
Around the Rim
What We Love Now
BY Krystal Kakimoto
Set along the shores of Kā‘anapali Beach, Japengo offers an alluring blend of Asian-fusion cuisine and oceanfront atmosphere. As twilight falls, the open-air dining room comes alive beneath a canopy of stars, the Pacific stretching quietly beyond. At the heart of the experience is the sushi bar, where the culinary team crafts sashimi (sliced raw fish), inventive rolls, and omakase (chef’s tasting courses) with focused precision. The Pacific Rim–inspired menu moves from pristine sushi through premium steaks and impeccably sourced local seafood, balancing bold flavors with refined technique. Begin your meal with a bright, citrus-forward Yuzuki cocktail — or a polished zero-proof creation that feels equally celebratory — before exploring a beverage list spanning fine wines, local and Japanese beers, and an elegant selection of sake (Japanese rice wine) and sake flights. For a sweet finale, matcha (Japanese green tea) cheesecake or pillowy malasadas — paired with rich chocolate sauce, liliko‘i (passion fruit) butter, and vanilla macadamia nut syrup — offer a decadent close to an elevated evening along Kā‘anapali’s shore.
Japengo at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa; 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina; (808) 667-4727; Open nightly, bar service 3:30–9 p.m., dinner 5–9 p.m.; hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/oggrm-hyatt-regency-maui-resort-and-spa/dining