Nuka in Haiku offers a cozy, stylish setting with a menu that leans into Japanese classics. While the sushi and rolls were just okay — fresh but not particularly memorable — the meat skewers really stood out. Perfectly grilled and full of flavor, they were a great surprise and easily one of the best parts of the meal.
The real highlight, though, was the miso cod - buttery, tender, and deeply satisfying. It alone is worth coming for. Service was solid and the space has a nice ambiance, making it a good choice if you’re in the area and looking for a relaxed dinner with some standout bites.
Amenita T
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June 30, 2025
As we went to the Road of Hana to explore the Twin Falls we discovered this Japanese restaurant was on the way there. Food was excellent. Cute little place. Staffs were wonderful. Sashimi was fresh. Our tummy satisfied.
Melinda
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June 10, 2025
Delicious sushi spot upcountry.
My first time dining at Nuka was outstanding. The highly quality of the fish was noticeable. Everything was fresh and absolutely delicious.
We sat at the sushi bar and the sushi chefs were very warm and friendly. The service from our waitress was okay- she wasn’t the friendliest.
Our food came out quickly after placing our order which was awesome because we were hungry!
We didn’t have a reservation upon arrival and waited about 15 minutes for a party of two. Its indoor dining only and the space is on the smaller side. There is sushi bar seating as well (about 10 spots).
We enjoyed the ceviche and mocktails from their evening specials menu, along with the dragonfly roll, maguro nigiri and ahi salad from their regular menu.
We’ll definitely be back.
Maui World Travelers
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June 30, 2025
Before Nuka, this place used to be a Napa store and before that a mini market store.
ATMOSPHERE:
They're located in a free-standing building on Haiku Road just across the street from the Haiku Cannery mall with lots of free parking. The Asian decor fits the restaurant perfect. It's a small open-air room that fits maybe 50 people max, with regular tables and sushi bar seating.
RESERVATIONS:
They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait during peak dinner hours especially on the weekend.
FAVE FOODS:
Karaage Chicken
Very small portion but very really good. The chicken was very tender and the light karaage batter was delish.
Chicken Katsu Donburi
I am a fan of this place after eating this dish! The rice is laced with a sweet/salty soy flavor, topped with a over-hard fried egg cooked in the same sauce, topped with deep fried & super tender chicken katsu strips and finished off with thinly sliced nori. DEELISH!
Tempura Shrimp Udon
I simply love noodles, so this was an easy decision for my second time here. The broth is a bit sweet but very good (I am NOT a fan of sweet broths but this was an exception). Accompanied by a generous amount of shrimp, green bean, onion and mushroom tempura.
Ahi Katsu Donburi
Delicious rice dish flavored with a sweet-soy seasoning which is topped with an over-hard fried egg, and chunks of breaded and seared ahi. I personally would've liked to have the ahi cooked all the way through which would make the dish more visually pleasing, though it's still very good overall. Portion size is perfect.
SERVICE:
Everyone has been great all these years.
OVERALL:
Maui's best Japanese restaurant.
Chris Buck
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December 14, 2024
Minimal menu of locally sourced vegetables, meats, and fish. With each supplier marked on a large board near the entrance. Excellent specialty rolls with melt in your mouth fish. Portioning leaves more to be desired on thr menu that is worth exploring.
Our Address
780 Haiku Rd, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
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Nuka in Haiku offers a cozy, stylish setting with a menu that leans into Japanese classics. While the sushi and rolls were just okay — fresh but not particularly memorable — the meat skewers really stood out. Perfectly grilled and full of flavor, they were a great surprise and easily one of the best parts of the meal. The real highlight, though, was the miso cod - buttery, tender, and deeply satisfying. It alone is worth coming for. Service was solid and the space has a nice ambiance, making it a good choice if you’re in the area and looking for a relaxed dinner with some standout bites.
As we went to the Road of Hana to explore the Twin Falls we discovered this Japanese restaurant was on the way there. Food was excellent. Cute little place. Staffs were wonderful. Sashimi was fresh. Our tummy satisfied.
Delicious sushi spot upcountry. My first time dining at Nuka was outstanding. The highly quality of the fish was noticeable. Everything was fresh and absolutely delicious. We sat at the sushi bar and the sushi chefs were very warm and friendly. The service from our waitress was okay- she wasn’t the friendliest. Our food came out quickly after placing our order which was awesome because we were hungry! We didn’t have a reservation upon arrival and waited about 15 minutes for a party of two. Its indoor dining only and the space is on the smaller side. There is sushi bar seating as well (about 10 spots). We enjoyed the ceviche and mocktails from their evening specials menu, along with the dragonfly roll, maguro nigiri and ahi salad from their regular menu. We’ll definitely be back.
Before Nuka, this place used to be a Napa store and before that a mini market store. ATMOSPHERE: They're located in a free-standing building on Haiku Road just across the street from the Haiku Cannery mall with lots of free parking. The Asian decor fits the restaurant perfect. It's a small open-air room that fits maybe 50 people max, with regular tables and sushi bar seating. RESERVATIONS: They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait during peak dinner hours especially on the weekend. FAVE FOODS: Karaage Chicken Very small portion but very really good. The chicken was very tender and the light karaage batter was delish. Chicken Katsu Donburi I am a fan of this place after eating this dish! The rice is laced with a sweet/salty soy flavor, topped with a over-hard fried egg cooked in the same sauce, topped with deep fried & super tender chicken katsu strips and finished off with thinly sliced nori. DEELISH! Tempura Shrimp Udon I simply love noodles, so this was an easy decision for my second time here. The broth is a bit sweet but very good (I am NOT a fan of sweet broths but this was an exception). Accompanied by a generous amount of shrimp, green bean, onion and mushroom tempura. Ahi Katsu Donburi Delicious rice dish flavored with a sweet-soy seasoning which is topped with an over-hard fried egg, and chunks of breaded and seared ahi. I personally would've liked to have the ahi cooked all the way through which would make the dish more visually pleasing, though it's still very good overall. Portion size is perfect. SERVICE: Everyone has been great all these years. OVERALL: Maui's best Japanese restaurant.
Minimal menu of locally sourced vegetables, meats, and fish. With each supplier marked on a large board near the entrance. Excellent specialty rolls with melt in your mouth fish. Portioning leaves more to be desired on thr menu that is worth exploring.