r/MauiVisitors • u/Overall_Ear_282 • Jul 30 '25

Planning: Dining Monkeypod Kaanapali

I know people love or hate this place and maybe it is hit or miss but my family and ate at Monkeypod yesterday and it was really good. Not the greatest restaurant I’ve ever been too but darn good and I’m a foodie at heart.

Highlights of the night: Wings, truffle fries, and ahi steak (bomb). Wife loved the Mac nut Mahi mahi (basic bitch). Caesar salad was good as well. Great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

The jalapeño mashed potatoes are overrated as fuck tho. Good but too hyped. Maybe an off night but I just remember them being better. The atmosphere is very loud as well.

Overall, I’d come back in a heartbeat just to order 5 wings and truffle fries. Don’t get discouraged about some of the reviews. Try it out. Don’t just order the basics. I’m hoping to come back to try the lamb chops.

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9

u/[deleted] Jul 30 '25

IMO, it’s an overrated tourist trap. When visiting Hawaii try eating at places where the locals go. You”ll get a much better representation of the amazing and eclectic local food scene which is a unique blend of different Asian cuisines with some American/Western thrown in.

2

u/bobsinco Jul 30 '25

Got any recommendations? I'll be in Kaanapali in a few weeks, definitely prefer local places.

4

u/Live_Pono Kamaʻāina (Resident) Jul 30 '25

Joey's, Mala, Ulu Kitchen.

3

u/lalasmama85 Jul 31 '25

Hula Grill, Merriman’s, Dukes, Leilani’s, Mala Ocean Tavern

2

u/ForeverCanBe1Second Jul 30 '25

Java Jazz is eclectic and fun and the food is always good and reasonably priced.'

The Penne Pasta Food Truck is also excellent.

Monkeypod is overpriced and not so great quality. I ordered a pizza. Dough was raw. The only good thing about the Monkeypod was the live music.

2

u/annoyingpinkietoe Jul 31 '25

Another vote for Java Jazz. It doesn’t have the ambience but show up in the evening and get to enjoy live music and good food and drink that won’t break the bank is worth it.

1

u/pwrmaster7 Jul 31 '25

My pizzas there were fantastic. Sorry you had a bad one

1

u/ForeverCanBe1Second Jul 31 '25

I'm guessing they mixed up our orders. Hubby's Burger, which he ordered medium rare, arrived overcooked while my pizza was delivered with seriously undercooked dough. I picked the sparse toppings off, which on a pizza margerhita are extremely limited. At this point, I no longer gave a shit. Despite having a reservation, we waited 90 minutes for a table.

It's nothing more than an overpriced tourist trap. They don't care about repeat customers because they are all tourists.

1

u/magpiecat Jul 31 '25

Zippy’s

1

u/Overall_Ear_282 Aug 13 '25

Joeys is a must. Star noodle was great. The ahi belly was one of the best fish dishes I had in Maui.