We picked up musubi (onigiri) on the way to the airport, they were all delicious with a good ratio of rice and filling and large assortment. We did not get a chance to try the bento combinations on this visit, but will try next time. I highly recommend this place for a quick snack, the musubi tastes better than what I ate in the Waikiki area and better priced. read more

Mai Musubi - Assortment of onigiri - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Here's my "MusuBae"!! They just put the oh Mai in everything they serve and I just love this new location which is right across Pucks Alley that right next to Beer Lab with so much parking just steps away. This simple shop puts all it's focus on what it does Musubi and there was 20 types from Ume, tamagoyaki, unagi to chicken karaage, even at the early morning I was there to grab some for my work besties they had a bunch of bentos all ready to go which is great if you have a flight or early morning outing to have that option. What's fun is that they do cater to certain events like the upcoming Valentine's Day making a special heart shaped musubi out of our beloved Spam...sure seems simple but it brought so much smiles from my besties as they were looking at them and a simple Spam musubi, I did get a variety though I told them to pick any one the heart just instantly capture theirs. The simplest thought can change things into positivity and if you follow them on Instagram @maimusubi you can see how they make it one day at a time. Thank you! read more

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I've started stopping by Mai Musubi on my way home from the gym to pick up a musubi or two for the kid's breakfast/snack. So far I've bought their salmon (miso, wakame, konbu, mentaiko), tuna salad, chicken karaage, and spam and tamago. So far the kid approves of everything he had. My favorite so far is salmon konbu; the filling to rice ratio is perfect so each bite of rice has flavor. The musubi prices range from $2.75 to $3.75, which can quickly become a splurge if I do this 3x a week! The bento items are tasty too. I used to go to Mana Bu's on S King Street but there's always a long line before they even open. Also the interior is more spacious and parking is a lot easier here. Solid 4.5. read more

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The first time I tried Mai Musubi was a week before they suddenly closed on Liliha Street. I was disappointed because the bento was really good, yet I thought I would never get to order another one again. But then they announced on Instagram that they were re-opening near UH and I was really excited to check out their new place. I went a few days after opening day at 11 am. They had a decent selection of grab n go musubis and bentos. Because I was on my way to lunch, I was not able to buy any bentos, but I did grab a handful of assorted musubis to give to the friends I was meeting for lunch. They all really enjoyed their musubis and look forward to trying their bentos. I like this grab n go concept as I don't always plan ahead, so I'm hoping they'll maintain this concept and maybe add advanced ordering as an option later on. Located in the spot formerly known as Bubbies - lots of free parking for customers. Follow them on Instagram for updates, hours, etc. read more

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Cute little musubi place near university. I got the Set B which comes with 2 musubi sand cream crab tempura. The musubis filled my craving and the tsukimono side dishes were soooo delicious. The shrimp tempura was nice and crispy, light and not too heavy. Totally worth the price. If you're coming in for specific musubi please order ahead! What they have on the counter is what they have. The owners definitely take pride in what they serve. Service is fairly quick for just musubis only. Any sets that require fried sides , be patient :) it's worth the wait. ありがとございます！ read more

Mai Musubi - Take away box - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I love their unagi/eel musubi, problem is that they sell out of them almost as soon as the store opens and they will not make more. My second favorite is the shrimp tempura musubi. I understand if you come close to their closing time that there might not be a good selection but I'm here at 10:00am and they are sold out of the unagi and the shrimp musubi and they do not make them to order. So, that will be my last time coming there. I don't understand the business model. People like your product, and they want it, but they have to come at 7:00am to get what you want, then there's just no point in going there anymore. I used to go to the one next to the Varsity Building on University and I go to the new one on Cooke St in Kaka'ako, but this is so ridiculous that in order to get that product, the only way is to show up at 7:00am when they open the store. I won't be returning. read more

"They're baaaack...." After a brief hiatus, Mai Musubi has re-opened their doors in the University area. They are located in the small shopping complex across the street from Pucks Ally (where Nijiya Mkt is located) and kitty corner from Raising Cains. They are located where Bubbies Ice Cream shop used to be at the rear of the complex off Coyne Street. Mai Musubi have a decent number of stalls across their location, although parking may be challenging when the before lunch crowd arrives. Unlike their former Liliha location, this is not a walk up window operation but a clean, walk through interior with the Bentos located to the rear, and the musubi and other side offerings closer to the cashier. They are currently on a soft opening (10/15 to 10/21/22) so be understanding during this period. I have posted the soft opening schedule. I went this past Sunday morning and they were pretty depleted of their bentos so I opted to get musubi and potato croquettes for football munchies. I'm guessing you can call ahead to get your favorite bento like back at Liliha eventually. Right now it's strictly "grab and go" as they work out da bugs. Musubis and croquettes were the same delicious offerings and I look forward to trying their bentos in the near future. Mai Musubi is a great addition to the University foodie scene. Liliha's loss is Moiliili's gain. Support Local! read more

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Treated my co-workers today to musubi's..favorites are ume, kombu, kaarage chicken & teriyaki spam! So fresh & the rice is next level tasty read more

Mai Musubi - Favorite musubi's - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Soft opening this week. First time trying. Was located in Liliha, but now located in old Bubbies location on Coyne St. Near Pucks alley, University Ave. Free parking in private lot. Open 6am to 1pm, or till sold out. Grab and go. Musubi and bentos. Musubi starts $2.55, kids bento $6, larger bento $11. Good selection. Got there around 630am on Friday. It was busy. Steady amount of people coming in. Ordered: Tuna musubi Tamago musubi Spam musubi This was for breakfast, me and son. Highly recommend. read more

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Totally a must see I come to!!! If you are looking for the location it's moved from Liliha to the University Ave and Coyle block. Parking is on the street or within this area of shops. There are premade fresh musubi's. You can by single or in a combo. There was so much to choose from that we went all in for combos. Sooooo good!! The shrimp tempura was perfect and so was the karaage. I just want to come back to try the curry as well. Ok and of course come back cause it was sooooo good!! read more

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Stopped by to pick up musubis in the morning on Sunday and enjoyed them a lot! I got the shrimp tempura and spam musubi. The crunch in the shrimp tempura complimented the rice wonderfully and the spam musubi was still warm when I picked it up. The service was really great and there was a big selection of options. I wish I tried the chicken karage but that will have to wait until next time! read more

Mai Musubi - musubi selection - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

There's still no cafeteria or food options on the KCC Campus (except for the $5 bento truck in the parking lot and when 220 and Ka Ikena modules are running) so I stopped by Mai Musubi's new location in the old Bubbies on University Ave to pick up lunch. Lots of available parking stalls when I got there at 10:30 am and the most gosh darn nice people running the shop. They are currently in their soft opening stage. The musubi are interesting, they don't place the filling in the center but place em on the outside. So filling not smothered in rice. Smart! The portion size of the fillings are generous too! I like the flavor combos too. Miso Salmon, Salmon with Konbu, etc. They have bento as well! I got a Karaage Chicken Musubi (loved it. Sauce added so much flavor), Shrimp Tempura Musubi (this also had a sauce which soggified the shrimp but was tasty so acceptable), and Miso Salmon Musubi (miso + salmon = YUM). I like how they wrap the nori like a shawl. I am going to air fry the Crab Cream Croquettes when I get home, so no review on that yet. Smells amazing tho. At first I thought, oh, kinda pricey. But then everything is getting pricey. That being said, I think that the amount of filling justify the price. I am definitely going back! read more

Mai Musubi - I wanted to show you what lay under the nori. LOOK AT HOW MUCH SALMON THEY PUT IN! Salmon heaven! This one is definitely on my get this list - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Foods were fresh and tasty. I would have given it a 5 stars if they just pick up their phone.

Go early. Once they sell-oit, that's it. No dining area or seats. Just grab & go. Prkg is also limited. Street prk available or you can park in the lot pass the bar by Burger King (also back side of Jiffy Lube). Service is excellent. Japanese speaking. Japanese owned. read more

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The unagi egg musubi was my favorite, really good soft high quality rice. On par with cafe musubi

Not My Musubi anymore. We placed an order earlier in the week for some bentos and musubis for my daughter's birthday party on Saturday. We received email confirmation of the order and pick up time. On Saturday when we went to pick up there was on a sign on the door indicating closed for maintenance and cleaning. Luckily another musubi shop Musubi Cafe Iyasume was able to accommodate us on short notice, was cheaper and tasted great. read more

First time here, I'm into Musubi shops, they several on the island I'd try...they were all good, using quality rice and flavors was excellent. Now for the bad news, I spent $50- on Musubi and Bento's...Miso Butter Fish at $14- & $3.00 per Musubi . The rice was hard and dry, butter fish firm, not flaky. The shrimp Musubi no taste, nori was sticking to the plastic wrapper. THE spicy tuna Musubi was can tuna. Sorry to say to my followers, I cannot recommend this shop. If 7-11 span Musubi taste better then this, it's a problem. Owner need to revaluate his foods and make changes . Didn't eat all my Musubi, what a waste! Aloha, Derek read more

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They've moved again. They're now at the former Karen's Kitchen spot on Cooke Street. Instead of buying only ready made musubis and bentos, which they still have, they now make these made-to-order while you wait. Same great food. read more

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There is a great variety of musubi and something for everyone. The musubi are delicious and we eat them throughout the day. The staff are so welcoming and nice. We go almost every week! read more

We just picked up the butterfish bento. Can you say AMAZING!!!!!!! Totally shocked!!! It's worth every penny. And the rice oh my, soooooo good!!! read more

Mai Musubi - Butterfish Bento - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was recommended by one of my co-workers to get for a lunch meeting. I contacted Mai via the website (was not successful finding a phone number through the website) through email and I was happy to get a response in a reasonable time. I had a large order and I would feel more comfortable talking to someone regarding the order but she recommended using the website since we wanted the food delivered. The restaurant uses UberEats for delivery which is a delivery service I haven't been too keen on using but since that was the preferred option I decided to give it a try. Well, the ordering was quite easy as I had explained in my email about some of the allergy requests that I needed to accommodate. On the online order there wasn't anywhere to write those needs so it did help me to email. I also emailed my order once it was put through and CC info was taken care of. After putting in the order I didn't get an order confirmation email sent (minus for UberEats). I tried to confirm my order via Email but didn't have a response after the initial email letting Mai know I put in the order via UberEats. Because there was no phone number handy to confirm my order was put in, I started to panic the morning of because I had yet to receive any email from UberEats or Mai that the order was confirmed. It was 12 bentos so of course I wanted to double check the delivery. I even went through contacting the chatline on UberEats to try to confirm my order. After spending way too much time on this, I googled and googled and found a phone number but not even sure that was the right phone number since there was no voicemail set up. I was finally able to confirm with UberEats that the restaurant accepted the order so that helped me calm my nerves. Then I got the notice that the order was being delivered (request was delivery between 11:30am-12:00pm and although the app showed the driver a block away and expected delivery was 11:46, it said 2 minutes for the next half hour and the food didn't get delivered until 12:15 after the meeting had started. So the presentation was impressive. All our meals were nicely packaged and separated (Musubi Bentos in one bag, the others in another bag). My order list had been printed (with everyone's name and order that I sent in the email) and taped to one of the bags. When I opened it, each bento had the person's name on it so that was unexpected but super helpful with distribution. I give an A+++ for this! It showed great care and attention to detail which I truly appreciate! I loved my bento; I got the Musubi A bento with Spam as my choice of musubi. The 2 musubi were wrapped individually which I also appreciate cause the spam had a teriyaki sauce on it (I don't like saucy things touching non-saucy things). The karaage chicken was a little smaller than expected and only had 3 small pieces but it and the potato croquette were quite yummy. The bento was the perfect size for me however, I think for larger appetites this would not cut have cut it. It would be more of a snack I think. After lunch I asked my co-workers what they thought of the food because despite the craziness of trying to get confirmation and the UberEats delivery delays I was pleased with our selection for lunch. No one had a single bad thing to say about their orders saying how they liked their food. Among our group we had ordered several musubi bento A and B (all with different musubi fillings), tonkatsu, shio salmon, garlic karaage, and potato croquette. The allergies were accommodated and both people with special orders were very happy with their meal. This was a superb quality bento and a very reasonable price. Like I said, A+++ for the care of the order and the food but maybe just a B- for the delivery being pretty late...and I'm pretty sure the guy who delivered it wasn't named Tracy (photo showed an Asian lady) who was said to be my delivery person. Would we order again? Absolutely. Although next time I may have to coordinate with my co-workers on a pick up of the food rather than delivery. I definitely would recommend this place if you are looking for a yummy bento with good quality ingredients. Make sure you note that they are closed on Monday and Tuesday! read more

Good place to go when my normal place is usually sold out or closed. Usually get their tempura and mentaiko musubis and my boys as usual get the spam musubi with egg. 5 stars for them usually always having good musubis in stock. read more

Unmmmm came in here with my kids at 12:30pm on a Saturday starving. I say "we would like spam musubi please." Guy points at a single triangular musubi on the side counter and says "They look like this." I say "No problem." I order 4 spam musubi. He says "We don't do musubi made to order, you have to get this whole meal." I say: "We can't just get musubi?" Guy: "No. We are all out and we won't make them to order without the complete meal." I walk out. So much for Mai Musubi! Not MY Musubi! Later! read more

This place is my favorite musubi spot to go to for a quick lunch I love everything they have to offer , everything is made fresh daily. We come here almost every Sunday for a quick snack before heading to beach or just a Sunday outing. read more

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They have such a great selection of musubis and bentos even when it's early in the morning. I will definitely stop by again to try their breakfast bentos. read more

Ohhhh yeahhhhh Mai Musubi is back in business! They were originally located in Liliha, but the new location in Moiliili is wayyyyy better for them...and us. There's parking, more spacious, more clean, more safe (? lol). I mean Liliha location, if you know you know what the issues were there. Now they are currently back to the "grab 'n go" as they were when they first opened up in Liliha. Support local. Especially these nice couple. read more

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I've missed Mai but she is back and making tons of food for her stans! I love the chicken karage musubi and it did not disappoint! I got to try a bunch of other musubi and get my favorite bento A at her soft opening week and it is just as flavorful and wonderful as I remembered. Her luxury bentos for holidays are so special and she will never compromise on ingredients or flavors as Mai is all about quality and taste. Thank you so much for reopening in this amazing location! read more

Mai Musubi - Croquettes, musubis and bento a!!! Best bentos ever! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Iyasume has better rice. We were disappointed as everything looked so ono but in reality the rice was not fluffy and on the hard side

The rice in their musubi is prepared just right - each grain of rice is separated and yet sticks to each other, moist but not mushy. Each musubi is wrapped properly with sufficient amount nori seaweed. The ingredients taste fresh and delicious. read more

Mai Musubi - Natto, unagi and mentaiko musubi - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Got bentos from them 3 years ago when they were on Liliha Street. Parking was a struggle and neighborhood was not the best. Owner shared they experienced constant break ins and vandalism at that location. Recently, they moved into the old Bubbie's location, better neighborhood and ample free parking. Had some time today, so I stopped by for quick fix... Everything was good, simple, flavorful, and fresh. Their hours have changed to accommodate those that need to grab something for field trips, breakfast or lunch. This location will be my go-to wherever I'm in the vicinity. Make it yours!!! read more

Mai Musubi - Ume musubi with shiso is my personal favorite! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I love their musubis. Always one! The bentos are good too! Good selection! Parking right in front of of the shop. read more

Really good masubi for a good price. What a cute shop and I'm glad they were open on Sunday. The masubis were tasty and seemed very fresh. The cashier was kind and quick. I would come here again. read more

Soft/firm rice (reheats fine), great assortment including natto musus, what's not to like? Has plate lunches (bento)

Terrible customer service, musubi is over price and taste nothing special. Also worst parking ever. 0 stars.

On my way to Salt Kakaako I stopped by for a musubi, or so I thought! I ended up getting Bento A: potato croquette, 3 pieces of chicken karaage, 2 musubi (1 salmon and 1 konbu), 1 slice of fish cake, 1 slice of tamagoyaki, Japanese pickles, and lotus root "salad". So fresh, well balanced and delicious!! $12, very reasonable considering what is included in this bento! read more

Best Japanese take out on island right now! Too bad there wasn't more ready made bento, can't wait for it to be made sometimes.. read more

I ordered musubis today. All 8 musubis were perfectly prepared. The rice to filling ratio was excellent. My favorite musubi shop indeed! read more

The food quality here is ON POINT! The rice is perfectly cooked, the miso butterfish just melts in your mouth, the tomago is sweet and soft, the side dishes just leave you craving for more. I've tried almost all the musubi and a large range of their bento options and haven't been disappointed in a single one. I rarely want to go to the same takeout spot more than once in a week, but Mai's is an exception to that rule. I didn't ever crave bento's before (well not outside of Japan), but this spot changed all that. Their staff is super nice, and it's a cute little spot as well. IMO, they have the best takeout bento in town! read more

Probably the best Japanese food I've had on the island. Quality is superb, especially the rice. When I walk in, it feels like I've been transported back to Japan. Also the prices are so good. Highly recommend. read more

Musubi not worth the money... go to a sushi bar spend your money there...parking is BAD... Nothing good to say... read more