Monkeypod Kitchen - Ko Olina Restaurant - Kapolei, HI

Monkeypod Kitchen - Ko Olina

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Address:
92-1048 Olani Street
Kapolei, HI 96707

Neighborhood:
Kapolei

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Cuisine:
Contemporary American

Price: $30 and under

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Monkeypod Kitchen - Ko Olina Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.monkeypodkitchen.com
Email: info@monkeypodkitchen.com
Phone: (808) 380-4086
Hours of Operation:

Lunch: Daily 11:00am-4:30pm

Dinner: Daily 4:30pm-11:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Hawaiian, Gastro Pub
Executive Chef: Peter Merriman / Todd Constantino
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
Entertainment: We feature live entertainment twice daily Monday through Thursday from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM during our Happy Hour and again from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM during sunset. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we have live music three times daily 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM for Lunch, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM during our Happy Hour, and again from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM during sunset. Our artists embody the spirit of Aloha and feature music from contemporary Hawaiian to light rock.

Getting there

Cross Street: Ali'Inui
Parking: Public Lot

A word from Monkeypod Kitchen - Ko Olina

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is a place where foodies, beer lovers, and families escape the stresses of their day to day lives by enjoying an ice cold beer and a great meal while surrounded by people who consider them honored guests and friends.
…
Our restaurants are founded upon a passion for craft and we are dedicated to mastering the craft of food, drink, and merrymaking…with Aloha! Our menu features fresh island fish, hand tossed pizzas from our kiawe wood burning oven, and homemade pies made from scratch.

Thirty-six craft beers served at twenty-nine degrees are on tap, representing the coldest beer and best selection of microbrews on the island. Our culinary cocktails feature unique ingredients such as acai spirit, coconut water, and Kula lavender. Our passion for craft also extends to our diverse wine list, which emphasizes sustainability, drinkability and fun.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerContemporary American
Diners' Choice WinnerHot Spot
Diners' Choice WinnerKid Friendly

Diner Reviews

"My daughter was on vacation so we decided to drive out for lunch on a Tuesday. The food was ok but not worth a half hour drive. We shared truffle fries, kale salad, and hamakua mushroom pizza. The truffle fries were good, kale salad didn't have much to it, mainly just kale, but it was light and fresh. The pizza had too much cheese and not enough mushrooms...barely any. When the waitress re-filled my daughter's water she poured water all over the back of the chair and down my daughter's back and somehow didn't notice that she had done that...!!!! We had to switch the chair!"
Dined on 3/11/2014
"I have been to the Monkey Pod many times. The sevice staff is friendly and accomodating. The menu is a little limited, but very good. This last visit, I had the Ahi, which was seared to perfection. The jalepeno mashed potatoes had just the right kick to them, and the aspargas were perfectly prepared. Ate everything on the plate. They have a great selection of local beers which I endulged. I recommend the Mana Wheat from Maui Brewery. Top it off with a lemon. We ended the dinner with the banana creme pie and french pressed coffee to top of a great meal. It always a little noisy, but the food and drink easily make up for it."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"The restaurant was in strolling distance from Disney's Aulani. The service was very good. We had a wood fired pizza that was better than average. The fried brussel sprouts were delicious. The desserts were very good. Overall, it was a nice break form the resort to walk over and have a good meal."
Dined on 3/9/2014
"We absolutely love Monkey Pod! We were worried becasue it was raining, the patio wasn't seating, and we thought we might have our reservation pushed back due to the 20 or so tables not being available, but we were still seated a couple minutes before the actual time. Food is amazing! We got one each of the specials (surf and turf) and enjoyed every bite! Our waitress was "training" but still did a great job - Our water, soda, and beer never hit the empty point! We'll be back!"
Dined on 3/7/2014
"It is a very energetic crowd with lots of noise along with live entertainment. Staff knows their product and Peter Merriman and his executive chefs have put together a real gem. The cream pies for dessert are a must try so save room. Have fun and enjoy. Parking is a pain in the rear so expect frustration."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"Great experience and prices for happy hour. However, do not sit on a table in the sun-it can be blinding while you are trying to eat."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"Monkeypod Kitchen shares a very small parking lot with a handful of other restaurants and small stores. More than half of the stalls are 30 minute parking. Almost impossible to get parking unless you arrive very early and wait for something to open up."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"Randomly found this restaurant from reviews on open table. We went back twice during our stay. Food was delicious and atmosphere was great!"
Dined on 3/8/2014
"I went with my family for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the food, the restaurant environment, and the service. I had the crusted macadamia nut mahimahi and the strawberry creme pie...both delicious! I highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 3/5/2014
"Amazing...best meal ever and great service. We tried the squash ravioli as an appetizer to share and this was really amazing! We then tried the Mai Mai, so so good. The fish was so tasty and tender. Combined it with the spicy broccoli which was really good but a bit spicy for me. Can't wait to come back again. Mahalo"
Dined on 3/5/2014
"Really, fresh ingredients, Mai Tai make with real juice and not bar mix, attentive, personable service, what more can you ask? This has quickly become an absolutely "must" on every visit in Oahu. Shrimp app and pumpkin ravioli are simply outstanding. What a great place."
Dined on 3/2/2014
"We went in with very low expectations due to the mixed reviews we read. Overall we were very pleased with the food and noise since several people complained about it. The live music was nice and not too loud. We have fish tacos and they were excellent. Only small item was our server who was a little slow at first and seemed busy. She was not real helpful in recommendations but answered questions on dishes we asked about. Most of the wait staff there seems young so I will chalk it up to age thing."
Dined on 3/4/2014
"The food was really good and the service very attentive, but the prices are a little steep even for Hawaii. Good Happy Hour deals on rinks and apps, but the regular fare is not dissented. Had local entertainment, which was nice, and good selection of beers."
Dined on 3/4/2014
"I find it very disappointing when entrees are so small that you wonder when they are going to bring the rest of your meal. Yes, the food was good, the restaurant is beautiful and the open air atmosphere is nice...BUT the menu is very limited (mostly pizza and sandwiches) and the food portions are so small...a good place if you want to pay the extra money to have drinks and appies and dessert to complete your meal. My husband had the fish tacos and was presented with 3 TINY tacos, and had to go home and eat toast to fill up. Menu selections do not include sides...a handful of fries costs extra. I know I am in Hawaii and the cost of meals is large, however, if I am paying $25- $30 a person for just entrees I expect to leave full."
Dined on 3/4/2014
"Had a very good dining experience, food was great and service was good. Only bad thing was that we were seated upstairs next to the balcony and because of the recent rain there were a lot of gnats flying around and going into our food other than that I would definitely be coming back."
Dined on 2/18/2014
"Love, love Monkeypod; awesome food, innovative menu, fantastic service, great ambience...."
Dined on 3/3/2014
"My wife and I love coming here for Happy Hour. Other than that it's not worth it. Food is okay. Service is okay at best. Most times service is poor. Bar seating seems to have the best service. Food is very over priced. The appetizer menu and pizza are discounted at Happy Hour. Pizza service is aweful at times. Although my most recent visit I was surprised to get my pizza before any other food we ordered. Sometimes have to wait for a drink as they run out of some glasses. Beer menu is one of the best in the islands. Overall of you want to grab a beer and a bite at Happy Hour this place is very good. Just be patient."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Food was excellent, Service was excellent, overall was Awesome atmosphere...look forward to our next outing."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Came here to meet a friend for brunch. Service was great & the atmosphere was lively, a little loud but overall great food & service. The fabric on the first seating area the hostess lead us to, were stained & didn't look presentable to sit on. We were quickly redirected to a better seating area."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Great location for us in Kapolei. Great atmosphere and local Hawaii farmfresh.. Free range and grass fed options. Reasonable prices. Great homemade pie. Leave room for dessert. Nice outdoor patio. Would recommend."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"My husband and I found this place last year sometime! This was our 3rd time visiting and we love this place! We have 5 Keiki & this is the perfect getaway close to home with great delicious food! Service is always friendly makes me feel like regular everytime we go! Our secret text to each other is MOKEYPOD! That means date night for us!!"
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Arrived for our 6pm reservation, and were seated right in front of a loud band. At 6pm? We could barely hear to talk to one another. We asked for, and were re-seated at another table upstairs where there were plenty of seats. We should have been asked our preference in the beginning. Remainder of evening was nice, delicious food, attentive service, and comfortable ambience."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"Awesome food and music. I had the seared ahi and loved it. Although there were notably kids at this placey boys loved their meals and the live music."
Dined on 2/26/2014
"The food is excellent and worth the price but their drinks are $9 each and a bit pricey when you can get the same drink/amount across the street for a cheaper price. Good for good food but I'd go to a different bar."
Dined on 2/24/2014
"During the past week I had two lunches and one dinner at Monkeypod"s. The common thread for all three dining experiences was music that was excruciatingly loud. Whether it be live or recorded the music volume made answering the phone, casual conversation or communicating with the wait staff impossible. Suggestions: lower the music volume to allow patrons to have a conversation without shouting; choose recorded music that has a local flavor and less jarring; and select local artists that give a Hawaiian flare to the restaurant - covering 70's, 80's and 90's songs doesn't fit the description of the Monkeypod's philosophy printed on the menu. Oh by the way - food is generally good and service above average."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"The happy hour food choices were delicious and reasonable and my party and I really enjoyed our dining experience."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"We had tried Peter Merriman's restaurant on the Big Island and loved it. Another home run here! Food was amazing! If I have one bad thing to say, it was a little pricey. Being in the Ko'Olina resort, I wasn't surprised. I am just mentioning it."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"Ahi and veggies were excellent - mashed potatoes were paste. Definite problem with service. Reservation made a month in advance. Table for 2 was lousy spot in between 2 large party. One party was actually joined by 6 more people and we had no choice but to move our chairs. No offer to move us or compensate for way we were ignored ."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"The hubby and I were able to find a sitter and get out for a date. We both enjoyed our meals and the strawberry cream pie was to die for!!!! We'll be going back on another date for sure!!!"
Dined on 2/22/2014
"My companion and I enjoyed the best dinner of our week in Ko Olina at Monkeypod. It offers an experience far superior to Roy's. We split a delightful field greens salad. My ahi was perfectly cooked and my companion's fish tacos (3 per order) were succulent and cilantro-y. The menu falls a little short on dessert. They had only a variety of cream pies on offer. We split a large slice of passion fruit cream pie, which tasted genuinely home aced as advertised, but it would have been nice to have mo choices. Next time, I would Orr from the wine list rather than try to go local with a Hawaiian beer. The quality of the food called for a nice Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc rather than the indifferent Longboard Lager I had."
Dined on 2/19/2014
"The food, the presentation, everything was great. Really appreciate the organic food"
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Best part of he experience was the food. Pretty good salads, great ravioli appetizer, and very good market fish. We did not have dessert but the pie looked pretty good. Service was not great, good part was seated promptly after making a same day online reservation. Server seemed overwhelmed or distracted though. Late on taking drink order, missing menus, odd comment about hostess not sharing special of the day. Requested to sit away from bathroom and kitchen, was seated next to kitchen."
Dined on 2/20/2014
"If you're not into loud music, this restaurant might not be for you. However, you can avoid the music and enjoy some wonderful food between the hours of 6 and 7. We ordered an appetizer OD taro hummus, which came with a smokey pepper sauce and corn chips. Next, we had the arugula salad with pear, Gorgonzola, and toasted walnuts, For entrees, we had a mushroom pizza and fish tacos. Both were very fresh and tasty. Last but not least, we has a passion fruit pie with whipped cream on top. Everything was home made, hot, and fresh. Our waiter, Oy, was exceptional."
Dined on 2/20/2014
"Always a great experience dining here! Always treated very nice hostpitslity is great service and all staff are just great exactly how u would want your perfect restaurant expericene to be. The food and drinks are always on the money everything on the menu is pretty awesome. Entertainment was pretty cool that's definitely brings a better vibe. Monkeypod Kitchen By Merriman is a great high quality place thank u staff for killing it! Thank u Tim for seating us and josh n joe team white boys for the G service really like that everyone is on there game. Thanks A lot Guys!"
Dined on 2/20/2014
"I would avoid this restaurant. They just try to run people through as fast as possible because they have a captive customer base who are tired of paying the outrageous resort prices. Well this is no haven. Overpriced with very poor service. Food also very skimpy and disappointing. Noisy and crowded to top it off."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"Combine great food with great customer service equals a stellar experience. Reserved through Open Table. We were seated exactly at 6. The service was very friendly and made sure we were ok. The food was delicious. Thank you!"
Dined on 2/18/2014
"MonkeyPod came highly recommended, but I don't know why. The atmosphere was fun, very treehouse like; however, the food was just OK. This restaurant is owned and managed by a group who has several spots on the islands - maybe it was too touristy for me? Service was lackluster; drinks were fun but we had to jockey for the server's attention. I wouldn't go back, but only because it was too much for me. Good luck trying it!"
Dined on 2/10/2014
"My family of 5 dined here and it was absolutely super. Food was top notch, service was fast and very friendly, prices were not cheap but very reasonable by Oahu standards. Highly recommend this place."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"A one of a kind restaurant out on the west side! It offers local grown food from garden to table. Husband who isn't a healthnut questioned the food list but when he tried the coconut stew he was in heaven. Little does he know how healthy it is for him. Hehe. The ambience added to our special night out with a local band performing live out on the patio. Overall, it was a perfect date night; from the wait to the waiter!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Our server was great. He took real good care of us. He continuously followed up to make sure our drinks were full, food was good and that we were okay. He definitely got a very rewarding tip. I totally recommend this place. BtW...pumpkin ravioli is to die for!"
Dined on 2/17/2014

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