible flowers (garlic chive flowers) and herbs each lend their flavors to the completed bite. Great use of self created seasoned salts that not only carry the flavor of the enhancement such as sakura, but add a hint of color. Like all multi coursed meals, not everything will be to one's liking. Personal preference, the soy topping the chu toro overpowered it. Chef is very theatrical with movements that mimic a teppanyaki chef. Entertaining for sure. Good list of fairly priced sake. A page of seasonal offerings a plus. Reservations required with a credit card required to warranty them. Substantial charges for no shows, last minute cancellations, or reduction in party size. Book the day they become available to secure. In the end, for a Hawaii reference, Sushi Sho this is not but for those wanting to try a new, non traditional take on a modern multi coursed Japanese meal, a must try. read more

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Ok after so many trips here I am making a review. Ray is amazing! This is non-traditional amazing omakase! Your pallet will be blown away! This is must go to! All fresh, flown in daily! I can't wait for my next trip! read more

Just... wow. I would like to point out that my sushi experiences have been officially ruined. I thought I've had fresh sushi before in mainland US, but it doesn't come close to my sushi experience at Hihimanu. The executive chef let us know that unlike other parts of the US, where fish has to be frozen first, that's not the case for Hawaii. And therefore, the fish were fresh. It is reservation based with limited seating times throughout the day, so don't forget to get a reservation prior. We got here a little early so we were sat at the lounge before being seated. Then the true experience started! We got the 18 course + complimentary dessert. Every course was carefully curated for a memorable omakase experience and after dining, I can see how it's a top omakase experience in the US. While I can't remember all the dishes because I was too busy stuffing my face, I don't think there was a single item that I didn't enjoy. For one course, I found a stray item (probably a thread from a towel that is used to cover up the rice), and the chefs were so quick to make me a fresh course to replace it. I've never seen such attention to detail and truly the best service at an establishment before. When you walk in, it seems unassuming and just another sushi spot, but you're in for an experience! Prior to this experience, I had this myth that omakase was a waste of time because it's small portions and such little food, but I'm happy to say that I was so wrong. After finishing the 18 courses and the complimentary dessert, I was stuffed! There is a small parking lot on site! read more

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My wife and I celebrated our birthday at Hihimanu Sushi. We made reservations about a month in advance and were excited to try this place after reading all the great reviews. Being from LA, we've had our fair share of excellent Omakase in LA + Vegas. This was perhaps one of the best Omakase meals we've had. What we appreciated was the attention to detail to every single dish. It's not your typical sashimi over rice and a few garnishing. Every bite was exquisite and flavorful. So much creativity and art went into every single piece we had. We also loved the various types of uni on the menu (I think 5 different types?). It was an 18 course omakase, so you better come hungry! I don't understand why people say the owner was rude. I thought he was pretty chill and not over the top. As soon as he saw that we were getting full, he cut down on the rice to make sure we can enjoy the rest of dinner. I can't wait to come back. read more

Fresh fish and uni from Japan, with balanced ingredients of shirako, Russian caviar, shave foie gras, yuzu, home made salt. Chef Ray told us his fish is never frozen thats why the taste of each dish was better than normal sushi places we had. Service was friendly, light and attentive. Drink menu was wonderful too. Defintely one of the best omakase in Hawaii. read more

Hihimanu Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Came here for my girlfriend's birthday dinner since she had never tried an omakase experience before and I'm really glad I picked this place. The dinner is an 18 course set that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The chefs explain each dish and how best to enjoy it which makes the experience even more enjoyable. Every ingredient was super fresh with many imported from around the world. Pretty much every dish was perfectly executed and the flavors complemented each other really well, taking you on a little journey with each bite. The atmosphere is relaxed and homey, making it easy to just sit back and enjoy. The A/C was also at the perfect temperature. The servers and bussers were very attentive and cleaned up each dish as we finished, even wiping away small crumbs to keep the table spotless. I'd definitely recommend this omakase if you're celebrating a special occasion. read more

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amazing! best omakazi in hawaii! I've eaten at a lot of places and this is hands down my new favorite! read more

Hihimanu Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Another epic omakase with Chef Ray. Mink fish liver, otoro, Hokkaido uni,Russian caviar, loaded Chawamushi and more with 18 courses. Great attention to detail in the presentation of each course. And always the best sake selection in Hawaii. Service was excellent and attentive. Ray is very creative and he always has something new. We always enjoy ourselves here. read more

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Every course was absolutely delicious and loved how everything had the chef's own personal spin on it. Excellent sake recommendation. In addition to the food being amazing, Ray himself was super personable and fun, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Had great food and a lot of laughs. All the fish was super fresh, buttery, and expertly prepared, but I have to give 10/10 on the hand-cut veggies. Truly amazing. Hihimanu was such a great find and we will definitely return on our next trip to Hawaii! read more

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The most delish fish. Everything was plated so beautifully that I had a hard time eating Chef Ray's creations (just kidding - every dish was so dang delicious that I stopped feeling bad as soon as I tasted it). Incredible service; our sake cups were never empty. Totally fell in love with Chef Ray himself as he was so much fun. Had the best time. Absolutely will be back. 100000/10 recommend this incredible omakase experience!! :) read more

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The owner was the rudest person I've ever met. He completely ruined what could've been a decent meal I was treating my parents out to for their 35th anniversary. I was memorable in all the worst ways. He repeatedly made fun of my parents' English (as Chinese immigrants) loudly behind the divider as if none of us could hear or understand him. Then, when my dad asked him to restate what fish one of the courses was, he turned to one of the other chefs and said, sarcastically, "Oh as owner, am I answering questions like that now? I guess it can't be asked to one of you guys huh?" The food didn't stand out to me at all because the experience and service was the worst I've ever experienced and overshadowed everything that night. Also, we were the only party in the restaurant that night because the other party cancelled last minute. I can't say for certain if this owner's attitude was due to that or racism, but considering he made fun of my parents' English, I'm not giving him the benefit of the doubt. Stay far far away! You can get equally fresh (despite what the owner likes to repeatedly tell you) and delicious sushi for way less and without the rudeness and side of racism elsewhere. read more

This was my first time here. My cousin has been here over 6 times and decided to bring me here on a spontaneous trip. He said be prepared for a fun atmosphere and great food. Chef Ray was inviting through the whole dinner. He told stories, joked with us, explained everything in detail, and even offered extra. I've had lots of experience of omakase over the years and this one definitely changed my view on fresh fish and great flavor. I definitely will be coming back with others. 18 courses, sake, memories, maybe some loss of digity on my own behalf but it was a great experience. I can't wait to come back here again in the future. Also. That review with 3 stars for too much caviar and uni. Maybe he should let his balls drop a bit more cause I've never heard complaints of too much good ingredients. That was a new one and I'm sure for many. read more

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Update: Still as good as the first time. I love how they change up the different sushi to make it a whole new experience. This time around, I got to taste 3 different uni from different parts of the world. Also, I had sturgeon and kaluga caviar, and a squid tempura that was so tender and scrumptious. Service here is top notch and I love that it is such a small restaurant decorated to make you feel like you're in Japan. It is pricey; however, you are paying for high quality products. read more

Hihimanu Sushi - Wagyu tartare - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I'm married to a Japanese woman and travel to Japan regularly but there is nothing close to what Chef Ray and his team does here! His care and artistic ability to present the dishes is a show in itself. The fish is incredible and the w tire experience is second to none! read more

What a GEM! This place is NOT for everyone, go with open heart and open palate. If you like to whine and complain! Nitpicking is your thing then Asahi grill is around the corner. 18 courses of perfection, Chef Ray and Crew are golden! This is my second time at Hihimanu and twice I experienced perfection. The third time is definitely coming, See you tomorrow. read more

Hihimanu Sushi - Aji amazing amazing - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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TL;DR: Hihimanu was a disappointing experience, with a rude, boastful chef who made the atmosphere uncomfortable. The food was mediocre despite the flashy ingredients. I asked for extra wasabi and was rudely told it would cost extra after the fact. Even with only four customers, what could have been an intimate experience felt awkward and unwelcoming. For $275+ per person, you're better off finding a more genuine omakase where the chef actually cares about hosting you. Read the other 1 star reviews and you'll have an idea of this chef's personality. I recently dined at Hihimanu, and to say it was disappointing would be an understatement. From the moment I arrived, the owner's rudeness set the tone for an uncomfortable experience. He seemed more interested in boasting about his establishment than actually providing any sort of welcoming hospitality. At times, it felt like he was actively trying to make the guests feel unwelcome. The food itself was mediocre, which would be excusable if not for the steep prices that clearly reflect flashy ingredients like caviar and gold flakes. What really irked me was an incident with the wasabi. I really enjoyed it and asked for extra. He said yes sure. And soon as I started to ask a question about where it came from, the owner cut me off mid-sentence to say, "That's $90/pound, I'll be charging extra for that." Seriously? It completely ruined the moment and any awe I had for the food disappeared immediately. For an establishment charging premium prices, this lack of transparency is a huge red flag. One course stood out in the worst way: an eel dish served with avocado underneath. I've never seen an omakase that includes avocado beneath the fish, and it felt like a cheap trick to make the eel seem creamier than it actually was. The quality of the ingredients should speak for themselves, not be masked by filler. This dish was prepared away from the customer so we didn't see him make the dish. I also don't recall the chef mentioning that there was any avocado in that dish at all which makes me feel like I was deceived. At the time of my visit, there were only four customers. It felt like the chef was upset about others who didn't show up and took it out on us, or maybe this place only delivers a better experience when it's a full house, and you don't have to interact with the chef as much. Honestly, the food was decent, but not nearly worth the $275+ per person price tag. Throughout the night, the chef made boastful comments, asking about the sushi in our local areas and confidently declaring that he would "blow them out of the water." Lol nice try but not even close, buddy! I've had way better omakase at a much lower price point. I've been to plenty of omakases, and the experience should feel happy and enjoyable. At Hihimanu, it felt like I was paying for someone who had no interest in hosting me at all. If you're looking for a genuine omakase experience, this is not the place. You'll leave feeling overcharged, underwhelmed, and possibly insulted. EDIT in response to Ray: I've had omakase all over the world. As a customer, it is not my job to know everything about sushi. As a chef, you should be open to sharing your wealth of knowledge. I highly doubt that my one question about extra wasabi was the most disrespectful thing you've ever experienced. We literally did not even speak to you due to the unwelcoming environment that was created. I am a respectful customer, don't try to dismiss my review as if it was me who made this an unpleasant experience for us. read more

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Reasonable quality except the chef added too much extras !! Like sauces, condiments.... there was a dish where the chef added tons of truffles but somehow we detected no aroma and taste which was interesting. read more

Hands down one of the best Omakase sushi restaurants. The sushi and service was awesome and the chef was super entertaining read more

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Hihimanu Sushi seems to be a local favorite for omakase; run by Chef Ray, their offering changes often due to what is in season, with a mix of fish flown in from Japan as well as highlighting Hawaii's very own. I loved the fact that they make all their salts and sauces in house, and they grow their own microgreen. The omakase itself was very filling, almost to the point that we wondered if we could ever finish! Obtaining a central seating at the sushi counter is key, as it makes all the difference to watch Chef Ray and his craft. Staff were kind and friendly. Making reservations is seamless; just note of their cancellation policy if you need to reschedule. +request centered seating at the counter +reservations required read more

5/5. Would recommend to everyone! Definitely a place to remember for a long time. The food was to die for. Every bite was better than the last. Chef was friendly, funny, welcoming, and made the environment amazing. Can't wait to come back! read more

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The best tasting food I had on the island of Oahu by far. Everything is so fresh, not fishy, and the flavors are super perfect together!!! This is a must try and for every special occasion! read more

Hihimanu Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Visited Hihimanu for a birthday treat and was once again blown away! This is hands down the best Omakase in the state! Every dish was skillfully prepared and almost too beautiful to eat, almost! Chef Ray prepares edible art to say the least. Every bite ended with a "wow"! He sources the freshest seafood mostly from Japan. The ginger served on the side was to die for, we could not stop eating it! We have been to other Omakases on the island and they can't compare to Hihimanu! Reservations are a must. If you haven't been here you are missing out. It's pricier than other Omakases we've been to but worth every penny and more! Chef Ray provides a total experience worth coming back for. We'll be back soon for sure! read more

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I had 2 of my favorite dishes in my life within the same dinner. Impeccable sushi. I will be back here when I'm in Oahu.

Great omakase and service. The food was delicious and very creative. You definitely get your bang for your buck here. Chef did not skimp on quality nor quantity. Highly recommend read more

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12/2025 Review. Chef always has a creative take. Delicious as always and a can't miss on the restaurant list when in town. Delicious fish. I know the menu builds as you go but the start is fire. Really great and made it super hard to decide favorite. read more

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I've been coming here for about 5 years and have been to more sushi places than grains of sand on the beach at all price points . Ray and Hihimanu are the real deal. There are only 8 seats so you are getting personal time with the executive chef every seating. He is always here and always serving inventive pieces with the best ingredients from Japan. It's an indulgent style with great fish cuts but also caviar, wagyu, crab, truffle, etc all enhanced with homemade salts and seasonings. There are hot dishes mixed in with the sushi courses to keep things fresh. It is a LOT of food with 18 courses. You will not leave hungry. Mahalo, Ray! read more

On a recent trip to Honolulu, I had the opportunity to eat at Hihimanu Sushi with a small group of friends and all I can say is that it was the meal of a lifetime. It was Omakase sushi dining at its best and, hands down, the best meal that I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I am not alone in that sentiment either. Our entire group left in awe. From the freshness and creativity of the sushi, to the quality of the sake options, to the visuals of the preparation and serving, to the rapport with Chef Ray and his lovely wife, we had an amazing experience. Thank you, Chef Ray! read more