MĀLA OCEAN TAVERN

The picturesque oceanfront locale is only surpassed by the culinary experience and unassuming vibe at Māla Ocean Tavern.

Stunning ocean views, world-class dining, and an unpretentious atmosphere await you at Māla Ocean Tavern. Opened in 2004, Māla Ocean Tavern became a staple on the Maui food scene earning a reputation for offering classic dishes besides a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. In November 2018, the restaurant was acquired by a group of new owners who sought to add a bit of contemporary vibrancy to the location while maintaining its vintage charm.

A major component of the rebirth of the restaurant is Māla’s Executive Chef, Kalei Ducheneau. This Maui-born chef works with the recipes crafted by chefs that came before him while adding his personal touches. At Māla, guests are invited to enjoy one of the best brunches Maui has to offer. Offered seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., their brunch menu has items for guests of all ages. Keiki (children) can start their day with a fluffy short stack of ube (purple yam) pancakes served with coconut syrup and even a mocktail drink to help set the festive mood. Another highlight off their expansive brunch menu is their Pipikaula Scramble. Hawaiian cured beef is served alongside a savory potato hash, sweet Kula onions, spiced Guava jam, and a slide of flaxseed toast making for a filling meal to fuel you through your exploration of the island.

Mimosas are taken to the next level with their Build Your Own Mimosa option, which is offered on their brunch menu. Starting with a bottle of Jean Louis Blanc de Blancs—a crisp, full-bodied white blend noted for its long finish—guests can choose two freshly made juice options from the orange, watermelon, pineapple or POG (passionfruit, orange, and guava blend) juices offered.

As afternoon sets in, so does their Happy Hour menu that is offered daily from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. An assortment of beers, wines and cocktails adorn their Happy Hour menu offered at a discount for guests wanting to unwind after a day of adventuring. Appetizers such as the Seared Ahi Bruschetta, served on flaxseed toast with local tomatoes, edamame and a drizzle of balsamic, or the fried-till-perfection Coconut Shrimp served with a mint chutney and piquillo pepper coulis, are excellent sharing options guests enjoy the live, local musicians perform.

A magical way to start dinner is with a round of Hood Canal Oyster Shots. Briny oysters are dressed with tart ponzu (soy-citrus sauce), spicy wasabi, tobiko (flying fish eggs), and chive bits. When ready to select your entrée, one crowd favorite is their Catch of the Day. Chefs at Māla Ocean Tavern take pride in the close relationships they have built with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen which translates to some of the freshest ingredients brought right to their kitchen doors. For their Catch of the Day dinner entrée, the fish is prepared in a method to highlight the texture and flavor of the specific fish and served along Hua Momona Farms vegetables, kabocha (Japanese winter squash) and a pomegranate hibiscus flower. For guests preferring an entrée Mai Ka Uka (from the land), their Filet Mignon is beyond compare. Tender yet flavor-packed, their filet is served alongside grilled Shishito peppers, sauteed black pearl mushrooms, truffle marbled potatoes and topped with a creamy peppercorn bordelaise sauce.

Sergio Balthazar, Māla Ocean Tavern’s wine director, has built a wine list to compliment dishes and wow guests with his funky, vibrant style. With bottles sourced from around the globe and changing weekly, Balthazar’s wine list aims to elevate both the food and experience while allowing guests to explore their personal palates. On the mixology end, head mixologist Dennis Day puts together an evolving list of cocktails that draw inspiration from local produce.

When you want to find a place to relax after the sun has set, Māla Ocean Tavern opens doors to the late-night group on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. From 10 pm to 12 midnight, guests can enjoy “Māla ‘Til Midnight” complete with a latenight menu curated by Chef Kalei featuring their famous Wagyu Beef Burger, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Chicken Wings and more. Late-night ambiance and lively music complete the package of this spot voted “ Best Late Night Dining” in the Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine’s ‘Aipono Awards, 2022.

Since the new team has taken over, they have built upon the solid foundation created by the original owners while enhancing nearly every aspect of the restaurant. Co-owner and Director of Marketing Ashley Davis explains that incorporating Aloha into their service is central to how they treat their guests. “We are honored when guests celebrate life, food and ‘ohana at Māla. Our team strives to make every visitor, whether celebrating something big or just enjoying a meal out, feel like our special guest. We want each visit to be a unique, yet familiar experience.”

Māla Ocean Tavern; 1307 Front Street Lāhainā, HI 96761; (808) 667-9394; malaoceantavern.com; Brunch daily from 9 am to 2 pm; Live Happy Hour daily from 2 pm to 4 pm; Dinner daily from 4 pm to 10 pm; Late Night Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 pm to 12 midnight.