Peter B.
Google
Japengo Maui is the kind of place that makes you understand why people come to Hawaii and immediately start speaking in sunsets. As we roll into Christmas week, do yourself a favor and make a reservation—this place gets busy for a reason. You’re rewarded with a killer view as the sun drops behind Lānaʻi, and it’s basically dinner-and-a-show… just know that if you choose to sit outside, Maui may casually remind you who’s boss with a breezy little gust that turns napkins into kites.
Let’s start strong: the Korean Seafood Pancake. Crispy, packed with seafood, and ridiculously flavorful. It comes quartered, which feels generous—until the first bite. If your party is more than two people, consider ordering a second one preemptively, because “sharing” becomes a myth real fast.
Next up, the ever-faithful Spicy Edamame. Great flavor, but a fair warning: the chili oil makes it a little messy, like your snack is trying to turn into a slip-and-slide. Still worth it.
We tried the Blackened Tuna Roll—beautiful presentation, solid execution, but for us it landed in the “good, not life-changing” category. If you’re used to excellent sushi (NYC-area standards), it’s more “respectable” than “remarkable.” Not bad at all—just didn’t steal the spotlight.
A quick public service announcement: the Hamachi Collar Bone is one of their most popular dishes and it sells out early. We showed up around 6:30pm and it was already gone. If you’re set on it, aim for 5:30pm and move with purpose.
Now—quietly, unexpectedly—the Garlic Noodles. This side dish goes with just about everything and sneaks up on you like a woman you didn’t know you needed in your life. One minute you’re “just trying a bite,” and the next you’re guarding the bowl like it’s your retirement fund. They were so good we genuinely considered ordering a second round. That’s how dangerous they are.
The Garlic Shrimp came through in a big way—good-sized shrimp with a buttery garlic flavor that stayed balanced instead of drowning everything in grease. And then there was the ribeye, cooked perfectly medium, great portion, and loaded with flavor thanks to that shiitake mushroom sauce. Steak plus sunset plus competent cooking is a pretty undefeated combo.
And dessert? The Kā‘anapali Pie is the mic drop: brownie crust, banana, macadamia nut ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, chocolate… basically a dessert that shows up wearing a crown and doesn’t apologize for it. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
Bottom line: great meal, great service, and a view that does half the flirting for you. Reservations recommended—especially this time of year.