Hawaii’s restaurant scene keeps developing. In August, the lineup of new spots was centered around Waikiki and Kakaako, bringing fresh dining options and buzzworthy food destinations to check out.
Highlights include Hawaii’s first solo-dining katsu concept, a modern Chinese tavern serving charcoal-grilled skewers, a new sushi restaurant in Waikiki, and even a private sauna in Kaka’ako. A few longtime local favorites have also relocated and leveled up. Here’s the roundup of the newest Hawaii openings worth checking out.
Information current as of August 28, 2026.
Kamitoku Beef / Ramen / Kitchen
Kamitoku Ramen, a longtime favorite at Ward Centre, relocated to South Shore Market in Kakaako. The shop had a soft opening but is still looking to possibly do a grand opening celebration soon.
The new location has spurred the Kamitoku Ramen to evolve under the name Kamitoku Beef / Ramen / Kitchen, expanding beyond its signature beef bone ramen to include beef dishes and shareable bar bites.
Notable new menu additions include oxtail soup finished with Kamitoku’s own beef bone broth (a nod to a beloved Hawaii local-food classic), the Otokomeshi Set served with garlic rice, and a thick, hearty kalbi teppanyaki, both perfect for when you’re craving a substantial meal. The menu also features plates that are ideal for those drinking sessions, such as chilled tofu (hiyayakko) and fried gyoza.
And of course, the crowning touch to concluding a night out with friends is a bowl of beef bone ramen. Beyond being a ramen shop, this new spot is shaping up to be a go-to destination for drinks, satisfying bar bites, and full meals, all in one place.
Kamitoku Beef / Ramen / Kitchen
Address: 1170 Auahi St, Suite 175, Honolulu, HI
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5:00–9:00 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5:00–9:30 p.m. (last order 30 minutes before close)
Phone: 808-784-0292
https://www.instagram.com/kamitoku_ramen.hawaii/
KATSU ZEN
KATSU ZEN opened at the 808 Center complex near Ala Moana, bringing Hawaii’s first solo-dining katsu experience.
Source: Katsuzen Instagram
The restaurant features individual dining booths where guests can enjoy their meal at their own pace, with ordering and payment handled entirely through QR code. Guests can even request refills of rice or cabbage using wooden tags at their booth, a thoughtful, customer-first touch that lets diners eat comfortably without worrying about those around them.
The menu includes pork loin katsu, chicken katsu, tiger shrimp katsu, and minced meat cutlet (menchi katsu), available as set meals or as a katsudon topped with egg. The tonkatsu sauce is made in-house, and diners can grind their own sesame seeds at the table to mix into the sauce, adding that distinctly Japanese touch.
Source: Katsuzen Instagram
KATSU ZEN
Address: 808 Sheridan St., Suite 208A, Honolulu, HI
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (last order 7:30 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays
https://www.katsu-zen.com/
Doraku Sushi — Hilton Hawaiian Village
Doraku Sushi, the popular sushi and izakaya restaurant in Hawaii, opened a new location at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.
This marks the brand’s fourth Hawaii location, following Royal Hawaiian Center, Kakaako, and Kapolei. The new restaurant is located in the hotel’s Rainbow Bazaar and spans two spacious floors. Doraku’s signature fresh sushi are featured alongside shareable Japanese dishes and original cocktails. Rooted in Japanese izakaya-style dining, the menu blends traditional Japanese flavors with international influences.
Source: Doraku
Whether you’re staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village or simply looking for sushi and Japanese food on the west side of Waikiki, this new location is a welcome addition.
Doraku Sushi — Hilton Hawaiian Village
Address: 2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. / Fri–Sat 11:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Phone: 808-260-1266
https://dorakusushi.com/waikiki-hilton-hawaiian-village/
ENKARI
ENKARI, a new modern Chinese tavern, soft-opened on Kapahulu Avenue in the space previously occupied by Yakitori Glad. The star of the menu is charcoal-grilled skewers inspired by the cuisine of Northeast China, featuring smoky, charcoal-grilled pork belly, lamb, chicken, and beef.
Beyond skewers, the menu also includes hot pots served in clay pots, shareable appetizers, and Northeast Chinese-style griddle-fried noodles. There’s even shave ice in flavors like peach and watermelon, making for a refreshing conclusion.
Source: Enkari
Kapahulu is already known for its great restaurants, and now there’s another exciting spot to add to the list. Be sure to check it out.
ENKARI
Address: 766 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 5:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 808-200-5899 (reservations)
Banh Mi Paradise — Waikiki
Banh Mi Paradise, the popular Vietnamese restaurant in Ala Moana area, opened a new shop in Waikiki, located along Kuhio Avenue.
Source: Banh Mi Paradise
Spotlighting banh ni, the Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette packed full of savory fillings, this specialty shop offers options including roasted pork, chicken, and tofu, imparting flavorful strokes of authentic Vietnamese flavor. The menu also includes papaya salad, Vietnamese coffee, and fruit smoothies. The Waikiki location also introduces pho to the lineup, featuring house-made noodles in a carefully crafted broth, a perfect complement to a delectable banh mi. It’s a great new spot to note for a quick, satisfying lunch in Waikiki.
Banh Mi Paradise — Waikiki
Address: 2463 Kuhio Ave., A-1R, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
https://www.instagram.com/banhmiparadise/
SUSHI SKY
SUSHI SKY soft-opened along Kalākaua Avenue near the Hawaii Convention Center, between Ala Moana and Waikiki.
Source: SUSHI SKY
Built around the concept of “Sushi Meets Showmanship,” the restaurant blends authentic Edomae-style sushi with a lively, performance-driven omakase experience.
Source: SUSHI SKY
The sushi is prepared by a female sushi chef trained at a notable restaurant in Fukuoka. Beyond watching each piece crafted right in front of you, diners can expect music, aroma, and interactive elements woven into the meal, turning the dining experience itself into an entertaining show. The menu features a 15-piece omakase course at $150 per person, using carefully selected seasonal ingredients and premium seafood sourced primarily from Japan and Hawaii (the lineup may change based on the day’s catch). Sake, wine, and beer are also available to complement the energetic meal. This is a great new spot for a special sushi experience in Hawaii, whether celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or any special occasion.
SUSHI SKY
Address: 1731 Kalakaua Ave., Space B, Honolulu, HI
Hours: Wed–Mon 7:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Closed: Tuesdays
https://sushi-sky-alamoana.glam31.com/
Tali’s Bagels & Schmear
Popular bagel shop Tali’s Bagels & Schmear, which closed due to the redevelopment of Ward Centre, makes a grand comeback! The shop soft-opened a new location on Waimanu Street in Kakaako on August 21, 2026.
Source: Tali’s Bagels
The new location is nestled inside OurSpace, an artist-focused coworking and gallery space. Along with the bagel menu fans already love, the new shop features an expanded deli menu. In addition to the ever-popular OG NYC made with lox (smoked salmon), new sandwiches have joined the lineup. Now, people may enjoy turkey, ham, and pastrami, as incorporated into the Hot Pastrami which is irresistible with the addition of Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. The new location isn’t far from the old Ward Centre spot, making this spot easily accessible for longtime fans.
Source: Tali’s Bagels
Tali’s Bagels & Schmear
Address: 1052 Waimanu St, Honolulu, HI
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Closed: Tuesdays
https://talisbagels.com/
Chubbies Burgers
Chubbies Burgers, a favorite among Hawaii burger fans, is set to open a new location at SALT at Our Kakaʻako, the popular Kakaako mixed-use complex.
Chubbies got its start as a food truck in Kakaako before opening a brick-and-mortar in Kaimuki. After closing the Kaimuki location in 2025, the brand relaunched nearby that same June under the new name Boarded Up by Chubbies Burgers. With a streamlined menu, the new concept kept Chubbies’ signature smash burgers and crinkle-cut fries on the menu, quickly regaining its loyal following.
Now, the brand is coming full circle back to Kakaako, near where it all began. SALT’s official website currently lists the location as “Coming Soon,” with opening date details yet to be announced. We will be sure to share updates as more details become available.
Chubbies Burgers
Address: 691 Auahi St., Honolulu, HI (inside SALT at Our Kakaʻako)
https://www.instagram.com/chubbieshawaii
New Shops Opening in Hawaii, August 2026
W Sauna
W Sauna, a private, reservation-only sauna, opened in Kakaako. Built around the concept of “Rest. Relax. Recover.” and a “Daily Ritual” of resetting the mind and body amid a busy schedule, it’s a needed addition to Hawaii’s wellness scene.
Source: W Sauna
Each private space includes an authentic barrel sauna, a cold plunge for cooling down afterward, and a relaxing lounge area. Since each session is booked for one private group at a time, guests can enjoy the space at their own pace without worrying about others around them. It’s a great fit for solo visits, couples, friends, or family outings.
Source: W Sauna
Sessions run 50 minutes each. Daytime sessions (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) are $70 for one to two people, while evening sessions (4:00–8:00 p.m.) are $80 for up to two people. Up to four guests can book per session, with an additional fee for three or more people. Towels, shampoo, and other amenities, plus shower access, are all included in the price, so simply bring a swimsuit and you’re ready to go. As sauna and wellness culture continues to grow in Hawaii, W Sauna offers a great way to unwind in Kakaako between sightseeing excursions or as an alternative to a lunch break at work.
W Sauna
Address: 961 Kawaiahaʻo St., Honolulu, HI
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. / 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Phone: (808) 970-6975
https://w-sauna.com/
