What you will experience at Isana is a combination of bold and adventurous flavors, fresh, world-class sushi, local offerings, ambience, friendly service, and an ocean view second to none. You will get the chance to try classic sushi offerings, modern twists, as well as fresh-caught local fish you may not have tried—or even heard of before! Isana restaurant is a modern, open, and welcoming restaurant with craft cocktails, draft beers, wine, and a variety of sake. The atmosphere features fishing pictures of Johnny, mixed with a warm and welcoming Hawaiian style decor bringing the sea to table concept to life from the food to the ambience. The traditional Japanese “Great Wave of Kanagawa” featured in Isana showcases fisherman in boats with huge capsizing waves, exemplifying what our fisherman do every day in the ocean, risking their lives to catch fresh fish. Hence the name translation of Isana-Brave Fish.
Owners, John and Christine Arabatzis grew up on Maui and opened their first restaurant, Pita Paradise, when they were just 23 and 24 years old! Having both grown up working in restaurants, their mission is providing top quality, fresh cuisine at a reasonable prices. Combining friendly staff with the aloha spirit and passionate cooking, this combination is the secret to their 26+ year success in restaurant business on Maui. Owner, Johnny grew up fishing and purchased a small fishing boat shortly after opening his first restaurant, pursuing his other passion of fishing. Johnny became an avid fisherman, catching various fish including Opakapaka, Onaga, Lehi, Big Eye Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Ono.
This freshness combined with the talents of Executive Chef Ren Padilla and Sous Chef Mark Artates create a uniquely Hawaiian dining experience highlighting fresh caught fish, world class sushi, and gourmet island style cuisine. Isana features elevated local favorites including kalbi ribs, garlic shrimp noodles, rib eye steak, tonkatsu pork ramen, and crab and shrimp fried rice.
Chef Ren Padilla, born in the Philippines, came to Maui and initiated his career in high-end Japanese restaurant and sushi bars in prestigious Wailea. His appreciation of fresh fish led him to a fish market where he sharpened his skills. Ren hand picks fish from fishermen, creating dishes including fried poke, fish lettuce wraps and whole fried fish with a finadine sauce. He utilizes his culinary expertize in Japanese and local Filipino culture in developing the flavors of Isana which is approachable and reflects the islands culture. Locally raised, Sous Chef Mark Artates’ passion to deliver the highest qulity of fresh fish is second to none, bringing in fish straight from the auction block on Oahu, owner John Arabatzis and local Maui fisherman.
Chef Mark’s innovative rolls and commitment to freshness and quality makes Isana a favorite sushi bar amongst locals. Where customers can come in to eat great food, celebrate life, special events, be treated like family and welcomed in their second or, as the Hawaiians say, their “hanai” home!
