The Legacy of Makanai in Makiki
The Heritage
Makanai is the "little sister" to Sushi King Restaurant, a beloved fixture in Mōʻiliʻili for 30 years. For generations of Hawai‘i locals, Sushi King was more than a restaurant—it was a place that nourished families and built community. Growing up in that environment, my brothers and I learned that a restaurant is defined by the heart put into the food.
The Meaning of "Makanai"
While we spent our childhood helping out in the kitchen, the highlight of every day was the "makanai"—the Japanese term for a family or staff meal. It was a time when our chefs would whip up something soulful and delicious using whatever fresh ingredients were available. That spirit of spontaneous, nourishing hospitality is what we bring to you today.
From a Mobile Trailer to Wilder Avenue
A Personal Touch
I’m Mahina, and I’ve continued our family’s culinary spirit with a personal twist. My journey began with a mobile trailer at night markets and pop-ups, where I combined my love for Japanese bentos with a passion for coffee discovered while traveling the world.
Our New Home
Now, we’ve found a permanent home at 1249 Wilder Ave. Makanai is a cozy, elegant space designed to evolve with your day. We serve artisan coffee and thoughtful bentos in the morning, and we are excited to introduce a curated selection of wine and more starting in late January.
