Chef Bernardo “JR” Oao’s rise in the culinary world is a powerful story of grit, passion, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams. His journey began humbly—as a dishwasher—yet even then, he carried a clear vision in his heart: to become a sushi chef. Driven by this goal, JR devoted years to mastering the art of sushi, learning every detail of kitchen work, and steadily climbing the ranks through discipline, curiosity, and determination.
During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he made a courageous leap. In January 2022, JR opened his own food truck, a small operation with a big dream behind it. In just a few short months, that dream expanded into his first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Wailea, which opened its doors in November 2022. His dedication and passion transformed that humble beginning into a thriving business.
Building on this momentum, Chef JR continued to grow. He launched his second restaurant, Oao Sushi Go, in Kahului—bringing fast, high-quality sushi to the heart of Maui and expanding his vision for accessible, elevated Japanese cuisine.
Now, with the opening of Hachi By Oao, JR marks the next evolution of his culinary journey. As his third restaurant, Hachi represents his deepest commitment to the craft: a return to traditional Japanese sushi with a focus on pristine ingredients, refined technique, and the art of omakase. Here, guests experience sushi as Chef JR believes it should be—intentional, elegant, and crafted with heart.
From dishwasher to multi-restaurant owner, Chef JR’s story continues to inspire. And at Hachi By Oao, he invites you to experience the culmination of that journey—one unforgettable bite at a time.
OMAKASE
Elevate your evening with our exclusive Omakase dinner experience—an unforgettable journey through traditional Japanese flavors crafted just for you. Every dinner omakase at HACHI BY OAO is crafted exclusively around the freshest fish delivered directly from Japan. Our chefs source only the finest catch available, ensuring each course highlights the unique flavors and seasonal variety of the day’s fish. This dedication to authenticity guarantees an unparalleled, bold dining experience that transports you straight to the heart of traditional Japanese seafood mastery.
Limited seats available. Reserve now to secure your spot at HACHI BY OAO.
INDULGE IN OUR EXQUISITE OMAKASE
Omakase, a Japanese term meaning "I leave it up to you," is a unique dining experience where the chef curates a personalized menu based on the freshest seasonal ingredients available. Unlike traditional à la carte dining, omakase places full trust in the chef's expertise to craft a sequence of dishes that highlight flavors, textures, and presentations in harmony.
Typically associated with sushi and sashimi, omakase can extend to a variety of courses, including appetizers, grilled items, and desserts. It's not just a meal—it's a journey through the chef's creativity and the essence of Japanese culinary philosophy, emphasizing simplicity, quality, and respect for ingredients.
