Wailea is going bananas for one of its newest additions: Monkeypod Kitchen. Award Winning Chef and Restaurateur Peter Merriman and Bill Terry bring the handcrafted fare to an island known for vibrant flavors, exceptional produce, and extraordinary local cuisine.


Overlooking the Pacific waters, the 6,100-square-foot restaurant is sleek and full of character, melding the chef-driven concept with pub-style décor. Monkeypod features locally sourced food, from Upcountry Beef to sustainably caught fish, and strives to be ecologically responsible without skimping on creative preparation, culinary excellence, and a fresh take on island food.

"We focus on a locally sourced menu, using only socially conscious ingredients such as range-fed Maui beef, sustainably caught fish species and no bottled products, except for wine," says Chef Peter Merriman. "Think homemade pies made from scratch, freshly baked hamburger buns and hand tossed pizzas from our kiawe wood burning oven."


And the pies are amazing. From Kula Strawberry Cream Pie to coconut, banana or chocolate, the forks are best saved for these incredible edibles. Fresh Gnocchi with Local Chard and Sautéed Mushrooms; Grass-fed, Hormone-free Peppercorn Rubbed Filet Steak with Kona Coffee Butter and Spicy Paniolo Onions; and Merriman’s Classic Wok Charred Ahi are enough to whet anyone’s appetite.

Open for both lunch and dinner, the Organic Macadamia Nut Crusted Shrimp or Pumpkin Patch Ravioli are always a great way to start an afternoon or end a day. Fresh Island Fish Sandwiches with day boat catch fish and Thai Chili Aioli are served at both lunch and dinner with handcrafted kim chee at lunch — a delectable choice for those seeking something local and amazingly fresh.


The namesake Monkeypod tree is prolific throughout Maui. Unlike other trees that kill what grows beneath them, the Monkeypod nurtures green grass beneath its canopy. Much like the grinning guests to this fantastic restaurant who leave nurtured, the Monkeypod Kitchen is a new staple in the growing Wailea community.

So pull up a chair, relax in the lounge-like setting, and be prepared for some of the most decadent food you’ll have on Maui without feeling a bit of guilt (well, unless you eat an entire pie yourself). To learn more about Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea and to make reservations, visit MonkeypodKitchen.com.
Monkeypod Trees