Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea
Japanese restaurant · Wailea ·

Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea

Japanese restaurant · Wailea ·

Japanese & French fusion sushi, nigiri, rolls, tempura

Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea by null

Information

34 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei, HI 96753 Get directions

$50–100

Reserve a table
See Menu

Information

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34 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei, HI 96753 Get directions

+1 808 318 1602
oaowailea.com
@oaoatwailea

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve a table

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Last updated

Dec 3, 2025

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The 25 Best Maui Restaurants, According to a Local Expert | Eater

"At this stylish sushi bar at the far end of the Wailea Gateway Center, the nigiri is flawless, paired with sea urchin and oyster shooters, and the scallops in the baked California roll melt on your tongue. Reserve a table during happy hour (3 to 5 p.m. daily) for generously discounted small plates of rock shrimp tempura and salmon karaage. Big plates are worth the splurge, too. Juicy lamb chops rubbed with aji panca have just a hint of heat, stacked on a smear of miso. The ube pot de crème is an unexpected delight. Know before you go: The restaurant is named for its executive chef JR Oao and pronounced “wow,” an apt response to the dishes served here on custom ceramics." - Shannon Wianecki

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-maui-hawaii
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea

Guinn

Google
Oao is truly exceptional. While visiting, we asked several locals for recommendations, and this spot came up again and again. We’re so glad we listened. Our reservations at a high-end restaurant fell through, so we decided to try our luck here—and it turned out to be the best decision. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The oysters and sushi practically melted in our mouths, and we were fortunate enough to sit at the bar and chat with the owner. He shared stories about working with his family and even recommended other great spots, like HACHI in Kihei. It was an amazing experience from start to finish. We completely understand why the locals love this place, and if you’re in the area, you absolutely shouldn’t miss it.

Kelsey P.

Google
My husband and I came to Oao last week while in Maui for our honeymoon. This place was amazing! We sat at the bar and the staff was really friendly and food came out quickly. The sushi here was so fresh. We went to a LOT of poke and sushi places while in Hawaii, and the fatty tuna maki roll (the exact name of the roll is escaping me) was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted in my life! We also really loved the spicy tuna/crispy rice cakes. So delicious!

S B

Google
Stopped by on a Saturday evening around 8pm and was able to be seated upon arrival for our party of four. Overall, food and service is very good for this pricey Japanese style restaurant. The teriyaki chicken skewer was good but nothing special. The Oao baked California roll was filling and delicious. The Cilantro Lime salad was fresh and tasty. The spicy Japanese edamame was delicious and spicy but unfortunately were not shelled. The rock shrimp tempura was not very filling but was tasty.

Lauren F.

Google
Please go here for happy hour! The prices are amazing especially considering how delicious and fresh this sushi was. Every roll was to die for and the service was awesome. Will definitely be back!!

Andrew D.

Google
I admit I was skeptical after finding very little quality at the right price on Maui. I am picky when it comes to my food. In Hawaii we have a lot of high price for the sake of tourism and location rather than quality. On top of that Maui is impacted by this more than other islands. Oao is not one of these places. The food and service were spectacular. We love sushi and Japanese food and eat it more than any other culture of food. The Service: server Ronson C 5 stars! I don’t usual comment on the service specifically but our server Ronson C was a true delight and elevated the dinning experience. He was talking story and made great recommendations. Not pushy like some can be. He was very attentive and efficient. He had great energy not only with our table but everyone he interacted with. I am very pleased I followed all of his recommendations. The Food: We usually go for appetizers and nigiri this time was no different. The chefs special menu featuring special imports for Japan were amazing. The Akamai, Chutoro, and Otoro were all exceptional . Hamachi and unagi were delicious. The Hotake, Ika, and Uni were amazing . The crispy rice which they labeled rice cake was like the best poke bomb. Elevated with the texture of the crispy rice instead of inari. Everything beat expectations. The tempura vegetables were light and perfectly fried. Everything we had was familiar and comfortable yet elevated to something special. The Carpaccio was so simple but so delicious. Everything was full of flavor. I love natto and upon Ronsons recommendation I added shiso leaf (common) and spring onion (first time for me) and it was the best natto roll I have had. I ordered a second for dessert. I was truly taken away at how such simple items so familiar were executed so exquisitely. I was not missing Japan, this place brought me back. A must visit if you are craving sushi on Maui! 5 Not to mention they have quite the drink menu.

Bay Area R.

Google
We stopped here for some warm miso soup and sushi rolls. Everything we ordered was tasty. A nice little sushi restaurant in the Wailea area of Maui.

L L

Google
Service was good. The staff were very nice. Food tasted decent. But the portion size to cost ratio is not good. I expected food to be more expensive in Hawaii and it was, but the portion size is very small. The cost to portion ratio is not what I’m used to coming from LA. For example the rainbow row in the picture was almost $50. We didn’t leave feeling very satisfied.

M

Google
This is THE BEST sushi on island. It’s pricier but that’s just the price of wailea. It is worth it. All of the food is consistently amazing, they do such a good job with their crudo and specialty dishes. I love their green tea, everything is very nice and well presented- even down to the tea kettle dishes. This place checks all the boxes for ambiance, vibe, music, decorum, and cleanliness. The owner is a super cool chef too! The whole sushi chef team is friendly and talented, and the staff is overall very nice. Only thing that’s just okay is the cocktails, but I’m sure over time their selection and specialities will adapt and improve. If you’re a tourist, you found a local gem, and if you’re local, I hope you enjoy this spot as much as I do. :)
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Peter M.

Yelp
Our family, 2 adults and 2 children, visited this location and had a wonderful meal. The sushi was excellent, albeit a bit expensive (compared to California). We ordered what we wanted and ended up with an over $500 bill. My wife and I drank a large bottle of Sho Chiku unfiltered Sake which was too much, and a Sapporo (good as always). I started with the miso soup - which was good, standard. My kids ordered cucumber rolls (vegan) and California rolls, and they were happy. We also had the big eye tuna with Kizami - which was delicate and delicious; the calamari appetizer - which was kind of boring. We ordered the Hamachi Jalapeno Roll and the Salmon Sashimi, which were both great. The salmon was delicious and tender but a bit thick. We also ordered the Japanese Grade A5 Wagyu - I believe the minimum size was 6 ounces? It was seared, tender, but not something I would order again. I have had Wagyu a few times now, and I am not been that impressed. I wouldn't but again for the money. We shared the Brownie and Ice Cream dessert, which was plenty for us and tasty. Someone ordered the sizzling steak bites next to us, and it smelled amazing! I would go back, and I would order the Steak Bites. My son had a blast watching the sushi chefs preparing food behind the bar. The atmosphere was excellent, staff was really friendly and lots of Aloha!
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Cindy P.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I went to Oao for date night. We've been here in Maui for about a week now and have eaten at several different restaurants and none were good. We decided to try out Oao after reading another review and this cute restaurant blew it outta the water! Hands down best meal we've had here!!! Our server was super helpful and friendly. I ordered the Firecrackers Roll and my boyfriend got the Chili King Salmon Roll, we also got the oysters on half shell, the spicy tuna rice cakes, spicy hamachi rice cakes and the Japanese edamame. It was absolutely delicious! The fish was the freshest we've ever tasted! We also got Sapporo and hot sake for drinks. We spent 300$ with tip, it was a bit on the pricey side but well worth it! We may go back tonight for dinner with the kids
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Gianina M.

Yelp
We made reservations for a Monday night since it is recommended if you want to sit at the sushi counter. The place is an upscale sushi rest with high end sushi, including a few cuts coming all the way from Japan. You can order a la carte but they also offer omakase which has to be reserved 24 hours in advanced. Prices are as expected with high end sushi. We ordered Miso Soup, Creamy Scallop Roll, Soft Shell Crab Roll, Specialty Firecracker Roll and a few nigiri (we were 2 persons). Everything was exceptional and each piece melted in your mouth. Great ambiance, a complete bar service besides sake. Since we were at the sushi counter we were able to interact with the chefs which completes nicely a sushi experience. Everyone from chefs to waiters and hostess made this experience extraordinary.
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Sophie M.

Yelp
I literally have nothing but high praise for this restaurant!!! Oh my god. If you're visiting and thinking about going to Nobu, for the love of god do not. Go here instead!!!! This place blew Nobu out of the water and it wasn't even close. The food, service and vibe here was literally so perfect. I can't get over how amazing EVERY DISH was and how fresh the fish here is in Hawaii. Seriously can't wait to visit here again!
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Joseph C.

Yelp
Oao Sushi in Maui easily deserves five stars--everything about my visit was outstanding. The service was attentive and genuinely warm, making me feel welcome from the moment I walked in. The sushi itself was so fresh, with each piece prepared so thoughtfully that it practically melted in my mouth. Paired with the staff's excellent hospitality and inviting atmosphere, it was one of the best dining experiences I've had on the island. Highly recommended!
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Andrew T.

Yelp
This is probably one of the best sushi I've ever had. All of the rolls were unique and absolutely delicious. This is a place you definitely need a reservation for and a must on your visit to Maui. The service is amazing, servers are super nice and tentative with a great lively atmosphere.
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Kelly E.

Yelp
This is a very Wailea sushi bar. This is where good sushi meets Wailea vibes - and prices. I said "oh Wow!" When I saw my Oao bill. That's the Wailea pricesI think because as a sushi lover I couldn't identify anything that explained the price difference from other sushi spots on island. Drinks were delicious and also very high end Wailea. Cold a/c good service. This is probably a one and done for me but if you are craving sushi in Wailea worth checking out just be forewarned price wise.
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Michelle D.

Yelp
My friend surprised me with a trip to Maui, so I wanted to return the gesture and treated her to dinner here! I already knew I'd be spending a bit since it's in Wailea, but honestly, the prices weren't as steep as I expected--and everything was really solid. They serve more than just sushi, which is a plus. I started with an uni shooter (a must for me--since not every sushi spot offers it), and it was actually pretty good! We followed up with some carpaccio, which was decent. We also tried a couple rolls and an entrée--don't remember exactly what it was, but it was delectable. And dessert? An absolute killer. Overall, this place has a laid-back, family-style vibe. It's not a super high-end sushi spot, but it's cozy, welcoming, and definitely worth checking out.
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Adam D.

Yelp
Love this place. We go every time we are in Maui. Absolutely delicious food prepared perfectly, and fast. Service is always very friendly. The ambiance is welcoming, open, and clean. Highly recommend for sushi and sashimi on Maui.
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Jessica C.

Yelp
Ooo "wow" is a great sushi restaurant close to the Wailea area. It is located in a busy parking lot and seems to get quite busy. We arrived at opening for lunch and were seated immediately. Happy is from 12-5pm dine in only and we ordered the Japanese Wings, Hamachi Carpaccio, and the Big Eye Tuna. The wings were sticky and sweet and the hamachi carpaccio was so good that we ordered another dish. I also really enjoyed the big eye tuna with the tangy ponzu sauce. We also got the Tsurai Serrano Roll that was packed with fish and flavor without being overstuffed/falling apart and too overwhelming. We also got the King Salmon, Big Eye Tuna, and Masago Nigiri. The pieces had an excellent fish to rice ratio and each piece of fish was fatty and melt in your mouth. My husband even said that this was the best sushi he has ever had! We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch here. The fish is fresh and the staff is attentive and friendly. It is a no frills, tasty sushi restaurant. We will come back during our next trip to Maui!
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Diva G.

Yelp
I can definitely see why they have such high ratings and recommendations. We were starving and came here on a whim. Although, next time, I would make a reservation in advance so you won't have to wait long for a table. Our waiter was on point, attentive and kind. The food was delicious but my wallet is sore haha. I would come here again for a treat or a nice celebration dinner though. I highly recommend the Shiso spicy drink. I got 2 of them and then inquired if I could just get Hawaiian chili pepper water on the side to go with the rest of our meals. Sizzling steak is a must! Sashimi was good as well.
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Alex P.

Yelp
Something happened to American sushi scene in the last decade. Not only has it transformed into a myriad of Nobu imitation dishes at nearly every establishment, but more noticeably, every city is now filled with omakase experiences. Smart sushi restaurant owners realized that you can score a beautiful margin by making an expensive meal that is elegantly exclusive, using the same exact fish as a more casual restaurant. The result: people went crazy for it. Many of these omakase experiences are not radically different in quality, but certainly have the level of attention that goes along with the price point. Oao is in the most beautiful way, the opposite of these trends and shows that there is still a place for modestly priced, quality fish. It is fairly casual, but still nice enough for a date night. The prices are reasonable and most importantly, this is some of the best tasting fish that one can find. As a matter of fact, few omakase experiences on the mainland will be able to rival the fish quality of Oao. It is simply phenomenal. Where the restaurant exceeds expectations further is with very kind people, who really went above and beyond. Cheerful, pleasant and knowledgeable. While the restaurant has only been in business for a few years, Chef Oao has done a remarkable job sourcing, crafting and hiring. This is absolutely worth a detour to stop by.
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Makenzie K.

Yelp
Fantastic Sushi & an Unforgettable Server - A Must-Visit in Wailea! We had an amazing dinner at Oao Sushi Wailea, and while the food was delicious, our server, Ronson, truly stole the show. He was straight out of a Hawaiian novel or movie--larger than life, with a contagious laugh and the kind of warm, welcoming energy that makes you feel like an old friend. For sushi, we ordered two California rolls, two spicy shrimp rolls, and the Hamachi Carpaccio ($23 for six pieces). The hamachi was fresh and beautifully presented, topped with garlic, micro cilantro, thinly sliced serrano pepper, and a citrus soy sauce that added the perfect balance of brightness and heat. We brought our own wine and happily paid the $35 corkage fee, which was well worth it to enjoy our own bottle with such a great meal. A word of advice--make a reservation! The restaurant is small, and they kindly ask you to wait outside until your reservation time to avoid disturbing guests inside, which I really appreciated. All in all, Oao Sushi Wailea is a gem--great sushi, an intimate setting, and the kind of service that turns a meal into an experience. Ask for Ronson, and thank me later!
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Olive D.

Yelp
The Sushi here is top tier and the service is great. Drinks are good. The Uber custard was so good too. I absolutely loved everything about my anniversary dinner here!
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Phil S.

Yelp
Epic! Best sushi I ever had. They created a personal experience for us with the chef's omakase. It was mind blowing. Our server was thorough, personable and well informed. It's expensive but worth every penny.
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Irving N.

Yelp
Every time we've visited the Hawaiian islands we always have to try the sushi and we try our best for it to be the highest rated because well high ratings should equate to GOOD food. We had a reservation but ended up showing up a little early and were sat down pretty quickly. It is fairly small so I do recommend making a reservation to eat here. The service was really good from host all the way to the servers. The ambiance is that of a sushi bar because they do have counter bar service too. Oao Sushi Bar is good but nothing crazy and nothing I've never had before. We had two rolls and a hand roll which I forgot to take a picture of. The rolls are good but not the best on the island. This place is a little more on the pricey side (contrary to their take out only spot). If I could I would give this spot a 4.5 but I am feeling nice and just going to go with the five. Do check them out if you have the time and near Wailea.
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Alia G.

Yelp
Located in a strip mall ... the same one where Monkeypod is. Lots of parking available if you happen to drive. Inside Seating... they optimize their space well. (You are pretty close together... hence I could overhear multiple conversations or people were just talking loud?) Vibe... upbeat, family, casual. Not what I would consider a quiet, quaint dinner out type of place. Definitely a lively place when it's full like it was on the Tuesday evening we were there. Seemed like a place that caters to locals and tourists which I think was refreshing that it wasn't just all tourists. (Even tho I was one of them.) I assume some locals as they were talking about local type things like work, parties, injuries, businesses, etc... it just seemed like they lived there. It's nice to see local folks support restaurants in what is essentially a touristy part of the island. Fish is fresh... melts in your mouth. Service ... depends on how busy they are. The night we went they were very busy, so the fellow taking care of us (the bartender) was also responsible for making ALL the drinks. Seemed odd that they gave him a table to serve when he had to take care of the bar and make all the drinks for everyone in the restaurant. So, service was slow, but it wasn't because our server was slow... he was just doing too much. Pricing... it's pricey. I know Hawaii... and Maui particularly are expensive... it costs more for everything here. Cost of Living, getting supplies, food, etc to the islands costs more than on the mainland. So... go knowing this is going to be a tad more than what you might be used to... For examples, the Chirashi Bowl was $65 and the Hamachi Serrano roll was $35.
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Tutti T.

Yelp
Been reading and hearing about how great and delicious their menu items were. Finally tried it today with some friends. Did not disappoint. Came for happy hour... still pretty pricey.... but the taste was fabulous! We enjoyed everything we ordered... mostly recommended by our server Keanu. I found the place a bit noisy... Not sure if it's the loud music or acoustic issues. Will come again if I'm having sushi cravings.
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Rashi T.

Yelp
When you are in the land of fresh fish ,you eat as much sushi as you can. We came in around 40 minutes before close and they had started to wrap up for the night. They were more than welcoming and seated us at the bar ,where the bartender kept us engaged for the entirety of our visit. He was super fun to talk to and gave us a lot of insights about island life. We got the ....Krispy tuna -5/5 ....Spicy hamachi-4/5 ....Rainbow Wailea-10/5 The Rainbow Wailea was hands down one of the best sushi we had in Maui. So fresh and so many varieties .It was slightly pricey at $44 but It was 100% worth the price. The Krispy Tuna is also a must try .We also got a beer and a Cab which were both alright . Yelp also had a check in offer and they got us a Matcha panna cotta on the house . I wasn't a very big fan of the texture but appreciated the kind gesture. Plenty of seating inside and some outside and the decor is fun with some really cool art adorning the walls .
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Gillian E.

Yelp
I decided to dine in and had such a lovely time. We sat at the sushi bar and enjoyed every minute of it. The chefs working were kind and our server was very good at his job. The sushi was out of this world good!! I did get 2 splinters in my hand between my thumb and index finger that I had to dig out before resuming dinner. I promise I know how to use chopsticks and this has never happened to me before but of 2 OAO experiences, my chopsticks splintered both times. Super weird! They don't look particularly different from other sets I have used but maybe they're really cheap? Worth noting! But SUCH a delicious place. I highly recommend eating in. And pack a sweater because I was absolutely freezing indoors.
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Andrew C.

Yelp
Overall, the food was excellent. We like sitting at the sushi bar because it allows us to interact with the sushi chefs who normally have a fun, outgoing personality, and give us recommendations about the menu and answer questions. What was really odd here is none of the sushi chefs greeted us when we sat at the bar or even made eye contact with us. And, the waitress said that we needed to order directly with her and not with the chefs, which was something we have never experienced at all. And, we go to lots of sushi, restaurants. Maybe that explains why we were the only ones actually sitting at the sushi bar. However, the waitress was extremely friendly and attentive. The big eye tuna Nigiri was so fantastic that towards the end of the meal, we ordered a second round. We also ordered a roll called Broke Da Mouth which was excellent. It had lobster tempura which we have never had before and it was very tasty. We also had snapper Nigiri which was really really good. The amberjack which is something we normally get every time was OK but not one of the better ones we've had. They do have a 4% kitchen staff surcharge, which I don't like or agree with, but at least they mention it at the bottom of the menu. This is definitely a place we would visit again next time we are in Wailea.
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Dina R.

Yelp
So glad we ventured off our resort to try this sushi restaurant. The fish was fresh and delicious. We were able to enjoy both the HH menu and dinner menu. Mai Tai was delicious. Sizzling beef was part of HH and I would recommend it. I will go back next time we are in Maui.
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Ashley A.

Yelp
BEST SUSHI ON THE ISLAND, we went here 4 times in one week due to the quality and amazing menu. Also the staff is amazing and the restaurant is clean and pretty!
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Jane S. A.

Yelp
This establishment is off the charts . Fresh, exciting presentations, great wait staff , easy parking. Great drink menu. The most delicious sushi and sashimi hands down in this part of Maui
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Jason M.

Yelp
Best sushi I've ever had. No question about it. I've been eating sushi for 30 years. The taste, the pairing, the detail, the fresh hand made wasabi and sauces...absolutely amazing.
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Shawnee B.

Yelp
Had a great last dinner in Maui at Oao, thanks to the recommendation of a local. The restaurant was in a plaza, and the place was very small but trusted the referral. We ordered drinks and were told of the specials of the day, one being a wagyu and crab roll if I recall for $60ish bucks but when on vacay, yolo! It was tasty but honestly I've had better for far cheaper but the experience was great. We also shared an app and the duck entree which was very yummy. We ended up spending a pretty penny which I feel like didn't hit the mark, but the experience on this beautiful island was a 10/10!
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Victoria M.

Yelp
Read reviews and thought we'd give it a try first happy hour, 12-5, cant go wrong. We arrived closer to 4, we had made reservations cuz someone recommended on Yelp too. The hostess outside greeted us and sat us immediately. We originally wanted to sit at the sushi bar but since the place only had 2 other ppl, opted to sit at the bar. Ordered up Brussels sprouts which were rather salty and burnt for my liking. Spicy edamame's which were good. Dragon roll, salmon roll, spicy homochi roll which were pretty good. Ordered up another beer and we were tapping out. Service was good- bartender was nice, ambience was relaxing, food and fish was fresh. Will try Oao next time. Until then.
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Scott M.

Yelp
This place is amazing! The fish was definitely fresh catch of the day. If you are in the area of Wailea/ Kehei don't sleep on this spot! Resturaunt is very clean and the staff was very friendly and personable. Too many rolls were ordered to remember all the names. Make sure you take lots of cash if you love sushi or don't forget the credit card. Would highly recommend
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Sheri M.

Yelp
We've been going here since it opened and always impressed with the quality of the food (the sushi & omakase is killer!) and friendly service.
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Regina V.

Yelp
Excellent service and delicious sushi, would recommend a reservation for busier season

Joei J.

Yelp
I came here for my birthday dinner on a whim after our driver recommended this as the best sushi on the island. Boy was he right! Traveling from LA I would like to think we have some delicious sushi spots it couldn't beat but I was completely wrong. We sat at the sushi bar right in front of Chef Johnny and Tak which by the way made our experience unforgettable alongside our waiter Ranson. The attention to detail as well as the hospitality these three provided I will continue to make this a spot everytime I am in Maui. Thank you for making my birthday dinner on the island unforgettable! I will definitely be back in December. Great service, amazing food and a throwback playlist! 20/10
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Forrest G.

Yelp
Not the worst sushi, well, it was close. I had high hopes for sushi in Hawaii and came out very disappointed. The cuts weren't proper, and one of my rolls came with spicy tuna instead of crab mix. The waiter just kept walking past us and said he'd be back, and I'd have to flag him down to order anything. Not sure how this place was so highly reviewed.
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Andrea R.

Yelp
For our last night in Maui we decided to go with a casual sushi restaurant because figured we would want a break from the big fancy meals before heading to the big island. We chose Oao based on the stellar reviews. While casual Oao still has the Maui price tags and these were some of the more expensive rolls I've seen. We ordered a bunch for the table to share and everyone was relatively pleased. While everyone who works here is super nice, the service was very slow and a few of rolls, as well as my husbands sashimi, took forever to come out. The tuna rice cakes were my personal favorite. It was a good sushi experience, although not among the best we've had (granted we eat a lot of sushi). If you're looking for sushi in Wailea this is a good pick though.
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Angela T.

Yelp
Worth it for lunch/happy hour We shared Two hamachi spicy Hamachi Two spicy tuna One salmon avocado One shrimp tempura Veggie tempura Brussel sprouts Crispy rice cakes with spicy Tuna Everything tasty especially hamachi and tuna
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Beatrice P.

Yelp
This is a true 4.5 star restaurant. The decor and vibe is very casual with many families (including young children) dining. I would would not recommend this if you are looking for a romantic location however the food itself is absolutely phenomenal. They get quite busy so I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. We really enjoyed all the sushi we had- fish was FRESH! Two standout favorites were the spicy scallop roll and the tuna emperor special roll. The tuna emperor was $49 which is quite pricey but it includes the generous portion of mouth watering toro so the price is more than justified. The only negative was the miso black cod. Although the flavor was great, we bit into several bones which really turned us off to this dish. I would skip it and stick to the sushi if we return. Servers were also friendly and helpful with providing recommendations and frequently checking in. This is truly a no frills restaurant and perfect for someone looking for a casual setting and outstanding sushi.
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Colette C.

Yelp
This is my 4th time dining at Oao. If you haven't been they have an amazing one Happy Hour from 12 pm - 5 pm. Wait what?!! The fish was incredibly fresh, and each piece of sushi was crafted with precision and care. The ambiance was quaint, cozy and relaxed, making it a perfect spot for both casual lunches and special dinners. The staff were always attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall exceptional dining experience. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or just love great food, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended!
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Julia H.

Yelp
Super cute sushi restaurant in a small Wailea shopping mall. If you are familiar with Wailea at all you know everything is quite expensive here. So it came as a pleasant surprise that a pretty good quality sushi restaurant has reasonable prices. We ordered Hamachi (yellow tail) carpaccio (sashimi in a soy ponsu sauce), kanpachi and tai madai nigiri. We also got a few cooked dishes : rock shrimp, brussel sprouts and wings. All the cooked food was very good. Fish was fresh, comparable to what I'm used to have on the west coast but not better. Worth mentioning staff was very nice, full of Aloha spirit. Highly recommend for Wailea folks since it can be quite a drive to other eating destinations outside Wailea.
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Lisa R.

Yelp
We heard good things about Oao (pronounced "wow"), a sushi place in a shopping center in Maui. Reservations recommended even for a weeknight. Even though we were tourists, right away I could tell this is a spot beloved by locals. That's a good sign! Still, I rank this good, not great. Service: They seemed a little shortstaffed, so we waited a bit for refills and food. The staff was friendly enough, so all good. Food: Our sushi was fine - nothing mind blowing, but good. We shared a shrimp tempura roll and a house vegetable roll (super robust packed with a ton of veggies, including broccoli). The only thing notable was the miso soup - theirs is the saltiest I've ever encountered. It was so salty I had a hard time finishing it...that was a first-ever for me. Vibe: The ambiance is standard strip mall fare. Think ceramic tile floors with basic tables and chairs atop. It seemed clean on the surface. Parking is readily available if you come at night when other businesses have closed.
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Samantha C.

Yelp
Quality , service, and aesthetic are all 5 stars!!! SO IMPRESSED with this place. Happy hour deals are unbeatable also! The chefs working in front of us at the sushi bar were so kind and friendly. We had such a great experience!!!!
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J P.

Yelp
Great ambiance. Good happy hour menu from 3pm - 5pm. Tasted spicy hamachi roll, shrimp tempura roll, vegetable tempura, chicken wings and hamachi sashimi. Everything was delicious and there was literally no wait.
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Kayla Z.

Yelp
Iggy was fantastic! This was my first time at the physical restaurant I have only ever been to the food truck, they had a way bigger menu (obviously it had a lot more space) I was so impressed by all of the appetizers we were recommended and got. We started off with the calamari (it came with a truffle sauce and wow it was some of the best calamari I have ever had! The Shishido peppers were also fantastic. The rock shrimp was also really really good- it wasn't overly saucy and I could still taste the flavor from the shrimp. The favorite of the entire table was the crispy rice you had a choice or tuna,hamachi, or salmon! The salmon was my personal favorite. I love that they had different options for the crispy rice most sushi places do not! the toro nigiri was out of this world- it melted in my mouth and I could of kept ordering it it was that amazing!! We got a couple of the cocktails and the matcha cocktail was my personal favorite- not too big of a matcha flavor but was very citris forward which I really enjoyed. Thank you to Iggy and his team for making our experience so wonderful!
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Dr. Wendell P. W.

Yelp
Dinner at Oao Sushi and Grill was a delicious and delectable experience ~ well worth the drive to Wailea. Nicely located in Wailea Gateway with plenty of parking, we were warmly greeted by a very attentive staff. Upon entering, the interior is nicely laid out, relaxing, comfortable, well lit, and we knew a wonderful evening was ahead. There are comfortable tables, an attractive and inviting sushi bar with a Full bar and a very creative selection including Japanese scotches and craft cocktails. The Lilikoi martini was excellent as was the Shiso Spicy cocktail. It was so refreshing to see these options rather than just beer and sake. Brianna was our knowledgeable and friendly server. The Oao menu features not only tasty appetizers and nice variations on traditional sushi, rolls and cooked dishes, but offers several fusion dishes to create a tantalizing number of choices that warrant return visits to try. The Hamachi carpaccio was excellent, and the spicy tuna rice cakes were some of the best we've had with high quality rice. Black mussels with dynamite sauce was so tasty and the Black miso cod with pickled red onions had a generous portion. The duck breast with mushrooms, bordelaise sauce on a bed of buttery Molokai sweet mashed potatoes was a nice fusion dish. We ended with their Oao baked California roll which melted in your mouth. We cannot wait to return to try Oao's version of seafood dynamite, lamb with red miso, Wagyu beef, stuffed shrimp and Ube pudding as well as taste the fine Japanese whiskeys. Delicious food, great ambience Oao is Wow!
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Linda T.

Yelp
Went here on our last visit a year ago and it was amazing. Went again tonight and it did not disappoint. Iggy our waiter greeted us warmly and asked if we had been there before. He explained a few menu changes since we'd last been in. We ordered two martinis and a Mai Tai. All were perfectly made and delicious. We ordered edamame, vegetable tempura, chefs choice sashimi platter, tuna, salmon and avocado, spicy tuna and takuan cut rolls. Everything was amazing g. The sashimi in particular was incredibly fresh and we're kind of sushi snobs having grown up eating fresh caught sashimi when visiting my cousins on Oahu. If you want really good fresh fish, go to Oao and skip the hotel restaurants. It has a friendly local vibe and amazingly fresh fish. The service is also top notch.
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Tori G.

Yelp
this place was sooooo good - a friend reco'd it and it did not disappoint. the food was amazing and so fun to watch them make the sushi right in front of you! service was good too!

M. R.

Yelp
This place is phenomenal. Some of the best sushi rolls. The edamame was really delicious as well. Great great drinks. Good cocktail menu great service. Everybody was friendly very welcoming. Will be coming back here all the time. If I lived here, I will be back the next time I come to Maui !!! Forget nobu lol and come here.
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Kenneth Y.

Yelp
My family and I dined here twice during our Maui trip. The fish were amazing. My wife and I tried many sushi places over the years and the bluefin tuna here is probably the best we've ever tasted. Like absolutely the best bluefin tuna.

Liz C.

Yelp
Very disappointing experience this evening; we dined here twice last year on vacation and it was wonderful...we returned hoping for the same. The food was decent, but the service was terrible. We ordered a roll that was supposed to have avocado, when we told our server he gave us pushback, and we had to show him what it said on the menu. He completely ignored us the rest of our meal, while being extra friendly and chatting up the table right behind us. It made for an uncomfortable situation; I left the restaurant in tears and we will never come back.

J H.

Yelp
A hidden gem in the wailea gateway center. Sushi were excellent while the staff were friendly. It was unfortunate that I didn't get to experience omakase.
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Jim B.

Yelp
We came back for a second visit because it was so great the first time. We started with a miso soup and spicy edamame. Both were great. I ordered a spicy yellowtail roll and yellowtail sushi, excellent again. My wife ordered the Japanese wings - again, they were terrific. She also ordered the spicy tuna on crispy rice. There were three of us so we also shared mackerel sushi yellowtail sushi and toro tuna sushi. Everything was excellent!