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 Featured During the Maui Invitational on ESPN!

We are excited to announce that Mala was recently spotlighted on ESPN during the Maui Invitational, one of the most prestigious college basketball tournaments in the nation! This incredible feature highlights Mala’s dedication to embracing the spirit of Hawai‘i through culinary artistry, cultural connection, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lahaina, Mala has long been a treasured gem in the Maui dining scene. Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and vibrant flavors, Mala offers a dining experience that celebrates both the heritage and the natural beauty of Hawai‘i. From our thoughtfully crafted dishes to the breathtaking oceanfront views, every aspect of Mala is designed to capture the essence of aloha.

The Maui Invitational provided the perfect stage to showcase what makes Mala special. With college basketball fans across the country tuning in, this feature not only introduced Mala to a national audience but also served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of our Maui ‘ohana. In the wake of challenges, moments like these allow us to come together, share our story, and shine a spotlight on the beauty of our community.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share Mala’s journey with viewers on ESPN. A heartfelt mahalo to the entire Maui Invitational team, ESPN, and everyone who made this possible.

Watch the full feature here: View the Video

Join us as we continue to celebrate the flavors and spirit of Hawai‘i—one plate, one moment, and one story at a time.

Pride of Maui Spotlights Mala

After months of hard work, Mala Ocean Tavern is now open and welcoming guests again. The reopening has been met with immense support from the local community, as they have come together to celebrate Mala’s resilience and continued presence. Business has been steadily picking up as word spreads that Mala is back, and visitors are encouraged to check out this iconic dining spot. Read More…

Bottle Shock: An Interactive Blind Wine Tasting Competition Benefiting Hua Momona Foundation

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Indulge your senses and support a great cause at Bottle Shock, an exhilarating interactive blind wine tasting competition benefiting the Hua Momona Foundation. Join us on Thursday, June 6th, at the Duckine Building on 1312 Front Street, where the excitement begins as doors open at 7:00 pm, with the event commencing around 7:30 pm.

Ticketed Event: Tickets are priced at $115 per person (Gratuity included), ensuring a delightful evening of wine, food, and fun!

🥂 **What's Included**:

Kick off the evening with a bubbly start. You will be a part of the experience getting to taste alongside professional sommeliers. Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo will be co-hosting and giving the entire audience a wine tasting tutorial. Followed by professional sommeliers displaying their skills and competing during this interactive Blind Tasting. You will be provided with all Blind Tasting Wines, and you will have the opportunity to swirl, smell, taste, and determine the wine you are tasting. Each wine will be revealed. We will provide your tasting cards, along with six 3 oz Pours of Testable Wine Examples for Wine Tasting.: Engage your palate with a variety of wines, perfect for both novice tasters and seasoned enthusiasts.

Enjoy delectable bites to complement your wine tasting experience, with an extensive charcuterie to sample. A portion of the proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Hua Momona Foundation, supporting its mission to empower communities through sustainable agriculture.

🍇 **Interactive Blind Tasting**: Prepare for a captivating journey through deductive tasting as our knowledgeable hosts guide you through the nuances of each wine. Then, brace yourself for an epic battle as our esteemed Sommeliers go into competition! Special mahalos to Brian Clancy with RNDC for secretly selecting the wines.

🎉 **Silent Auction**: Bid on exclusive items and experiences in our silent auction, with all proceeds contributing to the Hua Momona Foundation's impactful initiatives.

🍷 **Meet the Competitors**:

- Caleb Hopkins - CS Mala Ocean Tavern

- Richard Olson - Hua Momona Farms/Cane and Canoe

- Solomon Olea - Merriman's Kapalua

- Aaron Wood-Snyderman - Four Seasons Maui

- Sergio Baltazaar - Longhis

- Jeff Groh - TikeHau Lounge

- Lynn Zhang- Hotel Wailea 

Don't miss this unique opportunity to sip, savor, and support a worthy cause at Bottle Shock! Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of wine and philanthropy.

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Pictured above left to right; Chef Zach Laidlaw of Huamonona Farms with Mala Chef, Huamomona Farms rainbow, Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo.

VOTE for the best on maui

It’s that time of year again on Maui! Voting has started for the Maui No Ka Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Awards! The restaurant award voting will go through January 31st, 2023. Support local businesses and vote for your favorites. We hope MALA is your favorite, but most importantly, we want you to vote! Either way, voting will help a local business. Vote now and show some love for your favorite Maui restaurants.

The Mala Ocean Tavern Team is proud of the awards that we won in 2022 and we have been working hard to continue to maintain our standards and excellence in serving our community and guests to the beautiful island of Maui. We hope for your support.

2022 - Maui No Ka Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Awards

Best Oceanfront Dining - Gold

Best Business Lunch - Gold

Most Maui-est - Silver

Best Late Night Dining - Silver

Best Service - Silver

Best Wine List - Silver

Our sister restaurants hope for your support too, check them out, Down The Hatch, Breakwall Shave Ice Co. and Duckine! It only takes a few minutes to vote for all of your favorite local restaurants on Maui. There are lots of categories and we’re vying for a few. See the categories that we’re going for on the images below & link straight to the voting. Mahalo nui loa for your continued encouragement and support, we wouldn’t be here without y’all!