Tokyo Tei - Hawaii Restaurant
#14 of 67 Restaurants in Wailuku Japanese

Tokyo Tei

4.0(53 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Tokyo Tei, offering the best Japanese experience in Wailuku. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Maui Institution Since 1935

Stepping into Tokyo Tei feels like a walk through Wailuku history. Operating in the heart of Maui’s historic district for nearly a century, this eatery isn't looking for trends—it’s focused on the kind of enduring, family-style Japanese cuisine that has kept locals coming back for generations. The dining room carries the faint, nostalgic scent of shoyu and dashi, a comforting aroma that greets you the moment you slide into a booth.

Signature Flavors of Old Wailuku

The menu is a masterclass in local-style Japanese comfort food. Their shrimp tempura is legendary across the island, boasting a light, airy crunch that defies the heavy-handed batter found in lesser kitchens. You cannot talk about Tokyo Tei without mentioning the tonkatsu; it arrives golden and crispy, usually accompanied by their signature gravy that fans have been trying to replicate at home for decades. Pair these classics with a mound of sticky white rice and a side of their iconic, tangy potato-mac salad for the quintessential Maui lunch experience.

The Rhythm of the Dining Room

It’s a bustling, no-frills environment. You might hear the rhythmic clatter of dishes from the kitchen and the steady hum of chatter from tables occupied by long-time residents. It is the perfect spot for a casual lunch with friends or a low-key dinner where the food does all the talking. Be mindful that the parking lot behind the building can get quite tight during the peak lunch hour rush, so navigate the narrow spaces with a bit of patience—the reward of a hot, satisfying meal is well worth the maneuvering.

Location

1063 Lower Main St Ste C101 Suite C 101, Wailuku, Hawaii, 96793-2008

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 53 community reviews
T

TAGoogle Maps

Recently

Updating since different owners and we heard they were going to go back to original recipes. We did takeout and ordered the teri steak, teriyaki pork and carrot tempura which is sold by the piece. Plates came with a scoop of rice and miso soup. Flavor of food was good. Person who took our order and completed our transaction was very sweet and friendly. We went back again and ate inside. We had the nabeyaki udon and their pork tofu and both were so delicious! We will definitely go back there again!

J

JANG JaneGoogle Maps

Recently

Ordered tonkkasu, smelled pork, seems like they used long frozen pork. Served with no salads. Miso soup was salty. Needs improvement.

J

J SGoogle Maps

Recently

Tokyo Tei has some good Japanese food, good atmosphere and for a good price. Would recommend. I always had a nice friendly experience here.

E

Eve ChouGoogle Maps

Recently

It's hidden on the lower floor of a strip mall/business center. They have lunch specials that gives you a good value for the amount of food you order. They are known for their tempura and it was crispy. However, the batter for the shrimp one was a little too thick. The veggies were crispy but some of them needs to be drained a little longer. The pieces of veg tempura was eating too greasy and oily. Kalbi was a little fatty and mushy rice. Miso soup was a nice start and seasoned well. Service was attentive and friendly.

K

Karl ChongGoogle Maps

Recently

Unfussy homely cooking. Sashimi was the highlight and I enjoyed the fish and steak. The tempura was good at first, but as the batter is a little thick, got heavy towards the end. Good value for money

D

DJ HamaJamaGoogle Maps

Recently

Anything tempura is amazing here unique and one of a kind. Sashimi was also delicious. I didn't care much for the pork teriyaki but 5 stars because that's how amazing the tempura was!!!

I

Iris NakataGoogle Maps

Recently

Tokyo Tei has been and always is a good place to eat. Food is ample n delicious, service is friendly and fast. Its clean and cozy. It's a favorite for over 40 years !

W

World Wide EdGoogle Maps

Recently

Cute place in Wailuku that has been here for many, many years. Hot tea and miso soup were delish. We came late at night so there were some thing understandably missing. The replacements were good.

A

Alex DraperGoogle Maps

Recently

This is a very local little dive. Staff was very kind and friendly. The food was decent and did have large portions, which we appreciated. We couldn't even finish the large amount of food! It was a little hard to find, because it is in a very unsuspecting strip mall.

J

Jeremy HaleGoogle Maps

Recently

Authentic Japanese feel. Don't be scared to actually eat the miso by bringing the bowl to your mouth, and use the bowl provided on top for your rice. The guests are friendly and so is the staff.

Comments & Reviews

Please sign in to write a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo Tei

Common questions from diners about Tokyo Tei in Wailuku.

Yes, Tokyo Tei provides table service for diners.

Nearby Restaurants

Wow Good Restaurant
$$
0.0(0)

Wow Good Restaurant

Asian • Korean

Wailuku
Four Sisters Bakery - Maui Restaurant Image
$
4.5(3)

Four Sisters Bakery

Bakeries • Quick Bites • Vegetarian friendly

Wailuku
Farmacy Health Bar - Maui Restaurant Image
$
4.6(3)

Farmacy Health Bar

Hawaiian • Healthy • Quick Bites

Wailuku