This restaurant is the stuff of dreams to sushi lovers. Even if you are squeamish eating raw food, this would be the best place on earth to try it as the fish is only hours out of the waters when you eat it. If the fresh and excellent factor still doesn't convince you, you will also find dozens of other cooked versions of seafood specialties to your liking at Sansei. It is perhaps the most popular and busy establishment north of Lahaina because 1) the food is outstanding and 2) great numbers of locals thrive here on the "local" discounts. As if the food weren't enough to draw tourists and locals alike, Thursday nights are Karaoke night, which literally rocks the joint and makes getting a table tougher than getting into Aqua without a reservation on Valentine's Day.
Go early (5:30 pm) to slip into your favorite table easily and take advantage of the "happy hour" reduced price appetizers. I have not ordered an "entree" here, as it's much more fun to order tapas style from the huge selection of appetizers. Favorites include the Calamari salad which is fried calamari piled into a fried wonton shell on a bed of greens. What makes this dish a Maui specialty is the sweet and tangy sauce. Move on to the Panko crusted seared ahi, then the unbelievable Butter Fish (honest, it's like "buttah").
Trust the waiters. They are friendly, happy, kind and at least a few have admitted they work here because they are addicted to sushi and working to support their habit. They will steer you in the right direction if you are adventurous. Last time I was there I was introduced happily to the Rainbow Roll. It is like a California Roll with salmon, avocado and ahi on the outside. That ahi was so stupendously fresh we just had to order an extra side of sashimi to get our fill of this gift from the sea. Afterward we gave praise and thanks to the magnificent tuna who had sacrificed himself for our pleasure. Moments such as these make one glad one is human.
Save room for dessert -- the apple tart with cinnamon ice cream is very likely the best you will ever taste.
I'll admit it. I love Sansei. Everyone I know who's been there lusts after the unique flavors long after they've left the island. Hopefully you will too.