Continuing the Spirit of Aloha: A Fresh Chapter in Lahaina's Dining Scene

Coco Deck Lahaina

Coco Deck Brings Bold, Family-Friendly Flavor to Lahaina’s Dining Scene

At Mala Ocean Tavern, we’ve proudly served the Lahaina community and visitors to Maui for over 25 years, blending local flavors with breathtaking oceanfront views and heartfelt hospitality. And now, there’s a new addition to the West Maui dining scene that shares that same spirit of aloha: Coco Deck Kitchen + Bar Lahaina, featured recently in Hawaii Magazine.

Located on Front Street in Lahaina, Coco Deck opened in September 2024 and has quickly become a must-visit spot for anyone craving delicious food in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Led by Chef Alvin Savella, a Lahaina native and seasoned culinary talent, Coco Deck was created as a space for locals and visitors to come together after the devastating August 2023 wildfires.

Rob Farrell and Chef Alvin

Instead of reopening a previous concept, Chef Alvin and partner Rob Farrell envisioned something new: an affordable, welcoming restaurant where people could share good food and good company. The result? A vibrant menu that fuses Hawaiian and Mexican flavors, playful cocktails, and a strong sense of community.

Signature menu items include:

• Birria ramen with braised brisket

• Crispy queso tacos

• A flavorful Tijuana Caesar salad with fried Brussels sprouts

• The now-iconic poke doughnut topped with fresh ‘ahi and spicy mayo

In addition to its bold flavors, Coco Deck is thoughtfully designed for families, with a keiki play area, spacious group seating, and a casual, beachy vibe. Guests love the daily happy hour from 2–5pm featuring $5 margaritas, $3 tacos, and half-off select appetizers.

Located near Safeway in Lahaina with panoramic views of Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i, Coco Deck is quickly becoming one of the top restaurants in West Maui for locals and visitors alike.

At Mala, we’re honored to see the Lahaina food scene continue to grow with concepts that put community first. Whether you’re joining us for an elegant dinner by the sea or stopping by Coco Deck for casual tacos and cocktails, you’re supporting a local team committed to feeding Maui with love.

Mala Ocean Tavern Wins Big at the 2025 ʻAipono Awards

Mahalo for Your Aloha and Support

We’re still riding the wave of gratitude after being recognized in the 2025 Maui Nō Ka ʻOi Magazine ʻAipono Awards - an annual celebration of excellence in Maui’s culinary scene, voted on by our island’s incredible community.

We’re beyond honored to share that Mala Ocean Tavern received four major awards this year:

✨ Gold – Best Oceanfront Dining
🥈 Silver – Best Fish & Seafood
🥈 Silver – Most “Maui-est”
🥈 Silver – Restaurant of the Year

These awards are not just accolades, they’re a reflection of the heart and soul our team pours into every dish and every guest experience. From the kitchen to the front of house, every member of the Mala ʻohana shows up with passion, aloha, and a love for what we do. And we wouldn’t be here without our amazing community. Every vote, every visit, and every kind word means the world to us.

We also received Honorable Mentions in several standout categories:
🏅 Best Late-Night Dining
🏅 Best Handcrafted Cocktails
🏅 Best Happy Hour
🏅 Best Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine
🏅 Best Wine List
🏅 Most Innovative Menu

Each recognition is a reminder of why we do what we do and how lucky we are to do it on this beautiful island we call home.

To everyone who took the time to vote for us: mahalo nui loa. Your support lifts us up and inspires us to keep creating, keep evolving, and keep welcoming you to the ocean’s edge with open arms.

Here’s to more sunsets, seafood, and shared moments in 2025. We can’t wait to see you again soon. 🌺🌊

With love and aloha,
The Mala Team

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.

Mala Brunch With Rockstar Eater

YouTuber Rockstar Eater recently took his followers on a culinary journey to one of Maui's iconic dining spots: Mala Ocean Tavern. Known for his passion for uncovering the best food experiences, Rockstar Eater was beyond excited to dive into the brunch offerings at this oceanfront gem.

Mala Ocean Tavern, nestled right on the water in Lahaina, has built a reputation for its stunning views and elevated takes on island-inspired cuisine. The setting immediately set the tone for the meal, with the shimmering Pacific Ocean just steps away and a relaxed, breezy vibe that perfectly captured the essence of Maui dining.

Rockstar Eater’s excitement was palpable as he explored the brunch menu, which artfully blends fresh, local ingredients with bold flavors. From the moment the first dish hit the table, he knew he was in for something special. The Eggs Benedict had him raving about the balance of richness and freshness. The Ube Pancakes, topped with coconut syrup and local fruits, were another standout, offering a sweet yet light option perfect for a leisurely brunch.

But it wasn’t just the food that stole the show – it was the unbeatable oceanfront dining experience. As he filmed the waves gently lapping against the shore, Rockstar Eater couldn’t help but marvel at the serene beauty of Mala Ocean Tavern’s location. He emphasized how dining here is more than just a meal; it’s an immersion into Maui’s natural splendor.

In the end, Rockstar Eater called Mala Ocean Tavern’s brunch a must-try for anyone visiting Maui, praising both the dishes and the unforgettable ocean views. This is one brunch spot that will leave you dreaming of your next visit.

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…