Doraku Waikiki is the local outpost of Kevin Aoki's (son of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki) Japanese izakaya-meets-sushi concept, perched on the third floor of Royal Hawaiian Center with an open-air terrace catching the Kalakaua trade winds. The menu balances polished nigiri and sashimi with playful contemporary rolls — the rainbow sashimi roll and Pa'ina with seared tuna are house favorites — alongside izakaya plates like miso butterfish, robata-grilled skewers, and crispy shrimp tempura. Late-night happy hour pulls in a younger Waikiki crowd for half-priced rolls and craft sake flights, while early evenings draw couples and families staying along Kalakaua. The room is dark and modern with low lighting and a long sushi bar, but the breezy lanai is where most regulars choose to sit.
"Great sushi, attentive service, and an unbeatable patio overlooking Kalakaua. We came for happy hour and ended up staying for a full dinner — the rainbow roll and the miso butterfish were both excellent."