You Make The Roll
About
Design Your Perfect Bite in Kailua-Kona
Forget the standard conveyor belt sushi experience. In the heart of Kailua-Kona, You Make The Roll flips the script by handing the creative control over to the diner. This isn't just about grabbing a quick lunch; it’s a tactile assembly line experience where you dictate exactly what goes into your hand roll.
Build-Your-Own Culinary Craft
The concept is refreshingly straightforward: choose your base, select your proteins—ranging from buttery fresh ahi to crisp tempura—and layer on the textures that define your palate. The kitchen handles the heavy lifting, ensuring the seaweed maintains a crisp snap while the rice arrives at the perfect room temperature. For those who find decision-making difficult under pressure, the staff is quick to offer suggestions on which sauces complement the locally sourced fish best.
The Island Pace
The atmosphere inside is casual and no-frills, designed for the grab-and-go crowd hitting the coast or locals looking for a reliable, healthy bite. You might notice the space feels a bit compact during the peak lunch rush, but that energy adds to the vibrant, neighborhood feel of this Kona staple. It is the ideal spot for a post-beach refuel where you want quality ingredients without the stuffiness of a formal sushi bar. Grab a custom roll, head toward the shoreline, and enjoy a meal tailored exactly to your cravings.
Amenities & Features
Location
75-5725 Alii Dr Ste D101, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740-1789
More to Explore
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 134 community reviewsGautam DuttaGoogle Maps
Recently
Paid $10 to park only to show up to a sign that says 3hr wait time and the store closes in an hour... Ridiculous. Just close at that point 😒 …
Christina HeggieGoogle Maps
Recently
Absolutely delicious made to order takeaway rolls. They're generously sized - one per person is more than enough. Our go to for a perfect post diving lunch!
Perry DerrenbacherGoogle Maps
Recently
OH. MY. GOSH. This is the best sushi you're ever gonna eat!!! Rolls are MASSIVE!! I'm a 33 year old 6' 3" 185lb athletic dude and I eat a lotttttt. That being said my wife and I (also young fit and can eat) ordered 4 rolls and didn't come close to finishing them lol we couldn't even finish 3!! Rolls are huge, fish and other ingredients are high quality, combos are bomb, prices are fantastic and the final product almost made me cry it was so good... lol pro tip, take your left over sushi (you will have left overs...) remove insides from rice, throw rice in the microwave and put insides on top for a fantastic poke bowl!!! Now I will say... we called at 2 in the afternoon, it took 4 trys to get someone to pick up, and we picked up our sushi at 6 but that's because how could you not want this shushi!!! so plan for that but I would do it 100 times again it was so worth it!!! Keep up the good work you guys you absolutely nailed it!!!
Nate_yeah84Google Maps
Recently
Really really good sushi rolls, the best in big island! The only and biggest downside is the wait times…. I went 1 hour before they closed and it was gonna take 45 mins for 3 rolls… also no free parking unless you score some on the street or a local (you get 2 free hours in most lots.). The portion size is really big, one roll is 8 pieces you think it’s not enough but it is! Definitely a must to go and grab some before watching the sunset.
behruz babaieGoogle Maps
Recently
So good, and 100% worth the wait. We ordered around 1 PM and ended up picking up at 7 PM before our flight. Was amazing, best sushi I've ever had. 5/5!
Curt FaustGoogle Maps
Recently
Very good rolls, large and tasty! Phone in orders only (as of the review date) and they had a sign saying it's a 3 hour wait for walk ups. Not sure if that's true (walk up wait time) but the phone in and pick up option worked just fine. If you're looking for a good filling roll, this is the place to go!
ChyGoogle Maps
Recently
This is my favorite place to get sushi, there is absolutely no other place on island that can compare to their hand rolls. The owners are really nice people. Before the pandemic it was first come first served deal but since covid they are phone call orders only! It’s crazy but I have fun calling them 200+ just to get an order in, too me as a local it’s totally worth it! This is one of the best local places to eat. Supporting our local businesses. Recommend My Favorites: Ninja Star Roll and Shrimp Tempura Roll.
Birder HikingGoogle Maps
Recently
Was the sushi fresh? Absolutely. Was it yummy? Yes. But Was it worth calling over 200 times just to place an order? No. Also I did not care for the sushi Pizza. It just didn't pair well and made my sushi warm so I would recommend sticking with the fresh rolls if you put in the effort to get sushi here. Another plus is that the rolls are huge. I have killed sushi boats between me and my husband alone but less than 2 of these rolls had me stuffed!
Seon LeeGoogle Maps
Recently
Found out about this place while browsing for some good sushi online while we were at the Big Island The reviews don’t lie I had to call 19 times to get my order in and waited 1.5 hours to pick up the food- which worked perfectly as we wandered the streets and checked out some shops. This place was a bit tricky to find. You have to walk a bit to find it. It’s tucked in so don’t think it’ll be right by the road. Now the food It was great I had the sushi pizza - that was not so worth it but interesting to say the least. Would not get it again But everything else? Way Big rolls for decent price. Yes it’s a big roll but the fish that fills inside is also huge. Def got the value and had left overs since both of us could not finish it
Tiffany IpGoogle Maps
Recently
I found this place off a blog and I'm so glad I did! In summary: 1. I called at 12pm on a Thursday, the wait at that point was 2-2.5 hrs for an order. Theres only 1 person assembling all the rolls 2. Orders MUST be placed in person. I ended up swinging by the shop at 2:30pm after lunch elsewhere to place an order for 6pm pick up 3. They can close the shop unexpectedly early so they can finish all their orders on time by the end of day (they close at 6pm). They were double checking with the chef while I was there at 2:30pm to make sure he can complete my order by 6pm. At that point, the wait was 3 hrs. 4. Wait was TOTALLLY worth it! I would definitely do it again! The rolls are 50% bigger than your typical rolls and there is a good chunk of tuna/salmon. I got the North Star, Makai, Austin, and Spicy Salmon rolls. - all amazing rolls, I like the Austin and North star by just a smidge more, but I have no regrets with any of the rolls.
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Frequently Asked Questions about You Make The Roll
Common questions from diners about You Make The Roll in Kailua-Kona.
