A New Sushi Spot Rolls Out in Hawaii Kai

Looking out on the beautiful Hawaii Kai marina, Pierthirty — a Japanese restaurant company — has established the prime location for its flag-ship restaurant: Gokoku Sushi. Potentially the first of a fleet of 20 more restaurants under the Pierthirty name, Gokoku Sushi’s traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes already are becoming a local favorite.

“We only have been open to the public since Dec. 14,” says Mona Wood-Sword, public relations and marketing director for Gokoku. “Our sushi bar already is a popular hangout. Our housemade tofu, fresh oyster shooters, Japanese seafood stew, washu beef steak, misoyaki fish and udon all have received high praise. We already have repeat customers.”

Akiyuki Takahashi, founder, president and CEO of Pierthirty, decided to plant Gokoku in Hawaii because, along with loving the people, ocean and outdoors, Takahashi knew kamaaina are familiar with and love their Japanese food. He fell in love with Koko Marina, and Gokoku has been welcomed by the community, validating his decision to choose Hawaii.

“We are truly grateful for the neighborhood’s patronage and aloha,” says Wood-Sword. “We love being a part of Koko Marina’s restaurant community.”

Striving to feature authentic, delicious food made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, Gokoku offers its patrons a variety of authentic and fusion dishes.

“Diners can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura and udon, along with contemporary Japanese dishes, including misoyaki lamb and Japanese seafood stew,” says Wood-Sword.

Executive chef Katsuhisa Inoue, most recently head chef of MEGU Restaurant in New York City, uses local fish and produce, as well as authentic Japanese ingredients. Gokoku currently offers three kaiseki (set menus) for lunch: Kasuga Kaiseki ($24) features seven pieces of assorted nigiri, assorted tempura, mini udon, chawanmushi (egg custard), kobachi (Japanese poke) and dessert. Shikibu Kaiseki ($18) presents nigiri and roll sushi, assorted vegetable tempura, mini udon, chawanmushi, kobachi and dessert. And lastly, Komachi Kaiseki ($15) consists of roll sushi, assorted vegetable tempura, mini udon, chawanmushi, kobachi and dessert. The Kaiseki menus boast large portions, reasonable prices and a tasty assortment of options. For dinner, dig into a broad menu of appetizers, tempura, sushi, sashimi, hot plates, udon and more.

“We are providing the most delicious traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine in a beautiful, waterfront setting,” adds Wood-Sword. “Our chef is extremely talented and a charismatic leader for all of our chefs. Our chefs always are on stage, preparing everything before your eyes.”

Celebrating Gokoku’s grand opening, now through Jan. 14, customers will receive a coupon for 20 percent off their next visit with the purchase of any entree. Gokoku Sushi also is giving the same 20 percent-off coupon to anyone purchasing gift certificates of $50 or more.

Gokoku Sushi

7192 Kalanianaole Hwy., Honolulu
888-7777
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 pm., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dinner: Monday – Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 4–10 p.m.