Welcome to Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea
Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea is a gem located in Kihei, Hawaii, known for its incredible sushi and diverse menu options. The restaurant boasts an inviting atmosphere where guests enjoy expertly crafted rolls and fresh sashimi, including standout items like the Lava Rock Roll and salmon sashimi. Diners rave about the friendly service, with many highlighting the attentive staff who go the extra mile to create a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re seated at the bar or enjoying a meal with loved ones, Oao redefines culinary excellence with every dish, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
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34 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei, HI 96753, United States Hotline: +1 808-318-1602
Welcome to Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea, a culinary gem nestled in the picturesque Wailea Gateway. Located at 34 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei, HI 96753, this establishment offers an exceptional blend of fresh sushi and grilling that captures the essence of Hawaiian dining. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and expert craftsmanship, Oao invites you to indulge in a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors of the sea.
As you step into Oao, the warm ambiance envelops you, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu is a testament to freshness—each sushi roll and sashimi slice reflects the pristine waters surrounding Maui. Customer reviews echo this sentiment, with seafood praised as consistently fresh and expertly prepared. Mariah Mehus joyfully shared, “the fish was fresh and delicious,” a sentiment echoed by many who have discovered this local treasure.
A standout dish that often garners rave reviews is the Broke Da Mouth roll, featuring a delightful combination of honey-coated tuna and lobster tempura nestled within. It exemplifies the innovative spirit of Oao, where traditional Japanese techniques meet local flavors. “Our glasses were never empty,” noted Jason C, who appreciated the attentive service alongside the diverse offerings that include tempting alternatives for non-sushi lovers, such as succulent steak and cod.
Oao is more than just a sushi spot; it’s a gathering place that feels particularly special due to its warm and welcoming staff. Diners have expressed their appreciation for attentive service that goes above and beyond. Andrea's glowing praise for Jerome, her server, exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to creating memorable experiences, particularly when celebrating special moments like anniversaries.
The restaurant also boasts a lively happy hour from noon to 5 PM, allowing guests to enjoy great prices while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Shelly Lester noted its local popularity, emphasizing the necessity of reservations, a testament to the dining establishment's cherished status among Wailea residents.
Finally, Oao is not just about sushi; it’s an exploration of flavors that leaves a lasting impression. The Rock Shrimp Tempura has received commendation for its delightful crunch and taste, while the salmon sashimi has risen to become a standout item on the menu for its exquisite quality. As Becky Tran wisely observed, the prices may be slightly elevated, but the experience and flavors justify every cent spent.
In conclusion, Oao - Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea is a must-visit destination for food lovers and anyone yearning for an exceptional meal in Maui. The combination of outstanding sushi, a welcoming environment, and unparalleled service creates an experience that is simply unforgettable. Whether you’re dining at the bar or enjoying a table, every bite tells a story of culinary artistry waiting to be savored.
Had a wonderful time here, all of the reviews were great and I’m so glad we tried it- fish was fresh and delicious, thank you Oao staff!
We went here for lunch, and although we had reservations they were not necessary. The service was great and the sushi was excellent. They have happy hour pricing from noon-5p, which we appreciated. Our glasses were never empty. They even accommodated my extra ginger request. The broke Da Mouth roll was excellent with honey and tuna on the outside and lobster tempura on the inside. We enjoyed a few rolls and some sashimi. This was a nice break from resort food and although still pricey, was worth it.
Delicious! This little sushi bar located in Wailea offers exceptional fresh sushi, especially for the price point. If your not into sushi, there were several meal options including steak, cod and salmon. I was alone and seated at the bar and watched the bartender mix the most amazing drinks! I went with a green tea cocktail and it was presented with all the same love as a “loaded” cocktail. You’ll need a reservation because this place was full, you could definitely tell it is a local favorite.
Rock Shrimp Tempura was 10/10!! Jerome our waiter was incredible as well!! Had amazing suggestions from the menu and we loved everything we tried. The atmosphere was so homey and I can't compliment Jerome enough on his attention to detail and taking the time to make our anniversary special. Will be back absolutely!
Excellent quality sushi in the Wailea area, close by several hotels. Everything we ordered was great but surprisingly the salmon sashimi was a total standout. The servers and our bartender were very friendly and attentive - would recommend this place to anyone staying in the area.
If I could, I'd give this place 4.5 stars and the only reason I'd do that is because of the price - it's a touch overpriced (2-5 more than the market price for most menu items). We got the Lava Rock Roll because we love soft shelled crab and it was delicious. We also got a bunch of nigiris that were all excellent, especially the tuna specials of the day. We also got the special braised pork nigiris of the day (even though we wanted seafood for dinner) that was amazing.
Went here for my last night in Maui with my lover and this place completely captured my heart and soul! The quality of the food here is beyond words. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to cry tears of joy with each bite. Everything tasted so fresh, so pure, that it felt like a love letter to my taste buds. This restaurant redefines what it means to experience true flavor and I’m already longing for a return visit!!
We sat at the sushi bar for dinner. Great spot to watch the action. Fantastic menu, so many choices and variety. The sushi was so beautifully presented and delicious. Service was great too!