You Make the Roll
An unassuming, locally-owned sushi take-out spot famous for its massive, delicious 'reverse' rolls made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
You Make the Roll
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An unassuming, locally-owned sushi take-out spot famous for its massive, delicious 'reverse' rolls made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
"The best sushi you're ever gonna eat! Rolls are MASSIVE and the quality is unbeatable."
Call Ahead Early
Place orders early in the day as wait times can exceed several hours. Try calling right at opening.
Arrive Early to Avoid Closures
Be prepared for potential closures if they get too busy; arrive early to avoid missing out.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sushi
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(808) 326-1322
Address
75-5725 Ali‘i Dr # D101, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Massive & Flavorful Sushi Rolls
Experience incredibly large and tasty sushi rolls, generously filled with your choice of three or four ingredients. One roll is often enough for one person!
Unique 'Reverse' Roll Creation
Enjoy their signature 'reverse' rolls where the rice is on the outside and nori on the inside, packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Incredible Value for Money
Substantial portion sizes and fresh, high-quality ingredients make this unassuming eatery a fantastic value, drawing locals and visitors alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Call Ahead Early
Place orders early in the day as wait times can exceed several hours. Try calling right at opening.
Arrive Early to Avoid Closures
Be prepared for potential closures if they get too busy; arrive early to avoid missing out.
Consider Smaller Rolls
If regular rolls are too big, ask for smaller pieces of sushi to manage portions.
Plan for the Wait
Wait times can be long, often several hours. It's a popular spot, so factor this into your plans.
Tips
from all over the internet
Call Ahead Early
Place orders early in the day as wait times can exceed several hours. Try calling right at opening.
Arrive Early to Avoid Closures
Be prepared for potential closures if they get too busy; arrive early to avoid missing out.
Consider Smaller Rolls
If regular rolls are too big, ask for smaller pieces of sushi to manage portions.
Plan for the Wait
Wait times can be long, often several hours. It's a popular spot, so factor this into your plans.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about the incredibly fresh, high-quality, and generously sized sushi rolls, praising the amazing taste and value for money. However, the overwhelming sentiment is that obtaining an order can be a significant challenge due to extremely long wait times and difficulty getting through by phone. Some suggest arriving early or preparing for a multi-hour wait.
"Really really good sushi rolls, the best in big island! The only and biggest downside is the wait times…. I went 1 hour before they closed and it was gonna take 45 mins for 3 rolls… also no free parking unless you score some on the street or a local (you get 2 free hours in most lots.). The portion size is really big, one roll is 8 pieces you think it’s not enough but it is! Definitely a must to go and grab some before watching the sunset."
nathan oshiro-chin
"OH. MY. GOSH. This is the best sushi you're ever gonna eat!!! Rolls are MASSIVE!! I'm a 33 year old 6' 3" 185lb athletic dude and I eat a lotttttt. That being said my wife and I (also young fit and can eat) ordered 4 rolls and didn't come close to finishing them lol we couldn't even finish 3!! Rolls are huge, fish and other ingredients are high quality, combos are bomb, prices are fantastic and the final product almost made me cry it was so good... lol pro tip, take your left over sushi (you will have left overs...) remove insides from rice, throw rice in the microwave and put insides on top for a fantastic poke bowl!!! Now I will say... we called at 2 in the afternoon, it took 4 trys to get someone to pick up, and we picked up our sushi at 6 but that's because how could you not want this shushi!!! so plan for that but I would do it 100 times again it was so worth it!!! Keep up the good work you guys you absolutely nailed it!!!"
Perry Derrenbacher
"So good, and 100% worth the wait. We ordered around 1 PM and ended up picking up at 7 PM before our flight. Was amazing, best sushi I've ever had. 5/5!"
behruz babaie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Wait times can be extremely long, often several hours, due to the restaurant's popularity. It's recommended to call early or be prepared to wait.
Yes, you can place orders by phone, but it can be difficult to get through. Calling exactly when they open or multiple times is often necessary.
Yes, the sushi rolls are known for being exceptionally large, with one roll often being sufficient for one person.
They specialize in 'reverse' rolls, where the rice is on the outside and the nori is on the inside, filled with your choice of ingredients.
Free parking is not guaranteed. You may need to find street parking or use paid lots.
No, You Make The Roll is a take-out only establishment.
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Tiny and locally owned, this sushi shack in the heart of town has gained an incredible following and specializes in "reverse" (rice on the outside, nori on the inside) rolls, filled with three or four ingredients of your choice. It's super popular and gets crazy crowded, so expect a long wait—but it's worth it. (Wait times can exceed an hour, but they let you know how long before you order.) Hayashi's has been in take-out mode only since COVID-19 (call to confirm this), so you have to phone your order in.
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This is a hidden little gem and a favorite among the locals. Just be prepared to get there early because there’s usually a line. When they get too busy, they’ll close down for a bit (regardless of whether you’ve been standing in line for a while) and reopen when they’re caught up.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit