Best Happy Hour in South Maui
When we visit Hawaii, our family never seems to have time for a restaurant during the happy hour. But we finally made it, and I must say that it’s for a very good reason that Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea is often praised as having the best happy hour in South Maui.
It was the last day of our vacation. We had a late breakfast and decided to spend more time at the beach and skip lunch before heading to Monkeypod Kitchen. It is a part of the restaurant group by famous Chef Peter Merriman – one of the founders of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea first opened its doors in February 2011.
During our Big Island trip, we were not thrilled by the original Merriman’s Restaurant in Waimea. But after reading much about Monkeypod signature Mai Tai topped with honey-lilikoi foam, we were looking forward to tasting it. Monkeypod Maui Tai has been voted best on Maui.
Monkeypod has two happy hours – 3-5:30 pm and 9-11 pm. We arrived right after 3 pm, and found the main restaurant room populated and loud. So we were seated on the outdoor terrace with partial view of the ocean. With the afternoon breeze on the covered terrace, the temperature was perfect! We are glad we made it early during the happy hour, because at the time of our departure the terrace was almost full. We got to enjoy a really relaxing happy hour!
Best Happy Hour Service
Our server was exceptionally nice. She made us feel welcome and relaxed from the get go. Without being overly friendly she was always on point, suggested exactly what we needed, and was instrumental to our opinion that Monkeypod Kitchen is truly the best happy hour place in South Maui.
During the happy hour, all handcrafted culinary cocktails are $5 off, draft beers – $2 off and wines by the glass – $3 off. With a few exceptions, appetizers are 1/2 off, and hand tossed pizzas – $10 each.
We had two cocktails – Monkeypod Mai Tai, the famous one with honey-lilikoi foam, and Abuelita – unreally good! Both had large amount of alcohol. We didn’t try pizzas this time, but ordered a few appetizers. Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were to die for. Lobster Devilled Eggs – creamy and filling. And Kauai Shrimp and Hamakua Mushroom Potstickers – delicious!
One thing we regret is that we came to this place on the last day of our vacation. Next time, we will put Monkeypod Kitchen happy hour on our itinerary for the very first day! It will sure put us in the best vacation mood right from the start.
