OUR STORY

The story of our new sushi restaurant begins with Chef Bernardo "JR" Oao's humble beginnings as a dishwasher at Nobu Lanai, where he first met Sushi Chef Misao Masuda. At the time, JR had no idea that this job would be the start of a lifelong journey into the world of sushi. Inspired by the artistry and skill of the chefs around him, JR’s curiosity grew, and when Chef Misao asked if he was interested in learning the craft of sushi-making, JR didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity. Under Misao’s patient mentorship, JR developed a deep appreciation for the delicate art of sushi while both working in Nobu Lanai. Over countless conversations, the two jokingly dreamt of opening a restaurant together one day—a dream that seemed distant but always present. In January 2022, Chef JR took the first step toward that dream by launching OAO Sushi Go, a food truck in Kihei. Just months later, in November of the same year, he opened OAO Wailea, his first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Through it all, Chef JR never forgot the shared vision he had with Chef Misao. When the chance to open Hachi arose, JR knew he had to invite Misao to join him. Without a second thought, Misao supported the vision, and together, they brought their dream to life.

nobu, nobu lanai, hachi by oao, hachi, hachi kihei, oao, oao sushi go, oao wailea, kihei, lahaina, best sushi on maui, best sushi in kihei, best omakase, best omakase maui, japanese, miso phat, sansei, isana, morimoto, nobu maui, nigiri, traditional
nobu, nobu lanai, hachi by oao, hachi, hachi kihei, oao, oao sushi go, oao wailea, kihei, lahaina, best sushi on maui, best sushi in kihei, best omakase, best omakase maui, japanese, miso phat, sansei, isana, morimoto, nobu maui, nigiri, traditional

nobu, nobu lanai, hachi by oao, hachi, hachi kihei, oao, oao sushi go, oao wailea, kihei, best sushi on maui, best sushi in kihei, best omakase, omakase on maui, omakase maui, Japanese, miso phat, sansei, isana, Morimoto, nobu maui, wailea, Lahaina, maui, togoshi, umi, uni, sashimi, nigiri, traditional sushi, traditional Japanese

Three chefs wearing white jackets and aprons, smiling in a restaurant kitchen, with leis around their necks. Shelves with plates and utensils are in the background.
Two chefs wearing leaf leis and aprons, standing in front of a restaurant, smiling and making a shaka sign.
Group of six people in a restaurant posing with shaka hand gestures, some wearing aprons and leis, standing in front of a kitchen area with a fish artwork on the wall.