About Mala Ocean Tavern

The history of Mala Ocean Tavern holds a special place in the landscape of Maui’s Westside. Originally a pineapple weigh station, the building has been seaside for decades, overlooking the Mala Wharf. Over the years, the building has gone from weighing pineapple gold, to being the spot for barbecue and karaoke, to fine dining. Owners Caleb Hopkins, Ashley Davis, David Fincher, and Javier Barberi have come together with a vision to breathe fresh new energy into MALA with the hottest concept on Maui’s Westside.

Our story…

Mala Ocean Tavern established in 2004 in historic Lahaina town is a classic staple of the Maui food scene. Featuring the best oceanfront dining on Maui and overlooking the old Mala Wharf. Known for exceptional cuisine, the pacific rim inspired menu has been drawing locals and visitors of Maui for years, with focus on locally caught fish and incorporation of exotic ingredients. November 1 of 2018 the restaurant came under new ownership. The young new owners came with ambitions to bring MALA to the next generation, keeping the vintage charm and adding contemporary vibrancy. Bringing daily Brunch and incorporating new approaches on familiar dishes, they've established a modern vibe to the oceanfront eatery.

2019 the team was hitting a stride, and then 2020. As it did for many, the pandemic rocked the world of MALA's new owners, knowing that if they were not open for service they would not survive. During their closure the whole staff came together to give the older structure (once a pineapple weigh station) a little TLC. Indoor/Outdoor Dining returned on June 1, 2020 and the new owners wasted no time innovating to keep the doors open and to support the local community.

On August 8, 2023 the town of Lahaina was faced with devastating fires, and miraculously, our little oceanfront eatery survived. At Māla, we are grateful for the support of ohanas, community, guests, and global well-wishers. With heartfelt thanks for the strength drawn from aloha from all of those that have supports us, we reopened on February 1, 2024,

MALA means Garden and the experience of being in a garden near the ocean as you watch turtles (honu) splashing in the surf and see rainbows over the West Maui Mountain is one of a kind. This oceanside gem allows you to absorb into island living. With two decades on Maui, the restaurant wants to continue to be where locals and guests of the beautiful island of Maui come together. Sharing in the aloha and offering an authentic experience for food, atmosphere, and service. The new MALA team has been able to raise the bar for dining on Maui's Westside. Priding themselves on creative culinary cocktails, perfectly executed dishes, education of the staff about food, wine, & spirits, along with outstanding customer service, MALA hits all the marks. Island living can always be a challenge to make things new, yet the community has embraced the fresh approach and welcomes the thoughtful changes that have been brought to the best oceanfront dining on the island of Maui, Mala Ocean Tavern.