Chef Bernardo "JR" Oao's rise in the culinary world is a story of grit, passion, and an unwavering belief in his own dream. It began humbly, as a dishwasher, yet even then he carried a clear vision: to become a sushi chef. Driven by that goal, JR spent years 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 carrying a big dream. Within months, that dream grew into his first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Wailea — OAO, which opened its doors in November 2022. His dedication and passion turned that humble beginning into a thriving business.

Building on that momentum, Chef JR kept growing. He opened 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 re-opening of Hachi By Oao, JR marks the next evolution of his culinary journey. Hachi returns with an entirely new menu, built to give guests more ways to enjoy the craft he's spent years perfecting — from fresh nigiri and sashimi to bold specialty rolls, all crafted with the same attention to detail that defined his path from dishwasher to restaurant owner.

From dishwasher to multi-restaurant owner, Chef JR's story continues to inspire. And at Hachi By Oao, he invites you to experience the next chapter of that journey — one unforgettable bite at a time.