Kihei, Maui · Azeka Makai
our story
Izakaya Genbe is an authentic Japanese izakaya—a traditional pub-style restaurant where the focus is on variety, sharing, and genuine hospitality.
eSTABLISHED in 2020
Izakaya Genbe opened in late 2020 during the pandemic. Owner Masashi Suzuki, who arrived from Hyogo, Japan in November 2019, faced shutdown just three months after arriving. When others told him to return to Japan, he refused—running the restaurant alone through months of uncertainty. That resilience became Genbe's foundation: authentic Japanese cuisine paired with genuine omotenashi (hospitality) from the heart. Masashi learned to cook alongside his mother in Japan, discovering that food could make people happy. Today, he brings that philosophy to Kihei, creating a true izakaya experience rarely found outside Japan. The name "Genbe" evokes traditional izakaya culture—a casual pub where friends share small plates, sake, and conversation. Since opening, Genbe has become a "hidden gem" for locals and visitors seeking authentic Japanese flavors. Sister restaurant to Tajima Ramen Maui, together they offer comprehensive Japanese dining in South Maui.
"When our staff feel respected and valued, that genuine warmth naturally reaches our guests."
Masashi Suzuki grew up in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, where he discovered his passion for cooking alongside his mother. "When she praised my cooking, I learned the joy of making people happy through food," he recalls. He arrived in Maui in November 2019 to help open a Japanese restaurant, speaking little English and facing immediate challenges. Three months later, the pandemic hit. "People told me to give up and return to Japan," Masashi says. Instead, he ran the restaurant alone through the hardest period of his life. Today, Masashi operates both Izakaya Genbe and Tajima Ramen Maui, bringing authentic Japanese izakaya culture and ramen craftsmanship to the island. His philosophy? True omotenashi (hospitality) starts with a happy team. His proudest moments aren't just about the food — they're about watching the team he's trained earn sincere praise from guests who feel transported to Japan.
Tajima Ramen Maui
San Diego's acclaimed ramen, now in Kihei.
12-hour tonkotsu broth, handmade noodles, and innovative flavors —
rated the best ramen on Maui.