
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
A popular farm-to-table eatery and bar known for its creative Hawaiian cuisine, award-winning cocktails, and tropical atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular farm-to-table eatery and bar known for its creative Hawaiian cuisine, award-winning cocktails, and tropical atmosphere.
"The Monkeypod Mai Tai with lilikoi foam is a must-try, and the pizzas and garlic truffle fries are always spot-on."
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during Happy Hour (3-5:30 PM & 9-11 PM) for half-off pizzas and appetizers.
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant gets busy, especially with resort visitors. Book reservations in advance.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Hawaiian, New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Mai Tais
Savor Chef Peter Merriman's award-winning Mai Tais, crafted with local rums and unique lilikoi foam.

Farm-to-Table Hawaiian Flavors
Experience Chef Peter Merriman's dedication to fresh, local ingredients in creative Hawaiian-inspired dishes.

Tropical Atmosphere & Live Music
Relax and enjoy the vibrant, open-air tropical atmosphere, often enhanced by live music performances.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during Happy Hour (3-5:30 PM & 9-11 PM) for half-off pizzas and appetizers.
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant gets busy, especially with resort visitors. Book reservations in advance.
Watch Your Bill
One reviewer reported an issue with payment and an extra charge. Be cautious when paying.
Spice Level Caution
Be mindful of spice in certain dishes like shrimp appetizers or fried fish tacos.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during Happy Hour (3-5:30 PM & 9-11 PM) for half-off pizzas and appetizers.
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant gets busy, especially with resort visitors. Book reservations in advance.
Watch Your Bill
One reviewer reported an issue with payment and an extra charge. Be cautious when paying.
Spice Level Caution
Be mindful of spice in certain dishes like shrimp appetizers or fried fish tacos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monkeypod Kitchen is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, signature Mai Tais, and farm-to-table approach, showcasing fresh Hawaiian ingredients. While many praise the quality of the food and the lively ambiance with live music, some diners have noted issues with service consistency and experienced payment concerns. The popular happy hour and creative dishes are definite draws, though occasional service hiccups can detract from the overall experience.
"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."
sead ademovic
"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."
Matthew Phillips
"Came for Happy hour in early September, food was amazing. Had the pizza, wings, and tortilla soup. Please note before coming here this restaurant does NOT carry ranch. If you enjoy it with your pizza wings, you may want to look else where. Also, it may have been the time we came but the bugs were all over us despite the restaurant putting out these bug deterrents on each table. Other than that I think you may be better off picking up your food to go."
Alejandro Jauregui
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't miss the award-winning Mai Tais, wood-fired pizzas, truffle garlic fries, and their popular pies. Other recommended dishes include gnocchi and fish tacos.
Happy Hour runs twice daily: from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.
Yes, the restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with live music and a diverse menu that can appeal to families.
While not explicitly listed, the farm-to-table concept suggests a focus on fresh produce, so inquire about vegetarian options.
The atmosphere is described as fun, relaxed, and tropical, often featuring live music and an open-air dining experience.
One reviewer mentioned issues with bugs and another advised caution with spicy dishes. It's also worth noting that ranch dressing is not served.
Mentioned in
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Chef Peter Merriman’s restaurant in the Ko’olina resort area on Oahu’s west side is known for putting the highest level of care into every item on their food and cocktail menus. You’ll find pieces of Hawaii spread throughout both, with thoughtful touches like house-baked sweet bread buns for the burgers and crust for the pizzas made from scratch in the kitchen. Monkeypod’s signature mai tai wins awards year after year for its refreshing combination of local Old Lahaina rums and house-made macadamia nut orgeat syrup topped with honey-lilikoi foam.
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With the Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, chef Peter Merriman had one mission in mind, and that was to put the spotlight on the best ingredients and produce Hawaii has to offer. Examples of this can be found throughout the menu, such as the Hamakua wild mushrooms wood-fired pizza, which features truffle oil, fresh thyme, white parmesan and locally sourced Hamakua mushrooms. And look no further for fresh greens, as the Waipoli Farm organic baby romaine, with shaved Parmesan and Pete’s Caesar dressing, tastes as fresh as it looks.
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We stumbled upon Monkeypod Kitchen by accident when we were exploring the Aulani Disney Resort, which I later found out was pretty funny, considering that it is one of the most popular places to eat in Maui and Oahu. Now, I’ve been to Monkeypod Kitchen in Maui and Oahu, and I can indeed confirm that it is one of the best places to eat in Oahu!. Monkeypod Kitchen supports local and organic farming, ranching, and fishing and serves a seasonal menu with fresh produce and other ingredients.
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When it comes to its food and drink options, Chef Peter Merriman’s restaurant is recognized in the Ko’olina resort area of Oahu’s west shore. Both restaurants feature Hawaiian touches like sweet bread buns baked in-house for the burgers and pizza dough produced from scratch for the pizzas. There is no shortage of accolades for Monkeypod’s Mai Tais, made with Old Lahaina rums, honey-lilikoi foam, and garnished with a honey-lilikoi foam.
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Located in the ocean oasis of Ko Olina, Hawaii, Monkeypod Kitchen has secured itself with some prime real estate. When coupled with its delicious dishes created by locally renowned chef, Peter Merriman, Monkeypod is definitely one of the best restaurants in Oahu. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner as well as Happy Hour (3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.) for the best deals.
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Monkeypod Kitchen is a restaurant in Ko Olina that features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an imaginative approach to cooking. The menu includes everything from hand-tossed pizzas made from scratch, to seared ahi steaks…but with an island twist, of course. Classic cocktails and original concoctions are also on the menu, guaranteed to satisfy your boozy cravings.
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Thankfully it just so happens that the one among few is actually the best place to do so – Monkeypod Kitchen. This lively double-decker yet dim lit establishment is full of both resort visitors and locals from the Kapolei area. It’s also where island hoppers from Maui go when visiting Ko Olina, as they enjoy Monkeypod Kitchens in Wailea and Ka’anapali too.
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Monkeypod is a fan favorite (saving the ‘cult favorite’ phrase for the next one..) and gets extremely busy, so make reservations via OpenTable at least a week in advance!. It’s a chill-vibe restaurant with an assortment of food selections. My three recommendations are the Macnut Crusted Fish (pictured above), the Lilikoi Foam Mai Tai, and any of the pies!
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Monkeypod Kitchen is without a doubt one of the best restaurants on Oahu, and it’s conveniently located in the tourist hub of Ko Olina. You really can’t get it’s unique, modern American/pan-Asian dishes anywhere else. I usually go during their happy hour (3-5:30 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.), because all pizzas and appetizers are half-off!
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This is our go-to when we want fresh food, a killer mai tai, and a place loud enough to drown out our very loud children. This a great elevated dining experience without all the stuffiness. The ethos here is all about farm-to-table dining, where local ingredients shine in dishes that are as delicious as they are sustainable.
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92-1048 Olani StKapolei, HI 96707(808) 380-4086 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps. If you’re on the hunt for top-notch indoor kids activities, Oahu, Hawaii just has the place for you. Monkeypod Kitchen is a buzzing restaurant in the Ko Olina resort area, offering a diverse menu and live music.
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We first tried Monkeypod on a date night in 2018 and totally loved the food and atmosphere of the place. When we saw that there was another location in Ko Olina during month-long stay on Oahu in 2023, we had to take our kids back with us to try it. It can be a little pricey, especially for seafood dishes.
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This popular lunch and dinner restaurant in the Ko Oline resort area offers a variety of menu options, from burgers and wood oven pizzas to fresh fish and salads. There are 36 craft brews on tap and live music twice a day. And children (or "keiki") under 3 can eat noodles and cheese for free!
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This is the best dining option at Ko Olina Station, a strip mall of casual eateries servicing Ko Olina Resort. One of the latest ventures from Peter Merriman, who pioneered farm-to-table fine dining on the Big Island in the ’80s, Monkeypod is a larger, more casual restaurant (with…
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Monkeypod Kitchen – If you’re out on the west side, Monkeypod Kitchen is a must. The garlic fries and pizza are delicious (I get the Wild Mushroom pizza, minus mushrooms….just trust me!) and I’m salivating just thinking about it. It’s a popular spot, so be prepared to wait.
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92-1048 Olani Street, Kapolei, HI 96707(808) 380-4086 • monkeypodkitchen.com. When you’re on Oahu’s west side, you’ve got to visit this culinary gem at the Ko Olina Resort. It’s super family-friendly, and not only because kids three and under eat free.
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If you are staying in Ko Olina, you’ll want to eat at Monkeypod Kitchen. Here you will find incredible lunch and dinner meals. Your kids can get a cheesy pizza, cheeseburger, saimin, fish, or macaroni from the Keiki menu no matter what time of day.
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Monkeypod Kitchen: Kapolei’s Monkeypod Kitchen hosts happy hour daily from 3-5:30PM and again from 9-11PM. Monkeypod focuses on craft cocktails and locally-inspired cuisine. During happy hour, appetizers are half-off and pizzas are just ten bucks.
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Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is a hit with anyone visiting Ko Olina. They serve up delicious wood-fired pizzas that draw in crowds. Visit during happy hour and you’ll get half-off these tasty pizzas along with appetizers and discounted drinks.
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With a kid’s menu available, and free dining for children under 3, Monkeypod Kitchen is the perfect place for families that love to eat!
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They have another sister location on Maui near Lahaina called Monkeypod, and Merriman’s in Kauai which have the same delicious mai tai!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit