
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Kaanapali, Maui
A vibrant farm-to-table eatery and bar on Kaanapali Beach, famous for its fresh Hawaiian cuisine and legendary Mai Tais.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Kaanapali, Maui

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant farm-to-table eatery and bar on Kaanapali Beach, famous for its fresh Hawaiian cuisine and legendary Mai Tais.
"The best Mai Tai on the island, paired with fresh, farm-to-table delights in a lively atmosphere!"
Arrive Early for Happy Hour
Beat the crowds and enjoy discounted appetizers and drinks during happy hour.
Make Reservations
The restaurant is popular; securing a reservation in advance is highly recommended.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Hawaiian, New American
Price
$$$
Phone
(808) 878-6763
Address
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Website
monkeypodkitchen.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Monkeypod Mai Tai
Legendary Mai Tais with lilikoi foam and locally made rum, a must-try Hawaiian cocktail experience.

Farm-to-Table Freshness
Savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients in creative dishes like Taro Ravioli and Pork Tacos.

Lively Atmosphere & Live Music
Enjoy an upbeat, welcoming vibe with live music performances, perfect for a fun island evening.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Happy Hour
Beat the crowds and enjoy discounted appetizers and drinks during happy hour.
Make Reservations
The restaurant is popular; securing a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Appetizers like poke tacos or Ahi Tuna are highly recommended and can be a meal in themselves.
Try Unique Sides
Consider the Jalapeño Mashed Potatoes for a flavorful and unique side dish.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Happy Hour
Beat the crowds and enjoy discounted appetizers and drinks during happy hour.
Make Reservations
The restaurant is popular; securing a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
Don't Skip Appetizers
Appetizers like poke tacos or Ahi Tuna are highly recommended and can be a meal in themselves.
Try Unique Sides
Consider the Jalapeño Mashed Potatoes for a flavorful and unique side dish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monkeypod Kitchen is widely praised for its lively atmosphere, excellent drinks, and farm-to-table cuisine, particularly its legendary Mai Tais and delicious pies. While many find the food fresh and flavorful, a few reviewers noted that some dishes can be overpriced or less impressive compared to others, with occasional waits due to its popularity.
"All the food was definitely farm-to-table fresh. The gnocchi pasta was absolutely delicious and the pork tacos packed a punch. Mai Tai’s were refreshing and had perfect flavor. The T.B.D drink was weirdly delicious, though I couldn’t really figure out the flavors. The banana cream pie was the perfect dessert to top off the night. We will definitely be coming back before our trip is over."
Casey Lauer
"Monkeypod at Whalers Village Kaanapali Beach is simply outstanding.
Food and service we have had here has always been really good and tasty.
Went again and it was really excellent again. The space is very open, yet has some distinct differentiation in seating and areas. Bar is super attractive with great swivel chairs, and most places in store have great view of ocean.
Our server Brenda was very helpful, nice and patient, we always ask a lot of questions and talk a lot, she was awesome.
To start we had the Rosemary Grilled Chicken Wings and they were fantastic. Also had Poke Tacos, only thing we had th hat was so so.
For Dinner we had
Bulgolgi Pork Tacos, Monchong Fish Sandwich, Gnocchi, Maui Cattle Burger for mains, and they were all truly beautifully prepared and delicious. We added sides of Jalapeño Spinach Mashed, Corn Bread and Brocolli and yes, they were also all fabulous, like amazing delicious and plentiful. Was just a great dining experience and we enjoyed ourselves the entire time.
Thank you Brenda and the Monkeypod Team !!"
Erick Nielsen
"Atmosphere is great. Upbeat and welcoming. Indoor restaurant with some seating by the open wall that faces the stunning ocean. Servicer when there was great. Needed for nothing. But when she wasn't was of course is when we needed something and we had thought she left for the night. Had to ask 2 other servers for help. Food was fantastic. I had a hamburger. Not much special there right. WRONG. It was so good. Husband had fish tacos. Strawberry cheesecake. 🍓 Everyone liked their meal."
angela mccloskey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours and for dinner, as the restaurant is very popular. They do not take reservations for happy hour.
The legendary Monkeypod Mai Tai is a must-try. Popular food items include the Taro Ravioli, Pork Tacos, and their delicious pies like coconut cream pie.
Yes, they often feature live music performances, adding to the lively and upbeat atmosphere of the restaurant.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly with a great atmosphere. They even offer free noodles and cheese for children under three.
Happy hour is a great time to visit for discounted appetizers and drinks. Arriving early during happy hour can help avoid long waits.
The atmosphere is described as lively, upbeat, welcoming, and casual, with open-air seating and ocean views from some spots.
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I also recommend Monkeypod for some good eats, and at happy hour, there are a lot of half priced apps and pizza. Get some shave ice at one of the Ululani's or Local Boys shops in both west (lahaina) and south maui (kihei).
Whalers Village in Maui - Shopping
Right on Kaanapali Beach, this open-air mall offers everything from Louis Vuitton to Tommy Bahama, with a few island designers in the mix. Find classy aloha wear from Honolulu’s Tori Richard (www.toririchard.com; tel 808/667-7762) and matching mother-daughter batik clothing from Maui’s Blue Ginger (www.blueginger.com; tel 808/667-5793). The Totally Hawaiian Gift Gallery (www.totallyhawaiian.com; tel 808/667- 4070) carries Niihau shell jewelry, Norfolk pine bowls, and Hawaiian quilt kits, while you’ll find smaller koa wood items like pens, jewelry, and photo frames among the art gallery-worthy wooden tables and bedframes at Martin & MacArthur (martinandmacarthur.com; tel 808/667-7422.) The Honolulu-based chain Na Hoku jewelers (www.nahoku.com; tel 808/667-5411) offers stellar island-inspired sparkles and watches.
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Havens chef-owner Zach Sato is using this kitchen to source ingredients for, cook and distribute 500 meals a day for Maui fire victims staying in shelters. He’s partnering with World Central Kitchen for efficient distribution around the island and is asking for GoFundMe donations for the long haul (says it costs $1,500 a day). Also asking for bulk food donations, including vegetable, pasta, rice and proteins in quantities large enough to feed 500 people at a time.
The Ka‘anapali Culinary Scene Appeals to All Ages and Tastes
Guests at OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort can also walk along the beach boardwalk to Whalers Village, an oceanfront retail complex that includes locally sourced, family-friendly restaurants such as Hula Grill, Leilani’s on the Beach, Monkeypod Kitchen by Peter Merriman and the newer Cafe Jai. This is also a good place for all ages to wind up for a tropical Hondessert from Ono Gelato (formerly on Lahaina’s Front Street) or Island Vintage Shave Ice.
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Monkeypod Kitchen: With two Maui locations, in Wailea and Ka’anapali, it’s one of our favorite places to eat in Maui. Nothing beats starting off with an appetizer of poke tacos, a Monkeypod Mai Tai or a cold beer from Maui Brewing Company. The Ahi Tuna with mashed potatoes is my go-to meal at Monkeypod, and you can’t leave without trying the strawberry pie for dessert – sooooooo good!!!!!!
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When you’re planning on spending a good portion of your vacation sipping on cocktails, it pays to know which spot has the best ones. Maui has plenty of good contenders, but Monkeypod takes the cake when it comes to mai tais. Made with locally made rum, freshly squeezed juice, and topped with lilikoi (passionfruit) foam, it’s enough to make anyone want to book a ticket to Maui.
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One of Merriman’s restaurants is the lively and casual Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea (also soon to open in Whalers Village, Ka’anapali), where the locally sourced menu includes items such as Kauai shrimp and Hamakua mushroom potstickers; handmade gnocchi with pork sausage, ricotta, vine-ripened tomatoes, and organic kale; and kiawe (a mesquite tree) wood oven pizzas.
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Merriman’s (Kapalua): Chef Peter Merriman, one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, oversees a locally inspired culinary empire that includes the more casual Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea and Whalers Village. The farm-to-table menu at his elegant Kapalua outpost almost matches the breathtaking island, ocean, and beach views from its perch on a rocky point.
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At Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman’s, one of the best Wailea restaurants, you will find live music and delicious food the entire family will love!. If you are visiting with little ones under three years old, they get to eat some noodles and cheese here for free!. Otherwise, there is a great Keiki menu, appetizers, and other dishes that everyone will enjoy.
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Monkeypod Kitchen is an extremely popular restaurant and bar in Whaler’s Village, and it features a large patio for an open-air dining experience. It stands apart by serving a wonderful selection of handcrafted drinks, including their famous Mai Tais. What sets this Mai Tai apart from others is the Lilikoi foam they put on top, it is ridiculous!.
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Monkeypod Kitchen is where sustainability meets mouthwatering flavors. Sip on craft cocktails like their signature Mai Tai topped with honey-lilikoi foam while you savor wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and organic salads. Add in some live music and a vibrant crowd, and it’s the perfect spot for any meal, from casual bites to lively dinners.
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Address: 2435 Ka’anapali Pkwy, Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761-1980This spot is all about fresh, local ingredients and a laid-back vibe. Their happy hour features $5 beers and $6 cocktails, plus a menu of delicious bites that’ll make your mouth water. The pork sliders are a crowd favorite, but don’t sleep on the truffle fries.
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Hospitality, great food, and good times are the foundation of Kapena’s Wood Fired Kitchen. The chic new pizza joint on Front Street in Lahaina is a product of Trilogy Excursions. The Trilogy ohana has provided Maui visitors with delicious food and memorable experiences aboard their sailing excursions for over 50 years.
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Beyond its mai tais and farm-to-table dining, Monkeypod Kitchen is known for its live music. Both the Kā‘anapali and Wailea locations are live entertainment hubs and host some of Maui’s most talented musicians. You never know who might show up at Monkeypod Kitchen, from “The Voice” contestants to local radio stars.
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After a morning of exploration, unwind at Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman for their happy hour from 3:30 PM to 5 PM. Indulge in the Vegan Tortilla Soup, a flavorful dish with roasted ancho chili, black beans, corn, cilantro, and avocado. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy some of Maui’s best culinary offerings.
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Monkeypod is a small chain of restaurants in Hawaii that you can find on Maui and Oahu (and again further down on this list). We are big fans of Monkeypod Kitchen because they have great happy hours, consistent food, and daily live music. This location has musicians playing 3 times a day, and 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7pm.
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In addition to the Kaanapali location they also have another well reviewed spot in Wailea. Monkeypod Kitchen is a casual restaurant that serves modern American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and a large selection of craft beers and cocktails.
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Returning exhausted from a very active snorkeling and hiking day, it was time to resume the Maui Mai Tai tour, tonight featuring the Monkeypod Restaurant at Whaler’s Village. Luckily for non-drinkers, most places will do a mocktail Mai Tai, but they are all super sweet. The party voted these the best Mai Tais.
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Monkeypod Kitchen is another great restaurant you can’t miss in Ka’anapali!. It’s a great restaurant with a view where foodies, beer lovers, and families can escape the stresses of their day. In fact, one guest even went so far as to say that their Mai Tais have a unique froth you can’t find anywhere else!
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If I only get ONE place to go on Maui, I’m usually going to pick the Monkeypod. When I lived on Maui, we would stop at the Monkeypod in Wailea for happy hour all the time after a beach day so it feels a bit like tradition. And I still don’t really feel like I’m on Maui until I’ve had a mai tai.
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We’ve enjoyed Hula Grill and Monkeypod Kitchen, if you time it right you’ll have great views of the sunset. If you’re looking for a place to pick up and go I’d highly recommend the Fish Market, their fish tacos are one of the best I’ve had on the island and their portions are quite large.
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With local ingredients sourced from Hawaii farms, Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea definitely made my Maui Pizza Bucket List. My local friends said this would be a great date night or adults-only pizza night. They even offer a happy hour on their pizzas every night, giving a half-off discount!
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For sit-down dining and craft cocktails, Merriman’s MonkeyPod Kitchen is excellent. Health nuts, check out Choice Health Bar for acai bowls, juices, smoothies & vegan-friendly fare. If you’re looking to indulge, it can be hard to choose between Maui Shave Ice, Häagen-Dazs, or Ono Gelato.
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Without a doubt, Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea has one of the best Lunch menus in Hawaii. What makes their menu so unique is their twist on traditional and modern Lunch Classics with a fusion of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. We also love how they use local Maui vendors throughout their menu!
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Why Visit: Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients come together in a unique fusion of flavors. Signature Dish: Kiawe-smoked Szechuan ribs – a mouth-watering combination of Chinese spices, Hawaiian kiawe wood, and tender pork. Home of the famous hula pie and tasty cocktails.
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Monkeypod Kitchen: Located in nearby Lahaina, Monkeypod Kitchen is known for its craft cocktails and locally sourced ingredients. They have a happy hour from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, offering discounted drinks and appetizers. Don’t miss their famous Mai Tai and wood-fired pizzas.
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You can’t visit Maui without sampling at least a couple Mai Tai’s right?. Monkeypod Kitchen is one of the tastiest restaurants in Kaanapali. There are 2 Monkeypod Kitchens on Maui, one in Wailea but the newest one is located in the center of Kaanapali in Whalers Village.
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Monkeypod Kitchen is known for having the best mai tais on the Hawaiian islands, so you have to try one when you visit!. They have a non-alcoholic version as well. The Kaanapali location of Monkeypod is conveniently set in the Whalers Village Shopping Center.
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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.
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Monkeypod's farm-to-table menu includes pizzas, burgers, poke tacos, all made of fresh ingredients. Choose from the handcrafted cocktails, large selection of craft beers, and seasonal offers, and enjoy the happy hours and daily live music.
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Helmed by Chef Peter Merriman, Monkeypod Kitchen embraces local and organic ingredients for a unique Hawaii food experience. The vibe feels upbeat, lively, and fun — making it the perfect spot to dine with a group.
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The waiters were kind and seemed relatively well trained on celiac needs. My daughter had the fish tacos and then tried a bunless burger with a side sub (fries are cross contaminated). Felt good after both meals!
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Located in Whaler’s Village Kaanapali and in Wailea Gateway Center. These fun, vibrant eateries are great for families. There is usually live music at some point each day, and the bar is always a hot spot.
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The latest iteration of the craft dining and drinking concept from the “Pied Piper of Hawaii Regional Cuisine,” Peter Merriman, is Monkeypod, coming to Whalers Village Shopping Center this fall.
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Known for its vibrant atmosphere and award-winning cocktails, Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman offers a diverse menu featuring Hawaiian-inspired dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and creative appetizers.
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Monkeypod Kitchen in Kāʻanapali serves fresh, organic, and hand-crafted food ranging from unique pizza to seafood. They offer a great selection of cocktails and craft beer and have live music.
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A great Happy Hour (3:30pm to 5:00pm) with their unique Mai Tai served with a foam topping made with house-made liliko’i syrup. A Merriman restaurant. Open daily from 11am to 10pm.
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Enjoy a vibrant dining experience at Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman. With farm-to-table cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music, it’s the perfect way to end your day.
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Also, Monkeypod in Whalers Village has a decent happy hour daily from 3p–5:30p ($10 pizzas, specials on beer/drinks) . If you love Mai Tai's, this is the place to go.
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Lunch at Monkeypod Lahaina (yes, again! We LOVED it for dinner in Wailea and decided to go back for lunch in Laihaina. No regrets.) Afternoon at Kaanapali Beach.
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Whether dining in your condo, or venturing out, there are many options for groceries and restaurants. Go explore, there are many great food experiences waiting.
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I mention Monkeypod in my best restaurants in Maui post, too, because it’s a client favorite!. Reservations are recommended, especially for the earlier one.
Whalers Village Kaanapali
Monkeypod delivers everything from live local music, culinary cocktails, day boat fish or a slice of cream pie - there's something for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit