Amaterasu

Tucked away in a quieter corner of Ala Moana Shopping Center, Amaterasu isn’t the kind of place you stumble upon while browsing for sandals or waiting for your boba. It’s slightly off the beaten path—and that’s entirely the point. This isn’t a walk-in spot. It’s a reservation-only kind of experience, and one worth checking out.

The space is small and intimate, with just seven seats at the sushi bar and a table that can accommodate around ten. 

It’s quiet, understated, and upscale—just enough to feel special without trying too hard. You come here for the food and the focus, not the scene.

I was able to get a reservation the day before for two seats at the bar, which was a lucky find. We were the first to arrive and were seated at the end of the bar, since a party of five was expected later. That timing worked out beautifully, because we had a clear view of the chef as he began preparing the evening’s sashimi—meticulous knife work, careful slicing, artful plating. 

Watching a sushi chef at work is one of my favorite things—there’s something calming and deeply impressive about their precision. Nothing rushed. Nothing sloppy. Every movement intentional.

Here’s how the experience went down—through photos. The photos definitely speak for themselves.

Ama Ebi, Abalone, Snow Crab Leg

Striped Jack (Shimaji)

King Salmon

Golden Eye Snapper

Pike Mackerel (Sanma)

Flounder with Miso Leaf

Greeneyed Fish (tempura style) - Mehikari

Chawanmushi (with King Salmon, Blue Crab, Kauai Shrimp, Ikura)

Hokkaido Scallop

Bonito

Toro (fatty tuna)

Uni

              Kaua‘i shrimp ebi with uni garlic

Blue fin tuna roll

Miso Soup with Ebi Head

If I had to choose a favorite dish of the night, it would be the Kaua‘i shrimp ebi with uni garlic. It was buttery, rich, and full of umami—just incredible. My husband liked it so much he immediately ordered a second one.

The current price for the dinner omakase is $150 per person, plus a 20% gratuity (automatically added to the check). 

They also offer a lunch omakase with two seatings, priced at $90 per person for 13 courses—a great option if you're looking for a more approachable way to experience the chef’s work.

If you’re looking for a low-key yet elevated sushi experience in Honolulu, Amaterasu is a hidden gem worth seeking out. Just make sure to book ahead—and come ready to slow down and savor. 

Tip: use the restroom before you enter (closest one would be Barnes & Noble). They do not have restrooms in the restaurant.

Reservations are accepted on Open Table. A credit card is required to secure your spot.