Mala Ocean Tavern

American restaurant · Lahaina

Mala Ocean Tavern

American restaurant · Lahaina

4

1307 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761

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Mala Ocean Tavern by Ryan Siphers
Mala Ocean Tavern by Photo courtesy of Mala Ocean Tavern
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Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null
Mala Ocean Tavern by null

Highlights

Lahaina's Mala Ocean Tavern serves vibrant Pacific Rim-Mediterranean fusion with killer cocktails, oceanfront views, and a lively vibe.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Featured on Bon Appetit

1307 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761 Get directions

malatavern.com
@malatavern

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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1307 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761 Get directions

+1 808 667 9394
malatavern.com
@malatavern
𝕏
@tavernmala

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 1, 2025

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@cntraveler

One Year After Maui's Wildfires, Meet the Locals Ensuring Travel Helps the Island Heal

"Mala Ocean Tavern, a cheerful Lahaina restaurant, was significantly damaged but survived the fires."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/maui-wildfires-one-year-later
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@bonappetit

Maui Wildfires Leave Restaurant Workers Devastated—And Grappling With Tourism | Bon Appétit

"Kalei Ducheneau, the executive chef at Lāhainā’s Māla Ocean Tavern, one of the only buildings left standing on Front Street." - ByAli Francis

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/maui-wildfires-food-workers-react
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@afar

"A pioneer of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, chef Mark Ellman showcases his thoughtful approach to cooking at Mala Ocean Tavern, a harbor-front eatery with dramatic sunset views. Come here for well-executed fusion fare like ahi bruschetta, whole wok-fried Hawaiian fish, and a vegan mushroom Bolognese pasta with local shiitakes, as well as signature cocktails like the Spa Day (cucumber, vodka, fresh watermelon juice) and the LBC (gin, passion fruit, basil simple syrup, fresh lime, and soda). Party animals will be happy to learn that the restaurant also offers a late happy hour each evening from 10 p.m. to midnight, plus live music and DJs spinning vinyl on Friday nights."

The Best Restaurants in Maui
View Postcard for Māla Tavern
@infatuation

Mala Ocean Tavern - Review - Lahaina - Maui - The Infatuation

"Located on Front Street in Lahaina, this Pacific Rim/Mediterranean bistro is so close to the shoreline it almost feels like you’re floating on the water. Mala is perfect for a lively night out with people who like to share, since you’re going to want to order all the tapas-style starters on the menu. Start with a round of oyster shooters before splitting plates like the spicy lamb pita, whole wok-fried fresh fish, and charred octopus with house-made chorizo, which all pair perfectly with a cocktail, like the Makai Tai topped with fruity foam. It’s a great spot to go before heading to the bars that run down Front Street or to come back to after for a nightcap and a snack since their late-night Happy Hour with food and drink specials goes from 10pm-12am." - Leah Ponichtera

https://www.theinfatuation.com/maui/reviews/mala-ocean-tavern
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V K

Google
A must visit! Everything about this restaurant from the location, decor, and service has incredible charm. We sat by the ocean for some breathtaking views of the eagle rays. Our server was amazing and did a great job accommodating my sensitivity (note I did get charged $10 kitchen service fee for the changes but that is expected). We got the oyster shooters which were out of this world, ube bread with honey butter, scallop dish, and the fried fish of the day. I’m getting hungry again just writing this review. I’ll forever remember this experience.

Dana Campbell

Google
Our server was so kind and provided good details of the menu and our options. We ordered the “hot” Ube bread and it was still frozen in the middle 😢. Clearly it was just microwaved from frozen and not fresh. The reviews swayed me to order it but trust me and save your money, $14.50 US is crazy for a roll of bread. We also ordered fish tacos, those were good no complaints. Ordered two mimosas, $6 each which is a fair price $1 more for the other juice options is a bit silly though.

Joe Shane

Google
Everything about this restaurant was great. The drinks were good, the food was amazing, the service was exceptional, and it has a great location and vibe. It's pricey, but our party was very satisfied and we definitely felt we got our money's worth. The bread and calamari appetizers were both delicious, as were the catch of the day and the ahi. Strongly recommend!

Aldo Quevedo

Google
Great food and fantastic service. We have been here twice. I recommend coming during the day or right before sunset, as the location is spectacular. I had the mahi-mahi and really liked it. Other notable dishes at the table were scallops, braised pork shank, and bread pudding.

Riley Zahm

Google
My wife and I went here on the second to last night on our honeymoon and it has to be hands down one of the best decisions we made. From the personal greeting to celebrate our honeymoon being made extra special by the staff, to the overall level of service (especially from Sebastian, amazing work!), and amazing food, so ono! It was amazing, plus the sunset was spectacular. Definitely a 15/10 experience!

David Burke

Google
I love finding local businesses. And I'm very happy to see this when thriving in Lahaina after all of the problems that they have had. The food and the service were both excellent. Our waiter was very courteous and walked us through the menu. Make sure you ask about the specials. We had a couple of different fish options and all of them were amazing. The views are incredible as you were sitting right on the water. If you were in Lahaina this is definitely worth it but make sure you make a reservation

Johnny Shieh

Google
First time at this place, which is right next door to one of our other favorite places. The menu was not too extensive, but high quality offerings. We ordered the coconut shrimp (pretty standard island app), whole fried fish, parm truffle risotto (for main course) and gnocchi. All dishes were excellent. The place is a bit cramped due to it's physical location and building,, so no need to get dressed up. In particular the fish was outstanding. It comes with black bean sauce, but we mentioned that we like the Chinese style fried fish to be a spicy and they happily added some siraccha to it to give it a kick. Would go back again and get the fish. Just as a rough gauge, prices may vary, 1.25 lbs was $99 and 1.5lbs was $109. My son and I split the fish and were very satisfied (to the point of picking up the head and trying to dig out soft parts of fish leftover).

arpan50

Google
Amazing brunch with an awesome view. Great service with friendly staff, the manager is also amazing and checked in on us. Great tasting view in such a wonderful setting, got to see some turtles. Ask for their home made hot sauces, they pack a lot of good flavor. Will def make a return visit when we are back in Lahaina.
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Hillary L.

Yelp
So delicious! I ordered the French Toast and it didn't disappoint. I'm particularly picky about French toast too and there was no trace left on my plate. Lightly glazed with coconut syrup and topped with kula berries and Ube Ice Cream, it's perfectly flavored and moist. That ice cream! Wow! So unexpected. If the French toast wasn't good enough, the side of hash brown I ordered was cooked to perfection and hands down the best hash brown I've ever had. My son ordered the fish and chips and the catch of the day was Mahi Mahi. The flavor was very light and just right. The views are stunning. Parking could be a little tricky but we lucked out and got the last spot in the lot. Highly recommend!
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Gary L.

Yelp
We had breakfast at Mala Ocean Tavern on New Year's Day. We arrived at 10 a.m. and managed to beat the morning rush, which was nice. The views were definitely the highlight--absolutely stunning. I had the seared ahi Benedict, but it tasted pretty bland. My family ordered the grilled mahi mahi Benedict, fish sandwich, and wagyu burger. Overall, nothing really stood out. The bacon in the burger was chewy instead of crispy, and the fish was just okay. They also ran out of watermelon juice, which was a bit disappointing. The atmosphere and views were great, but the food didn't quite live up to expectations. Hopefully, they can refine the menu because the location has so much potential.
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Jack B.

Yelp
Food was pretty good, with some dishes missing the mark or being a little too messy to eat. The Poisson cru was AMAZING. The Caesar salad was just ok, but I'm not really a Caesar salad enjoyer generally. The whole fried fish tasted great, but was too messy to eat and was visually unappealing after you were halfway done (and no it wasn't the fish carcass that was unappealing). Didn't get to try the desserts but they were generous in portions from seeing other people order them. Service was great and had a nice ocean view!
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Alyssa S.

Yelp
Wow. This menu looked like all the other menus... and the view in pictures on Yelp looked like all the other water views in Kaanapali and Lahaina. But there's a reason this place is popular enough to require a credit card to hold reservations and wins awards: the water sounds and light here are magical, the food is creative and amazing, and wonderful service from Carlos & Alan!!! We had: Ube dinner rolls with sea salt: warm, purple, spectacular. Worth every penny of the $15 Poisson cru with ahi: Tahitian style crisp, with coconut milk and purple sweet potato chips: so good!!! Catch of the day: hebi!!! A very interesting local fish instead of endless ahi & mahi. With kabocha puree and local carrots!!! Filet mignon: perfectly cooked. Cocktail: Mac daddy, coconut rum, Mac nut liqueur, orgeat.... Delish! Dessert: we got the lava cake. The chocolate lover loved it. I got sweet potato ice cream instead and it was amazing. Everything about the dinner was great, and it's a locally owned restaurant so a different vibe from all the corporate restaurant chains and hotel restaurants. We loved it and would go again, but it's all booked up prime time for the rest of our trip. Thanks Carlos & Alan!!
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Emily B.

Yelp
Sat at the bar and saw the most beautiful sunset with boats in the harbor. The cocktails are beautiful and the bartenders were very friendly. We had the Greek salad, coconut shrimp and the poisson cru. All were wonderful.
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Joe J.

Yelp
Spectacular spot in Lahaina right on the water with 180 degrees view, perfect for lunch, even better for sunset. Easily accessible location right behind Lahaina Cannery Mall. A great example of Hawaii Regional Cuisine with warm friendly service. 10/10 recommend.
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Ellena K.

Yelp
One of our favorite restaurants from visiting the west side. Service and atmosphere were great. We sat right by the open window and listened to the waves, so beautiful! Loved the large menu and variety of dishes. Started with a Makai tai to drink. Very yummy! For dinner we had the Vegetable stir fry (added shrimp) and the Ahi. Stir fry was great, I loved the tofu and everything was very well seasoned. But maybe a bit too much sauce because it was pooling at the bottom of the dish. Ahi was good, didn't seem super fresh but definitely still good. Fries were a great side for both dishes! Overall I thought the portions were very generous
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Kayla W.

Yelp
The best view, staff, drinks and food. Mala never misses. Everything is always so fresh and so good. One of the best mai tais on Maui. The ambiance here is incredible, and I always leave smiling.
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Jennifer H.

Yelp
Brother's in town so went here to celebrate his birthday. Every person we encountered that worked there was friendly and exceptional from when we walked up to when we left. Had a 4pm reservation because we booked late but it was perfect. We ended up being there for the sunset. We had the perfect outside table by the water. Started with the ube hot bread and coconut shrimp. I love the Caesar salad with fish so I stuck with that. They ordered the pumpkin pesto pasta and Caesar with fish. We finished with the bread pudding and ice cream. They said this was their best meal of the trip!
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Lei W.

Yelp
Beautiful ocean and island views. Live music as we walked in. Open and bright space, bar to the left seating inside and outside covered patio near the ocean. Service was great. Had the ahi, calamari, and fish sandwiches. I'm not wowed by the venue but its location is great on the water.
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Dave W.

Yelp
This is probably my favorite place on Maui. It is loved by locals and tourists alike. It's small, loud and historic. It survived the fires which in itself is amazing. And it marches on. You will not find a better staff. A limited menu but everything on it is an experience. Also amazing cocktails and a solid wine list. The last time we dined here was 2019 - and it remains the same - and I mean that as a compliment. Check out the menu and other reviews. The only shortcoming is limited parking (very limited) so take an Uber or park at the Safeway up the street and good it. Also - make a reservation - getting g a table as a walk I. Is nearly impossible.
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David L.

Yelp
Well my cousin recommended this place. She has been here a few times. I saw the reviews were not bad so I booked it. The parking here is horrible. They have 4 spots to park. Most everyone has to park a block away in the Safeway parking lot and walk over. I was going to drop off the wife but she said she would walk with me. Our reservations were at 5PM and the place was pretty full. We were seated right away after the hostess lead us around to different dinning areas. Someone was already sitting in the spot she wanted to put us. We ended up in the first dinning area just before the outside seating. Still with a view of the ocean and the sunset later. Pretty loud in the restaurant. We were greeted by our waiter and he told us about the specials. I was interested in the spear fish special. It sounded good but when I got it the fish was over cooked. Very hard. I told him about it and he said that the spear fish was a meaty fish and was tough. But he offered to get me something else. I saw the pork shank that another girl had next to us and it looked amazing so I got that. It was really good and flavorful. Oh I forgot, we started out with the calamari. It didn't seem very fresh. there was a good portion but no taste. A let down since we are in a place that should have fresh seafood. My wife got the seared ahi. It was just ok. nothing special and not memorable. Kind of disappointing. She didn't even want to finish it. I was hoping for a great dessert. I ordered the bread pudding. It came in a square and was muh. The ice cream was great. Made on the island. All in all this place was just ok. Oh well many other places to try.
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April G.

Yelp
Had the opportunity to dine here twice (for brunch and dinner) and both experiences were pleasant and delicious! When we stopped by for brunch we were able to snag a table by the water. The hostess warned us that we were in the splash zone but we didn't mind at all. The views were incredible and the food was tasty. Service was quick and friendly. We ordered some brunch cocktails and the Spa Day was my favorite. I ordered the coconut shrimp and a side of fries and the portions were perfect. When we arrived for dinner, we were seated by the window and had an incredible view of the sunset. We were gifted glasses of champagne since we were celebrating our anniversary. It was a nice touch. We started with the ahi bruschetta which was one of my favorite appetizers we tried on Maui. We ordered the whole fish to share and it was perfectly fried. The veggies and rice that came with it were so good and abundant that we couldn't finish them. Overall we had a wonderful time at Mala Ocean Tavern and will definitely be back if we get a chance to visit Maui again.
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Priya M.

Yelp
One of my top 3 in kaanapali areas; It's worth it for the service , the feel, and the food; great seaside spot; warm service; great deal on mimosas; came back Twice to get the ube rolls-so good! Def recommend!
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Chelsie F.

Yelp
The happy hour menu, I was so looking forward to trying a drink called the "Spa Day." It has prairie cucumber vodka, watermelon, lime & mint. Not only did this drink sound amazingly refreshing but it was also as delicious as it sounded. Even both my mom & I had two drinks each. I seriously couldn't get enough. These flavors mix so well together, my first sip made me feel like I was swept away to an actual spa. Plus this beautiful pink drink was garnished with the cutest finishing touch, a cucumber slice & a mint leaf. Making this drink very instagramable. So if you also happen to be a fan of those ingredients, I highly recommend trying this drink. It's currently a Chelsie favorite. As for my guy, he loves an ice cold coke & will literally order this every time we go anywhere. So he was also content with his drinks as well. The calamari is always a fun & tasty appetizer. Although needs a garnish boost to make this dish a little more instagramable. I'd experiment with possibly adding an artichoke garnish to the tartar sauce. Plus enhancing the color of the entire dish with some micro greens. Or even placing the sauce/lemon in the center placing the calamari around it like flower petals. Just to help make a simple dish a little more sophisticated. The coconut shrimp has always been a fan favorite for my mom & George. They devoured the plate. I on the other hand am not usually a fan of coconut & shrimp together. However I do like shrimp so I'd be open to trying a different shrimp dish in the future. Maybe something with avocado or pineapple might be fun. I do have to admit though this dish was presented beautifully. I liked the use of space, colors & how the sauce was drawn on the plate. It made this dish look like an edible art piece. The seared ahi bruschetta is one of my personal favorites. I actually ordered this on a dinner date in the past. So this is round number two for me. Although I'd recommend this appetizer to be served as bite sized pieces. It would make it easier to share & less messy trying to bite into it. Also micro greens to garnish on top would give a more vibrant green then the copped version. Plus pouring the balsamic at the table might give this dish that extra wow factor. That would also help keep the ahi that vibrant red/pink color longer. I didn't try the Wagyu Burger this time, however George loved it. My mom also tried a bite & liked it too. I was busy sampling the frites, I liked the flavor of the seasoning used. I think it might have been a cajun spice? As for dessert, I thought I wanted to try their malasadas. Except those weren't available during their happy hour. However I did get to try the flourless chocolate cake with berries & Ube gelato. I'm honestly surprised with how quickly I fell in love with this dish. It is amazingly delicious, that warm melt in your mouth chocolate cake. With a berry & an iced cold bite Ube gelato. Is everything my dreams are made of. Plus I'm a huge fan of anything Ube. So I definitely highly recommend this dessert & is a Chelsie favorite for sure. I was also impressed with the color theme for the table. I liked the touch of black for the coasters, straws & black/white napkins. Plus the different shades of blue for the dishes used. It all ties together nicely with the logo & giving off ocean vibes. Overall everyone we encountered on this visit was very nice & accommodating. Plus being born & raised on Maui. I absolutely love being able to help spread the word on places that offer amazing customer service, a beautiful view with a delicious spot to dine. Until next time. XOXO, ChelsieFletcher
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Serena S.

Yelp
We had a delightful ladies happy hour here, complete with delicious cocktails and pupus! Our table ordered a few Spa Day and Mala Mule cocktails, made by a fantastic, kind and friendly new bartender. And we ordered: seared ahi bruschetta, vegetarian bruschetta, oyster shooters, poisson cru, crispy calamari, a Greek salad and I am fairly certain a coconut shrimp too! We were seated right next to the ocean, and we were visited by the friendly general manager (who I am impressed to say was also busting out some work touching tables, delivering menus and taking orders). When the sun was in our eyes a bit too much, our server was more than accommodating to drop the shades down a bit. Great staff! A lovely spot & experience!
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Talisha M.

Yelp
Took a chance without a reservation. She said it would be a 40 min wait and tried convincing us along with everyone who didn't have a resy to eat across the street, but I said I would wait. We luckily got a 2 top table quickly. Ube bread is so good! Had the ceviche thing, coconut shrimp, and the ahi entree which was wonderful. Great views! I would go back for brunch to try it!
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Wendy S.

Yelp
2024 Lovely little restaurant in Lahaina. Menu offers a variety of delicious choices, including appetizers, salads and dinner options. We started with the calamari, a salad and an old fashion cocktail for me. For dinner, husband chose the stir-fry and added shrimp and chicken, I chose the Braised pork shank which came with purple sweet potato mash and green beans, not to mention was dairy and gluten free! Both dinners were filling and delicious.
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Walter T.

Yelp
Mala continues to be the mainstay of dining in Lahaina. Our team continues to dine here 2-3 time weekly when on island. The ambiance is wonderful with beautiful views and welcoming staff that embodies aloha. The hostess Ika greeted us immediately and arranged for a table on the patio which is a favorite of ours. Tonight our appetizers and specifically the coconut prawns were delicious paired with our blanc d' blanc. Then with our wine it was a great start. The seared ahi was differently presented with mash potatoes and beans. The ahi was perfectly prepared. Our bread pudding and root beer float topped off the night nicely with warmed cognac. Our server John has been with Mala for years and anticipated our food orders graciously. Thank you Mala for welcoming us back home!
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Mario L.

Yelp
We dined here twice before Christmas 2024. Different servers each visit and both were excellent. Reservation is a must. Food is on point and sitting oceanside is amazing. Very lively and fun. Bot visits we had the Ube Ice Cream. Locally made. It's magic....probably the best I cream I have ever eaten. We will be back!
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Jon N.

Yelp
A very good experience, all around. Food was fresh and tasted great, service was good, and we thought it was a cute spot, if a little tight. The Cocktails were good, with the Ube Bang Bang being stand-out. A nice spot for dinner!
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MeL S.

Yelp
Can't beat the location and the honu views, but my burger was disappointing. When you hear great things about their ground cow sandwich, and receive it well done when you order it medium rare, it's a waste of money and calories. Of course I ate the whole thing; I've worked in restaurants and have never sent food back. Life goes on, but don't order the burger unless you're okay with getting whatever temperature they decide to give you!
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Kayla N.

Yelp
I had high hopes for this place. I made reservations in advance since I was going to be visiting Maui for my birthday and wanted to dine here to celebrate. I didn't get any birthday greetings or dessert. The fresh catch was just alright. They sold out of their signature Ube Hot Bread that I really wanted to try. My server wasn't as attentive as she was with her other tables. Very disappointed. It gets cold at night, plus there's a huge fan blasting air right at you. I recommend bringing a jacket if you sit outside.
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Miss J.

Yelp
The location and view was nice but the food was just okay. We got the grilled fish sandwich, grilled fish eggs Benedict, ahi tuna eggs Benedict and wagyu burger. We alao order a coffee, orange juice, POG mimosa, and Bloody Mary...our bill with tax and tip came out to $200. I give the view 5 stars, food 3 1/2 stars and service 3 stars. Our server got one of our orders wrong and we got charged 4% for kitchen fee. We tried this place once but I don't think we will be returning. There are about 6 parking spaces right next to the restaurant.
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Stephanie B.

Yelp
We were so happy to find an open restaurant in the Lahaina area. This is a beautiful spot right on the beach. We unfortunately were seated inside, but you can still see the water through the wide open doors to the deck. The inside was bright and airy - very beachy feeling. We were seated immediately by a manager, and the service was the promptest that we experienced anywhere on the island. The food was quickly delivered and was delicious. The kids devoured the French Toast, even after some initial skepticism of the ube ice cream atop. Our older daughter ate the adult sized portion, but it was the same as the kids plate with twice the bread. DH and I devoured the delicious avocado toast (on GF bread thanks to my intolerance) and fantastic poisson cru. The poisson cru was made with ahi and had excellent flavor. The accompanying taro chips tasted house made and were fantastic. They have great lemonade and yummy pineapple mimosas. Prices are pretty reasonable for the island - about $100 for 4 people. I highly recommend this spot for brunch!
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Patrick B.

Yelp
Our server Chyna was very attentive pleasant and knowledgeable. The Benedict's were amazing as were the pancakes. It sits right on the water with beautiful views.
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Dale H.

Yelp
Service was ok, but way over priced. ~$50 a meal. Wine was ok. There are better places in Kahana and Whalers villiage
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Jeff T.

Yelp
**Ambiance:** I recently had the pleasure of enjoying brunch at Mala Ocean Tavern in Maui, and it was an exceptional experience! The stunning ocean view made for a perfect backdrop as we ate a delicious brunch! **Food:** The mimosas were a highlight--great price and a couple of fun flavors to choose from. As for the food, it was simply outstanding. I had the pork belly Benedict, and it was bursting with flavor. The hash browns were perfectly crispy and delicious. My better half opted for the regular breakfast, and the bacon was cooked to absolute perfection! **Service:** The staff were also fantastic--friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. If you're in Maui and looking for a memorable brunch spot with great food and views, I highly recommend Mala Ocean Tavern!
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Colette C.

Yelp
Mala Seafood Tavern has truly shown resilience and strength, having survived the devastating Maui fires and triumphantly reopening in February 2024. Our recent visit was nothing short of spectacular, from the delicious food to the stunning oceanfront atmosphere. We began our meal with the Ahi Bruschetta, a perfect blend of fresh ahi, tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic that awakened our taste buds. The coconut shrimp that followed were crispy and succulent, a tropical delight that we thoroughly enjoyed. For the main course, the fresh mahi catch was cooked to perfection, retaining its natural flavors and moist texture. The burger was equally impressive, juicy and flavorful, making it hard to choose a favorite dish. The ambiance of Mala Seafood Tavern is second to none. Dining with the soothing sounds of the ocean and the playful sight of sea turtles (Honu) swimming nearby added a magical touch to our evening. It's not just a meal at Mala; it's an experience that combines great food with the breathtaking beauty of Maui. Come support Mala and have a great time too!
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Asil A.

Yelp
The view. The service. The food. Amazing! Our server, Chyna, was so welcoming and friendly. The food came out very quickly and we definitely enjoyed the view while eating. The French toast was so good! The sweet potato purple ice cream was delicious.

Janice C.

Yelp
Great food, service & oceanfront view! They have a great Happy Hour. We're glad MaLa survived the fire.
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Chris C.

Yelp
The food here is very good. The service was ok, slow to get drinks which contained as little alcohol as possible which is why I only give them 3 stars. For $20+ a drink, I should feel it by the 3rd drink. Not the case here. We figured out the secret Lahaina eat/drink hack by the third day - go to Coco Deck to get cheap, strong drinks ... THEN walk across the street to either Mala or Honu for amazing food.
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Becca H.

Yelp
We've been visiting Lahaina for over twenty years and have never discovered this restaurant until now... It's one of only a few currently able to be open on Front Street, absolutely beautiful and right on the water. Like the outside area is RIGHT on the water to the extent we got splashed a little because it was close to high tide. It was a beautiful place to sit. We started with some garlic fries as an appetizer. They were hot and VERY garlicky, as they should be. For entrees we ordered filet mignon, the seared scallops, and the catch of the day which was a hebi fish. I had the scallops and they were very much worth the price tag - large portion of risotto absolutely packed with flavor, four large scallops all beautifully cooked and the balsamic tomatoes and onions added such a nice bright flavor to an otherwise heavy dish. My husband and mother also loved their dishes though the catch of the day might've lacked a little flavor in the sides. Service was solidly good. They have an off brand of Coke (not Pepsi) that was somewhere in between Coke and Pepsi that I liked! I'm sure we'll visit here again.
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Kayla N.

Yelp
My friend and I made dinner reservations for Mala Ocean Tavern while visiting Maui. This was off the beaten path and I'm a quiet location by the ocean which I appreciated. Upon arrival, they didn't have our table ready just yet and said we could be seated inside or wait awhile longer. As it was so windy outside, we settled in inside. The inside was also overly cool as the wind was still blowing and the fans were at full blast but the server luckily accommodated us and lowered the power in the fans. Once seated, we ordered drinks and started off with an appetizer. As we had been craving some specialty fries, we went off script a bit and ordered that as our appetizer (Garlic Fries). For my main, I ordered the Catch of the Day and my friend ordered the seared scallops. I did think my fish was slightly overcooked and my friend's Parmesan risotto tasted like you were eating the block of Parmesan straight so these items weren't my favorite but overall they were OK. On the other hand, the presentation of the food was fantastic. All in all, it was worth trying again and I'm glad we went!
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Shannon H.

Yelp
So very happy to see that they've reopened since the fire! Came in for happy hour and had two of their drink specials - their version of a mai tai and a strawberry mezcal drink - both very good! We shared their wagyu burger which was excellent as always and a flatbread. They had live entertainment (a very good singer) during happy hour that we really enjoyed. The waves were crashing outside which always makes for nice ambience. Lucas was our bartender and he was very friendly. I am so happy that you are still here - mahalo for the great afternoon!
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Laura J.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I had such an amazing dinner at Mala. The restaurant is beautiful and is right on the ocean. Aside from the beautiful tropical ambiance and location, our food was outstanding. The filet mignon was the best that I have ever had. Cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with fresh veggies and mashed potatoes. I ate it so quick! It was just so flavourful and juicy. My boyfriend got the catch of the day and said that it was the best fish he has ever had. The drinks were also amazing. Our waitress, Katie, was so lovely and very attentive. She was very kind and fun to chat with. You can tell that she loves her job and is overall a very happy person. Loved Katie so much! Overall this is a must try when you are in Maui. I will be dreaming of the filet mignon!
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Joe P.

Yelp
Mala Ocean re-opened recently, so I said we have to support local businesses. Its located on Front St in Lahaina right on the water. We started off with the ahi bruschetta. This was an awesome appetizer bc the ahi was fresh, good sized and it paired well with a traditional bruschetta. For my entree, I had the seared scallops on risotto. You may say the scallops were pricey at $61. However, the scallops were fresh, plump and expertly seared. I was full on four scallops. Regarding the ambiance, its laid back island style. You are right on the ocean, and you can hear the crashing waves. Our waitress Cat was excellent. She was super friendly, and she was knowledgable about the menu. Grace, the manager that night stopped by to check on us. That was a nice gesture. I'm glad we were able to support a local restaurant in Lahaina. The food is excellent, and the service has a whole lot of aloha.
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Casey S.

Yelp
Overall good experience. Our server John was good. Very friendly and knowledgable. Started off with calamari and poisson cru. Both were excellent. My son loved his chicken fingers and French fries. My wife's ahi tuna was perfectly cooked, but we both thought a little bland. The mashed potatoes, mushrooms and green beans that came with it were excellent. My risotto and scallops were perfectly cooked, but again, we both though were very bland tasting. We had a beautiful table overlooking the ocean. It didn't really bother me, but they add a 4% "kitchen charge" to the bill. My only real complaint is, I don't remember seeing it mentioned on the menu, or told to us by our server.
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Hans D.

Yelp
The food was amazing. My husband had the Ahi tuna and I had the scallops. The location was stunning, but the music was inappropriate and loud. Our waitress Katie was amazing.
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Mel C.

Yelp
We had a wonderful breakfast, the food was delicious and the staff was very sweet and kind. Show up early like we did and watch the sea turtles eat in the rocks before breakfast.
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gary g.

Yelp
Hell YEAH! Intimate service, ocean view, and the best meal in Maui! I got the ahi with shiitakes...babam! The best! Everything gels amazing. Must go.

Susana S.

Yelp
Absolutely the best meal of this trip!!! The passion margarita was delicious and the best pork shank of any of the expensive restaurants in Maui! Spectacular view and great service! 10 stars if I could! Make a reservation early and enjoy the view!

Helen S.

Yelp
Breakfast was delightful! Walk in without reservation so got table by the door but the view from most tables to die for! Highly recommend the special! Coffee good too! Service was wonderful.
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Taylor J.

Yelp
Extremely overrated. There were so many other delicious food options on the same street and Mala just didn't hold a candle. Service was ok, waiter was a little pushy and annoyed when I wanted a take away box. Go next door to the right. You will be much happier with your choice. The ube bread was delicious but everything else was regrettable, including the Ube Colada. Mine was virgin, my husbands was full octane and they tasted exactly the same.
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Kimberly B.

Yelp
Awesome we took our fresh catch of Mahi Mahi and chef cooked it perfectly!! Waitress Katie was knowledgeable and kind. Great experience and location was great too!

Vicki C.

Yelp
Food was awesome, and we were seated outside next to the water. Service is the BEST! We were here in November and the weather was perfect. We are happy to see Lahaina recovering.
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Carol B.

Yelp
What a hidden gem, hand down, our favorite eats on our week long visit! Kat was our waitress and she was amazing! See sat at the window right on the ocean!! Great Lemon Drop & I'm very picky! Food was out of this world, simple, flavorful & cooked with perfection! Highly recommend.
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Susan Y.

Yelp
Such a cute oceanside restaurant with the best mai tai in Maui! Stopped in for happy hour and snacks. Such a great selection with a good kids menu. Definitely recommend!
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Chris H.

Yelp
Delicious food, great service, beautiful ocean breeze.... Avocado toast was amazing! Bloody Marys were delicious!