MAla Ocean Tavern Receives Bronze for Best Maui Restaurant in 2025 HaleʻAina Awards

We are honored to share that Mala Ocean Tavern has been awarded Bronze for Best Maui Restaurant in the 2025 Hale ʻAina Awards, presented by Honolulu Magazine. This distinction places Mala among the very best in Hawaiʻi’s vibrant and competitive culinary landscape.

The HaleʻAina Awards, established in 1984, are considered the gold standard of dining recognition across the state. Voted on by thousands of local residents and passionate food lovers, the awards reflect a deep appreciation for excellence in food, service, ambiance, and hospitality. To be named among the top three restaurants on Maui is both a tremendous honor and a meaningful affirmation of the care and quality that go into every detail of the Māla experience.

Located oceanfront on Lahaina’s historic Front Street, Mala Ocean Tavern has long been known for its welcoming atmosphere, breathtaking views, and commitment to island-inspired cuisine. Whether guests are enjoying brunch by the water, a sunset dinner with loved ones, or a refreshing afternoon cocktail during happy hour, Mala offers an experience that is both elevated and grounded in the spirit of aloha.

This recognition is especially significant in light of all that the Lahaina community has endured. Following the 2023 wildfires, Mala was among the first restaurants to reopen, serving as a space for both comfort and connection during an incredibly difficult time. To be honored in 2025 is a celebration of culinary achievement, resilience, heart, and community.

We extend our heartfelt mahalos to everyone who voted for Mala and to all those who continue to support us. We are proud to be part of Maui’s rich culinary tradition and are committed to continuing to provide our guests with an unforgettable oceanfront dining experience.

MALA Being Recognized For Romance

Mala Ocean Tavern has been receiving awards since 2004, but the excitement for each new recognition is ever present. In 2022 MALA earned accolades for the Best Oceanfront Dining, along with wine, service, and more in the Maui No Ka Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Awards. Mahalos to those who voted! We are honored that so many people support our little oceanfront eatery.

America’s most beloved restaurants

Because of the support and the outstanding reviews that those have taken the time to share, MALA is earning more for 2022 and 2023. At OpenTable, The Diners Reviews Are In: Top 100 of America’s Most Beloved Restaurants have been announced, and Mala Ocean Tavern made the list. Our ohana could not be more thrilled to be recognized alongside some spectacular restaurants across the country and the state of Hawaii. MALA is known for oceanfront dining, but it is the cuisine, cocktails, wine, and most especially the staff that bring people back time and time again. Whether it’s for a lovely brunch on the patio, to enjoy local music during happy hour, or it is to hear the ocean waves on the shore, while sipping on a culinary cocktail during dinner, there are many reasons to make Mala Ocean Tavern the place to stop when you are on Maui and in Lahaina.

Romantic oceanfront dining

Many visitors to Maui come for a romantic getaway, and we always hope that any celebration be had at MALA. Guests come for honeymoons, anniversaries, baby moons, birthday celebrations and more. When you are looking to wine and dine in a romantic setting, look no further than Mala Ocean Tavern. We are getting noticed for our above and beyond service to help create those romantic moments, and we are honored to get notice in the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.

Best restaurant with a view

When traveling to Maui, most are looking for the ultimate tropical vacation. And while you are on your dream vacation in magical Hawaii, you imagine yourself sitting oceanfront and sipping on a tropical cocktails and a celebratory glass of champagne. Look no further for the perfect restaurant to unwind and discover what paradise feels like. Trips To Discover has named Mala Ocean Tavern one of the Best Maui Restaurants With A View. Whether you are dining with at Mala Ocean Tavern for Brunch, Happy Hour, or Dinner, it is the destination that will help you truly feel like you are on vacation.

We appreciate all that dine with us. Here is a review from The Collection by KCM.

Our gratitude for all of our guests is unmeasurable, and we hope that we see you at Mala Ocean Tavern soon. Reservations are encouraged, but also feel free to stop-by. Walk-ins are welcome! From the MALA Ohana, mahalo nui loa and a hui hou!

Best outdoor dining

Mala Ocean Tavern named #4 in the Top 20 Best Outdoor Dining in the States!

We are absolutely honored for being recognized by Toast for dining in the great outdoors! Residents and guests of Maui come to dine on delicious local cuisine, sip delectable culinary cocktails and exciting wine, oceanfront. Our open air eatery and oceanfront patio is excited to be recognized with the other exciting restaurants around the country. Check them all out!

We look forward to welcoming you to MALA. Reservations encouraged, walk-ins welcome! All you need is ALOHA!

Mala Ocean Tavern is open daily for Brunch 9a-2p, Live Music Happy Hour 2-4p, and Dinner 4-10p. Each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from 10p-12a, join us for for MALA ‘Til Midnight with entertainment and the perfect late night menu by Chef Kalei.

WHERE HAWAII EATS VISITs MALA

Mala Ocean Tavern’s Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau featured on Where Hawaii Eats! Anne Lee hosts special guests from the islands each week to learn about their experiences and get some insight into Hawaii’s extraordinary food scene and culture. Lee stopped by the Best Oceanfront Dining on Maui to talk with Chef Kalei and Mixologist Dennis Day to explore the cuisine and inspiration Maui’s favorite oceanfront eatery. Check out the episodes that aired January 2023.

Where Hawaii Eats presented by Dining Out airs on K5 Hawaii News Now. You can also subscribe to the Where Hawaii Eats YouTube Channel to find other exciting restaurants in the Hawaiian Islands.