Reserve now:
Monstera Noodles & SushiReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Hawaii Restaurant Reviews >
Hawaii / Big Island Restaurant Reviews >
Kamuela Restaurant Reviews >
Japanese Restaurant Reviews
Monstera Noodles & Sushi Reviews List
Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Monstera is a hip, casual, moderately priced restaurant providing great food, service, ambiance and value. We are more than a typical sushi restaurant--we have included menu items of Noodle Houses and Izakayas (Japanese Pubs of Japan) to offer you a selection of dishes never seen before on the Big Island. Our philosophy is smile in, smile out. We want you to feel welcome with our gracious local-style hospitality and enjoy great food at a great price in this beautiful location. We hope this will be a stopping point for those traveling along the coast or after visiting a nearby beach.
Named after a non-native, mysterious plant found in Hawaii, Monstera offers a wide selection of items, including sizzling platters and drinks in a casual, yet hip, atmosphere. Here, guests can sit in crocodile print booths under soft lighting and listen to familiar tunes or dine alfresco. Monstera is owned and operated by Big Island residents Norio Yamamoto and Wes Monty.
See more Monstera Noodles & Sushi details
Named after a non-native, mysterious plant found in Hawaii, Monstera offers a wide selection of items, including sizzling platters and drinks in a casual, yet hip, atmosphere. Here, guests can sit in crocodile print booths under soft lighting and listen to familiar tunes or dine alfresco. Monstera is owned and operated by Big Island residents Norio Yamamoto and Wes Monty.
75 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 75 reviews
5 stars
(33)
4 stars
(28)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(41)
- neighborhood gem(26)
- great for outdoor dining(20)
- good for groups(16)
- special occasion(16)
- kid-friendly(13)
Monstera Noodles & Sushi Reviews List
Review 1 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Monstera @ MaunaLani Centre
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place! We'll be back... Again & again, and with friends."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food - but kids want more
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dined on a recommendation from friends. Our kids love sushi and they eat plenty when we dine at our favorite places closer to home which have very good food at reasonable prices. However, Monsterra sushi pricing was in a different league, and it was tough to restrain the kids from running up a giant tab. Frankly, the "kids meals" were not of interest to our girls as they want sushi. The food and service was good, but it wasn't as much fun saying no when the kids want more but we've already racked up a decent sized bill. They left a little hungry, but we were saved by a big dessert elsewhere."
Dined on 4/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Terrific place. Loved everything
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Terrific place. Loved everything we had. Service excellent. Best sushi on the Big Island or anywhere outside of Tokyo we think. Eating at Monstera Noodles & Sushi is a must on your next trip."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth the trip to Big Island
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Your Review:
Ate here twice this visit. Fantastic food; Norio is an exceptional sushi chef. Eating on the terrace is quietest place. Diverse menu with every dish outstanding."
Ate here twice this visit. Fantastic food; Norio is an exceptional sushi chef. Eating on the terrace is quietest place. Diverse menu with every dish outstanding."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food; restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic food; restaurant is among the very best of the very best Japanese restaurants in the USA. Norio is a master sushi chef and the quality of the food and presentation are outstanding! The restaurant noise level inside can be very noisy, however, eating on the
terrace is very quiet. Sitting at the sushi bar is a special treat when Norio is presiding. Also, you can order omakase at the sushi bar or at the table. You might want to set a price level if you are budget conscious. In addition to sushi there are many other dishes on the menu which are also very tasty. If the specially prepared sea bass is available it is truly wonderful."
terrace is very quiet. Sitting at the sushi bar is a special treat when Norio is presiding. Also, you can order omakase at the sushi bar or at the table. You might want to set a price level if you are budget conscious. In addition to sushi there are many other dishes on the menu which are also very tasty. If the specially prepared sea bass is available it is truly wonderful."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent! Very inexpected.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent sushi and sashimi. We will definitely return as it is a find! So unexpected. We put ourselves in the hands of the chef and we are so glad we did. we had an excellent waiter-very knowledgeable."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love the food! The best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love the food! The best Sushi on the island of Hawaii. Have the 'Original' MaiTai, not the Monstera MaiTai."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really enjoyed the food.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really enjoyed the food. We'll be back."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chuck Norris Roll is a Must-Have!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Monstera is always on my "must-do" list when on the Big Island! The Chuck Norris roll is amazing and keeps me coming back. The outdoor dining is lovely and the service is always wonderful."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good menu with several creative
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good menu with several creative small plates.
Notated 2 birthdays in reservation notes that went unrecognized.
Service very friendly, however unpolished."
Notated 2 birthdays in reservation notes that went unrecognized.
Service very friendly, however unpolished."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at this restaurant is fantastic! Try the Chuck Norris roll, the California roll, the sugar snap peas, and the Yaki Soba. The original Mai Tai is better than the Monstera Mai Tai.
We came two nights in a row because the food was so good.
We will definitely return to this restaurant."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was very good. Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was very good. Service was very bad. Jason our waiter left before we finished ordering. He brought me a check of $128 . He ran my credit card and gave me another receipt for $140 not including any service charges. Jason did not show up for another 7-8 minutes. I asked another waitress to send Jason. If I did not pay attention I would have paid extra $12 which would have gone in Jason's pocket in addition to the usual tip."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Monstera never disappoints.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Monstera never disappoints. The food and service are always beautifully prepared. The sushi bar is fun.
The service right down to reception is flawless."
The service right down to reception is flawless."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Fair food, poor service
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are both vegetarians and ordered the same dish (yakisoba), as well as edamame. The food was lackluster and our waiter basically nonexistent. The other employees were very nice but we had trouble even getting a refill on water or placing our order. Will not be trying it again."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Server was slow, noticed another
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Server was slow, noticed another table getting exceptional service by their waiter. Kids waited way too long for miso. Tables sat down after us received their food before us. Chuck Norris, rainbow, spider rolls were good but the poke roll lacked substance very little for the price. Whole fish was delicious."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious food and consistently
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious food and consistently fresh and novel presentation. Generally good service although one of our entrees was brought out about 5 minutes before the other. The staff should have waited to bring both entrees at the same time. Aside from that, we have told our friends to eat at Monstera and we will definitely return many times."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite on the Kohala Coast!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We ate at this restaurant three times in our two weeks on the Kohala Coast!
The menu is wonderful with lots of tasty choices. We sampled widely and were pleased with all.
The wait staff was very helpful with our selection process and gave excellent, enthusiastic
service. One evening the weather was warm enough to allow us to eat outside.
Highly recommend."
The menu is wonderful with lots of tasty choices. We sampled widely and were pleased with all.
The wait staff was very helpful with our selection process and gave excellent, enthusiastic
service. One evening the weather was warm enough to allow us to eat outside.
Highly recommend."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Robert was fantastic - recommending
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Robert was fantastic - recommending special dishes and preparations. Food was delicious - baked scallops, sea bass, and the homemade caramel sauce was fantastic! Wish we would have found this restaurant at the beginning of our trip instead of the end."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Go to Tommy Bahamas instead
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Billed as a noodle and sushi place. Not much on the noodle side. If you lokie sushi, go for it."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The Hamachi kama was excellent,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Hamachi kama was excellent, as well as the hamachi negiri. The unagi negiri was good, although much smaller than my favorite local sushi haunt. I was surprised to see 1 piece sushi orders and expected the dishes to to have more of a Japanese flair in presentation, but to be expected in a tourist area. A good dining option that saves the drive into town."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is excellent. Server
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is excellent. Server very knowledgable and helpful."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Top notch food with top notch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Top notch food with top notch service. Only reason I am at 4 stars is because they were out of sea urchin due to the night before parties. You are right next to the ocean, go get some more! Poor planning on their part"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Just a regular sushi place.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Just a regular sushi place. Service was ok, didn't like that we made a reservation and even showed up early (5pm) and the hostess tried to convince us to sit at the bar or outside in the 30km winds because they were really booked up that night. We did like that we were in and out in 30 minutes though."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything was very good as
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was very good as noted above. However, the noise level inside the restaurant is extremely high. It makes it impossible to have a conversation across the table with ones dining companions. For this reason, if weather permits, I would suggest requesting an outside table on the patio."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not being a big lover of Japanese food, I was most pleasantly surprised by our dining experiences there last week. My group enjoyed it so much the first time, we decided to go back again later in the week. They were most accommodating to me, as I am vegetarian, and made helpful suggestions. I found everything delicious, especially the tempura and the udon noodles. The mai-tais were also the best we've found on the island! The location is convenient if staying in the Kohala Coast resorts, but nothing special. No view or anything interesting, but would definitely go back for the food. Skip dessert and have a second mai-tai!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Delicious Sushi
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious sushi and house specialties. The Tuna Tataki, volcano roll and special rollare family favorites. The staff are friendly, personable and very knowledgable about the entire menu. Popular with locals as well as visitors from the mainland and abroad. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great sushi, super friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great sushi, super friendly service, a bit pricey"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food is very good, and the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is very good, and the Sushi bar is among the best there is. The service is very good, and our waiter Robert was great!
Robert is very knowledgable about Wine, and presents the menu , and the chefs specials in a way that makes ordering easy."
Robert is very knowledgable about Wine, and presents the menu , and the chefs specials in a way that makes ordering easy."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Definitely should try this place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a small table outside so we could enjoy the balmy air. Wonderful waitress, Sara, explained a few dishes to us. Fantastic tuna and i could have eaten a ton of the sugar pea appetizer. The noodles looked good but did not order this time. Nice place away from the hotel type fare. Would definitely return."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Have eaten at Monstera a couple
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have eaten at Monstera a couple of times. The food is quite good as is the service. Since seating is limited, on busy nights, service tends to be rushed, making it more difficult to enjoy the food. Value is good; high prices are typical for the Big Island and especially the west coast."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food at a reasonable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food at a reasonable price. Small plates are the way to go. Miso butterfish wonderful. Server was knowledgeable and attentive.
We will definitely be back this week"
We will definitely be back this week"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful sushi and sashimi.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful sushi and sashimi. Highly recommend."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Monstera Noodles & Sushi
Based on the average of (43) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic