Mala Ocean Tavern: Among Maui’s Most-Booked Oceanfront Restaurants

Maui is home to incredible dining, but few places capture the magic of the island quite like MALA Ocean Tavern. Recently recognized on OpenTable’s Most Booked Restaurants list, MALA continues to be a top choice for locals and visitors alike.

Oceanfront Dining in the Heart of Lahaina

Set right on the water, MALA offers guests a front-row seat to Maui’s breathtaking sunsets. The sound of waves, the salty breeze, and a warm island welcome create a dining experience that’s as memorable as the food itself.

Of course, it’s not just the view that makes MALA so unforgettable, it’s the food. The menu is a celebration of Maui’s bounty, built on the island’s freshest ingredients and crafted with both creativity and care. Every plate is designed to reflect the rhythm of the ocean just steps away: vibrant, full of life, and impossible to forget. The flavors strike that perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, the kind of cooking that encourages you to slow down, sip a glass of wine, and savor every bite as the sky deepens into twilight.

What truly sets MALA apart, though, is its people. Guests often write about the Aloha spirit they feel from the moment they walk in. Servers who remember your name, a kitchen that puts heart into every plate, and a team that makes you feel less like a reservation and more like an honored guest.

With its mix of stunning views, unforgettable food, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder MALA Ocean Tavern is one of the most booked restaurants in Maui. Tables fill quickly, especially at sunset, so reservations are a must. And once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why so many visitors return year after year. 💙🧡

Locals Appreciation Month: KamaʻAina Dining Specials in Lahaina

At Hana Hou Hospitality, we know Maui’s heartbeat comes from its people. This September, we’re celebrating Locals Appreciation Month with a special mahalo to our island community. All month long, kamaʻāina can enjoy 30% off dining daily until 2 PM at our Lahaina restaurants: Pizza Paradiso, Pineapple Robot, Mala Ocean Tavern, and Coco Deck Lahaina.

Whether you’re looking for Mediterranean cuisine in Lahaina, oceanfront dining with fresh island seafood, innovative sushi bowls, or cocktails with a view, Hana Hou Hospitality has something for everyone. Each of our restaurants offers a unique experience, united by the same goal: to serve fresh flavors with genuine aloha.

This kamaʻāina dining special is more than a discount, it’s our way of saying thank you to the local community who supports us year-round. From family lunches to weekend brunches by the ocean, we invite you to join us in celebrating Locals Appreciation Month.

Discover why our Lahaina restaurants are favorites among both locals and visitors, and take advantage of this limited-time offer throughout September. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the table.

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.

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