Let me start by saying that I am really not the target audience for a restaurant like Monkeypod. I’m not a big drinker, I don’t like super-loud places, and I don’t like to wait. No hate for anyone who disagrees with me, but just so you know where I’m coming from when I throw some shade on Monkeypod in Wailea.
This is a busy, bustling, loud affair of a restaurant, just up the hill from most of the Wailea hotels and resorts. It’s actually a nice walk if you’re staying down there.
Monkeypod has a big bar area with live music most nights, both indoor and outdoor seating and also bar seating, naturally. And if you want to eat there at any reasonable time, there’s also a wait. No reservations. If you like to hang out and wait with a drink, this is the right place. And the drinks might be the best part.
Monkeypod is justifiably famous for their Mai Tai. Besides the six or seven liquids in the drink (very strong) they top it with a lilikoi-honey foam. So, sure, a sweet drink with that pretty delectable passionfruit foam on top – what’s not to like? It really is tasty. And alcoholic. And probably caloric, but who knows. It’s a thing, and I agree it deserves recognition as a thing, so if you’re up there, just get one. Consider it a down-payment on dessert maybe.
OK – so here’s the bad news. It’s kinda downhill from the Mai Tai. So one option is, just get the Mai Tai! Short or no wait for the bar, great drink, and then bolt. I think that’s the right move. Just don’t drive after that! Walk. Or nap.
I don’t mean to say that the food here is bad, it’s just that it’s mediocre, and it’s expensive. I know, Wailea is expensive. But usually you get better food for you money. The pizzas are not well crafted. The salads aren’t really like a good healthy salad full of local veggies. The fish – and on Maui, how can the fish not be excellent? – is not excellent. Best bet is really the hamburger in my estimation.
I think you get the picture. Loud, raucous, food like from TGI Friday’s. And you get to wait and the overpay for the privilege. That is all.
Website: https://www.monkeypodkitchen.com/
Address:
10 Wailea Gateway Pl
Suite B-201
Kihei, HI 96753
+1 808 891-2322