Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
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Great sit-down dining experience in an unhurried atmosphere. Our server was one of the best servers in the islands, because not only was he polished, knowledgeable of the menu and on the ball, he also looked like the new Magnum PI actor (we didn’t think of this til we were done, but we all agreed lol). Sorry, can’t remember his name but I’m sure he’s heard this before. He was genuinely nice and smiled a lot which other servers on our stay here didn’t do as much. We had the Kiawe Grilled Ahi (wow, it was good; seasoned well and perfectly seared to my friend’s specifications) with jalapeño mashed potatoes which were fresh, not too spicy yet definitely had a jalapeño flavor. My Organic Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi was “killer” according to Steve, just the best I’ve ever had, with a mango relish, bok choy on the side (Duke’s bok choy was better because they added a hit of sesame oil, this was plain steamed with salt); and great nutty brown rice. My haole husband had the Fish and Chips with Malt Vinegar Aioli and he liked it fine; fries were a bit overdone and limp. We ordered the Truffle Oil Fries with Parmesan and these were also quite brown and limp. My friend’s husband had the Fresh Caught Mahi Mahi Tacos which he ate in about five minutes so I think they were delicious; he then ate off everyone else’s plate. He’s obviously a fan of Monkeypod lol. The dumplings we had for appetizers were good; I didn’t have any but everyone said they were great. We sat on the upper level and it’s an open air restaurant with views of flowering trees. The Disney Aulani was across the street so many of the restaurant’s patrons were wealthy tourists. The servers were young and smiled a lot. The team that brought our food was quick and attentive without being intrusive. The upper level had an oddly-situated raised roof over the stairwell in the middle of the floor; surrounded by a railing it was at eye level with a couple of tools on it like the establishment was having work done on it. Not sure if it was going to be a stage but it took the 5-star factor away.
Sharon Iwasa PerkinsSharon Iwasa Perkins
00
I am so pleased that I asked a friend that travelled to Hawaii for recommendations for dinner. A friend mentioned Monkeypod Kitchen as an excellent lunch or dinner option in Whaler's Village which was quite near our hotel. Her immediate suggestion was the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli, and oh my lanta it did not disappoint! Whaler's Village is an excellent little open-air shopping area with a handful of noteworthy dining options. Monkeypod is located just across from Louis Vuitton and near the path that lines the ocean along the Kaanapali Beach area. This restaurant does not take reservations, it is first come first serve. We went to Monkeypod on a Monday night, had our name put down around 6:15pm, and we were seated around 7:05pm. We were seated at the bar since there was a longer wait time for a table. This restaurant can accommodate large parties but be prepared to wait. It is truly worth it. This restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available. The atmosphere is both energetic and romantic. The bar staff were lovely and friendly offering excellent suggestions especially when we realized the daily special had run out. Another thing to note, they offer nightly/daily specials that I imagine change routinely. The earlier you dine, the more likely you are to order and receive one of these coveted entrees. We were told they just sold out when we were about to place our order. Though the entrees we ordered were just as well. The Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish was mahi mahi, very popular fresh fish dish on the islands, and the Fish & Chips were cooked perfectly. We were very pleased with our dining experience, and Monkeypod Kitchen will continue to be my top recommendation for family and friends visiting Maui.
Alicia LudescherAlicia Ludescher
00
Our Monkeypod dinner was so good that we came back for dinner in two days. We started with Poke tacos, was super refreshing and the taco shell was crispy, crunchy, and light. (4/5) We tried two pizzas. I absolutely LOVED the Kalua Pork & Pineapple Pizza. To those who think pineapples don’t go on pizza, yall NEED to try this pizza. I also love how their crust is thin but not too thin, and apparently, they import their flour from Italy. Also, pro tip: get olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the side to dip your pizza crust — this is a GAME CHANGER! (5/5). Their lobster pizza, which is their “Bourgeois”was also super yummy. But I will say, the Kalua Pork & Pineapple wins for me because of the cultural concept and the uniqueness in that I will probably only find this in Hawaii. Okay, can we talk about their SEARED AHI STEAK? I never liked ahi steak before but THIS?? GAME CHANGER. No more explanation needed. (6/5 because it EXCEEDED my expectations). We also tried the Prime Ribeye Steak- medium rare-, which was delicious! Juicy and tender. We love the jalapeno mashed potatoes that go on the side for both our entrees. Their pies are famous so we decided to give them a try. We got the coconut cream pie and the strawberry cream pie. Both were yummy in their own way. The cocont cream pie has a vanilla bean layered custard as well as coconut cream on top - this was so good! The strawberry pie has cream cheese mixed in, so it tasted like a strawberry cheesecake-pie! Service overall was great, and we made reservations so we didn’t have to wait. Lines do get long though. The vibes are amazing— it’s like a sports bar but with a slightly smaller menu and higher quality food.
Alice HanAlice Han
00
Overall 7/10 Monkeypod delivers a so-so food experience, but has a great concept. Location: 7.5/10 Good for those staying in Ko'Olina, but a parking nightmare for those driving in. Ko'Olina is beautiful, so that offsets some of the downsides. Ambiance: 6/10 The live music was nice, but it was very busy, noisy and worst of all, hot. The open air concept is nice, but during hot evenings, it's absolutely stifling inside, especially when the trades aren't blowing. Drinks: 7/10 My wife got the Monkeypod Mai tai and I got the Old Fashioned Touch. The Mai Tai is solid and strong. Definitely would recommend. The old fashion had my favorite bourbon, 4 roses, but the Li-Hing overpowered the flavor and nose of the drink, which really hurt the experience. Appetizers: 6.5/10 The avocado and cucumber salad wasn't really a salad, but rather a few ingredients tossed with a vinegarette. The avocados were fresh, but unseasoned and far too large. The same for the cucumbers. Overall it felt like a disjointed concoction. The lobster deviled eggs were spectacular, but the lobster did absolutely nothing for the dish. The eggs overpowered the delicate lobster and because of that, the $22 appetizer fell flat. Mains: 7.5/10 My wife got the Mac nut crusted fish and I got the Big Island burger. The fish had decent flavor and the crust was nice. The fish itself didn't seem worthy of the $48 price tag though. The rice was good, but the Bok Choy was inedible, as it was soaked in sesame oil and slightly burnt. My burger was a solid burger, but nothing over the top. The fries were fresh, but lacked a crisp (maybe not double fried?)
Jeremy LichtenbergerJeremy Lichtenberger
00
After making a reservation over a week ago. According to the confirmation email, we arrived 15 minutes early and were given a waiting device. Unfortunately, the experience started off poorly when, somewhat rudely, I was informed that our table might be ready at the reservation time. I understood and waited patiently. However, after 40 minutes, the device turned off, prompting me to approach the hostess again. The same lady asked us to “just wait to the side until someone takes you to your table”. Finally, after another 5 minutes, a friendlier hostess escorted us to our table. Around 8:15 PM, our waitress approached us to ask if we needed two glasses of water for the kids. At that moment, I only needed to get some food. I appreciated her prompt service when taking our order, managing to remember everything we asked for, despite the beer we wanted not being available. The food arrived after another 15 minute wait. I've attached a photo of how my burger looked. Another waitress kindly checked on us and upon my dissatisfaction with the food, promptly arranged for a replacement. However, the inconvenience continued as I had to wait for the burger to be replaced and pay for it. The last straw was when my children used the restroom and found it clogged and flooded. Overall, despite some friendly staff and decent service recovery efforts, the experience was marred by significant wait times, food issues, and facility problems. This visit fell short of expectations, and I hope management addresses these issues to improve future dining experiences for others.
Letty HerreraLetty Herrera
00
AMBER + KARINA 🔥 An Unforgettable Night at Monkeypod Ko’olina …Just Steps from the Lagoons! Monkeypod Ko’olina delivered an extraordinary dining experience that went beyond just great food—it was a night to remember! Nestled just a stone’s throw from the breathtaking lagoons, this gem offers the perfect mix of island vibes and culinary excellence. Amber, our rockstar server, and the ever-attentive Karina from management, made us feel like VIPs from the moment we stepped in. Amber practically took the reins on our order, and every recommendation she made was spot on. The evening’s special - a divine octopus and shrimp dish - was hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in a while. My seafood pasta? Bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Even my son’s burger off the kids’ menu, while simple, still delivered a satisfying punch. The service was the ideal balance of professionalism and warmth. Amber’s infectious energy and genuine care for our experience really set the bar high …ask for her by name, trust me. You’ll be in for a treat just from her amazing personality alone! And as if the food and service weren’t enough, we were serenaded by the soulful tunes of John Akapo, whose live music filled the space with laid-back island charm. His covers were so good, we didn’t want the night to end! Monkeypod Ko’olina is a must-do if you’re craving top-notch service, unforgettable food, and a vibe that makes you want to stay all night long. Highly recommend this place, whether you’re fresh from the lagoons or looking for a perfect evening out.
Bryan HensonBryan Henson
00
Nearby Attractions Of Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Ko Olina Center
Beach Villas at Ko Olina AOAO
Ko Olina Golf Club
Paradise Cove Public Beach
Paradise Cove Public Beach
Aulani Disney Resort and Spa
Ko Olina Lagoon 1
Ko Olina Beach Villas Ocean Tower
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
4.6
(5.4K)Click for details
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
4.6
(1.5K)Click for details
Ko Olina Center
4.4
(831)Click for details
Beach Villas at Ko Olina AOAO
4.7
(708)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
Roy's Ko Olina
Mina's Fish House
Eggs 'n Things
Mekiko Cantina
Ama Ama Restaurant
Off the Hook
Noe
Makahiki
Island Country Markets
Tropic Poke Sushi
Roy's Ko Olina
4.5
(896)Click for details
Mina's Fish House
4.3
(415)Click for details
Eggs 'n Things
4.2
(579)Click for details
Mekiko Cantina
4.3
(332)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
Map
Phone
(808) 380-4086
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Website
monkeypodkitchen.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(2.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Farm-to-table eatery & bar for Hawaiian food, beer & cocktails, served in a casual space.
attractions: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Ko Olina Center, Beach Villas at Ko Olina AOAO, Ko Olina Golf Club, Paradise Cove Public Beach, Paradise Cove Public Beach, Aulani Disney Resort and Spa, Ko Olina Lagoon 1, Ko Olina Beach Villas Ocean Tower, restaurants: Roy's Ko Olina, Mina's Fish House, Eggs 'n Things, Mekiko Cantina, Ama Ama Restaurant, Off the Hook, Noe, Makahiki, Island Country Markets, Tropic Poke Sushi
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