Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Wailea, Maui

Is Monkeypod Kitchen Worth Booking in Wailea?

Yes, book it — especially if you want a casual, Hawaii-rooted meal that doesn't require a resort hotel wristband or a special-occasion budget. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman sits at Wailea Gateway Place and draws a crowd that spans resort guests, locals, and visitors who've done their homework. The Merriman name carries real weight in Hawaii: Peter Merriman is one of the original Hawaii Regional Cuisine founders, a movement that pushed local sourcing and island-grown ingredients into fine dining long before farm-to-table became a mainland cliché. That credibility shows up at Monkeypod in a menu built around Hawaii-sourced products, local fish, and made-in-Hawaii craft drinks.

For a special occasion dinner in Wailea that doesn't demand jacket-and-tie formality, this is a strong call. The vibe is relaxed but intentional — the kind of place where a birthday dinner or anniversary feels appropriately marked without the stiffness of a full resort dining room. Compared to The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea (RHW), Monkeypod is considerably more accessible in price and booking difficulty. Compared to Humuhumunukunukuāpua'a, it's less theatrical but more repeatable for everyday dining.

On the editorial angle that matters most here: Monkeypod does not position itself as a takeout or delivery destination, and off-premise is not the play. The experience is tied to the room, the cocktail program, and the energy of the space. If you're weighing whether to order delivery from Monkeypod versus eating in, eat in , the food format and drink program don't translate to a hotel-room takeout experience in any meaningful way.

Booking Monkeypod Kitchen

Booking here is easy relative to the broader Wailea dining scene. That said, peak season (December through March, and June through August) tightens availability fast, particularly for sunset-window tables. Book one to two weeks out for a weeknight, and two to three weeks ahead for a Friday or Saturday during high season. Walk-in bar seating is often available and a legitimate option if your timing is flexible. Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends. Dress: Resort casual , aloha shirts and sundresses fit the room. Budget: Mid-range for Wailea; expect a meaningful step below resort-hotel fine dining price points.

For more Wailea dining options, see our full Wailea restaurants guide. If you're planning the full trip, check our Wailea hotels guide, bars guide, and experiences guide.