Mala Ocean Tavern Blog
Mala Ocean Tavern: Among Maui’s Most-Booked Oceanfront Restaurants
Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina is one of Maui’s most-booked restaurants. Oceanfront dining, fresh seafood, and Aloha spirit make every meal unforgettable.
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. 💙🧡
Bottle Shock: An Interactive Blind Wine Tasting Competition Benefiting Hua Momona Foundation
Indulge your senses and support a great cause at Bottle Shock, an exhilarating interactive blind wine tasting competition benefiting the Hua Momona Foundation. Join us on Thursday, June 6th, at the Duckine Building on 1312 Front Street, where the excitement begins as doors open at 7:00 pm, with the event commencing around 7:30 pm. Limited seating, get your tickets now!
Indulge your senses and support a great cause at Bottle Shock, an exhilarating interactive blind wine tasting competition benefiting the Hua Momona Foundation. Join us on Thursday, June 6th, at the Duckine Building on 1312 Front Street, where the excitement begins as doors open at 7:00 pm, with the event commencing around 7:30 pm.
Ticketed Event: Tickets are priced at $115 per person (Gratuity included), ensuring a delightful evening of wine, food, and fun!
🥂 **What's Included**:
Kick off the evening with a bubbly start. You will be a part of the experience getting to taste alongside professional sommeliers. Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo will be co-hosting and giving the entire audience a wine tasting tutorial. Followed by professional sommeliers displaying their skills and competing during this interactive Blind Tasting. You will be provided with all Blind Tasting Wines, and you will have the opportunity to swirl, smell, taste, and determine the wine you are tasting. Each wine will be revealed. We will provide your tasting cards, along with six 3 oz Pours of Testable Wine Examples for Wine Tasting.: Engage your palate with a variety of wines, perfect for both novice tasters and seasoned enthusiasts.
Enjoy delectable bites to complement your wine tasting experience, with an extensive charcuterie to sample. A portion of the proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Hua Momona Foundation, supporting its mission to empower communities through sustainable agriculture.
🍇 **Interactive Blind Tasting**: Prepare for a captivating journey through deductive tasting as our knowledgeable hosts guide you through the nuances of each wine. Then, brace yourself for an epic battle as our esteemed Sommeliers go into competition! Special mahalos to Brian Clancy with RNDC for secretly selecting the wines.
🎉 **Silent Auction**: Bid on exclusive items and experiences in our silent auction, with all proceeds contributing to the Hua Momona Foundation's impactful initiatives.
🍷 **Meet the Competitors**:
- Caleb Hopkins - CS Mala Ocean Tavern
- Richard Olson - Hua Momona Farms/Cane and Canoe
- Solomon Olea - Merriman's Kapalua
- Aaron Wood-Snyderman - Four Seasons Maui
- Sergio Baltazaar - Longhis
- Jeff Groh - TikeHau Lounge
- Lynn Zhang- Hotel Wailea
Don't miss this unique opportunity to sip, savor, and support a worthy cause at Bottle Shock! Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of wine and philanthropy.
Pictured above left to right; Chef Zach Laidlaw of Huamonona Farms with Mala Chef, Huamomona Farms rainbow, Master Sommelier Patrick Okubo.
The results are in! 2022 ‘aipono restaurant awards
We extend our gratitude to our staff for all their hard work, to everyone who continues to support our businesses, and to everyone who voted for us! It is wonderful to be among all of the talent on the island of Maui and in Hawaii. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. All of the great restaurants on Maui encourage us to strive to always be our absolute best!
We are proud to have been a part of this past weekend’s Maui Mag 'Aipono Awards at the Old Lahaina Luau! Mahalos to all the people who took the time to vote and show the aloha for so many of Maui's local restaurants and small businesses. Mahalo nui loa to Maui No Ka Oi Magazine for hosting this event for nearly 20 Years!
We extend our gratitude to our staff for all their hard work, to everyone who continues to support our businesses, and to everyone who voted for us! It is wonderful to be among all of the talent on the island of Maui and in Hawaii. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. All of the great restaurants on Maui encourage us to strive to always be our absolute best!
We are honored to have taken home the following awards:
MĀLA OCEAN TAVERN
GOLD - BEST OCEANFRONT DINING
GOLD - BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
SILVER - MOST MAUI-EST
SILVER - BEST LATE NIGHT DINING
SILVER - BEST SERVICE
SILVER - BEST WINE LIST
