Monkeypod Kitchen Ko Olina

Our family used to go to Monkeypod Kitchen frequently for their Happy Hour specials, but it's been years since we dined there.  I was excited to return to eat some of my favorite dishes.

Garlic Truffle Oil Fries

The Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were just as good and addicting as I remember!

Taro Ravioli

The Pumpkin Patch Ravioli was a go-to order of mine, but now they have Taro Ravioli, and it is also very delicious!

Cheeseburger

Bulgogi Pork Tacos

Wagyu French Dip (Special)

Housemade Gnocchi

The Gnocchi were pillowy soft, and I enjoyed the mac nut pesto.  The mushrooms and chèvre made the dish a little more earthy than I had anticipated, but it was still a good dish overall.  

I'm not a fan of pies, but I love the pies at Monkeypod Kitchen.  We got the Orange Creamsicle (my fave), Strawberry Cream, and the seasonal Butterscotch.

They are huge, creamy, and so decadent!

Service was excellent!  

Monkeypod Kitchen
Ko Olina Station
92-1046 Olani Street
Kapolei Hi, 96707
(808) 380-4086

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Happy Hour at Roy's Ko Olina

My friend and I were in Kapolei for an afternoon event that ended early, and as we were searching for a place to go for happy hour on the Yelp app, we came across Roy's Ko Olina, and saw that they had a check-in offer for a free chocolate souffle, so we booked it over to Ko Olina and made it just in time for last call (for the happy hour menu).  

Happy hour and pupus are offered daily from 2-5 pm on the outside lanai of the restaurant, overlooking the Ko Olina Golf Course. 

The weather could not have been more perfect for an afternoon of drinks, good food, and good company.

I was in the mood for something sweet to drink, so I ordered The Ultimate Raspberry Lemon Drop - it was the perfect thirst-quencher on this sunny Saturday afternoon.  

Also on the happy hour menu (which the restaurant calls the "Aloha Hourz Menu") are these Garlic Butter Seared Shrimp & Garlic Fries. It's an interesting combination (two pieces of shrimp and french fries?!) but they were both delicious.

We also ordered the Ko Olina Dragon Maki and Y Hawaii Kai Style Crispy Crab Cakes, even though they were not on special. 

I always order the crab cakes whenever I dine at a Roy's Restaurant. Their crab cakes are full of real crab meat and not a lot of fillers. 

We finished off our meal with Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle, which is one of the main reasons for us coming here. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of it, but there is a picture of one in Gem's previous review (click here).  Don't forget that it takes 30 minutes to prepare, therefore if you plan to order this for dessert, inform your server ahead of time.

Roy's Ko Olina

92-1220 Aliinui Drive

(808) 676-7697

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Roy's Ko Olina

I love Roy's Ko Olina, so I knew we had to dine there during our recent staycation in Ko Olina Resort.

Complimentary Edamame

Sauteed Brussels

Misoyaki Marinated Butterfish

Honey Mustard Charred Braised Beef Short Rib

Strawberry Shortcake Swirl Cheesecake

The Sauteed Brussels were really tasty, with pork, dried shrimp, and garlic mixed in.

I ordered my usual at Roy's - the Misoyaki Marinated Butterfish.  It is absolutely delicious, and I always regret not ordering the regular-sized portion!

If cheesecake is on the menu at Roy's, I always try to order it, and the Strawberry Shortcake Swirl Cheesecake did not disappoint!

Keiki meals are complete with an appetizer, entree, and dessert, all for $14.95!

Appetizer: Cheese Quesadilla, Slice Fruit, Vegetables

Hibachi Grilled Salmon with Vegetables and Rice

Tender Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes and Pan Gravy

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables and Rice

Keiki Ice Cream Sandwich

Our server was very friendly, but rushed (a few times I didn't finish my sentence and she was already leaving the table), and I attribute it to the busy Mother's Day weekend.

Despite that, Roy's Ko Olina is still one of my favorite restaurants on the island!

Roy's Ko Olina 

92-1220 Ali'inui Drive

Kapolei, HI 96707

(808) 676-7697

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The Perfect Gift - A Staycation at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Nearly three years ago I was fortunate to have spent a weekend at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, which had just opened up a month prior.

Over the Mother's Day Weekend, I decided it was time to return with the family to treat myself for the holiday, as well as for my birthday!

The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, with 316 guest rooms and 55 suites, is the absolute perfect place to get away from it all.

We were greeted with lei and a welcome drink, and were prepared to head straight for the pool since we arrived before normal check-in time.

There are four pools on property - a Family Pool, Serenity Pool, Adult Pool, and a Spa & Wellness Pool.

Serenity Pool

Adult Pool

Attendants will bring by cool oshibori, ice cold water, and even treats to enjoy by the pool!

Smoothie samples

Pool toys are offered complimentary for use during your stay.

While at the beach, the resort offers complimentary gear so you can stand-up paddleboard or boogie board!

While at the pool, I received a phone call once my room was ready, and the staff member actually offered to deliver the keys to me!  I instead went to get the keys myself, so I could savor the Ocean Front Junior Suite by myself for a few moments.

The spacious suite included two double beds, a sofa bed, a large screen TV, and a work desk.

There was ample room for our family of 5, and the natural tones complemented the beautiful surroundings.  Although spacious, the suite was cozy and inviting, with mood lighting, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and the comfiest beds!

There were two large closets, and the full marble bathroom was enormous, with a soaking tub, shower, water closet, and two sinks.

The suite had a spectacular view of the ocean.

We experienced some of the best views from the lanai!

Speaking of views, the views at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina are just magical!  The cotton candy hues in the mornings, the brilliant blues midday, and the golden skies during the evening are just breathtaking - #NoFilterNeeded!

In the suite was a birthday cake slice, fruits, and DIY cookie-decorating kits.  Such a special touch - one that is typical of Four Seasons!

One of the many things I absolutely love about the Four Seasons Resort at Oahu Ko Olina is how they treat even the littlest guests special as well. From kid-friendly bath amenities and welcome gifts, to mini robes and slippers, even the kiddos will feel spoiled!

Kids can join Camp Kohola at the Hideaway - a complimentary program for kids ages 5 to 12 that offers supervised activities, such as gecko hunting and hula lessons.  The kids definitely had a lot of fun!

Camp Kohola also offers a media room, video games, puzzles, toys, books, and more for kids of all ages to enjoy (with supervision by an adult).  

On property are several dining options - La Hiki Kitchen, Hokulea, The Bar at Hokulea, Noe, Waterman's Bar & Grill, and Mina's Fish House.  

Other services and amenities at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina include a customizable private mini bar, 24-hour in-room dining, house car, free Wi-Fi, and so much more!

The service at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is exceptional - the valets, front desk staff, pool attendants, and restaurant staff were all warm and welcoming and provided stellar service.

I had a memorable weekend at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, and I hope to make it a yearly tradition!

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

92-1001 Olani St

Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 679-0079

Mahalo to the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina for the media rate.

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