Moku Kitchen

As all of you know, finding a good spot on a Monday night on Oahu is really difficult. Most places are either closed or have a limited vibe, so I am starting Moku Mondays trend. Spending under $25 for a drink and a bite is a pretty sweet happy hour price. The Mai Tai was $7 off. It was sweet but still balanced. ​I also tried the bulgogi sliders for half off. From the photo you can tell the presentation was amazing, but to be honest, they were a bit dry and the meat was very salty. Don't get me wrong, I still ate them, but since I will be frequenting this spot for Moku Mondays, I will definitely try something else next time.

This was my first time going and I made a reservation for two. Even if you’re a little early, they’ll have you wait for your time if it’s busy. The staff were really nice and welcoming. While we waited, we sat at the bar and ordered a few drinks closed our tab and were moved to a table. The restaurant can be really loud when there’s a bunch of people so prepare to speak a little bit louder. As for the food, my partner and I both got the smash burger with fries. The fires were great and the burger was extremely plain. We just added ketchup and that helped. We both ordered the ginger ale and let’s just say it was pretty spicy coming from someone who likes some spice. Overall it was mediocre based off what we had and i’d rather go somewhere else.

Although created in 1944 by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in Oakland, California, the Mai Tai became synonymous with Hawaii because Trader Vic brought the drink to Honolulu in 1953 to develop the bar program for the Matson Line Hotels, including the Royal Hawaiian. Sheryl M., my waifu, told me I had to get he Mai Tai because that's what everybody loved getting at Moku's. Other sips we had: $8 Deschutes Black Butte, $9 Monkeypod Mai Tai, $14 No Kai Oi, $14 Bartender's Special, $8 Hop Island Beer, $7 Housemade Ginger Beer, $14 Pear Pressure, $14 Wahine Noho Mauna. $88 before tax. All drinks were amazing and the service was wonderful. They remembered Sheryl M. so this tells me this is the kind of place that takes time and effort to get to know their patrons. Five stars! I would have loved to try their food but we were having dinner afterwards.

After looking at other people's pictures I expected more of a touristy place, I was pleasantly surprised that it was such a mixed crowd. There were local business people, group lunches, couples, college age couples, tourists, locals, and even a few families. The standout for me was the staff, lots of really nice people working here, it felt relaxed and friendly. The food and flavor combos were satisfying and pleasant, not epicurean perfection, but tasty enough that I will definitely be back to try more dishes. My favorite dish was the mochi chocolate cake, it was so soft, slightly dense and custard-y, and so so delicious (sorry no picture). For lunch, I had the fish sandwich with truffle fries. The fish was a little strong, and for me personally, the flavor leaned more towards sweet vs the vinegary spicy flavor I was expecting but still good. The fish glaze was mostly sugary teriyaki and ginger. The truffle fries had a nice balanced truffle flavor, but were slightly soft (fry texture) in some parts. Overall, recommended and I will definitely try more plates. It seemed like a nice place for adventurous visitors to try some more American style versions of local flavors.

I wish I had more time to come back and eat everything on the menu. So fresh and the flavors are phenomenal. I got the roasted vegetable platter with fish and when it came out the foodie in me cried with joy. Then I took a bite and my excitement was validated. The fish wasn’t my absolute favorite because I was hoping for a softer, more “melt-in-the-mouth” fish and this was a bit dry/tough, but I’d just get the shrimp option the next visit. Loved the fun (albeit a little loud) atmosphere and the service was quick and wonderful.

The pizzas here are outstanding, with bold flavors and perfectly baked crusts. The mushroom pizza with truffle oil is a must-try, and adding chicken takes it to another level. Stopping by during happy hour is a smart move—it's the perfect time to sample a variety of small plates at a great value. Moku ended up being one of the biggest highlights of our Hawaiian trip. The food and drinks easily stood out as the best we had all week. Visiting during happy hour made the experience even better, with generous discounts that made everything feel like an incredible find.

4% kitchen service fee included in your bill - same establishment as Monkeypod. The bottom of the menu indicates it is a "4% Service charge will be added to all food sales and distributed to our kitchen staff". There is no reason or logic here. If the restaurant needs to pay the kitchen staff more, RAISE YOUR MENU PRICES. Clearly your core operational costs are higher than your already high menu prices will cover and require a tax subsidy. The only real time to visit this restaurant is for happy hour and the Mai Tai might be the best item on the menu due to their unique lilikoi foam. The food is "ok". The service was a mixed bag. Clearly the food runner was having a bad night or? quite literally threw napkins at us and many landed on the ground - when asked for a drink napkin. Our polite waiter picked them up and apologized.

Do yourself a favor by treating yourself to this restaurant. Whoever crafted this menu was blessed with creativity and an exceptional palate. It balances traditional with the modern and practical. Exceptional food that is also accessible to someone that hasn't worked on developing their appreciation of food yet. I had the ahi steak, and sampled the bolognese. Both had balanced and exciting flavor profiles. We also sampled the entirety of their holiday drink menu with each crafted cocktail sparkling with their own secrets. The coconut brulee was surprisingly savory for a dessert. Our server, Thais, was the cherry on top of a delightful Saturday evening experience. She was at once elegant and playful in a way we found lovely. I hope to return! The only quibble would be that the restaurant could use some sound dampeners.

Moku was a true highlight of our Hawaiian vacation; seriously the best food, and drink, of the entire week! We went during happy hour and it was AMAZING! All the appetizers were half off during HH making them an incredible deal! We tried 8 things off the HH menu, and fell ridiculously in love with every item! The Ahi Poke tacos were easily the best I've ever had, anywhere. The Moku Mai Tai was $9, definitely the cheapest you'll find in Waikiki!, and was also the absolute best on the island; that passionfruit foam was to die for! If I lived in Hawaii, rest assured I'd be a regular here! Go, you won't be disappointed!

Maybe the best tacos I have ever had. With batter and huge pieces of fish. The sauce is a little spicy but not too spicy. And a great basket of truffle fries, crunchy and soft in the middle. Service at the bar was great and the place has a nice low key vibe. Located on Ala Moana and Keawe Street in a block full of restaurants, bars and shops. Very cool.