Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman

Hawaiian restaurant · Ko Olina

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman

Hawaiian restaurant · Ko Olina

1

92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707

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Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman by null

Highlights

Monkeypod Kitchen is a lively farm-to-table restaurant in Ko Olina, where you can savor vibrant Hawaiian cuisine and craft cocktails amidst a breezy patio and live music.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707 Get directions

monkeypodkitchen.com
@mokukitchen

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707 Get directions

+1 808 380 4086
monkeypodkitchen.com
@mokukitchen
𝕏
@petermerriman

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Jul 27, 2025

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14 Best Bars in Maui: Our Favorite Spots for Drinking Any Time of Day | Condé Nast Traveler

"If you're looking for funky, loud, and lively, you've found it: Colorful surfboards hang from the ceiling above the bar, a live local band plays in the corner, and servers whiz past with trays full of gorgeous foam-topped cocktails and slices of cream pie. The decor is very Hawaiian but not at all kitschy, and the space spills out onto a breezy outdoor patio with gorgeous sunset views. There are a 36 craft beers on tap and 12 craft cocktails." - Kris Fordham

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-maui
View Postcard for Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman

sead ademovic

Google
Monkeypod Kitchen is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a solid happy hour. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, with live music, open-air seating, and great service that makes you feel right at home. Their happy hour deals are hard to beat—discounted drinks and 1/2 regular appetizers and $14 pizza. The Monkeypod Mai Tai with that signature lilikoi foam is a must-try, and the pizzas and garlic truffle fries are always spot-on. Everything is made with quality ingredients and full of flavor. Whether you’re catching up with friends or just looking for a great spot to kick back, Monkeypod’s happy hour always delivers. Definitely a go-to if you’re in the area.

Matthew Phillips

Google
Solid food, drinks & service. Good curated drinks but small. Cornbread & Truffle fries stood out more than the entrees. Fish tacos alright, local catch sandwich was better. Staff was friendly which was a plus & local music is a nice touch. Open tropical atmosphere was nice way to have our 1st meal on the trip.

Sarah Alvarez

Google
Came during lunch and the bar had plenty of seating which was nice because I was alone. Ordered the “pinky up” lychee drink, poke nachos and the broccoli salad (without olives). Everything was 10/10. Bartender gave me some of the pork marinade for the poke tacos and it really elevated the meal. Live music was playing, a cool breeze blowing. I could stay all day. 👏🏻

Taylor Salyers

Google
Service was great, we went there on Easter without a reservation. The food was flavorful and the portions were good for a day at the beach. The gnocchi entrée was my favorite. It’s on par with typical resort pricing, typical fees are added.

Robert Zilbauer

Google
Fun, lively spot with decent food and a fantastic -- mostly local -- beer selection. Live music in the evening. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Great place!

Ben Hayle

Google
Great spot for dinner. Making a reservation was easy and we got a great spot outside. They had live music but it was good background music that still allowed you to have conversations. The menu is small but the food was good.

Commandobolt

Google
Came to this spot on a recommendation, thought that the prices were fairly expensive but when we tasted the food, WOW. You are getting exactly what you pay for, burgers are some of the best I’ve ever had, and fries come paired with this garlic mustard sauce that sent my taste buds to heaven. There is a fairly long wait time, but this spot with live music and fantastic food (plus drinks) is an absolute must stop for anyone looking for a good time.

Ashley B

Google
Went for an early Christmas dinner, service was excellent and the recommendations were spot on! Ordered a non alcoholic Mai tai and an alcoholic one, both good but the non alcoholic was definitely sweeter. We had two appetizers, lobster deviled eggs and the new shrimp one. Both were good but the shrimp one had a kick to it and we are not fans of any spicy foods. Still good though. Ordered fish and chips (chips were soggy and greasy, not a fan) but the fish was good, fish tacos - but fried as the regular way is spicy, and fish and lobster pasta which was the favorite. The cream pies looked good so we got a strawberry and chocolate. Strawberry was creamier, almost cheesecake like, while the chocolate was lighter and has whipped cream. It was close but the favorite was strawberry. The crust was too hard so we skipped it but I’d still order the pies again.

Caleb V.

Yelp
The service was pretty good and the overall aesthetic of the restaurant was nice. I got the Margarita pizza and Waipoli Farm Mixed Green salad. The pizza crust was very thin, dry and was lacking sauce (4/10). However the Waipoli Mixed Green salad was good (7/10). Recommend.
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Sam O.

Yelp
The best food in the Ko Olina area! Indoor-outdoor atmosphere is really cool (except the flies and birds) and they have live music! The Virgin Mai tai was a disappointment - only tasted like POG juice. The fish & chips and bulgogi tacos were amazing!
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Andie Hojun L.

Yelp
We were so blown away by Merriman's on Big Island and finally decided to try Monkeypod after learning that it was owned by Merriman's. Maybe our expectations were too high but we were not impressed despite hearing so many good things about this place. The ambiance was nice on a Saturday afternoon with live music but their food and service were underwhelming. We got their Kailua pork and pineapple pizza, which was okay. Their crust is very thin and we thought it was okay? Same with their chicken wings just okay. Did not like their broccoli salad and they let me change it to the kale salad, which was good but way too drenched in their sauce. Their wheat beer was good though! They also don't validate parking. All in all I think it's a tourist trap among the resorts there. Again, the ambiance was nice for folks who are visiting, but if you are just looking for good food at a fair price, there are better options. Waiting for the Merriman's in Honolulu to reopen so we can try it!
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Waxx M.

Yelp
Is this a joke that the best Hawaiian can do! Service is a shame and the food is mediocre at best. This is what has become of American food. I wouldn't step foot in this s * hole again. The worst service I've seen in a while. People are just going there like a herd of goats.
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Scott G.

Yelp
Monkypods in Kapolei never disappoints. Went there for some drinks and pupus and to listen to live music. We decided to share the Hamakua Wild Mushroom with Truffle Oil Pizza., which was really good. We sat at the bar and the bartender was attentive and friendly. The have plenty of parking and you pay by app. Check them out when you're in Koolina. Aloooooooooha and happy eating.
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Glenn M.

Yelp
Delicious and tasty!! Wife and I had lunch here last Friday and it was wonderful. The food was delicious! We had the lobster deviled eggs for starters and they were so yummy! Delicious chunks of lobster on a creamy deviled egg. So yummy! I had the Mahi Mahi grilled fish sandwich with fries and it was fresh tasting with crispy greens. This sandwich was delicious! My wife had the grilled fish tacos and said they were super tasty! Fresh fish and so yummy! The service was wonderful and spot on! The ambiance is very comfortable and I wished we could have stayed there all day eating and drinking! Great place to go!!
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Trina D.

Yelp
We had a reservation at Monkeypod after our flight in from California. I pushed it a bit just because we weren't sure if we wanted to rest up and change for dinner or go straight there. We ended up changing our clothes without resting but were really tired for our 6:30 pm reservation as it was 9:30 PT back home. We ordered a Fresh Squeezed beer ($10) and a fresh pineapple juice pint ($9) to start. The pineapple juice was so refreshing and delicious, but pricey! I decided on the Poke Tacos ($24) and the Garlic Truffle Oil Fries ($13). The poke tacos were perfect. The wonton shells were crispy and yummy. The tuna was seasoned well, although my husband likes to dump soy sauce on everything Asian food related so he asked for additional soy sauce which was provided. The fries were disappointing to say the least. They were a little soggy and I barely got any garlic truffle flavor from them. I did have a sinus cold but I tasted the other foods fine so I did not I lose my sense of smell or taste. The fries were bland. The house-made ketchup was a nice touch. My husband did not have much of an appetite so he barely ate. It was a little pricey but it's Hawaii. Our server was fine. We were just tired and wanted to go back to the room to rest after a long travel day.
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Renée M.

Yelp
Stopped by for a cocktail after walking around the Four Seasons Hotel & Disney Aulani since it was the first full moon evening. We had intended to watch the sunset but the Koolina Lagoons parking lots close shortly after sunset. Plan B kicked in. We parked at the Koolina Shops where paid parking is $4.50/hr, 3-hr max til 11pm.(Not sure if parking is less expensive after 5pm as my friend mentioned they paid more the other day?) First we walked around the ABC store to check out touristy stuff then walked across the street to the hotels. We came back to have a drink at Monkeypod. We sat down & were served iced waters at the bar. We weren't hungry, just there to take in the island vibe. I looked at the menu & didn't want anything too complicated. I just asked the bartender if they had anything Lychee or just a Lychee Martini? He asked if I just wanted that Vodka & that it wouldn't be sweet & I said that was fine. I didn't want Elderflower or the other ingredients in their Lychee cocktail. He happily gave me just that & it was nice & perfectly cold! I only had a drink as my friend had to work the next day & when she had stopped by with another co-worker the other day, the bartender suggested a "white drink" according to her & it was good but STRONG, LOL! She only had 2 & came home with a headache & crashed out in the room, LOL! I dipped on my drink & wished the bartender offer more ice water as I finished mine & would've been nice to top it off before hitting the road. Food menu looks good & with nice open air seating across the hotels. I'd be back to try some food.
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Kimberly P.

Yelp
Our dine-in experience was amazing! We arrived for our reservation and were seated right on time. Service was prompt, and our food came out incredibly fast. Everything was hot, fresh, and delicious. They even offered buttered noodles for our kids at no cost, and they brought them out right away with our appetizers, they really get it! We were celebrating our 4-year-old's birthday, and they made her feel so special, even surprising her with a complimentary pie and a candle for dessert. It was such a thoughtful touch. Another bonus: they offer happy hour! We enjoyed discounted drinks (which were delicious) and a great deal on our pizza. We were so happy with our experience that we ordered takeout the very next day. We were a little bummed to find out that happy hour pricing doesn't apply to takeout, but we understood. The takeout was just as tasty, but the portions felt noticeably smaller. I'm honestly torn between giving 4 or 5 stars, mainly because the $17 salad we ordered via take out felt pretty skimpy (photo attached). Overall, though, it was a fantastic experience, and we'll definitely be back!
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Patricia F.

Yelp
Chas is one of the best bartender mixologists I've ever came across. Food and service was out of this world. Ambiance was great
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Michael C.

Yelp
Food was absolutely delicious. Service with Amber Ale & Blue Dolphins were refreshing. The atmosphere was amazing with a train trolley driving through with many tourists. My favorite part was the Ube ice cream.
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Rich S.

Yelp
We had a large party (15) reservation and the table was ready on time. This was a huge plus! Food was good, and frankly we probably ordered too many appetizers. Left with leftovers - the tacos (bulgogi and fish) came with 3 each and we left with 1 each. The fries were really good - tasted like fresh potato fried with a variety of crispiness. All the food was a bit pricey, but we are in a tourist area, so it was expected. We will come again
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Diana T.

Yelp
Monkeypod is a delicious spot if you're staying in the Ko Olina area! Getting a reservation was easy. Pizzas were delicious, but the standouts were the Ma'o Farms kale salad and Monkeypod mai tai! I ended up getting the kale salad twice the trip, once with chicken and the other time with mahi mahi, but felt like the chicken paired better. The salad wasn't bitter or too tough a at all for a kale salad, dressing was perfect, and the toppings were simply delicious. I will try to remake the salad at home even though I know it won't be as good. Highly recommend it if you need to add some fiber/vegetables to your meal! The restaurant is huge and has live music.
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Lynn L.

Yelp
We came here for some food while visiting the Disney Resort Aulani. Luckily it's just a short walk. Our server Jen was really nice and friendly. She was able to confirm which items were free of allergens for my nephew. I got the mushroom pizza. It did take some time for our food to come out. My pizza was ok, the crust was slightly soggy. There was a hint of truffle, not too overwhelming. I think mostly everyone enjoyed their food. It's reasonably priced. The restrooms were clean. I really liked the soap, it smelled amazing. Don't know if I would return but overall it was an ok experience.

Alyssa A.

Yelp
I live a gluten-free lifestyle due to my medical history of dermatitis herpetiformis. In a world full of soy sauce and fried food, there are actually a surprising amount of places with gluten-free options here on Oahu. My family and I frequent MonkeyPod on Oahu at both locations, Waikiki and Ko Olina as they do offer some gluten-free options. The servers are at both locations are very knowledgeable about how to accommodate a gluten-free diet.* We most recently went to Ko Olina this weekend to celebrate a birthday. What we ordered: - chicken wings - jalapeño mashed potatoes - side of broccoli season with salt, pepper and balsamic vinaigrette - Organic macadamia nut crusted fresh fish. The Organic Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Fish is made with a panko crusted however the server made sure to leave off the panko to make this dish gluten-free. We also ordered an alcoholic beverage, the Manfuego (only at Ko Olina location) and I also requested a non-alcoholic version of the Manfuego, made with lemonade and it was delicious! I love that MonkeyPod is farm-to-table and uses locally grown ingredients in their dishes and had live music during our dinner there! We will definitely keep MonkeyPod on our go-to list of places to celebrate at =] *When eating at establishments that are not designated gluten free there is always risk for cross contamination.
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Janai S.

Yelp
We stopped in for a snack after a fun swim in the lagoons. It was a little too early for dinner, but the kids were getting crabby and needed some food. We sat at the bar and ordered their famous Mai tai's, some potstickers, broccoli, and noodles for the kids. The drinks were amazing and reminded us of just how special Hawaii is! The potstickers - our only regret was that we didn't order a second plate of them, so delish! The girls gobbled up their noodles and steamed broccoli so fast that I almost forgot we ordered them. The music was perfect, and the staff all were quite pleasant. Everything was super, but the best part about the whole experience was Kayla, the bartender; she was so kind and accommodating to the kiddos and us. Even my little one commented on how sweet she was and said she would like to be her new best friend. Mahalo!
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Allyson L.

Yelp
Our waiter was soooo nice. Ugh I forget his name but he gave us a banana cream pie on the house and that was just so nice of him. And that pie was SO good. One of the best banana cream pies I have ever had. Thank you! My bf and I shared the pork bulgogi tacos and the pork and pineapple pesto pizza. Both were so flavorful and delicious. I like that it is farm to table. Very fresh ingredients you get! They also have live music and lil twirly machines to keep flies away. Really enjoyed our meal. It is a bit pricey, but you do get what you pay for!
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Shantel B.

Yelp
This is the place we end up going whenever family is in town -- good drinks, food & live music! The service cannot be beat, I unfortunately forgot the gentleman who had helped us the entire night as this review is overdue (September 2024) if i remember his name I will definitely edit it again. we were celebrating our cousins early birthday / a small cousin reunion. They brought her a special dessert & we sang happy birthday. All the food was delicious per usual. The lobster devil eggs were so good we had to order seconds most of us are not lobster fanatics so for us to order seconds says everything you need to know. If you love Mai Tai's then be prepared to order more than one. Every person we take here says they're getting one drink which happens to be the Mai Tai.. what never fails is that they will order 2-3 of those drinks.
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Andrea C.

Yelp
I purely came here for Happy Hour and tried the drinks. Of course I had to do the Monkeypod Mai Tai. That is what they are know for. I love the foam, it is not watered down. It was yummy and came with a pineapple garnish. Next up was the Pinky's Up, which if you love watermelon jolly ranchers this is the drink for you! It was too sweet for me. I moved on to the No Ka Oi. This was my fave, light and refreshing with a littler sour taste at the end. Perfectly balanced. The last was a Mango Margarita, not bad, but not spectacular. Best of all they have live music during happy hour
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Fred R.

Yelp
This is a great gem in Oahu! The food is delicious! The drinks are so good and a nice, but short, Happy Hour! 4 of us visiting Oahu tried this place on Tuesday night and loved it enough to go back again Wends night!
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
Food is always amazing here. I tried the lobster deviled eggs for the first time and wow! Flavorful! Just the right amount of dill. We always get the garlic truffle fries which are our favorite and on one order we switched out the truffle oil for chili oil and 10/10! Try it that way and you won't be disappointed - it should actually be on the menu it was that good. I usually get their Mai tai, but wanted to try something different and went with the White Walker and oh my gosh! Refreshing! The coconut and lime! My new favorite. Not pictured, but still amazing: kalua pork & pineapple pizza (we get it every single time) and bulgogi tacos. As busy as this place gets, service is always good!
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Leah H.

Yelp
This place NEVER disappoints! This visit I was craving their always amazing breading pudding. The flavor of bread pudding changes but it is always so good. We also grab a couple mocktails that were super tasty . The hostess again meet us with kindness and lead us to an outside table as the bar was full. It was a nice night so we didn't mind. Love the feel of all the sting lights and music playing in back ground.
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Julie K.

Yelp
Chas is an amazing bartender and mixologist. He takes the time to get to know what you like and can make amazing recommendations and drinks. The food, drinks, and ambience are fantastic!
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Elmer G.

Yelp
We decided to eat at the monkey pod kitchen in Ko Olina the first night right after we arrived. The restaurant has a great vibe. They have a small stage in which live music can be played. The service was good we did get our orders fairly quick and the mai tai's kept coming. The food was decent, I was disappointed with the garlic fries. I was expecting more. We received burned salty fries. We decided to send them back and few minutes later received another batch that was still burned but less salty. I guess maybe that's their style but the salty part I had a hard time getting over it. The drinks were amazing! Some of the best Mai tai's I have had.
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Seana A.

Yelp
My experience started on Friday when I had called ahead of time to check and see if they could accommodate my allergies. I spoke with KC who wrote everything down and ensured that when I called back after speaking with my Ohana to reserve a time for today. We arrived a little early and didn't have to wait long for our table. There was live music and we got ti sit outside which was a awesome vibe. Torie, our server was fantastic. She was friendly and reviewed my different allergies before taking our order. I had wanted to start off with the Lobster Deviled Eggs. After checking in with the chef, it turned out one of the ingredients was on my allergen list. I was super appreciative that they caught that. I ended have the bartender special of the day, the Banana Lumpia which was delicious! For dinner I had the Margherita pizza. I enjoyed it so much, I ate the whole thing! For dessert I had the strawberry guava sorbet which was delicious. It had a hint of cinnamon which I think made it taste better. Torie also was attentive and patient with my 6 year old niece which means the world. I definitely recommend you coming here with your Ohana!
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Grace C.

Yelp
Great experience overall. Each item we ordered was flavorful and interesting, and the service was quick despite it being a large footprint. Live music was just starting as we'd finished our dinner around 7pm on a Wednesday, during tourist off-peak season. I can imagine it's really popping during the summer. Don't be fooled by the humble appearance of the jalapeño mashed potatoes; they're astounding. I might not be able to eat other mashed potatoes now. First time having saimin, a Hawaiian version of pho. It was good, with lots of smoked pork flavor. I LOVED the fish & chips, which had a light tempura breading so the focus was on the freshness of the fish. It came with a little ginger-y green slaw that I could've eaten a giant bowl of. Kind of reminded me of a dry kimchi. The restaurant is just feet away from an Island Country Market, where we picked up dessert. It's also next to Black Sheep Creamery, if you want sweets that aren't on their menu.
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Kristin S.

Yelp
This is such a beautiful location. It's convenient for tourists to have a drink with lunch or dinner. The happy hour menu is the way to go if you'd like to get more bang for your buck. It is a pricey menu for small plates but I come back for the wonton poke tacos. Mieko was my server at the bar for my take out order. She was sweet and attentive, even though I wasn't grabbing a drink tonight (but I wanted to but was in a hurry). The Mai Tai here is my fav on island! If you can grab a seat, order a Mai tai and relax while listening to the live music and eating fresh food.
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Liz V.

Yelp
Mmm the salads with mahi mahi added on were really tasty and fresh, I'd go back again for these! It was a nice day at Ko Olina and we dined at the outdoor seating. Friendly service and a relaxing spot to catch up with family and friends visiting!
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Shanice S.

Yelp
Long overdue review. Service is friendly. The staff is phenomenal. Food is yum. Go-to's are truffle oil garlic fries, ravioli, and any pizza. Ask for lilikoi foam on any drink! Delish! HIGHLY recommend the pie. Strawberry is the best! It's a large portion. Good to share between two, maybe even three. Outdoor fresh open air breeze. It can get hot (or cold if it's rainy but it hardly rains). Super easy to walk to if you're staying at Aulani or FS across the street. Our favorite for happy hour and an ice cold drink!
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Elaine D.

Yelp
We had dinner reservations at Mina, but my daughter wanted us to experience THE Mai Tai, when ch was at Monkeypod Kitchen. It was so potent I couldn't get through the whole cocktail, but I gave it a try. Go for it! 16
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Zaid D.

Yelp
Solid dinner spot across from Aulani/Four Seasons. I would avoid driving if you are staying in the near by resorts. There is a parking lot that does charge. I've been here about 3 or so times and would recommend coming during Happy Hour. Our usual is an order of wings, pizza, and fries. This has fed 4 of us comfortably. I haven't had a need to put a reservation in, 3:30-5 seems to be very slow, but starts to pick up later in the night.
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Dawn K.

Yelp
We've been to Monkeypod in Maui, so we knew what to expect. Monkeypod is consistent with good decent food. It's definitely not a 5 star restaurant, but good overall. What we ordered; Roasted chicken wings - it was happy hour so we got them half price - great solid wings, but probably wouldn't order the normal price wings. Shrimp and mushroom pot stickers- we loved the flavor and dipping sauce, very good! Garlic truffle fries - these are actually some of my favorite fries I've ever had, we loved them! Mixed greens salad with beets and chèvre , so yummy, if you love beets get this!! Fish tacos - excellent Seared ahi steak - awesome, the jalapeños mashed taters and soy sesame sauce are a must to accompany the mild ahi. Fish and chips - quality, my son loved them. Kalua pork and pineapple pizza - everyone loved the pizza, great flavor and the touch of heat with the jalapeño - yes! The staff was friendly and vibe and atmosphere is very cool.
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Jim D.

Yelp
Always amazing friendly service and great food. Can't go wrong with creamsicle pie or macadamia cream.
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Leah Y.

Yelp
Every time we come to visit Hawaii, we always stop by this restaurant. Food is always a decent price for being in a tourist area, quality is outstanding, and the ambiance is always casual and family friendly. Tonight I ordered the chefs special (it was a green curry with ahi tuna and shrimp), and it absolutely blew my mind. One of the best and most flavorful curries I have ever had, and the rice that came on the side of it was packed with flavor as well. The broth was smooth and coconut forward, and paired really well with the peanuts sprinkled throughout. The seafood floating around were cooked perfectly, and the veggies (mushrooms, onions, jalapeños) really balanced out the flavor and provided a great crunch to each bite. Highly recommend getting this. We also ordered the fish tacos and the margarita pizza, and both of those entrees were outstanding as well. While there can be a little bit of a wait, it is definitely worth it. Our servers were super amazing, had great menu insights, and quickly took our orders and brought our food despite the entire restaurant being packed. There was live music playing, which was at the perfect sound level, and very pleasant to listen to. Overall, a great family friendly atmosphere, amazing staff, outstanding food quality and even better flavors. Definitely a must try restaurant if you are in the area.
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Kim T.

Yelp
Second time at Monkeypod and it's fantastic. We dined on the outside patio early evening. There was a breeze and it added to the ambiance. Live music in the background was wonderful. Darin C was playing guitar and singing some mellow recognizable songs so it didn't overwhelm any conversations we were having. Now, the food was delicious and the service was perfect! Drink & appetizer orders were taken before our waiter came to the table - they were slammed with customers and people waiting. TIP: use Open Table ahead of time. Less wait. Our appetizer, entrees and desserts were all delicious! The Lobster Deviled Eggs were divine. Smooth texture 4 halves. A good amount of lobster on top of each half. Yes, we wanted more, however it would not have left room for dessert! Main courses: kalua pork & pineapple pizza - kalua pork, macnut pesto, roasted pineapple, jalapeño, green onion. Absolutely delicious. Fresh caught fish tacos - chipotle mole (contains peanuts), salsa fresca, sour cream, cilantro, cabbage, corn tortillas. Flavorful and one of the best tasting, ever! That good. 2 Cheeseburgers (1 was no bun) - dijon aioli, sautéed onions, fontina, vine-ripened tomatoes, butter lettuce, house-made quick pickle. The guys loved the burgers and devoured them! You might think we would not have room for dessert, but we did! We ordered an ube ice cream and the strawberry cream pie! Of course, French pressed coffee to share. My friend loved the ice cream. My husband and I loved the strawberry cream pie! The pie description: kula strawberries, strawberry guava jam, homemade pie crust. Fluffy and light, topped in sliced strawberries- oh my. You have to taste it to believe it. So good! And the coffe smelled and tasted delicious. A perfect evening meal. Kudos to Monkeypod - you made our evening most delicious and memorable.
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Charlotte M.

Yelp
Such good food, and a great vibe. It's indoor outdoor dining and they often have live music. We go here for birthdays lately! Their cocktails are delicious and bougie (just the way I like them). The Monkeypod Mai Tai is really good, and comes with honey lilikoi foam, which is fun, kinda like a fruity creamy topping for your drink. They also have several alcohol free cocktails. The food is consistently good. This last visit we had the wings appetizer, fish tacos, and burger. (We definitely had to take food home to go for leftovers). We didn't get the garlic truffle oil fries this time, but the fries are a really delicious appetizer to share for the table. Both the plain fries and garlic truffle oil fries come with a whole-grain mustard, aïoli, and their own ketchup . Side note: I don't know who was the original person who thought to put truffle oil with fries, but it was a genius idea. It's one of my favorite flavors with fries. The roasted chicken wings are really good and have a nice crisp from the roasting... and they are free range chicken. The fresh caught fish tacos are really good, I had mine grilled. I can't recall if they gave an option of how it's cooked. It was an entree and were 3 good sized tacos. My husband had the burger and fries and said it was really good. (They use Big Island beef) Also, very important: They have happy hour 3:30 - 5:00 pm!
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Steven M.

Yelp
Went around 630, it was packed on both floors. We got the lobster deviled eggs, fish and chips and fish tacos since we didn't know what to get. The lobster deviled eggs was the star of the show 9/10 because there wasn't much lobster on it BUT the eggs were incredible. The fish and chips / tacos were fresh. Our cocktails were yummy. The service was okay, we had to wait 30 minutes for our check and were in a crunch to leave because of the paid parking limit so we had to flag down another server for it. There were bugs on the second floor walls near in the two tops booths which wasn't the best look, but it is outdoor. Definitely could be worth visiting just for the deviled eggs.
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Michelle C.

Yelp
Two words... happy hour! The wood oven pizzas are really good. The family favorite was the Kalua pork and pineapple. These mai tais are my personal favorite, (the teenagers also like the virgin Mai tai's). I won't order them back home, but here, that's all I want. We also tried the pie..... wow! The strawberry is the way to go.Everyone at this location was really nice and helpful. The service was amazing, so attentive. My favorite Monkeypod experience has been at this location.
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Cora L.

Yelp
A bit pricey for us but a solid food option, Monkeypod sits with a strip of other stores in Kapolei. The restaurant itself had seating on multiple floors and the ambiance was quite nice. It was open air with a good amount of lighting. There was also a bit of a view from upstairs. Live music could be heard as well from downstairs. The service was efficient and they were kind, even splitting the two dishes we ordered so we can enjoy half of each. The burger was solid and flavorful. The romaine salad was good as well. Overall, we would come back and hopefully try some of the pizza or fish offerings that are more prevalent on their menu.
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Miss N.

Yelp
An expensive head of unchopped lettuce, soiled dressing, and no toppings Save your $$$ and skip going here

Keira P.

Yelp
They have fresh catches of fish. The fish tacos and macadamia nut crusted fish was delicious! Also love the vibe and ambiance of the restaurant with the outdoor seating and live music. Our waitress was very kind too. However, the burger was tasteless. I got it well done and it tasted like meatloaf. I do not recommend. That's the only reason they got 4 stars rather than 5.
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Amanda P.

Yelp
This was our third visit to Monkeypod Kitchen, and as always, the food and service were great. That said, even with reservations, we've consistently had to wait around 30 minutes to be seated. If they could get the timing right, it would be a great experience. Still, definitely worth a visit. The Lobster Deviled Eggs are delicious.
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Tom L.

Yelp
Monkeypod is an excellent restaurant, the staff and servers are extremely friendly. They are an open air establishment and the breeze feels great when it makes its way into the restaurant. Their steak is excellent and I have to highly recommend their vegetarian options... their gnocchi and tortilla soup are both the bomb! Finally all of the deserts are fantastic but the Banana pie is the major standout.
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Jason M.

Yelp
Great food here. Sat upstairs in the corner facing the street. Beautiful views, a nice breeze, was a nice setting for dinner. Their fries are amazing. Natural cut, very crispy and salty. Kalua and pineapple pizza was great. Charred enough to make it crispy, not soggy where it falls apart. A very good pizza. The burger was equally good. Big burger little bun is the best way to put it. The mango smoothie and side of Kimchi were surprise hits. Ate here twice, will definitely return. Need. Reservation for the evening. The place gets busy.
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Charles P.

Yelp
I loved this place so much the first time that I brought my entire family back, and it was even better! If you're looking for incredible, locally sourced food, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, live music, and a tastefully decorated, high-end atmosphere, this is the spot for you. If you're budget-conscious, come at 3:30 for happy hour. Nearly all appetizers (except seafood) are 50% off, pizzas are just $14, and the drinks are reasonably priced too. Here's what we tried: 1. Roasted Chicken Wings: These free-range wings had a delicious hint of garlic, hot spices, and rosemary. Pair them with the homemade Yogurt Feta dip for an extra burst of flavor; absolutely amazing! 2. Pumpkin Patch Ravioli: Locally sourced squash filled the ravioli like a delicate dumpling, perfectly complemented by the walnut sage pesto and fresh spinach. The raw green veggie garnish on top added a refreshing touch. 3. Saimin: We got this for the kids, the adult portion is a better choice since it includes meat (the kids' portion is only vegetables). While the broth was a bit salty for the kids, adding extra hot water solved the issue. This noodle soup features egg noodles, broccoli, onions, cilantro, mint, and bean sprouts. 4. Hamakua Wild Mushroom & Truffle Oil Pizza: My personal favorite! A simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, thyme, and creamy white sauce made this pizza absolutely irresistible. 5. Kalua Pork and Pineapple Pizza: This is a true "Hawaiian pizza"! Packed with tender pork, green onions, jalapeños, pineapple, and pesto, it's no surprise that it's the restaurant's most popular pizza. We were so full after our meal, but our outstanding server, Zac, recommended trying the Strawberry Cream Pie and it was a game-changer. I usually don't like pies, but this one, with its cheesecake-like texture and a layer of strawberry guava jam, was one of the best desserts I've ever had. The atmosphere, food, and service were phenomenal. A special shoutout to Zac for making our experience unforgettable!
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Alexis G.

Yelp
Please get the deviled egg bites, they were hands down of the best things I've ever had!! Love the indoor/outdoor vibes and it was great to be here when they had live music.
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Dan S.

Yelp
Great service at a nice table outside. Very chill music playing. Server was Kai. Helpful and friendly all evening. Apps included shrimp tacos and a margherita pizza. Entrees Caesar salad with chicken. Fresh gnocci, ahi with wasabi mashed potatoes and special chicken sandwich. Dessert was a pie fest of chocolate strawberry and coconut cream. Delish.
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Susan W.

Yelp
We came for happy hour (3:30-5:00pm) and enjoyed their cocktails and food! They're known for their Mai Tai ($14) which comes with a unique honey-lilikoi foam. We also tried their craft beers ($8) which were great when paired with their food! We ordered a kalua pork and pineapple pizza ($14) and garlic truffle oil fries ($6.50). The prices were decent given it was happy hour and the view was nice, though it was not a beachfront view like some other Monkeypod locations. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time, especially if you're coming for happy hour. Parking was a little tricky, but there's a free parking lot across the street near the lagoons about a 7 min walk away that closes at sundown. If you're looking for a good happy hour deal with nice ambiance and great service, definitely check out Monkeypod!
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Keith H.

Yelp
Had an incredible birthday dinner here with my wife. The service was great the food was delicious, the prices were high but fair considering other nearby local alternatives. We sat upstairs in the open air dining room. It was beautiful, cool and breezy. I'm not sure where but there was a live band playing nearby ( maybe downstairs) it created a relaxing and romantic environment that was perfect for the occasion! I had the grilled shrimp appetizer with blistered cherry tomatoes, cornbread and a side of jalapeño mashed potatoes. All of it was the bomb.com (delicious)! For desert I had the coconut cream pie with french pressed kona coffee, it was fire! My wife had the macadamia crusted mahi mahi. When I tasted it dat knocked my tongue in da dirt! It was so good. I'm definitely coming back here before going home!