Hana Hou Hospitality Honored with 2026 Hawaiʻi Excellence in Business Award

Hana Hou Hospitality is proud to announce that we have been selected as a 2026 Hawaiʻi Excellence in Business Award honoree by Hawaii Business Magazine, recognizing organizations across the state that demonstrate outstanding business performance, exceptional workplace culture, innovation, and a meaningful commitment to serving Hawaiʻi's communities.

Presented annually by Hawaii Business Magazine, the Hawaiʻi Excellence in Business Awards celebrate companies that go beyond financial success. Honorees are selected for their ability to foster positive workplace environments, invest in their employees, embrace innovation, support diversity and inclusion, and create a lasting impact in the communities they serve. Businesses of all sizes and industries are evaluated on criteria including profitability, employee engagement, sustainability, and community involvement.

For Hana Hou Hospitality, this recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team across Mala Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck Lahaina, Pineapple Robot, and Pizza Paradiso. Every day, our staff works to create memorable experiences for our guests while supporting the Maui community through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a commitment to authentic hospitality.

Since reopening and growing in the years following the Lahaina wildfires, our mission has remained unchanged: to serve exceptional food, welcome every guest with genuine aloha, and contribute to the ongoing strength and resilience of West Maui. Whether it's through our Hana Hou Round Up Program, supporting local nonprofits, sourcing from Hawaiʻi businesses whenever possible, or creating opportunities for our team members to grow, we're honored that these efforts have been recognized.

This honor belongs to our incredible employees, loyal guests, community partners, and everyone who has supported Hana Hou Hospitality along the way. Mahalo for being part of our journey - we're grateful to continue serving Maui and helping our community thrive together.

Mala Ocean Tavern's Round Up Program: Small Change, Lasting Impact

At Mala Ocean Tavern, we believe that being part of the Lahaina community means giving back whenever we can. That's why we created our Round Up Program; a simple way for every guest to help support the people, places, and organizations that make Maui so special.

When you dine with us, you'll have the option to round your check up to the nearest dollar. While it may seem like a small contribution, those dollars quickly add up to provide meaningful support for local nonprofit organizations working to strengthen our community, care for our environment, preserve Lahaina's history, and invest in future generations.

Each quarter, Hana Hou Hospitality (Mala Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck Lahaina, Pineapple Robot, & Pizza Paradiso) selects a different nonprofit partner, allowing us to support a variety of important causes throughout the year. Every organization is carefully chosen because of its commitment to making a lasting impact on Maui.

Throughout the year, Mala Ocean Tavern is proud to partner with local nonprofit organizations that are creating lasting change across Maui. In 2026, our Round Up Program supports the Lahaina Community Land Trust, helping keep Lahaina lands in Lahaina hands through community ownership and long-term recovery efforts; Kahakukahi Ocean Academy (K.O.A.), which empowers Maui's youth through ocean education, environmental stewardship, and mentorship; and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, dedicated to preserving Lahaina's historic landmarks, cultural heritage, and sense of place for future generations. By rotating our nonprofit partners throughout the year, we're able to support a variety of causes that strengthen our community and help ensure Maui continues to thrive for generations to come.

Lahaina Community Land Trust

Kahakukahi Ocean Academy

Lahaina Restoration Foundation

Looking ahead, our 2027 Q1 Round Up partner will be the Lahaina Jodo Mission, another cherished organization that plays an important role in preserving Lahaina's cultural heritage.

The Round Up Program allows every guest to participate in giving back, no matter how small the contribution. As a locally owned restaurant, we're incredibly grateful for the support we've received over the years. This program is one way we can pay that generosity forward. Every meal shared at MALA has the opportunity to create an impact beyond our restaurant, helping preserve what makes Maui such a special place to call home.

Mahalo for dining with us, supporting local nonprofits, and helping us make a difference - one meal at a time.

Executive Chef Mitch Atwell to Participate in the 2026 Huliau Food & Film Festival

Mala Ocean Tavern is proud to share that Executive Chef Mitch Atwell will be among the talented chefs participating in the 2026 Huliau Food & Film Festival on Saturday, August 29th, hosted by the Maui Huliau Foundation at Kapuakukui Farm in Kula. The annual farm-to-table benefit celebrates Maui's local agriculture, exceptional culinary talent, and student-produced films, with all proceeds supporting environmental education programs for Maui youth.

Executive Chef Mitch Atwell

Chef Mitch joins an outstanding lineup of Maui chefs dedicated to showcasing the island's incredible agricultural community, including chefs from Maui Brewing Company, Sugar Beach Events, Moku Roots, UH Maui College, Ko Restaurant at Fairmont Kea Lani, King Kamehameha Golf Club, and Maui Gourmet Foods. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy chef tasting stations featuring dishes inspired by locally grown ingredients while taking in live music, hula performances, and films created by Huliau students that highlight Maui's unique landscapes, farms, and environmental stories.

At Mala Ocean Tavern, Chef Mitch is passionate about highlighting Hawaiʻi's seasonal ingredients and works closely with local farmers and fishermen whenever possible. His cooking reflects a balance of refined culinary techniques and island-inspired flavors, making the Huliau Food & Film Festival a natural extension of his commitment to supporting local agriculture and sustainable food systems.

The Maui Huliau Foundation empowers Maui youth through hands-on environmental education, climate literacy, leadership development, filmmaking, and community-based stewardship programs. Since 2010, the nonprofit has inspired the next generation of environmental leaders by connecting students with meaningful experiences that encourage them to care for and protect the island they call home.

We're honored to see Chef Mitch represent Mala Ocean Tavern at this meaningful community event and invite our guests to join us in supporting the Maui Huliau Foundation's important mission. Whether you're attending for the incredible food, inspiring student films, or to give back to Maui's youth, the Huliau Food & Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, agriculture, and natural beauty that make our island so special. Tickets will be available for purchase at https://mauihuliaufoundation.org/huliau-food-film-festival/ starting late July.

Experience an Exclusive Penfolds Wine Dinner at Mala Ocean Tavern

Wine lovers and food enthusiasts are invited to an unforgettable evening at Mala Ocean Tavern as we welcome one of Australia's most celebrated wineries, Penfolds, for an intimate wine pairing dinner on Thursday, September 24, at 7:30 pm.

Set in our beautiful Lanai & Ocean Room, this communal dining experience brings together exceptional cuisine, world-class wines, and the warm hospitality that has made Mala a favorite among Maui locals and visitors alike. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted four-course menu created by Executive Chef Mitch Atwell, with each course expertly paired to showcase the depth and character of Penfolds' renowned wines.

Throughout the evening, Brooke Barnett, Penfolds Brand Ambassador, will guide guests through each wine, sharing the stories, craftsmanship, and nearly two centuries of winemaking heritage that have established Penfolds as a global leader in fine wine. Founded in 1844, Penfolds is recognized for producing wines of remarkable quality, longevity, and balance, making this dinner a rare opportunity to experience some of the winery's most iconic selections in an intimate setting.

Featured wines for the evening include:

• Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2022

• Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2022

• Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2021

• Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022

• Penfolds Port

Each pairing has been carefully selected to complement Chef Mitch's seasonal menu, creating a dining experience that highlights the flavors of both the food and the wine. Please note that menu and wine selections are subject to slight changes based on availability.

The Penfolds Wine Dinner is $200 per guest or $175 for Kamaʻaina. Payment will be collected at the restaurant on the evening of the event, allowing Kamaʻaina pricing to be applied where applicable while also including gratuity with the final check. Reservations require a credit card to secure your seat. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies, and cancellations or no-shows within 24 hours of the event will incur the full $200 per person charge. This event is open to guests 21 years and older.

Whether you're a longtime Penfolds enthusiast or looking to explore one of Australia's most prestigious wine portfolios for the first time, this exclusive evening promises exceptional wines, outstanding cuisine, and memorable conversation in one of Maui's most scenic oceanfront settings. Seats are limited for this one-night-only event. Reserve your place today and join us for an extraordinary celebration of food, wine, and hospitality at Mala Ocean Tavern.

MENU

I.

 Kusshi Oysters

Crispy Potato, Green Apple Mignonette, Huamomona Farms Arugula

Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 2022

 II.

  Kula Summer Corn Risotto

Butter Poached Snow Crab, Surfing Goat Dairy Cheese

Penfolds Chardonnay Bin 311  2022 

 III.

60 Day Dry Aged N.Y Strip Carpaccio

 Pickled Shallots, Huamomona Farms Frisee & Augula, Preserved Lemon Puree, Brioche

Penfolds Shiraz bin 28 2021 

IV.

Hand Rolled Garganelli Pasta

Braised Beef Cheek, Mother Mushrooms Farms Ragu,  Black Summer Truffle,  Herb Ricotta, Fresh Oregano

 Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Blend  389 2022 

V.

Tiramisu

Blood Orange Mascarpone, Maui ‘Oma Espresso, Shaved Ku’ai Estate Dark Chocolate

Penfolds Port 

*Menu subject to change based on availability.

Caleb Hopkins Honored with Two Prestigious 2026 Hawaiʻi Leadership Awards

At Mala Ocean Tavern, hospitality has always been about more than exceptional food and oceanfront dining. It's about building meaningful relationships, supporting the community, and leading with aloha. Those values are at the heart of Mala’s owners vision. And this year, co-owner Caleb Hopkins has been recognized for two of Hawaiʻi's restaurant honors.

This year, Caleb has been named both a 2026 Hawaii Restaurant Association Hall of Fame Inductee in the Active Restaurateur category and one of Pacific Business News' Hawaiʻi's Most Admired Leaders.

Mala Ocean Tavern co-owner and Aloha Hospitality Lahaina founder Caleb Hopkins

On September 28th, 2026, Caleb will be inducted into the Hawaii Restaurant Association Hall of Fame during the organization's 18th Annual Hall of Fame Gala at the Sheraton Waikiki. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, innovation, mentorship, and community service have made a lasting impact on Hawaiʻi's restaurant industry.

As founder of Aloha Hospitality Lahaina, Caleb has contributed to a family of restaurants that includes Mala Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck Kitchen + Bar Lahaina, Pizza Paradiso, and Pineapple Robot. His approach, along with his partners, has always focused on creating exceptional guest experiences while investing in employees, mentoring future hospitality leaders, and giving back to the Maui community.

Caleb was also selected as one of Pacific Business News' 2026 Hawaiʻi's Most Admired Leaders, recognizing business and community leaders who demonstrate integrity, vision, and meaningful impact across the state. He will be honored at the Hawaiʻi's Most Admired Leaders Gala on September 17th at Halekulani Hotel and featured in the September 18th issue of Pacific Business News.

While these awards celebrate Caleb's leadership, they also reflect the incredible teams across every Hana Hou Hospitality restaurant. At Mala Ocean Tavern, every memorable dining experience is made possible by dedicated team members who share a commitment to genuine hospitality and the spirit of aloha.

These recognitions come during an important chapter in Lahaina's continued recovery, highlighting the collaborations that define Maui's hospitality community. Everyone at Mala Ocean Tavern is proud to celebrate Caleb's achievements and looks forward to continuing the mission of sharing exceptional cuisine, heartfelt service, and aloha with every guest.