Chris K.
Yelp
First of all, I want to say that the service at this restaurant is very good, and the chefs behind the sushi bar are also very friendly. The ambiance is cozy despite the limited space. However, this meal was definitely the least cost-effective one during our trip to Hawaii.
Many people recommend their truffle uni rice, but as someone who frequently enjoys similar dishes in Los Angeles and Japan, I can only say it was mediocre. The chawanmushi, with just one piece of uni, costs around $20. The sushi was decent, but the prices were on the high side. A single sazae (turban shell) costs nearly $60, even though this ingredient is not considered expensive in Japan. The beef tongue was also underwhelming--thin, not tender, and far from impressive even with the addition of onions. It pales in comparison to the thick-cut beef tongue you'd find at some izakayas.
In the end, the two of us spent $300 (including tips). In Los Angeles, $300 could get you a very satisfying omakase meal with higher-quality ingredients. And in Japan, there's no question--you could eat almost anything for this price.
So, my heartfelt suggestion: If you're someone who doesn't regularly eat Japanese food, has a generous budget, and wants to try something different, this place might be worth considering. But if you're already very familiar with Japanese cuisine, you'd be better off spending your money elsewhere--even in a place like Hawaii where great food can be harder to find.