$45 Pau Hana for 2: Yohei Sushi Kāhala
The happy hour menu, served Thursday through Sunday, offers 20 different dishes between $4–$12 to mix and match.
With prices on the rise, weʻre on the hunt for the best happy hour deals where two people can fill up without breaking the bank. Frolicʻs $45 Pau Hana series (yes, we’ve upped it from our earlier $40 price point) scopes out crave-worthy spots that deliver serious value.
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
At Yohei Sushi Kāhala, omakase is the main attraction, an art form with an exquisite progression of meticulously crafted courses. While some omakase sets start at $90, the average price sits around $150. Here, full omakase sets range from $120 to $350, making it a luxury experience. But beyond omakase, Yohei offers a happy hour menu from Thursday through Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. (last order at 4:30 p.m.), making it an ideal opportunity to enjoy premium dishes at a more reasonable price.
The moment I stepped inside Yohei, I was struck by the contrast between the bustling scene at Kū‘ono Marketplace and the restaurant’s serene ambiance. The soft hum of relaxing music, the quiet murmur of diners and the sleek, minimal decor provided a peaceful escape.
The happy hour menu is split into three tiers: $4 food selections with eight options; $8 with five choices; and $12 with seven options. That amounts to 20 different dishes to mix and match plus a drink list featuring beer, wine, two sake options, three sour/shochu/whisky options and soft drinks. Despite the lower prices, the quality remains top notch.
SEE ALSO: $45 Pau Hana for 2: Beef 3 Ways at Han no Daidokoro
Here’s what my mom and I ate for $45.
Cold Aloha Tofu, $4
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
Four delicate pieces of soft tofu arrived with grated ginger, green onion and a sprinkle of bonito flakes, with a side of shoyu. Initially, I thought the dish might be plain, but one bite proved otherwise. Yohei’s treatment was refreshingly light and flavorful. Pro tip: Make sure to get a little bit of everything for a perfect bite.
Inari sushi, $4
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
Two sweet, marinated tofu pouches (also known as aburaage) came filled with sushi rice. The inari was soft with just a hint of chewiness, while the rice was moist and sweet. Simple yet satisfying, this dish was one of my favorites. I wanted another!
Shrimp & vegetable tempura, $8
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
Five pieces of tempura (shrimp, mushroom, sweet potato, pumpkin and shishito pepper) offered a twist—a side of red Hawaiian sea salt instead of the usual dipping sauce. Although I initially missed dunking my tempura, the salt proved delightful, enhancing the natural flavors and keeping each bite crisp. The shrimp, in particular, stood out with its fresh, strong flavor, unlike tempura from other places that lean more on the batter and have a milder seafood flavor.
Minced meat cutlet, $8
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
A savory blend of ground beef and pork was mixed with finely shredded cabbage and onions, all in a light, crispy coating, and served on a bed of greens with a side of tonkatsu sauce. Each bite was tender and juicy with the cabbage and onions adding a nice crunch. Dipping each bite into the tonkatsu sauce gave it a mild tanginess, creating a sweet and savory combination.
Yohei ramen, $8
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
This petite bowl of yellow noodles in a yuzu-infused shio broth was topped with green onion and seaweed. At first, I was alarmed by the softer noodles, but the waitress explained that the softer noodles are more traditionally Japanese. The broth was simple. I tasted shio at first, then it gave way to a citrusy ponzu. While interesting, this dish won’t be a repeat order for me.
Grilled miso butterfish, $12
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
Tender butterfish was served marinated in a savory-sweet miso glaze and garnished with yellow pickled radish (takuan) and purple pickled cauliflower. Butterfish is one of my all-time favorite Japanese dishes, so I was excited to try this version. Despite being slightly firmer than most butterfish, it burst with miso flavor, and the skin was nicely grilled, ensuring each bite had a satisfying crisp.
After we reached our spending limit, my mom (average eater) and I (a lighter eater) still felt a little hungry. The $45 spread felt more like a snack rather than a full meal. For a more filling experience without overspending, I’d recommend adding more rice-based dishes, such as the salmon roll (six pieces for $12), the fatty tuna and green onion roll (six pieces for $12) or an extra round of inari sushi or miso butterfish.
Photo: Katelyn Pabila
With that being said and knowing we were at a restaurant specializing in high-end sushi, we couldn’t resist ordering the fatty tuna and green onion roll. The moment it arrived, I knew we made the right choice. The fatty tuna was incredibly fresh and buttery. I loved the subtle sharpness of the green onion and the savory flavor of the nori. We ended up ordering two rolls and finally felt full and satisfied.
Happy hour Thursday to Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., restaurant open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. (closed Wednesdays), 4210 Wai‘alae Ave. Ste 102, (808) 425-4143, yoheisushi.com, @yoheisushi.kahala
