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    Monkeypod Kitchen

    4.3 (1.8k reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Monkeypod Kitchen Photos

    MONKEYPOD KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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    Key lime meringue pie
    Rachel L.

    Food: Lobster, mushroom pizza had a good ratio of toppings where it wasn't just crust at the end. Taro ravioli didnt have a strong flavor. Bulgolgi tacos were good as well. Key lime pie was tart yet balanced. Atmosphere: definitely need reservations and try to get a table seaside to watch the waves during your meal. Parking: valet parking for $15 with validation for 4 hrs.

    Crispy dumplings
    Anastasiya K.

    Monkeypod is always a vibe. The service, the drinks, the attention to detail... always so good. Best place to get a good mai tai. This time around though, skip the lobster deviled eggs honestly not it. Weird flavor combo for lobster. Get a different app and you'll have a much better time lol.

    Monkeypod Mai Tais
    Cody P.

    We were primarily interested in the drinks at Monkeypod, so we made a reservation at 9pm after our actual dinner reservation at 7pm elsewhere. We wrapped up our dinner sooner than we had expected, and Monkeypod was a 5 minute walk down the street, so we asked if we could be seated sooner. The hostess said yes and gave us a buzzer, but there was still about a 20 minute wait before we were seated. We started with a round of the infamous Monkeypod Mai Tais. I had seen a clip of a girl on TikTok rolling around in the waves with the caption "me after 3 Monkeypod Mai Tais" and decided that I will most certainly have what she is having. They were so good y'all. I had been in such a lilikoi (passionfruit) mood that entire trip, and that honey-lilikoi foam on top of that Monkeypod Mai Tai is to die for. It's genius, really is what it is. And delicious. And strong. I could barely taste the sting of alcohol in this tropical wonder, but by sip #3, I was feeling the heat. Perfect. I could see why she had 3. Great vibes. On our second round of drinks, we all decided to get something different from each other. Collectively, we ordered the No' Ka Oi, the Ube Rey, and the Fifty-Foot Pole. You'll have to forgive me, but as you can see by the way I described the Mai Tais, by this point, I was not in the best position to be remembering how drinks tasted if you catch my drift. But, I can offer this brief summary. Out of the three drinks ordered on our second round, I liked the Fifty-Foot Pole the best, but nothing held a candle to the Monkeypod Mai Tai.  As for food, we decided to order a couple of appetizers because we were curious and would've felt bad if we had only gotten drinks. Given that we were in Hawai'i, the Kalua Pork & Pineapple Pizza seemed incredibly appropriate. It was better than I was expecting. The spiciness from the jalapenos complemented the sweetness from the pineapple perfectly. All the toppings went together surprisingly well. I also liked the banana cream pie. The chicken wings though... meh.  I shouldn't have felt bad at all though, because when the bill came out... Zoo Wee Mama! The 6 drinks alone were $120 total. The chicken wings were $24 (diabolical). The pizza was $25. The pie was $15. In total, our bill came out to $195 before tip. Keep in mind that we didn't get any entrees, but looking at this, I'm glad we didn't.  If I were to return, I would only order drinks, which would still result in a sizable bill as each one is the price of a reasonable entree. I can't speak on the entrees, but I do think the food we did order was overpriced for what it was. Averaging out the amazing drinks with the.. "hmm.. should this be $25" food, I think that 4 stars is a fair rating.

    Ivy C.

    Come for the good food, gorgeous view and good service! Unlike many of the other large, touristy restaurant chains in Waikiki, this is one of the better ones. Make sure to make reservations and ask for a view of the water! You absolutely must get the ahi tuna, lobster deviled eggs, macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, wood-fired pizza, and banana cream pie. People love their mai tais, but I didn't try it out. Their wine list could be better but hey, when in Hawaii, get a tropical drink! It'll photo better with that ocean view.

    Elika Z.

    Monkeypod is a popular dinner spot in Hawaii that I would say is a must try. I really loved their kalua pork pizza, jerk chicken and the straberry cheesecake. The best cheesecake i have ever had hands down! Service was amazing by the sea and the lovely live music. They also have great mai tais with lilikoi foam soooo good. I dream about their pizza and the cheesecake till now.

    Entrance
    Chien S.

    Walked up, no reservations. Wait time was only 15 minutes for our party of 4. Total score. The restaurant was busy but the noise level was quite tame. Our server was really nice and efficient. She gave us plenty of time to peruse the menu, gave opinions on what we should order based on answers to a couple of questions asked. I got the grilled fish sandwich with picked vegetables and a jalapeno mashed potato. It was 10/10 delicious. But super messy as it fell apart fairly quickly. Definitely a must try when in Waikiki Beach area.

    View
    Anna B.

    Wow, thought this was a "for the view" restaurant but I'm so impressed! We sat by the water and MAN it truly felt like we were in the water - I couldn't even see sand, that's how close we were! Book around 5:30 to end right at sunset :) The mai tai exceeded expectations and I almost NEVER drink alcohol and I loved it! Bartenders and servers were so kind. They told me to make sure to mix all of the foam into the drink - I've seen tiktokers post these drinks and they drink the whole thing without stirring and I definitely think that would be a miss. There was nothing we didn't enjoy! Honestly just order exactly what we did and you'll be in heaven. Don't miss the crispy and cheesy bits at the bottom of the truffle fries!

    Table view...
    Michael R.

    Incredible views, superb service and excellent food. The perfect combination! Sitting literally on the beach in Waikiki, it's a beautiful place for lunch, pupu's and dinner. Spectacular sunsets, views of Diamond Head, surfers catching waves and numerous sailboats and more. Absolutely beautiful interior with local wood and lots of seating options with bar, high and low tables and booths. Large groups can be accommodated as well but reservations are suggested if going for dinner. A Waikiki treasure, Monkeypod Restaurant will never leave you hungry, but always provide lasting memories and classic views.

    Fish Tacos
    Nellie C.

    Headed a lot of hype about this place. It was ok. I ordered the fish tacos because the sauce sounded really good which it was but the fish itself was very bland. We were seated by the water and you could hear and see the waves hitting the restaurant. There was live music which was nice but restaurant itself is very loud. Could barely hear each other talk at our own table. It was very expensive and not worth the price.

    View
    Emily L.

    We made reservations for 9:30 am. On a Tuesday. We requested an ocean side view which they were able to give us since it wasn't too busy. We were quickly seated and I decided to order a cocktail, I got the No Ka Oi which was so delicious. It was sweet and tart and it was also $4 off for happy hour so $16 total. For breakfast I decided to get the Mai Tai pancakes. It comes with a delicious lilikoi foam, which was tart and delicious. The pancakes were not too sweet which I really enjoyed. Because it paired well with the syrup and foam. The view was beautiful and I really enjoyed the drink and food, I definitely would return again maybe for dinner.

    Coconut-free cream pie with a whole lot of topping
    Bill C.

    Very disappointing! The first place we were seated was extremely hot. We suspected it was too close to the kitchen but we were easily 15 feet away. The servers looked miserable! I asked to be reseated and they soon moved us to another table that was opening up. Our server was full of life and energy. It wasn't enough to overcome the food but it at least made the experience pleasant. I wasn't extremely hungry, having had the worst fish sandwich ever down the street. So, I ordered the kids' saimin. It was a bowl of noodles in broth with a couple pieces of bitter broccoli. I guess it was just a bad food night! Dessert didn't make things better. The coconut cream pie had only a hint of coconut with a thick layer of topping. Another disappointment.

    Mi Ae K.

    Monkeypod Kitchen The Waikiki location has such a great atmosphere, and we were lucky to get what felt like the best table in the house. We watched the sunset from our table, and it was honestly one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen--just stunning. The wine we had that evening was also really good. The food was decent, but for me, this place is more about the vibe and the view.

    Mandy B.

    Monkeypod Kitchen was such a standout during our time near Aulani. It's right across the street from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and honestly, it's the perfect escape from resort dining without sacrificing quality or vibe. The atmosphere is everything! open-air, breezy, with an upstairs feel and live music that makes the whole place feel alive but still relaxed. It's one of those spots where you can show up casual but still feel like you're somewhere special. The food was rich, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The fish tacos were phenomenal, and the deviled eggs were such a fun, elevated twist,definitely recommend both. Everything we had felt thoughtful and well-executed. What really impressed me though, we had a party of 18, and they were able to accommodate us within about 30 minutes. That alone deserves a shoutout. The service was attentive and handled our large group effortlessly. They also have a great bar area if you just want to grab a drink, but it's absolutely worth sitting down for a full meal. Such a solid option if you want amazing food without being tied to the resort scene. Would 100% go back.

    Fish and chips

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    Monkeypod Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Monkeypod Kitchen

    Is there take out?

    Yes , you can take-out but the View of the Ocean is worth the price. Just ask for a Ocean View Table

    Where do we park and do you accommodate for handicap parking?

    They have valet parking service at the hotel.

    Do you need a reservation?

    Walk-ins are welcome, but I would highly recommend reservations as it can be busy during peak eating times.

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes

    Where's the best or least expensive place to park? I don't mind walking some .

    Best to Uber. Less hassle.

    Do they have any gluten-free pasta or gluten-free pizza?

    As of springtime 2024, there's no mention of gluten-free options. Italian Tipo 00 flour is specified for their pizzas. Sorry.

    Is it dog friendly?

    I had dinner here on 3/17/24 and the table next to us had a dog. It barked every couple mins for a half hour and the restaurant did nothing. I'd say that's pretty dog-friendly.

    Is it possible for 8 people to have an ocean view seat?

    Most of the restaurant is ocean view so there's lots of seats to fit 8 people. If you're asking about beach front ocean views, it's possible to get two 4 tops, but I'm sure the wait will be long. Everyone wants those seats and it's way easier to… Read more

    How can I get a copy off a receipt?

    If you go into the restaurant I believe they will be able to reprint a copy for you.

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    Bar Leather Apron - Japan old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5(474 reviews)
    2.9 miDowntown
    $$

    Legendary cocktail experience. My partner and I frequent a lot of top 50 bars across the world and…read moreBar Leather Apron operates at that level. The drinks are well balanced and have a lot of Japanese flavor influence (i.e shisho, matcha, yuzu). Presentation and breakdown of each drink component was exceptional; it is clear that the mixologists understand the nuances of their ingredients and the techniques they employ. Special shout out to Scotty for taking care of us tonight. Excited to come back again :)

    Months before my trip to Oahu, I tried to book a reservation to Bar Leather Apron but was unable to…read moredo so because the reservations were immediately scooped up right as they were released. To my surprise, on a Sunday evening after having dinner nearby at Maze, my wife and I walked over to Bar Leather Apron and we were able to get seated right away! In fact, around 7:30 p.m. when we stopped by, there was actually a ton of seating available in the bar. Who would've guessed. If you're in the same boat as me and are unable to find a reservation for your upcoming visit, I would encourage you to stop by and try a walk-in. The first page of the menu lists a wide variety of whiskey based cocktails. Most -- if not all, of the cocktails are pre-fixed with BLA (Bar Leather Apron), and represent a collaboration with the named distillery. If you're fan of whiskey, you'll definitely have a difficult time picking only one. I ultimately ordered their "Take Warning" -- 2021 BLA Knob Creek BLA Single Barrel, Cynar, Carpano Antica, Mezcal, Bergamot Salt. Drinks here are not cheap -- averaging $20 to $25 per drink. Although my drink was very spirit forward, it still felt very well balanced. I appreciated the hint of smokiness from the mezcal that rounded out the end of a sip. Service here quick and friendly. When we received the check, a cute small chocolate snack was brought over as well, borrowed from the menu at Maze. Overall, I can see why Bar Leather Apron has earned so many accolades in its field. Definitely worth a stop by if you enjoy the art of mixology.

    Photos
    Bar Leather Apron - View from our seat

    View from our seat

    Bar Leather Apron - Matcha old fashioned

    Matcha old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron - Japan

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    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5(48 reviews)
    1.4 miAla Moana

    I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

    Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

    Photos
    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Bird on a Wire

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    RM 38 - Snack

    RM 38

    4.8(70 reviews)
    0.1 miWaikiki
    $$

    Had such a great experience at R38. This speakeasy has such a cool atmosphere. The vibe feels…read moreintimate and trendy and it's the perfect spot for drinks and small bites. Definitely make a reservation because it gets busy fast, especially later in the night. The food was surprisingly affordable for the quality and everything we tried was delicious. We got the chicken karaage, beef takoyaki, and the taro chips with mascarpone and all of it was amazing. The chicken karaage was flavorful, the beef takoyaki was tasty, and the taro chips with mascarpone were nicely paired with the drinks. Drinks, food, atmosphere, and service were all on point. One of my favorite spots I visited and I'd absolutely come back again.

    We dropped by speakeasy RM 38 (Room 38) inside the Imperial Hotel on Lewers in Waikīkī. We were…read morevery glad we did. The owner is Steve Aoki, of Aoki Group, and son of daredevil and entrepreneur, Rocky Aoki. The staff were super nice. The brunette (Ellie?) working Sat, 4/25 was super friendly, and worked her ass off. The Azn fellow who also took care of us let us look at the bottles of special bourbon we drank: Four Roses & Blantons both tr the Aoki Collection. Regarding the ambiance its whimsical inside. I didn't look on the lanai, but I understand you can smoke cigars out there. The background music was jazz and the occasional Motown hit (Stylistics). My cuz who lives in Kaimukī has neva been to RM 38. I promised to add him to the res next time. Its a lot easier to get in vs another speakeasy in Chinatown, and its walking distance from where I always stay at the Moana.

    Photos
    RM 38 - Lounge area

    Lounge area

    RM 38 - Ahi

    Ahi

    RM 38 - Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

    Monkeypod Kitchen - tacos - Updated May 2026

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