RESTAURANT REVIEW: Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali - Maui, Hawaii

Monkeypod Kitchen

• Location: Whaler’s VIllage - L/1, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

• Website: Monkeypodkitchen.com

• Menu: Monkeypod Kaanapali Menu

Whether you’ve been to Maui or if it’s your first visit, this is a restaurant you cannot miss! On our mini moon after getting married in Maui, we stayed a few nights in Wailea and discovered this amazing restaurant called Monkeypod Kitchen. With a variety of GREAT choices, we really enjoy the Mai Tai’s, Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes (they’re GREEN - see below) and the Rosemary Roasted chicken wings with garlic and chili flakes! I know it sounds so simple, but they are so good. Some recipes for these below as well!

Monkeypod Wailea

Owned by Merriman’s, another favorite of ours, we hoped for the best and were not disappointed. Everything from the drinks to the main course were well above average, the only downside was the location. We normally stay in Kaanapali and Wailea is pretty far for dinner, but all that changed this year. Whalers village in Kaanapali opened their own Monkeypod location as of October 2017. 

Check out their menu here: Monkeypodkitchen.com It changes often!

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN DINING ROOM - Kaanapali Location

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DRINKS

We were glad they finally received their liquor license 2 days before we arrived so we could try their cocktails! They have the perfect Monkeypod Mai Tai topped with honey foam, giving a more natural sweetness. 

Mai Tai Recipe found online:

1. Add lime juice, orgeat, orange curaçao, Old Lahaina Light Rum to mixing glass.

2. Shake with 1 cup cubed ice about 30 seconds and pour into highball glass.

3. Float dark rum.

4. Top with honey-liliko'i foam and garnish with pineapple half moon

They also have a nice wine list. ;-)

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Appetizers at Monkeypod Kitchen

• The Rosemary Roasted Chicken Wings are a must, dusted with chili flakes and garlic, these were definitely a favorite. To top it off, they came with an amazing dipping sauce.

• We also ordered the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli, roasted squash, chèvre, spinach, toasted walnut sage pesto, a perfect fall treat.

• Kauai Shrimp & Hamakua Mushroom Potstickers were really good, didn't taste too fishy!

• The Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were phenomenal. 

APPETIZERS AT MONKEYPOD KITCHEN IN MAUI - Chicken Wings and Fries

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MAIN COURSE AT MONKEYPOD

For the main course we tried the New York Strip Steak topped with house-made chimichurri sauce along with greens and jalapeño mashed potatoes. The savory steak melts in your mouth and the mashed potatoes are green from the jalapeño but not spicy (no seeds)!

Monkeypod steak and jalapeno mashed potatoes

Other sides included: 

• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with peppers, onions, parmesan cheese

• Griddle Top Upcountry Cornbread paired perfectly with the steak! 

• and MORE Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, because YUM!

BY THE WAY, if you want to make those delicious green Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, here is the Monkeypod Recipe as found by Chef Chan Blog:

Ingredients (Serving Size: 3-4 People):

• 1 Jalapeno, seeded and cut into small pieces

• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil

• 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

• 3 Cloves of Garlic, peeled

•  8 Small to Medium Idaho Potatoes, peeled and quartered into even sizes

• 4 Tablespoons of Butter

• 1 Cup of Milk (Almond Milk works just as good!)

• A pinch of Salt (Optional)

Recipe:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil until potatoes are soft but not falling apart in the water. This takes about 8-15 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.

2. In a blender, combine the jalapeno, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Blend until it becomes pasty. Place mixture to the side.

3. Once the potatoes are done, place them into a large bowl. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes. Using a fork or mixer, mash the potatoes until the butter melts and no chucks of potatoes are left. [If you like your mashed potatoes extra creamy, add more milk until desired creaminess is reached.]

4. Lastly, combine the jalapeno mixture to the mashed potatoes. Adding salt is optional.

5. Pair with a delicious piece of steak, pork chop, or fish and enjoy!

See full recipe here green Monkeypod Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes: Chef Chan Blog

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Dessert at Monkeypod Kitchen

They have the best PIE! Try the chocolate cream pie, it is so good! Want something other than chocolate? Try their Strawberry, Banana, or Coconut Cream pies! You can also try their Tropical Dreams Gelato & Sorbet for 7.95 with options of: Tahitian vanilla, chocolate, island hop Kona coffee, or featured flavor sorbet.

Chocolate Pie at Monkeypod Restaurant

I can't wait to go back next year!

Love Monkeypod? Let us know what you ate in the comments below!

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