Yes, it’s a bold claim. Hawaii has no shortage of places slinging mai tais and everybody’s got an opinion. But hear me out, because I’ve done the research (tough job, I know) and there’s only one mai tai I keep coming back to.

Monkeypod Kitchen makes the best mai tai in Hawaii. And it’s not even particularly close.

Monkeypod is a local Hawaii restaurant (four locations now across Maui and Oahu) with a really solid reputation and a menu that goes way beyond just the drinks. It’s got a casual, lively, open-air vibe that just FITS Hawaii perfectly. Not too fancy, not too casual, just the right amount of “I’m on vacation and everything is great.” 

The food is super yummy, the cocktails are serious, and the overall experience is one of those things I find myself recommending to basically everyone who asks me where to eat in Hawaii.

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Who This Restaurant Is Perfect For…

Monkeypod is one of those places that works for almost any scenario, which is honestly part of why I love it so much. It’s great for a fun dinner out, but it’s also really well suited for happy hour if you want to keep things a little more budget-friendly (more on that below). It’s a solid spot for groups because the menu has enough variety that everyone can find something they’re excited about.

There are four locations total, two on Maui and two on Oahu, so chances are good there’s one convenient to wherever you’re staying. On Maui you’ve got the Wailea location and the Ka’anapali location, and between the two I’d give the edge to Ka’anapali for views. On Oahu there’s a location in Ko Olina and one in Waikiki, and the Waikiki spot has some really great views as well. So if scenery matters to you (and in Hawaii it should), plan accordingly.

Extra Details

Let’s talk about that mai tai. The thing that makes Monkeypod’s version legendary is the lilikoi (passion fruit) foam on top. It adds this tart, tropical layer that takes the whole drink to a different level. Order one immediately and thank me later.

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The happy hour here is genuinely one of the better deals you’ll find at a sit-down restaurant in Hawaii. You’re looking at discounted drinks and appetizers, which in Hawaii is not something to take lightly given how fast a dinner bill can escalate. Just a heads up that seafood items are excluded from the happy hour pricing, so keep that in mind when you’re ordering.

ALSO…yes the Monkeypod is the place that made this mai tai famous, but you can get the same drink at any of Peter Merriman’s restaurants in Hawaii…Merriman’s (locations on all islands), Beach House (Kauai), Ulu Kitchen (Maui), and Moku Kitchen (Oahu). 

Want the full plan, not just this post?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably actually planning a trip to Maui…not just daydreaming. So here’s the thing: what you just read is a small piece of what I know about this island.

I’ve been visiting Maui for years, and I put everything…the itineraries, the hotel breakdowns, the restaurants actually worth your time, the spots most visitors never find…into one guide. It’s 75+ pages, built around real day-by-day plans (not just a list of “things to do”), plus an interactive map so you’re not toggling between five browser tabs trying to piece your trip together.

It’s the guide I wish I’d had on my first few trips here.

See what’s inside the Maui Guide → HERE