All the major cuisines are represented in Hawai'i, though, of course, Asian and Southeast Asian restaurants are the most common. Here, we've selected a representative sample. (More Asian and Southeast Asian restaurants can be found in the chapters on dim sum, noodles, sushi bars, izakaya, takeout and yakiniku.)

AKASAKA

This very special little restaurant is a bit hidden, but once found, you'll not forget it. It has the look and feel of a Japanese inn. You'll have to be clever to slip in before the regulars crowd the place; the business is 95 percent repeat customers who come for the super-fresh sushi, the sizzling grilled dishes (especially scallop butter yaki draped with creamy mayo-based sauce), the nightly specials and the polite service.

1646 Kona St. 942-4466. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Dinner: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Saturday; 5 p.m.-midnight Sunday. Closed for lunch on Sunday. Reservations recommended. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. No checks. $$.