This spot is such a gem! We got a reservation and there are maybe 5 tables in there so we wouldn't have been able to eat there without one. The owner is lovely and helped us with decisions on the menu. Everything is incredibly fresh and it's a nice quiet spot. The vegetable tempura was great, we had some good rolls and sushi/sashimi. Great spot if you're in the area! read more

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Fish is from Japan. So fresh so delicious. Small intimate place , Very kind owners who gave us dessert on the house. Miso soup made in house , had these very tasty mini button mushrooms. They also had a matcha IPA. So cool. read more

Sushi Hana - Matcha IPA - Japanese Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Sushi Hana delivers an exceptional omakase experience that showcases the quality and freshness of premium seafood sourced directly from Japan. Each course is thoughtfully prepared, allowing the natural flavors and textures of the fish to shine without unnecessary embellishments. From buttery otoro and delicate seasonal white fish to perfectly balanced uni and sweet scallops, every bite reflects Chef Haruki's attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. The progression of the meal is well-paced, introducing a variety of seasonal specialties. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service create a welcoming dining experience, with Etsuko taking the time to explain the origin and preparation of each piece. It's clear that Sushi Hana prioritizes both craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients. We throughly enjoyed our omakase experience and will do it again in a heartbeat! read more

Excellent place. Food is amazing. It may be the best sushi on the north side of Big Island. The fatty tuna was the best. They seat parties of 4 max - it is a small place. You sign up at the door and wait for them to text you. Plenty of free parking. read more

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We discovered this little gem 3 years ago. Since then we always stop here to eat a couple times on our annual island trip. However last year we ate here 5 or 6 times in our week long stay. Now when we visit we eat dinner here basically every evening it's open!! The food is just so delicious and fresh. The host Etsuko and chef Harumi are so genuinely gracious. For us it's worth the drive up from Waikoloa Beach each time. So far this trip we've tried some sushi rolls (seared scallop, fatty tuna, salmon) along with our standard mixed tempura udon. Omg so smooth and melts in your mouth. Nothing like this in Vancouver BC sadly. They are very popular now so expect to wait for dinner!! Make sure you come early as they don't take reservations. Once the food is gone they shut down. That's why everything is sooo fresh. Enjoy. read more

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Sushi Hana in Waimea is the best sushi I've ever had the opportunity to experience. We received a few restaurant recommendations from staff at the resort we stayed at, and Sushi Hana was recommended more than once. No reservations are accepted for their regular menu, only for Saturdays, which is Omakase only, and often booked out 2 months in advance. Had we known about Hana Sushi prior to visiting the Big Island, we'd have made sure to visit for the Omakase experience, but dining here on a Friday for their regular menu was an intimate and personalized experience anyway. The restaurant is run by a passionate duo who do everything - Chef Haruki Higashitai prepares the sushi, and his partner takes the orders and runs the items out from the sushi bar. The bar itself is cozy, with maybe 15 seats in total, and decorated with curated art and knickknacks from Hawaii and Japan. They are first come, first serve, seat parties 10-15 minutes apart, and stop accepting folks from their waitlist when they have enough folks for the evening so as not to crowd the restaurant, or run out of their fresh, and quality fish imported from Japan - so arrive early to secure a spot! We ordered their daily miso soup, pickles, seared favorite nigiri (6 pc/3 different fish), two of the Chef's choice assorted sushi, the Yellowtail roll with avocado, cilantro, and with yuzu soy dipping sauce on the side, and a small tuna roll prepared in a more traditional Japanese fashion to finish everything off. To drink we had hot tea, and the Kai Lychee Mule. Everything was fantastic. The fish was fresh, melted in your mouth like butter, and we we had the pleasure of trying the elusive Black Throat nigiri or Nodoguro as a part of the Chef's choice assorted sushi, and salt-cured anago (or fresh water eel, and not pictured because I was so immersed in the experience at this point that I forgot to snap a photo of the second half of the Chef's choice assorted sushi). The service is amazing, warm, and inviting, like you're dining in a home kitchen, or private club. If you are a sushi lover I absolutely recommend visiting Sushi Hana for a one-of-a-kind experience. read more

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What a pleasant surprise!! This restaurant is located in an unassuming strip mall. There was a short wait for lunch. The interior is very clean and nice. Perfect for a date night. Service is warm and friendly. Do not come here if you want fast food - this is delicious made to order food, made with care. Come here to enjoy a relaxed dining experience! I had 2 sushi rolls, the miso of the day (pork and veg) and edamame, all of the food was excellent. They also have a great sake menu and a nice selection of wines and a few house cocktails. I had the Kai Lychee Mule which was sooooo delicious. There is ample free parking in the lot. I highly recommend this restaurant and will be back! read more

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My absolute favorite spot in Waimea to eat. Always fresh, always delicious. The BEST sushi around by far! Haruki and Etsuko have created a little slice of Japan right in our sweet little town for all of us to enjoy. You may have to wait 30 mins for a table but it is WORTH IT!! Don't miss it when in Waimea!! read more

Are you kidding me?? I can't believe this place exists. I almost don't want to write a review because I don't want it to become inaccessibly busy here. BY FAR better than any sushi place in California. And we've dined at all "the best" omakases. We can't even eat sushi in California anymore. We ordered the Hana Chirashi, uni nigiri, otoro sashimi, yellowtail roll, miso soup, & shrimp tempura udon. Everything was absolutely incredible. AND the service was so lovely. 1000/10 read more

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I am only giving my review for the OMAKASE experience which was EXCELLENT. Although, I heard the regular menu is just as good. As a Big Island lover who has eaten at ALL the best places on the Island (Kona/Waimea side) I was completely shocked I had never heard of Sushi Hana. I guess because technically it only changed hands a little over a year ago. Plus, we have such great sushi in LA that I never thought sushi could get any better other than Japan but boy was I wrong. Our local friends kept telling us on our last trip there that we needed to try the omakase at Hana. Know that you need to put in your reservation ASAP. I believe the reservation opens up 1.5-2 months in advance and you have to book it quick because there are only 6 seats available per Saturday night which makes this omakase super special. The owner Etsuko and Chef Haruki are really nice and they are the only two employees here. The restaurant itself is small, quiet and cozy. I don't want to give too much away for the omakase itself but you definitely get fed enough. A majority of the fish that was presented came directly from Japan that was picked personally by the chef the morning of our meal. It was really awesome because there were a few fish we hadn't had before on the mainland. Plus, the fresh wasabi and yuzu coming straight from Japan? Well, there's nothing like it. Honestly, this was really is one of the top of the top omakases we've ever had so if you are a sushi fan (rolls are a no no) then you can't sleep on Sushi Hana. Good luck getting that reservation! read more

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Best sushi I've had since I was in Tokyo. The bluefin tuna is flown in fresh and you can tell. We had sushi mi and a couple of rolls. The place is small and limited seating. It was worth the 30 minute wait. They don't take reservations. read more

Really wonderful Omakase dinner at Sushi Hana this evening, including items flown in fresh like Hokkaido Scallops and Hairy Crab. Each course was beautifully presented and we were treated to a detailed descriptions of the chefs preparation of our meal. The perfect amount of food, all high quality and prepared with care and attention to detail. read more

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Best omakase experience -- my in-laws live in Waimea and frequent this place, I was blown away by the omakase for our private celebration booked on a Saturday night. The team made the experience incredibly special, the curation/preparation/presentation of the fish and accompanying courses went above and beyond expectations. The fish was fresh, with several surprising/rarer cuts and perfectly prepared. The vibe is warm and inviting, unpretentious while still feeling unique and nice, it's a very small spot so if you're dining without an omakase booking, plan ahead - it will be worth it. Our entire experience was thoughtfully guided. Will be coming back here every time we are back on the Big Island! read more

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Hands down the best sushi I've had outside Japan. My girlfriend just got back from Tokyo, and even she said it was better than some of the sushi there. The Maguro Lover Bowl? Unreal. The fish? So fresh it might've been swimming this morning. And the miso soup? Deep, flavorful, and way more than an afterthought. The service is warm and welcoming, making you feel like a regular even on your first visit. Do yourself a favor and go. Now. read more

Wow! Their sushi was really good and fish was fresh! My husband and I shared the Hana Chirashi and pickles. It was worth waiting for. The restaurant is pretty small and does not take reservations so make sure you come early or plan accordingly. Highly recommend this place for sushi! read more

The food is superb!!! Service is awesome, we were served matcha goodies after our dinner without even ordering it, they had said that it cleanses the palate. Thought that so nice of them. Ambience is definitely a date spot, cute spot, not too spacious but great for date nights. read more

Sushi Hana - Udon - Japanese Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Outstanding quality product, super professionally prepared, and really wonderful attentive service. I dined with a couple regulars, so they ordered some of their favorites which were all wonderful. It's a very small restaurant and just one person serving and one person preparing the menu items. They're very good about spacing customers as they arrive. So everybody gets good quality preparations and timely service. We tried a few different types of Nigri and sashimi, and a few types of rolls as well. The daily miso soup was shrimp head base and was delicious. The restaurant was very clean and comfortable. Can't wait to return. read more

We've been to Sushi Hana for dinner many times, twice for Saturday omakase! I make it easy for myself and usually order the Lehua Kea (chef's 10 piece) and a few more nigiri. Sake is always good, however I found the Kaiyo Whiskeys and/or 2Xo bourbon goes great with the sushi! Only two running the restaurant and service is nice and relaxed. Decor is cozy and inviting. Seating for table service is 10 and counter seating for 4. No reservation, sign in on iPad by the door. You'll be texted on how long your wait time will be. Want better sushi? Easy, just go to Ginza and find a high end sushi bar! Pictures are from week night and omakase. read more

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My husband treated me to the Valentine's Day Omakase at Sushi Hana tonight. We come here often (as often as possible) and feel confident that when we come it will always be a special occasion. We know the food will be memorable, and that the preparation and presentation will be impeccable. I wish I could recount each course served tonight, and the level of attention, the skill and the craft in every dish prepared. I was too absorbed with the experience to stop and document each delightful course. Etsuko and Chef Haruki's care and skill are beyond my ability to convey. They are warm and welcoming and so accommodating of any special dietary requirements. But beyond that, their depth of knowledge and expertise make the dining experience so relaxed and unpretentious you might miss the extraordinary quality of the food and the preparation. It is such a pleasure to just thoroughly enjoy a meal, and the people who clearly love bringing it to you. read more

Sushi Hana - Japanese Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Sushi Hana is hands down, the BEST sushi restaurant on the island. The food is always delicious and fresh. The atmosphere is charming and intimate, and the service cannot be beat! My hubby and I call Sushi Hana "Our Spot", because it is our go-to for date night. If you haven't tried the omakase dinner on Saturday night, you should! It is unlike any other dining experience on Big Island and is truly special. PS. Don't listen to Joaquin with his lame 1 star review. He doesn't know what he is talking about, and has never even had a meal at this establishment. Sushi Hana is a two person operation and they care very much about their patrons. The two of them make magic together. He is just mad that he couldn't get in and didn't know that they were completely booked for the evening. My best advice is to go early, around 5pm to ensure you get in for dinner. :) read more

Great sushi, salty service. No reservations. Try it if you're in the area but have a backup plan if the wait is atrocious.

Sushi is amazing and service is great! My favorite after work spot to grab dinner or lunch. Such a cute place to sit either at a table or the bar read more

Sushi Hana - laulea bowl - Japanese Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

this place is a gem for lovers of authentic Japanese Omakase. Saturday nights is an experience I have only had in Japan. No California roll here and you won't find soy sauce on the table. The seafood comes in from Japan same day . Each dish is meticulously prepared and presented . Each course is a unique experience and each piece of fish presented is a masterpiece.''it is small and they don't take many people but put it on your list. You won't regret it read more

I would never eat at this place. We are currently visiting the island of Kona and drove 30 minutes to this restaurant to just be turned away 30 minutes before close to be told that have closed. Poor service and attitude. Patrons are not appreciated. read more

Really wonderful food and overall experience. We would have come back again for the omakase but we were returning home. By far the best sushi and sashimi we had on the island; it was orders of magnitude more delicious than some of the other fine dining restaurants that cost almost twice as much. If you love sushi/sashimi this is *the* restaurant to go to on the island. The wait can be a little long (it's a small restaurant) but it's absolutely worth it. read more

My favourite meal on Big Island! It's really a hidden gem, I've had a lot of food in Japan and Sushi Hana stands up amazingly well to those restaurants. The udon and tempura especially stood out to me and is truly special. I think the hour long drive from Kona is worth it for their food. Their nigiri was also very delicious. I really wish they would open a restaurant in Seattle! read more

Stopped in to this gem of a place in Waimea Center after driving over from Hilo to attend a seminar. So glad we did! Excellent food & service from owner Etsuko & chef Haruki. We had the Mixed Tempura Udon, Salmon Lover Bowl & Eel Roll which were all so flavorful & fresh! We ordered the Squash Salad but Etsuko said they were out but did give us a complimentary sample of what they had left along with some ono Cucumber Pickles, outstanding service!!! Very nice decor & you feel right at home with their caring service. We have to come back and try their Omakase special all day on Saturday too. We definitely will be back... read more

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I'm sorry... all those great reviews and yet they cannot serve more than 3 parties. You cannot make reservations and so we figure we better show up 15 minutes before opening. We sign up on their waitlist as the 4th party (of 2) and I receive a text that their waitlist is full. Word to the wise.... You want to eat dinner hear, show up and wait in line from 3pm. This kind of service, even if a two man operation deserves one star--- and they are lucky this is the lowest I could give. read more

This place is simply a gem. We have been there 3 times this winter and spring. Truly beautiful fish, exceptionally prepared and authentic service. Nothing like it on the entire island. read more

I just went again, food and service was amazing as always. Ambiance was lively! I just wanted to add for all my fellow Yelpers, since Sushi Hana is such a tiny restaurant run by only two people including the chef, if they reach capacity they may close early (those already seated are fine, they just won't be able to seat any new folks). To give yourself the best chance of getting a seat, go early! read more

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Absolutely the best sushi / Japanese food on the island. Freshest and best prepared ingredients. The owners/staff hold the highest standards of excellence. The attention to detail is superb and the ambience is cozy and well thought out. I've hesitated recommending this place because I don't want it any harder to get a seat. First come first served every day except Saturdays, where they have the most epic Omakase. read more

Small but amazing.. we like to share our sake with the chef as we always sit at the sushi bar

Delicious and well prepared food Friendly service Difficult to get a table because it's a small restaurant. No reservations. read more

Etsuko is the best! Love the service, love the people who dine there (mahalo to Vanessa and Hayden). If there's a place to get some hot udon or beef bowl or sushi, come check it out! read more

The sushi here was phenomenal during our stay and they were very friendly! I'm so glad we made the stop here as the sushi was some of the best we've ever had! read more

Comfortable setting, fresh and tasty food selections, an overall positive experience.

This is by far the best sushi we have ever had. We got to the restaurant at 11:30, when it was supposed to open. There was a sign in the door saying their fish delivery was late and they'd be opening at 12:30 instead. The hostess was very apologetic and sweet - and it was worth the wait! Chef's choice plus fatty tuna roll and another roll of- as well as miso soup with freshly made seaweed. 10/10. Would definitely return! read more

Best sushi on the island!!! Much mahalo for the great service as well! We'll be coming again tonight!

Best sushi on the Island. Small space but worth the effort to plan ahead so you can get in. Service was great and the ambiance is surprisingly peaceful and homey. Once you walk in you feel disconnected from the shopping center outside. read more

Hands down one of the best sushi restaurants we have ever been to. We have had sushi all over the island/state, mainland and Japan. The attention to detail to the space and food was beyond our expectations and the service was very comforting as the owners are very friendly and wanted to make sure we enjoyed everything. We appreciate a good small owned business that pays attention to their customers and loves what they do. A+, we will be back (probably weekly)! read more