Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman – Wailea, Maui is a casual, farm-to-table restaurant at 10 Wailea Gateway Place, Suite B-201, Kihei, HI 96753, in the Wailea resort district of South Maui. Opened in 2011 by Hawaii Regional Cuisine pioneer Peter Merriman, it brings local fish, island-grown produce, wood-fired pizzas, and craft drinks into an approachable dining room. Travelers come for the lilikoi-foam mai tai, seafood, and a relaxed alternative to formal resort dining.
What to Expect at Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
The menu combines Hawaii’s agricultural ingredients with dishes designed for sharing. Start with pumpkin patch ravioli, a sweet-savory appetizer associated with goat cheese, spinach, and sage brown butter, or poke tacos, which tuck raw fish into crisp shells. Fresh-catch preparations change with availability, while fish tacos and wood-fired pizzas provide straightforward choices for mixed appetites. Mushroom pizza and vegetable dishes give non-meat eaters options; vegan diners and anyone avoiding gluten should ask about ingredients and preparation rather than assume a dish qualifies.
The bar is central to the experience. The Monkeypod Mai Tai layers rum, lime, orange curaçao, and macadamia-nut orgeat beneath honey-lilikoi foam: the tart passion-fruit topping is its defining flourish. A substantial draft-beer selection offers another route through the drinks list. The open, breezy dining room and outdoor seating encourage lingering, although conversation competes with a busy bar and live music when performers are scheduled. Finish with a slice of house-made cream pie; strawberry is a longtime favorite.
- Lilikoi-foam mai tai: Passion-fruit and honey foam adds a distinctive aromatic finish to the restaurant’s signature cocktail.
- Pumpkin patch ravioli: A rich appetizer balancing sweet squash, tangy cheese, greens, and browned butter.
- Poke tacos: Crisp shells turn raw-fish poke into a compact, shareable starter.
- Wood-fired pizzas: A practical centerpiece for families or groups ordering several dishes together.
- Cream pies: House-made desserts offer a lighter-textured finish than another substantial savory course.
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 10 Wailea Gateway Place, B-201, Kihei, HI 96753 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Wailea Gateway Center, Wailea, South Maui |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; check holiday changes |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; individually priced food and drinks, with seafood and cocktails increasing the total |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 75 to 120 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Maui Bus Route 10, Kihei Islander, serves Wailea; shared shopping-center parking on site |
| Official Website & Phone | Monkeypod Kitchen official website; +1 808-891-2322 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website for dinner, particularly around sunset and during school holidays. Lunch near the 11 a.m. opening is a better choice for an unhurried meal; the busiest dinner period generally falls around 6–8 p.m. Walk-ins can ask about dining-room or bar availability, but allow for a wait. Resort-casual clothing suits the setting. Major credit cards are the practical payment choice, and American restaurant tipping conventions apply. Check current menus before ordering, especially for market-priced fish and seasonal substitutions.
Drivers approach from Piilani Highway and Wailea Ike Drive, then use Wailea Gateway Center’s shared parking. Maui Bus Route 10 serves the Wailea shopping district; consult Maui County’s bus information for stops and schedules, and expect an uphill walk toward the restaurant. Because B-201 is an upper-level address, request the step-free arrival route and a wheelchair-clear table when booking. Browse Wailea Gateway Center before lunch, walk roughly 5–10 minutes to Wailea Town Center, or continue downhill about 15 minutes to The Shops at Wailea. The return involves a noticeable climb, particularly in midday heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I visit?
Regular hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. Arrive near opening for lunch, or reserve dinner ahead; holiday schedules can differ.
How expensive is it, and are reservations necessary?
Monkeypod falls in the $$ price tier, with food and drinks charged individually. Reservations are advisable for dinner, while walk-in seating depends on availability.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 75–120 minutes for appetizers, mains, and drinks. Add time if arriving without a reservation or staying for dessert and music.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The casual atmosphere and pizzas make it a comfortable family option. Wheelchair users should arrange step-free arrival instructions and suitable seating directly with the restaurant before visiting its upper-level premises.
When planning your Hawaii travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Hawaii, pair this stop with standout local spots including Iolani Palace, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, and The Shops at Wailea (1.0 km away).
