Though the Hawaiian Islands are small in terms of landmass, the islands feel huge as soon as you consider the countless restaurant options found across the state. But not all restaurants are created equal, and everyone looks for something different when it comes to choosing where to dine. Whether you're looking for a restaurant that utilizes fresh, local ingredients in an innovative way, a creative cocktail menu, laid-back vibe, killer patio, or live music, you'll find everything you're looking for and more at one of our favorite Hawaii restaurants: Monkeypod Kitchen!

Nestled in the heart of Ko Olina — West Oahu's magical resort destination — is Monkeypod Kitchen, a unique farm-to-table restaurant that serves up the most mouthwatering Hawaiian regional cuisine you've ever tasted in a funky, comfortable atmosphere.

With live music daily and a phenomenal patio, you're sure to love the laid-back island vibes and Aloha Spirit found at Monkeypod Kitchen.

Monkeypod Kitchen has two locations: on Oahu and Maui. Today, we're focused on the Oahu location, but the Maui restaurant is pretty stellar, too.

First things first, let's order a drink. While the drink menu is full of local beer, wine, and craft cocktails, there is one drink you absolutely must try — the Monkeypod Mai Tai. Made with Old Lahaina Rum, house-made macadamia nut

orgeat, orange curacao, and topped with a delectable honey-lilikoi foam, it's easily the most popular drink here.

From garlic truffle oil fries and Kauai shrimp and Hamakua mushroom pot stickers to poke tacos and lobster deviled eggs, Monkeypod Kitchen serves up some mighty fine appetizers.

But it's their entrees that really stand out in a crowd. From salads and burgers to tacos, gnocchi, saimin, and fresh-caught seafood, there's something for everyone at this swoon-worthy restaurant.

You will also find a unique selection of flavorful wood-fired pizza.

Oh, and did we mention that Monkeypod Kitchen partners with local farmers to attain only the freshest, highest quality ingredients possible? It truly doesn't get fresher than this.

Don't forget dessert! Monkeypod Kitchen's cream pies are absolutely to-die-for, and while I'm partial to the strawberry option, you can't go wrong with their banana, coconut, or chocolate cream pies. Yum!

Monkeypod Kitchen is also a popular spot for weekend brunch, and we can't imagine much better than digging into this strawberry cream pie french toast before spending a day splashing around at one of the Ko Olina Lagoons.

You can't go wrong with a brunch loco moco made with local eggs, Big Island beef, Hamakua wild mushrooms, Ma'o Farms organic chard, and Ali'i mushroom gravy. How delicious does this look?

What are you waiting for? Visit Monkeypod Kitchen today for a mouthwatering meal you'll never forget, and perhaps you'll even discover that it's your new favorite date night or celebratory meal destination.

Monkeypod Kitchen's Oahu location can be found in Ko Olina at 92-1048 Olani St., Kapolei, HI 96707, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit their website for more information or to make a reservation.

For another phenomenal dining experience by Merriman's, check out their Kapalua restaurant.