Chef Peter Merriman and Handcrafted Restaurants open ‘Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman’ at The OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (Monkeypod Waikiki) on world-famous Waikiki Beach. Located within OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s newly transformed Diamond Head Tower, Monkeypod Waikiki pairs prime views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean with its signature menu of handcrafted farm-to-table food, beer, and cocktails.
Monkeypod Waikiki is the largest Monkeypod Kitchen to date, with 13,000 square feet on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach. This marks Handcrafted Restaurants’ fourth Monkeypod Kitchen and its sixth restaurant overall. Each Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman delivers handcrafted dishes in a festive, casual atmosphere with live music three times a day. The first Monkeypod opened on Wailea, Maui in 2011 to resounding success, paving the way for locations in Kā‘anapali on Maui and Ko‘olina on O‘ahu.
“The opening of Monkeypod Waikiki marks the completion of one of my lifetime goals. For over 20-years, it has been my dream to have a restaurant on Waikiki Beach in a space that celebrates our island home,” says Peter Merriman, Chairman and co-founder at Handcrafted Restaurants. “Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman will serve guests high-quality local fare that highlights Hawai‘i’s rich bounty with our signature Monkeypod atmosphere.”
Monkeypod Waikiki will be the first Monkeypod Kitchen to offer breakfast, along with lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Similar to other Handcrafted Restaurants, Monkeypod Waikiki will serve dishes with ingredients sourced from local purveyors, ranchers, and farmers from MA’O Organic Farms, Kahumana Farms, and Aloun Farms, who Merriman has worked with for many years. Signature Monkeypod favorites such as the ‘Hand-Tossed Kalua Pork and Pineapple Pizza,’ the ‘Maui Cattle Company Cheeseburger,’ and Sautéed Day-Boat Caught ahi will accompany new breakfast dishes including “The Claw,” a lobster eggs benedict, and Big Island Blueberry and Lilikoi Flapjacks.
For libations, guests can indulge in the award-winning Monkeypod Mai Tai topped with a signature lilikoi foam or elect another handcrafted cocktail featuring local spirits such as Ko Hana Rum and Ocean Vodka, accompanied with house-made ginger beer, local herbs and fruits, as well as homemade shrubs and syrups. The restaurant also showcases 36 craft beers on tap, including Pete’s Island Wheat – Merriman’s namesake brew which is crafted on Maui by Kohola Brewing. A portion of sales from Pete’s Island Wheat is donated to the Polynesian Voyaging Society to support its mission to perpetuate the art and science of voyaging and exploration.
Handcrafted Restaurants is proud to partner with OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group because of the company’s deep commitment to caring for the Hawai‘i community. The architecture of Monkeypod Waikiki evokes an island sense of place and connects guests to the local culture, complementing the contemporary design of OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. The restaurant’s décor and art feature sustainable materials crafted by local artists and artisans, designed to share a Hawaiian sense of place with guests. Highlights include a twenty-foot glass case filled with found-glass fishing floats, reclaimed wood finishes, and a hand-painted mural by local artist Jeff Gress.
“We are honored to have culinary trailblazer Peter Merriman bring his renowned expertise and passion for innovative cuisine to Monkeypod Kitchen at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. “Peter’s pioneering spirit in championing local farmers and dedication to sourcing sustainable ingredients that showcase the diverse flavors of Hawai‘i have established him as a true icon in the culinary world. Partnering with Monkeypod Kitchen not only elevates the dining experience at OUTRIGGER Reef but celebrates our shared values of hospitality, authenticity and aloha.”
The opening of Monkeypod Waikiki marks the completion of OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s $85 million investment – offering guest a contemporary retreat, rooted in Hawaiian culture. Sophisticated property enhancements include upscale residential-style rooms and suites – including the exquisite 4,000 sq. foot Coral Reef Penthouse, chic poolside experiences and a reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage.
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort will be open every day from 7:00AM – 11:00PM with happy hour from 3:30PM – 5:00PM. The restaurant will be primarily walk-in seating with limited reservations available at www.monkeypodkitchen.com.
