Like a Dragon: Yakuza Pirates Set Sail in Hawaii

In Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, you can indulge in your Dragon Ball dreams by gathering a collection of Golden Balls to make a wish. This substory kicks off automatically after Majima exits the Revolve Bar at the start of Chapter Three. You’ll be directed along a specific path outside the bar, leading you straight to Captain Beef. Having just joined your crew of misfit pirates, he shares his personal quest: to locate seven mythical Golden Balls scattered around Honolulu.

According to Captain Beef, if they can find these elusive items and if Majima agrees to assist him, they’ll earn a wish from a mysterious character named Shen. Thus, the substory titled “When You Wish Upon Some Balls” begins. Shortly after, Shen sends a text to Majima containing clues about the locations of the balls. While the hints indicate general areas, each ball is concealed in a very specific spot or requires completing a different task entirely. Here’s a guide on where to find all seven Golden Balls and the rewards you’ll receive from Shen for your efforts.

All Golden Ball Locations in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Chinese Medicine Shop

This is one of the simplest Golden Balls to acquire in Pirate Yakuza. Head to the Wan Shang Tong Herbal Shop located in the Cultural District. The quickest way to reach it is by taking a taxi to Lotus Street, but you can also walk or ride a Segway. If you’re unsure, it’s situated at the westernmost edge of your Honolulu map. This medicine shop is outdoors; the Golden Ball can be found behind the counter on a poster featuring outlines of two human figures, conveniently positioned between one of their legs.

You’ll primarily use your grappling hook to retrieve most of these Golden Balls, which you should have acquired through the main storyline by this point. Just aim with L2/LT and the right thumbstick, then shoot with R2/RT.

Sushi Restaurant

Next, make your way to Shinobi Sushi, the restaurant you might have previously visited during the substory “I Want To Be Your Nadeshiko” (or maybe just to enjoy some California rolls). It’s located near the Shrine taxi stand on Sakura Street, in the northeastern corner of Honolulu.

This Golden Ball is nestled between the legs of the shinobi statue directly in front of the sushi restaurant. This seems to be a recurring theme!

Seaside Avenue Pool

This one is a bit trickier to locate. Head to the area shown on the map, just outside the Seaside Sanctuary Hotel. You can take a taxi to Seaside Avenue or West Hula Avenue for a shortcut. Look for the small space to the left of the hotel steps, where you’ll find a large stone wall with several openings overlooking a pool area. Near the rightmost opening is an NPC wearing jorts who comments about a mysterious, glowing ball on a nearby lounge chair. Use your grappling hook to snag it.

Pawn Shop Masked Doll

This Golden Ball was the first one I discovered in Pirate Yakuza (I had plenty of Bronze Plates to sell). It’s found in The Treasure Select Pawn Shop—specifically at the Hula Avenue location, conveniently near Julie’s Gearworks and the adjacent taxi stand. Upon entering, look to your right to find a mannequin adorned with a sombrero and a lucha libre mask. The Golden Ball is tucked in his shorts, just waiting to be targeted.

Old Man Chasing Sickos

To acquire this Golden Ball, you first need to unlock the Sicko Snap mini-game. If you haven’t yet, make your way to the Aloha Beach trolley stop (right by the Aloha Beachfront taxi stand). Wait for the trolley to arrive and get on; this will trigger a short substory where you encounter a photographer named George. He explains that he takes photos of ‘sickos’ around town in a fun, Pokémon Snap-style mini-game, then presents his findings to the police. You’ll need to play this recurring mini-game from Infinite Wealth to unlock it.

Once you unlock Sicko Snap, George will establish his shop. You can spend the Snap Points earned from completing the mini-game to obtain one special item: a Golden Ball. It’ll cost you 3,333 points to buy it, which is easily achievable after just a game or two.

Freak On Top Of Dunghill

Return to the Goromaru and set course for Madlantis, where we’ll uncover the last two Golden Balls. Approach the Dunghill bar in the northeast corner, then ascend the stairway at the entrance’s right side. Take a left and you’ll find yourself on top of the Dunghill roof. Face the edge and look up and to your left to spot a leather-clad man flexing quietly on a small raised ledge. You can probably guess where the Golden Ball is hidden.

Sweaty Man Near The Coliseum

Lastly, head to the vicinity of the Pirate Coliseum illustrated above. You’ll notice a pair of pirates squabbling, along with an NPC discussing a suspiciously shiny object in the distance. Use your grappling hook to reach the spot he’s pointing at and collect the final Golden Ball.

Pirate Yakuza Golden Ball Rewards

After gathering all seven Golden Balls, you’ll receive a message from Shen summoning you to the docks in Honolulu. Head over to the substory marker on your map and have a chat with Shen. He’ll take your Golden Balls and offer you a selection of wishes:

Additionally, after you receive your reward, Shen will offer to join your pirate crew. Although he’s not the strongest crew member—with G ratings in Cannon Power and Ship Upkeep and E ratings in Attack and Defense—he can be developed into a decent addition for boarding parties or treasure raids.

So, although Shen may not be the magical figure Captain Beef touted him as, he carries a significant amount of cash and has an eye for flashy underwear. The $10,000 reward is nothing to overlook, making this substory well worth your time in Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.