Japengo Receives Top Honors at ‘Aipono Awards

Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa received three awards at the 2016 ‘Aipono Maui Restaurant Awards, taking home gold for Best Sushi for the third consecutive year, gold for Best Asian cuisine, and silver for Restaurant of the Year.

Sponsored by Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine, the ‘Aipono Restaurant Awards annually recognize the best of Maui’s food, wine and hospitality industries. See the full restaurant results here.

Japengo has been honored with 19 local awards since its opening, and recently celebrated its five-year anniversary.  In 2015, Japengo received honors including gold for Best Sushi and gold for Best Pacific Rim Cuisine; in 2014, it was awarded gold for Best Sushi.

“We are deeply honored and humbled to be recognized as a Restaurant of the Year,” says Gevin Utrillo, Japengo Chef de Cuisine. “We put our soul into the dining experience we create at Japengo and are excited that the local community enjoys it as much as we do. We are equally proud to be recognized for our Asian cuisine and sushi and look forward to welcoming many more guests through our doors this year.”

Japengo’s staff is all smiles at the 2016 ‘Aipono Awards. Courtesy photo.

Hamachi Watermelon Sashimi-style at Japengo, Hyatt Regency Maui. Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki/PLATE

Dining room at Japengo. Courtesy photo.

Flaming Pina Colada Creme at Japengo, Hyatt Regency Maui. Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki/PLATE

Japengo’s bar at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo.

Grilled local Mahi Mahi, on the menu at Japengo, Hyatt Regency Maui. Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki/PLATE

Japengo celebrates the Maui Tastemakers Series again this year, with dining experiences carefully crafted around and inspired by its local partners, including artisans, fisherman, farmers and beverage makers. See Kiaora Bohlool’s video on the April Tastemakers dinner with Maui Brewing Co. here.  Upcoming partners include Ocean Vodka on Friday, June 3 and Kona Brewing Co. with Simpli-Fresh Produce on Friday, August 12.

Japengo is open nightly for dinner and sushi bar service from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and lounge service from 5 to 10 p.m., which includes happy hour between 5 and 6 p.m.

Visit here for more information about Japengo or to make a reservation.