Food at Aulani

[808blessing]

Monkeypod is good if you are only ordering off the happy hour menu and expectations are such.

 

[cruisehopeful]

When some of you mention that Monkeypod is loud, what is it loud from? People talking loudly and club music is different than loud ukeleles to me. It's different enough that I will either go to happy hour there or totally avoid it. Also, I won't get the chicken.

 

[WinterSolider]

When some of you mention that Monkeypod is loud, what is it loud from? People talking loudly and club music is different than loud ukeleles to me. It's different enough that I will either go to happy hour there or totally avoid it. Also, I won't get the chicken.

They often have live music and the type of noise is going to depend on the genre of the live music that happens to be there that day. I've definitely never seen anything like "club music," and the atmosphere is definitely family-friendly if that's a concern.

People are comparing it to places like Mina's Fish House which is fine (albeit casual) dining, it's a silly comparison in my opinion.

 

[J-Dog]

They often have live music and the type of noise is going to depend on the genre of the live music that happens to be there that day. I've definitely never seen anything like "club music," and the atmosphere is definitely family-friendly if that's a concern.

People are comparing it to places like Mina's Fish House which is fine (albeit casual) dining, it's a silly comparison in my opinion.

Totally agree with all this.

 

[davidhr]

We had a dinner at Monkeypod during our last trip and it was fine. The food is definitely nothing to write home about, but was fine. I find it lively. That can be loud if you want a quiet dining experience, but I didn’t find it loud.

I’ll likely visit again on my upcoming trip.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

When some of you mention that Monkeypod is loud, what is it loud from? People talking loudly and club music is different than loud ukeleles to me. It's different enough that I will either go to happy hour there or totally avoid it. Also, I won't get the chicken.

I've never eaten at Monkeypod. Anytime I walk by there to go to ABC, Starbucks, or Mekiko, I can hear the loud music, which tends be typical overplayed radio music or a person playing a guitar singing the typical overplayed radio music.

 

[Steelers0854]

Figured I would add on here since we just wrapped up our very first stay instead of starting a new post. Obviously food is very subjective but here are our thoughts.

Here is the thing about dining at Aulani, it’s fine. But thats about it, it’s just fine. The only thing that is going to stand out are the prices. Here are my quick thoughts, with a more detailed breakdown below. Table service is where Aulani struggles. Every meal we had came out lukewarm at best. The food is mid and the prix fixe is everywhere. There is so much potential here, but it’s wasted. Also the service is just ok, when compared to other options nearby, they are really lacking. Their quick service options are better, but still mostly unforgettable. Unfortunately our Luau day got rained out and the other nights during our stay were sold out so we couldn’t try it, but we will next time!

Makahiki:

Breakfast: It’s fine, it’s a Disney character meal so I understand why it’s prix fixe. The food is just fine, the malasadas are incredible, the pancakes were good, no problems, but it’s a one and done. Meeting the characters is great, I would definitely do it once, but beyond that Off the Hook is just fine for breakfast.

Dinner: Not good. Why on earth is this a prix fixe meal? There are no characters and there is no incredible view like AMA AMA. In no world should this be a flat fee. Plus I dont want an appetizer, entree and dessert forced on me. Our food came out lukewarm and not hot, and thats just disappointing. I just want to order what I want when I want it. The food here was fine, it isnt worth the price but its Hawaii and its Disney Hawaii so I let it slide. But if they made this just a regular table service meal, I would 100% be ok with that and would go back. Right now, it’s a no from me.

AMA AMA:

Yea it’s expensive. Is it justified? Nope. They try to make it a high end restaurant but fall flat. The service here is the best on property, but still pales in comparison to Mina’s next door at the Four Seasons, which by the way has much better food and is cheaper, but more on that later. We left our meal hungry and joking we needed to stop ay Ulu to get some fries on the way top to the room. For an almost $400 meal for 2 people who aren’t drinkers that is criminal. I got the duck and it wasnt properly rendered so it was tough and chewy. DW got the wagyu filet and it was ok, it just was too small a portion. Again lukewarm food at each course. I know why this is prix fixe, if it wasnt you would get everyone coming in and ordering an appetizer for the incredible views and taking up a table. So while I think there is too much prix fixe on property, Im not mad at it here, what I am mad about is the food and service dont deliver on the bill. We wont come back.

Off The Hook:

Breakfast: This is a great spot, you get your coffee here, they have great options for breakfast and you can sit in the AMA AMA area and enjoy the incredible views. The coffee is good, not great, but on par with the Four Seasons next door. Food comes out quick an hot. No complaints at all here. Plus they have allergy friendly mickey waffles.

Lunch: Just ate here once and it was great. Chicken Club sandwich is an incredible deal and a HUGE portion. No complaints at all here for lunch.

Ulu Cafe:

Breakfast is a nice balance to Off the Hook. More grab and go style and you can mobile order here. The açaí bowl is IMO a great deal as it’s huge, really good and the fruit is super fresh tasting. The breakfast wrap had perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, and I mean they were perfect. Another great breakfast option here.

We didnt get to the Oleo room for dinner, but they had a great looking menu. The Malasadas for breakfast though are a home run.

Let’s talk off property (But walkable) hits and misses.

Mina’s Fish House may as well be on property. It’s so close since it’s right next door at the Four Seasons and this place is amazing. We had dinner here and liked it so much we cancelled a reservation we had for a steakhouse so we could come back before leaving. The views, the food and the service are incredible! They are amazing with allergies, and the prices deliver on what you get. We are coming back here multiple times on any future visit. This blows everything out of the water at Aulani.

Roy’s was very good, one of the best steaks we had on the island. a bit harder to eat here with allergies but not a deal breaker by any means. Good service and very very walkable from Aulani. We would go back.

Monkeypod is fine. Good variety, but nothing that stands out. The pizza is just ok. It’s too bad too because the atmosphere here is fabulous. But $20 for a mai tai when you can walk a cross the street and get one for $8 on happy hour is a shame lol. Not tops on our list to return to.

808craft house is a sleeper hit. Steak was great, moco loco was great. Good service, good prices. Pro tip: Costco sells $100 gift cards for $80. We got one while we were in town and used it here, worked out perfectly. Definitely be back.

Mekiko Cantina. Wow this place is great. Huge portion int he fajitas for a great price. A ton on their menu and the service was outstanding. We 100% will come back multiple times here.

Beyond the Reef:

We ate up in Northshore quite a bit. Giovanni’s truck has some of the best shrimp we have ever had and the prices deliver was incredible especially for how much shrimp you get. Seven Brothers has a great menu with a ton of options and it is all super fresh. Ted’s Bakery has great food as well beyond the Chocolate Hapua pie which is one of the best things on the island.

 

[WinterSolider]

Figured I would add on here since we just wrapped up our very first stay instead of starting a new post. Obviously food is very subjective but here are our thoughts.

Here is the thing about dining at Aulani, it’s fine. But thats about it, it’s just fine. The only thing that is going to stand out are the prices. Here are my quick thoughts, with a more detailed breakdown below. Table service is where Aulani struggles. Every meal we had came out lukewarm at best. The food is mid and the prix fixe is everywhere. There is so much potential here, but it’s wasted. Also the service is just ok, when compared to other options nearby, they are really lacking. Their quick service options are better, but still mostly unforgettable. Unfortunately our Luau day got rained out and the other nights during our stay were sold out so we couldn’t try it, but we will next time!

Makahiki:

Breakfast: It’s fine, it’s a Disney character meal so I understand why it’s prix fixe. The food is just fine, the malasadas are incredible, the pancakes were good, no problems, but it’s a one and done. Meeting the characters is great, I would definitely do it once, but beyond that Off the Hook is just fine for breakfast.

Dinner: Not good. Why on earth is this a prix fixe meal? There are no characters and there is no incredible view like AMA AMA. In no world should this be a flat fee. Plus I dont want an appetizer, entree and dessert forced on me. Our food came out lukewarm and not hot, and thats just disappointing. I just want to order what I want when I want it. The food here was fine, it isnt worth the price but its Hawaii and its Disney Hawaii so I let it slide. But if they made this just a regular table service meal, I would 100% be ok with that and would go back. Right now, it’s a no from me.

AMA AMA:

Yea it’s expensive. Is it justified? Nope. They try to make it a high end restaurant but fall flat. The service here is the best on property, but still pales in comparison to Mina’s next door at the Four Seasons, which by the way has much better food and is cheaper, but more on that later. We left our meal hungry and joking we needed to stop ay Ulu to get some fries on the way top to the room. For an almost $400 meal for 2 people who aren’t drinkers that is criminal. I got the duck and it wasnt properly rendered so it was tough and chewy. DW got the wagyu filet and it was ok, it just was too small a portion. Again lukewarm food at each course. I know why this is prix fixe, if it wasnt you would get everyone coming in and ordering an appetizer for the incredible views and taking up a table. So while I think there is too much prix fixe on property, Im not mad at it here, what I am mad about is the food and service dont deliver on the bill. We wont come back.

Off The Hook:

Breakfast: This is a great spot, you get your coffee here, they have great options for breakfast and you can sit in the AMA AMA area and enjoy the incredible views. The coffee is good, not great, but on par with the Four Seasons next door. Food comes out quick an hot. No complaints at all here. Plus they have allergy friendly mickey waffles.

Lunch: Just ate here once and it was great. Chicken Club sandwich is an incredible deal and a HUGE portion. No complaints at all here for lunch.

Ulu Cafe:

Breakfast is a nice balance to Off the Hook. More grab and go style and you can mobile order here. The açaí bowl is IMO a great deal as it’s huge, really good and the fruit is super fresh tasting. The breakfast wrap had perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, and I mean they were perfect. Another great breakfast option here.

We didnt get to the Oleo room for dinner, but they had a great looking menu. The Malasadas for breakfast though are a home run.

Let’s talk off property (But walkable) hits and misses.

Mina’s Fish House may as well be on property. It’s so close since it’s right next door at the Four Seasons and this place is amazing. We had dinner here and liked it so much we cancelled a reservation we had for a steakhouse so we could come back before leaving. The views, the food and the service are incredible! They are amazing with allergies, and the prices deliver on what you get. We are coming back here multiple times on any future visit. This blows everything out of the water at Aulani.

Roy’s was very good, one of the best steaks we had on the island. a bit harder to eat here with allergies but not a deal breaker by any means. Good service and very very walkable from Aulani. We would go back.

Monkeypod is fine. Good variety, but nothing that stands out. The pizza is just ok. It’s too bad too because the atmosphere here is fabulous. But $20 for a mai tai when you can walk a cross the street and get one for $8 on happy hour is a shame lol. Not tops on our list to return to.

808craft house is a sleeper hit. Steak was great, moco loco was great. Good service, good prices. Pro tip: Costco sells $100 gift cards for $80. We got one while we were in town and used it here, worked out perfectly. Definitely be back.

Mekiko Cantina. Wow this place is great. Huge portion int he fajitas for a great price. A ton on their menu and the service was outstanding. We 100% will come back multiple times here.

Beyond the Reef:

We ate up in Northshore quite a bit. Giovanni’s truck has some of the best shrimp we have ever had and the prices deliver was incredible especially for how much shrimp you get. Seven Brothers has a great menu with a ton of options and it is all super fresh. Ted’s Bakery has great food as well beyond the Chocolate Hapua pie which is one of the best things on the island.

Makahiki breakfast has gotten quite a bit worse than it used to be. They used to have a mochi parfait that's been replaced with a plain bowl of fruit. The portions have shrunk on pretty much everything. There are fewer characters. We had a nice time but still left a little disappointed.

The most insane thing to me is that there's nowhere at the resort where you can get a latte (or any other non-mug coffee) after 10am. They used to sell them at the Wailana Pool Bar but when they moved the espresso machine to Off the Hook, they inexplicably stopped serving coffee drinks after 10.

A huge hit for us was BRUG Bakery in Kapolei, which was brand new this month. All sorts of sweet and savory baked goods, and it was nice to be able to get pao doce wraps without needing to go to all the way to Leonard's.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Makahiki breakfast has gotten quite a bit worse than it used to be. They used to have a mochi parfait that's been replaced with a plain bowl of fruit. The portions have shrunk on pretty much everything. There are fewer characters. We had a nice time but still left a little disappointed.

The most insane thing to me is that there's nowhere at the resort where you can get a latte (or any other non-mug coffee) after 10am. They used to sell them at the Wailana Pool Bar but when they moved the espresso machine to Off the Hook, they inexplicably stopped serving coffee drinks after 10.

A huge hit for us was BRUG Bakery in Kapolei, which was brand new this month. All sorts of sweet and savory baked goods, and it was nice to be able to get pao doce wraps without needing to go to all the way to Leonard's.

There is so much money in fancy lattes. Boggles my mind leaving all that money on the table.

 

[bryaalre]

I just had a 7 night stay at Aulani from 2/13-2/20 with my wife and some siblings and their families. In total it was 8 of us, 6 adults between 28-39 years old and 2 kids aged 17.

Discussing food we all ate nearly all meals together and I will try to give the general consensus from everyone about everywhere we ate.

Ulu Cafe - We mostly had breakfast here getting acai bowls, oatmeal, pastries, etc. There were no issues with anything here in terms of breakfast and I would get the Cinnamon Roll or oatmeal again. The breakfast pizza was a hit and most things were fine in price. The issue we had with Ulu was more for lunch and snack purposes. While I enjoyed the poke bowl, there is just a lack of toppings that is not worth the money they cost. The pizza was also a let down both times it was purchased within my family that it would be tough to recommend them. The prices for some items are way to high especially when considering a small walk away things can be half the cost. An example is the spam masubi being $7 at ulu and 2 for $4 at ABC.

Arrival Friday Night - Makahiki - This was probably everyone's favorite meal of the trip. There were some apps that came out warm and was a complaint amongst a few of us but everyone enjoyed their entrees immensely and the desserts were hits as well. Some of the favorites were the ribs, Prime Rib and the Cobbler. While the fixed menu is expensive, no one complained about the price, most likely due to everyone having Disney gift cards from the recent new credit card offer. However, only my younger brother and his wife are cheap, or more eloquently put, cost conscious.

Saturday Night - Lanterns - Food was ok but nothing special. Everyone agreed this was the lowest food experience on the trip.

Sunday Night - Food Trucks & Olelo Room - Rained out for most of the day, so we hit less trucks than we had planned. However, what we did have was delicious. My brother still talks about the Jennys Shrimp Food truck. My wife and I hit the Olelo room by ourselves and were here before on our last aulani trip. My wife wanted the same food as last time with the Bang Bang fries and Kalua Gratin. She still loves both things and I got a sushi roll that was good. Its a relaxing place to be at after 8 and the pools are all closed.

Monday Morning - Eggs and Things - Love it here. Just my wife and I and they give you a good sized portion (especially the whipped cream). I have a sweet tooth and so this place is very satisfying with the amount of fruit and whipped crema they put on your pancake. If you like overloaded pancakes, this is a good spot.

Monday Night - Sea Life Park Luau - Food was below average besides the pork and the rolls. The show was good and the view in incredible but I can't say it was worth it. We did it as a apart of the Oahu City Pass and would pass on doing it again. Both my wife and I like the aulani Luau better. The rest of my family had nothing to compare it to and loved the show and that was enough for them to forget the lesser food. As a note, the Mai Tais here were horrible but it made for a nice joke for the trip as no drink could be worse than that.

I will make another post for the rest of our meals at Monkeypod, Off the Hook, Mekikos Cantina, Longhis and Black Sheep Cream later.

The last thing I'll add is my wife did not like the off hook espresso drink at all. But it's fine as she is a Starbucks person and a short walk across the street was fine. That Starbucks never got busy and was always super fast. It was also nearly half the cost as off the hook as well. Never thought I would ever think Starbucks was cheap haha.

 

[WinterSolider]

The last thing I'll add is my wife did not like the off hook espresso drink at all. But it's fine as she is a Starbucks person and a short walk across the street was fine. That Starbucks never got busy and was always super fast. It was also nearly half the cost as off the hook as well. Never thought I would ever think Starbucks was cheap haha.

That Starbucks is also the only place in the area that opens super early which is super helpful early in the trip when you're dealing with jet lag.