Mala Ocean Tavern: A Beacon of Resilience on Maui's Front Street

Nestled along the shores of Maui's Lahaina, Mala Ocean Tavern stands as a symbol of resilience, community spirit, and the unwavering strength after the Lahaina Fires. This oceanfront restaurant has not only captured the hearts of locals but has also made waves across the nation, during their reopening at the first restaurant to open their doors on Front Street.

Mala Ocean Tavern holds a unique distinction in the vibrant history of Lahaina, being a staple of the Lahaina community since 2004. After the devastating Lahaina Fires, the town is left with many scars with residents losing everything from their homes to their businesses.

The story of Mala Ocean Tavern is not just one of culinary excellence but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of Lahaina's community. The founders, Mark and Judy Ellman, envisioned a haven by the sea where locals and visitors alike could come together to savor fresh, locally sourced cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Pacific. Under new ownership since 2018 this vision continued through covid and now through the fires, and has became even more significant as Mala Ocean Tavern reopened its doors to the community on February 1, 2024, providing a symbol of hope and renewal for Lahaina.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident in its menu, which showcases a fusion of local flavors. With an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients, Mala Ocean Tavern not only delivers a delightful culinary experience but also supports the island's farmers and fishermen. From mouthwatering seafood dishes to flavorful vegetarian options, the menu caters to diverse palates, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Mala Ocean Tavern's post-fire reopening has not gone unnoticed, drawing attention from renowned publications that celebrate its resilience and the revitalization of Lahaina. Hawaii Magazine has lauded the restaurant for its dedication to preserving the spirit of the town, while Travel Weekly has praised its unwavering commitment to the aloha spirit. The coverage from various CBS and ABC affiliates has brought the story of Mala Ocean Tavern to living rooms across the nation, casting a spotlight on this beacon of hope in Lahaina. And special thanks to Conde Nast Traveler for telling the story of Lahaina and making mention of our tiny little tavern. Hear owner Javier Barberi speak with Hawaii Public Radio about the reopening of Maui’s favorite tavern. Island News totes Mala Ocean Tavern helping to reboot West Maui local business. And in other news, the BBC discussed taxing visitors to Hawaii, and Javier Barberi speaks to using the funds to support the local community. Taiwan SET TV visited Lahaina in April 2024 to cover recovery on Maui, and Barberi was interviewed. Link to the video and Javier at 8:53.

We appreciate the support that we have gotten from grants we applied for, and glad to be among five community-centered historic restaurants on the island of Maui to be the surprise beneficiaries of the “Maui Climate Fund”. Read more in 5 Restaurants Begin a New Chapter.

What sets Mala Ocean Tavern apart is not just its delectable dishes or stunning ocean views but the community-centric ethos that permeates every aspect of its operation. The restaurant has become a gathering place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the Lahaina community comes, once again, together to celebrate life's simple pleasures.

As you plan your visit to Maui, consider making Mala Ocean Tavern a must-visit destination. Experience the warmth of hospitality, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and witness the resilience of a community. Mala Ocean Tavern invites you to be a part of its story – a story of renewal, triumph, and the enduring spirit of Lahaina. Come, dine by the sea, and immerse yourself in the tale of this little tavern that has captured many hearts for the last 20 years.

volunteers NEEDED for earth day!

At MALA, EARTH DAY IS EVERY DAY, and we are partnering with Surfrider Foundation - Maui Chapter and Pacific Whale Foundation for an Olowalu Coastline Clean-up. Bring your ohana and friends to give back to Maui.

Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about what is happening in the Hawaiian Islands. One way to help… is to always comb the beaches to clear them of the debris that is deposited on the shores. Organizations like the Regenerative Education Centers and Living Earth Systems are helping to educate and also bring awareness to the Maui community. Doing your part is not only in action but in sharing with people you know.

The community comes together for our Planet when disposing of rubbish properly. With the ongoing efforts of these organizations and local businesses, we hope to do our part not only for Earth Day but year round. For the Earth Day Clean-up on Saturday, April 22, 2023, we ask you to join us in Olowalu. We are also encouraging volunteers to go to your favorite beach or park to clean-up. There will be dumpsters at Regenerative Education Centers Olowalu (near the Olowalu Recycling Center) for you to dispose of any rubbish that you might be picking up. Look for the Surfrider flags. The only thing we ask is, please take a picture of your clean-up location. If you are posting on social media, please tag @surfridermaui and help spread the word about the work that is getting done on Maui.

Below are the Earth Day details, along with videos to get you acquainted with the organizations that are working hard to keep the island of Maui pristine for locals, residents, and visitors.

What: Earth Day Olowalu Coastline Clean-up - Volunteers Needed!

When: Saturday, April 22, 2023

Time: 9am – 12pm

Where: Olowalu Coastline Clean-up - Any Beach Anywhere 

Meet at: Regenerative Education Centers Olowalu (near the Olowalu Recycling Center). Look for the Surfrider flags

Who: Surfrider Maui, Pacific Whale Foundation, Regenerative Education Centers, Mala Ocean Tavern, Duckine, Down The Hatch & Breakwall Shave Ice Co., Living Earth Systems.

RSVP, encouraged not required. You can check-in and sign-up on location. Click Here for all the details!

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.

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!