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.