When in Hawaii, there are certain dishes you have to eat, and sushi is definitely one of those foods. Let’s be real here, where else in the country will you find fresher seafood and more authentic sushi offerings? And while you will find countless incredible sushi restaurants across the Hawaiian Islands, there is a unique sushi spot tucked away in the small town of Haiku on Maui that will give you a dining experience unlike any other.
Welcome to Nuka! Born of a love for food and culture, Nuka is a must-visit for anyone who loves sushi.
NUKA/Facebook
As soon as you step inside, you might be surprised that this ambiance is found in a small Hawaiian town: with zen Japanese decor, modern touches, simple tables, and seating at a concrete sushi bar, Nuka can get loud when it’s crowded and you just might mistake it for a big city sushi bar.
Nuka/Website
Though the space is small, the menu is mighty. You’ll find specialty rolls, sashimi platters, sushi bowls, and plenty of poke sourced from local purveyors whenever possible.
Nuka/Website
A bit of a local legend when it comes to Maui sushi making, Hiro Takanashi, along with his chefs, has created a stellar menu full of high-quality sushi sure to impress. Teaming up with the owners of the popular Paia Fish Market, Nuka utilizes prime selections of freshly-caught fish to concoct artful and tasty creations.
Nuka/Website
Crowd favorites include the Asian French Fries, served with wasabi aioli and furikake and the Japanese fried chicken. Restaurant specialties include the Hawaiian and Haleakala rolls, but you don’t need to love sushi to enjoy this spot: the Nuka Bowl is a great cooked meal option with several choices — from tofu and chicken to fish.
Nuka/Website
A sushi meal is perfectly complimented by the restaurant’s unique selection of Sake, Shochu, wine, and beer, but if you want to try something new, order one of their specialty martinis made with sake — cucumber ginger mint, perhaps?
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Don’t forget about dessert! Their ice creams are delicious and come in mochi, green tea, and sesame varieties.
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Just a heads up: you might find yourself experiencing a wait when you visit Nuka but trust us — it’s worth it. There’s nowhere else to enjoy sushi on Maui quite like Nuka.
Nuka/Website
Nuka is open Monday through Friday for lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and for dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, Nuka is open for dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. only. For more information and to check out their full menu, head on over to their website. You can also follow them on Facebook.
NUKA/Facebook
Nuka/Website
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Address: 780 Haiku Rd, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
