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Kojima’s Sushi Bar

Kojima’s Sushi Bar
October 17, 2015 Ho‘oulu Staff

By Anna Gilarski

The founder of Kojima’s Sushi Bar, Chef Kojima, began his culinary training at the age of 14, working at his parents’ tempura restaurant in Tokyo. He continued his education in New York City while working at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in the New York and Chicago areas. Chef Kojima launched his first restaurant in 1979 in the Chicago suburbs, officially setting the standards for traditional sushi and Japanese dining.

When arriving at Kojima’s, you’ll immediately notice the traditional style as soon as you walk to the sliding door. The sushi bar is set up across the whole left side of the room with two chefs working the line. It is a wait-to-be-seated seating style with the options of sitting at the sushi bar, at a table or at the cafe. The walls are covered with pictures of bamboo, traditional kimonos and kanji banners. Dinner on a Saturday night is pretty mellow, with about four tables occupied; some people on dates, families and friends having a good time.

The restaurant’s lighting is good, thanks to overhead lights—not too dim, not too bright. The menu is reasonably priced compared to other sushi restaurants on Maui, while still upholding the quality of fresh fish.  Appetizers start around $2.75, and can range up to $19, with most of the food priced under $10. Salads range from $5.50 to $14.95. Entrees start at $13.95, topping out at $25, with the option to add a dinner salad for an additional $3. Maki Sushi (sushi rolls) range from $7 to $22, which is where this sushi restaurant stands out because most sushi restaurants have their rolls priced between $18 and $25. Kojima’s offers Nigiri Sushi (a thin slice of raw fish over rice) and Sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish without rice); the Nigiri starts at $5.50 up to $15.95, which includes two pieces, while the Sashimi comes with nine pieces ranging from $8 to $36.

Kojima’s also has the option to choose a sashimi combo, which gives you the option to pick three different types of fish and get a nine-piece plate. Another combo available combo is called a “Sushi Combo,” which gives you five pieces of sashimi and one roll of sushi. They also offer beverages from their cafe and desserts ranging from $2 to $6.50.

Kojima’s  their customers to bring in their own, wine, beer or sake; however, hard liquor, cakes or outside food are not allowed. You must also bring a photo ID if you decide to bring your own alcohol.

Kojima’s ingredients are all fresh and great tasting. The dishes are served on traditional plates, such as elevated wooden platters. The fish is fresh, rich in color and has a smooth texture with portion sizes that will fill you up.

Due to the restaurant’s location in Upcountry Maui, the atmosphere is cold outside, but once inside, an instantly cozy feeling consumes you. It is a family-friendly restaurant that can also accommodate vegetarians. Although reasonably priced and on the cheaper side compared to other sushi establishments, it may be on the high-end for full-time students. The service is fast—but not too fast to where you feel like you need to rush to eat your food so that you can make room for the next plate.

With that being said: For anyone who enjoys sushi but doesn’t want to break the bank, Kojima’s is the place to go.

Kojima’s Sushi Bar is located at the Pukalani Square at 81 Makawao Ave. They are open Monday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and are closed on Sundays. They offer catering, takeout services and a sit-down BYOB restaurant.

For more information, visit www.kojimassushi.com.

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