If ever there was a place destined to be a great town for sushi (outside of Japan, of course) it would be Hawaii. Smack dab in the middle of the ocean, with a large Japanese-American population and a major Japanese tourism base, sushi in Honolulu is world class. Stake out a spot at the bar at these spots when you stay at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
At Sushi Sasabune, you can order off the menu only at a table: the bar is reserved for those willing to let chef-owner Seiji Kumagawa decide what to feed them. And those who do are rewarded handsomely. Possible dishes include squid stuffed with crab, baked oysters, blue shrimp and some of the finest toro available. Be prepared to spend $300 for two, however.
Mitch's Fish Market & Sushi Bar is mostly a fish market, run by South African expats. But don't discount it for its low-budget looks — just head to the sushi bar (stopping beforehand to pick up some drinks; it's BYOB) and put yourself in the chefs' capable hands for some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste. The specialty of the house is live lobster sashimi, expertly sliced and accompanied by a miso soup made with the rest of the lobster.
If you're looking for more style with your rolls, head to Doraku, which gives sushi a "hipster vibe" despite its shopping mall locale.
