Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman — Restaurant in Oʻahu

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...

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...

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...