I recently took a position with a company close to Akaihana and decided to check it out for lunch. What I found was an interior under moderate renovation which left the ambiance rather concerning. With bare walls and raw sheet rock I considered cleanliness. I sat at the bar and received moderately hasty service during a busy lunch rush.
What I ordered: Cucumber salad, which was clunky and entirely too much for an appetizer salad. It resembled veggie spaghetti which was difficult to eat without worry. The flavor was flat. Fresh Oysters, delightful yet small. Both appetizers were served AFTER my Nigiri order of Unagi, Salmon and Yellowtail. All 3 orders of Nigiri were delicate and fresh. Exactly what you would expect from raw fish albeit they were served on WARM sushi rice.
Overall, the potential for a great experience is there! Will I return, yes!
Next up: Hamachi Kama ( which is another of my gauges of Great Japanese cuisine.)
Cost out the door for lunch with tea- $30.00 - but I did splurge!