Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

Our family has been coming to this restaurant every year for over a decade after getting our Christmas tree. We bring a group of 20+ people, and it has always been part of a longstanding family tradition -- until this year, when we had an experience so shocking that none of us will ever return. From the very beginning, things were off. While waiting to be seated, we were told for the first time ever that we could not order drinks at the bar while we waited. The bartender openly bragged about how he was happy not to pour drinks and talked about how he used to be an inspector -- an odd and unprofessional attitude for someone in a customer-facing role. He even mocked orders that were placed. It felt more like dealing with someone actively trying not to provide service. We waited the 40+ mins upstairs. Once seated, things got worse. The sun was directly in my eyes -- painful enough that I was wearing sunglasses indoors and still struggling to see. I couldn't find our server, so I politely asked the nearest employee if someone could lower the blinds. Her response: "I'm too busy to help you." When I asked who I could help me instead, she walked away without another word. Since no staff member was willing to help, I lowered the blinds myself. Minutes later, a hostess seated another couple at the table directly in front of the window and raised the blinds again. The person I had spoken to previously then went to that couple and stirred them up to the point that the woman jumped up and accused us of "talking s***," which we absolutely weren't. We were literally talking about the shades and my vision. Then it escalated even further: A staff member approached my husband and said I was not allowed to touch the blinds, even though no one was helping us and my discomfort was very real. Finally, a manager -- who told us she has only been there seven months -- came to our table and told our entire party of 20+ to leave because "a server was crying." This server was not even our server and all I did was ask her for help. After being given our bill and told we needed to leave, my server asked if we wanted more drinks. My aunt and I both ordered a drink, they gave her one but told me that they would not serve me because of my complaints about the sun. At that point, I had 1/2 of a mai tai. Let me be extremely clear: All we asked for was help adjusting the shades due to severe sun glare. Not one person in our group was rude, yelling, or disrespectful. Yet somehow, the one employee who told me she was "too busy to help" wasn't too busy to create drama. What makes this worse is that most of us have worked in the service industry, and we know what normal vs. unacceptable behavior looks like. This situation was the result of poor training, poor communication, and a manager who escalated instead of resolving. For a restaurant we have supported for more than a decade, this was not just disappointing -- it was honestly unbelievable. We will not be returning, and we'll be taking our longstanding annual tradition elsewhere.

This place was absolutely amazing. First time here and definitely not the last!! What my boyfriend and I ordered and got served was better than I imagined. The waiter(tall male with semi-long blond hair) that served us was extremely attentive and very informative about the menu for the food AND drinks served here. Tons of flavorful food and damn it was SOOOO GOOD!! We were sat at a table where the bar is located and the entire circular area actually rotated throughout our dinner, providing us an amazing experience and a beautiful view of the ocean.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I absolutely loved this place. The food is full of flavor, super fresh, and very cultural you can taste the quality in every bite. The seasonings, the sauces, everything felt authentic and made with care. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, and the service was great too. Definitely coming back! Laura was amazing.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best strong tropical drinks in town. Food is delicious with large portions.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Very friendly staff and the food is extraordinarily delicious. Try the lettuce wrapped appetizers. They are divine ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing cocktails and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We were the first ones there at 11 and had the whole place to ourselves. The restaurant week special, green curry halibut, and tom kha soup were out of this world.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolute fun. The tiki concept, seals swimming by, and the rotating bar. Food is very good, but drinks are even better.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

THE BAR FLOOR ROTATES with epic views of sea life and the lighthouse in the background. If you love strong drinks and Polynesian food, this place is awesome! Makai ROCKS!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was a good day. We’ve never been there before. The vibe was chill and the view was great, right by the window overlooking the water and beach houses. We only stopped for appetizers, the sweet potato fries were delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Poke Stack

The beef Bugogi was amazing. Strongly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Unusual cuisine. We order the Galbi and the guava steak. Both were excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very cool tiki bar, happy hour isnt that good as it's only $2 off cocktails but it's a cool vibe and tasty drinks

The ribs were awesome, the service was great, but the Tamarind Pua'a was bland. It looked amazing in the pictures, but it just didn't have any flavor, which was sad

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

We sat outside for this meal and it was gorgeous. Service was slow but understandable since this is not a fast food restaurant. Outside well-maintained and food quality is okay. It's more for The view.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4