Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 75-5626 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 796-3535
Website: https://www.sushisamhawaii.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Carmela Ver
High quality, authetic sushi and worth going out of your way for on Big Island. Each piece of fish was beautifully cut and well seasoned. I highly recommend the nigiri set for sushi lovers. The place gets busy quick, so either call ahead to make a reservation, or arrive right as they open. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so I can see it getting loud later in the night when it’s full. 10/10– I’d definitely come back again here again!
… moreWilliam Parmentier
By far the best sushi I have ever had my entire life hands down. It’s honestly unreal how delicious everything is. Had the Toro (which is very fatty tuna) and it literally melted in my mouth. Also had the signature roll that was out of this world along with the special roll which was equally incredible if not a notch or two better. The five piece Nigiri sushi combo option had thick pieces of fish laid on top the rice and the portion size was a whole mouth full. Lastly, the wasabi was very fresh if you like the heat to hit just right. 10/10 highly recommend.
… moreEric Watson
Top notch – world class sushi – stopped in hawaii on the way back from Japan and i must say this is as good as anything i’ve had in LA or japan. Sam is a solid guy, runs a tight ship and serves some first class sushi. Toro was exceptional. I’d advise making a reservation if you can. Highly recommend.
… moreSilvia Bitente
Truly authentic Japanese sushi experience!
Don’t come here expecting American-style sushi loaded with cream cheese, this place offers something far more unique and traditional. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking a genuine taste of Japan. I only visit with our elderly Japanese friend who’s been coming here for years. She loves chatting with the staff in her native language, and through her, I’ve had the chance to try authentic Japanese dishes I’ve never seen anywhere else on the island. A special place for those who appreciate real Japanese cuisine.
… moreDon’t come here expecting American-style sushi loaded with cream cheese, this place offers something far more unique and traditional. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking a genuine taste of Japan. I only visit with our elderly Japanese friend who’s been coming here for years. She loves chatting with the staff in her native language, and through her, I’ve had the chance to try authentic Japanese dishes I’ve never seen anywhere else on the island. A special place for those who appreciate real Japanese cuisine.
Maegan Neuman
We LOVED it here, best sushi we’ve ever had! Right beside the Marriott hotel too, very convenient location. Just try it
… moreSusan Ng
Quality is ok but food is overpriced. Four people, ordered three dishes, ended up not even half full, but paid around 90 with tips. I prob won’t come back.
… moreAndrew Tam
unfortunately fell victim to this tourist trap
while the quality of the fish was decent, the terrible technique as evidenced in the photos where the fish was mangled and sliced poorly ruined the food. one of the pieces of salmon actually fell apart into multiple pieces. we also ordered a nigiri set and a few of the fish were just missing pieces on it as well
the atmosphere was terrible – there was a loud man who was clearly drunk and along with two other women, were constantly asking the staff how to say random phrases in japanese. as the space is quite small, everyone could hear their “conversation” to the point where it was difficult to hear members of my table speak
overall, poor food that would not cut it in oahu nor the mainland not to mention how ridiculously expensive items were
… morewhile the quality of the fish was decent, the terrible technique as evidenced in the photos where the fish was mangled and sliced poorly ruined the food. one of the pieces of salmon actually fell apart into multiple pieces. we also ordered a nigiri set and a few of the fish were just missing pieces on it as well
the atmosphere was terrible – there was a loud man who was clearly drunk and along with two other women, were constantly asking the staff how to say random phrases in japanese. as the space is quite small, everyone could hear their “conversation” to the point where it was difficult to hear members of my table speak
overall, poor food that would not cut it in oahu nor the mainland not to mention how ridiculously expensive items were
Eys Koreman
We heard about this place in social media…which remains ironic because the owner (a expat surfer from Osaka) mentioned that he MIGHT update his social media every few months. I chose it but remained skeptical, as most influencers lack taste and understanding of what makes good and honest fare.
My wife hails from Japan and she enjoyed being able to speak her native tongue with the owner and staff. We stayed about 2 hours enjoying the various delights: sake, clam soup, hamachi and amaebi sashimi, nigiri, tempura, and gyoza. Honest food prepared meticulously with the best ingredients coupled with a delightfully kind and friendly staff made this rank among the highlights of our visit to Kona. I asked my wife how this place might fare in Japan, and she admitted that for our tastes and style, she enjoyed herself better than most in Japan because she felt less restrained by dogma and tradition. Sushi Sam’s became the perfect end cap to our vacation.
… moreMy wife hails from Japan and she enjoyed being able to speak her native tongue with the owner and staff. We stayed about 2 hours enjoying the various delights: sake, clam soup, hamachi and amaebi sashimi, nigiri, tempura, and gyoza. Honest food prepared meticulously with the best ingredients coupled with a delightfully kind and friendly staff made this rank among the highlights of our visit to Kona. I asked my wife how this place might fare in Japan, and she admitted that for our tastes and style, she enjoyed herself better than most in Japan because she felt less restrained by dogma and tradition. Sushi Sam’s became the perfect end cap to our vacation.
Michaelangelo
Incredible! This sushiya is at a level few people will ever experience, especially Americans. I’ve been lucky to be guided through some of Japan’s best sushi restaurants by my wife, a Japanese national with extensive experience entertaining VIP guests in international business, so she knows her stuff.
What puts this, or any, sushi restaurant at such a level is the source, quality and freshness of their ingredients – which can be very expensive. Fine differences in species and source can make a huge difference in price. (Most to all of the ingredients are from Japan or Hawaii, yum!). In short, the head chef / buyer is at a level far beyond what most will ever see – and this restaurant is at a top level even for Japan.
I will note the highest level restaurants in Japan have a much more refined dining room; Sushi Sam’s dining room is lovely, but not at the same level as top Japanese restaurants. They are also a small restaurant so they don’t have as extensive offerings, but that’s a function of volume. To me this is good, I don’t want to pay extra for atmosphere.
The chefs and service was outstanding, the food highly nuanced and truly incredible, at a level to which the most experienced diners can respect. However, a lot of sushi lovers probably don’t understand, they may be annoyed that… 1) Things weren’t like ‘the restaurant back home. 2) They didn’t have my beloved ‘X’ fish that I always order. And 3) the prices are very high. Comments like this reveal a lack of intimate understanding that can only come from extensive experience in Japan, and a thick wallet. (Example, watch the 2011 movie ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’).
It’s not that folks don’t know what they like, rather it’s almost impossible for most to gather enough experience in high-end Japanese dining. I’m extremely lucky to have a guide like my wife to (constantly) explain the difference in sourcing, nuance and exact species. While this place is expensive, you will pay much more in a top level restaurant in Japan.
If you really know your sushi, can afford it and want to try a truly amazing top level sushi restaurant; this place is for you! If you don’t have an experienced Japanese guide, I strongly recommend you let them help you order either at the sushi bar or from a Japanese server. Tell them in general what you like and go with an open mind and savor every bite!
… moreWhat puts this, or any, sushi restaurant at such a level is the source, quality and freshness of their ingredients – which can be very expensive. Fine differences in species and source can make a huge difference in price. (Most to all of the ingredients are from Japan or Hawaii, yum!). In short, the head chef / buyer is at a level far beyond what most will ever see – and this restaurant is at a top level even for Japan.
I will note the highest level restaurants in Japan have a much more refined dining room; Sushi Sam’s dining room is lovely, but not at the same level as top Japanese restaurants. They are also a small restaurant so they don’t have as extensive offerings, but that’s a function of volume. To me this is good, I don’t want to pay extra for atmosphere.
The chefs and service was outstanding, the food highly nuanced and truly incredible, at a level to which the most experienced diners can respect. However, a lot of sushi lovers probably don’t understand, they may be annoyed that… 1) Things weren’t like ‘the restaurant back home. 2) They didn’t have my beloved ‘X’ fish that I always order. And 3) the prices are very high. Comments like this reveal a lack of intimate understanding that can only come from extensive experience in Japan, and a thick wallet. (Example, watch the 2011 movie ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’).
It’s not that folks don’t know what they like, rather it’s almost impossible for most to gather enough experience in high-end Japanese dining. I’m extremely lucky to have a guide like my wife to (constantly) explain the difference in sourcing, nuance and exact species. While this place is expensive, you will pay much more in a top level restaurant in Japan.
If you really know your sushi, can afford it and want to try a truly amazing top level sushi restaurant; this place is for you! If you don’t have an experienced Japanese guide, I strongly recommend you let them help you order either at the sushi bar or from a Japanese server. Tell them in general what you like and go with an open mind and savor every bite!
Alex Chen
Such a treat! We had gone to another sushi restaurant in the village that was far busier but Sushi Sam was a much more elevated experience. The flavor, texture, and presentation of each of our nigiri and sashimi were well-balanced, and the few things we ordered from the kitchen were spot on. Highly recommended!
… more