Mala Ocean Tavern Blog
MALA Being Recognized For Romance
When it comes to elegant cuisine, incredible atmosphere, and romantic settings, find it all at one of America’s favorite oceanfront restaurants. Mala Ocean Tavern is the perfect dining experience on your romantic getaway to Maui.
Mala Ocean Tavern has been receiving awards since 2004, but the excitement for each new recognition is ever present. In 2022 MALA earned accolades for the Best Oceanfront Dining, along with wine, service, and more in the Maui No Ka Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Awards. Mahalos to those who voted! We are honored that so many people support our little oceanfront eatery.
America’s most beloved restaurants
Because of the support and the outstanding reviews that those have taken the time to share, MALA is earning more for 2022 and 2023. At OpenTable, The Diners Reviews Are In: Top 100 of America’s Most Beloved Restaurants have been announced, and Mala Ocean Tavern made the list. Our ohana could not be more thrilled to be recognized alongside some spectacular restaurants across the country and the state of Hawaii. MALA is known for oceanfront dining, but it is the cuisine, cocktails, wine, and most especially the staff that bring people back time and time again. Whether it’s for a lovely brunch on the patio, to enjoy local music during happy hour, or it is to hear the ocean waves on the shore, while sipping on a culinary cocktail during dinner, there are many reasons to make Mala Ocean Tavern the place to stop when you are on Maui and in Lahaina.
Romantic oceanfront dining
Many visitors to Maui come for a romantic getaway, and we always hope that any celebration be had at MALA. Guests come for honeymoons, anniversaries, baby moons, birthday celebrations and more. When you are looking to wine and dine in a romantic setting, look no further than Mala Ocean Tavern. We are getting noticed for our above and beyond service to help create those romantic moments, and we are honored to get notice in the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.
Best restaurant with a view
When traveling to Maui, most are looking for the ultimate tropical vacation. And while you are on your dream vacation in magical Hawaii, you imagine yourself sitting oceanfront and sipping on a tropical cocktails and a celebratory glass of champagne. Look no further for the perfect restaurant to unwind and discover what paradise feels like. Trips To Discover has named Mala Ocean Tavern one of the Best Maui Restaurants With A View. Whether you are dining with at Mala Ocean Tavern for Brunch, Happy Hour, or Dinner, it is the destination that will help you truly feel like you are on vacation.
We appreciate all that dine with us. Here is a review from The Collection by KCM.
Our gratitude for all of our guests is unmeasurable, and we hope that we see you at Mala Ocean Tavern soon. Reservations are encouraged, but also feel free to stop-by. Walk-ins are welcome! From the MALA Ohana, mahalo nui loa and a hui hou!
Mala Ocean Tavern is excited to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau and BOH ADMIN Kate Ducheneau
With predecessor, local Chef Alvin Savella leaving Mala Ocean Tavern to start new sister restaurant Duckine, the MALA owners were able to turn to Sous Chef Kalei Ducheneau and Back of House Administrator Kate Ducheneau to maintain the quality and innovation that MALA has been known for.
With predecessor, local Chef Alvin Savella leaving Mala Ocean Tavern to start new sister restaurant Duckine, the MALA owners were able to turn to Sous Chef Kalei Ducheneau and Back of House Administrator Kate Ducheneau to maintain the quality and innovation that MALA has been known for.
As the world continues to surprise us, MALA was able to find this husband and wife team to take one of Maui’s staple restaurants and kitchen to the next level. Now Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau is accompanied by his wife and teammate Kate Ducheneau, creating a top notch team to maintain the qualities and standards of the classic oceanfront eatery in Lahaina.
Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau is Maui grown! Born in Wailuku, he attended Lahainaluna High School. At the early age of 16, Kalei was driven to work in the kitchen, pursuing culinary Chef as his career.
Ducheneau's training sparked at home. He grew up with his Grandfather Solomon Pali, a cook at the Lahaina Broiler, and his mother, Lala Ducheneau cooking traditional Hawaiian dishes in their home. He started young, appreciating the local style and flavors in island cooking. Chef Kalei’s father, Michael Ducheneau, is trained in classical French cooking, and notes cooking with his father sparked a deeper appreciation for the finesse needed for beautiful execution of each dish.
With this combination of influences, Chef Kalei's passion for food and cooking spawned. Chef Kalei’s experience on the line comes from a host of popular Maui restaurants like Lahaina Fish Co, Pineapple Grill, Merriman's Kapalua, The Westin Maui, and most recently as Sous Chef to Chef Alvin Savella at Mala Ocean Tavern. Ducheaneau, a husband, and father of two small children (Roux, 4, and Suede, 5), is finding his stride to cultivate his own style. He is driven by love of the industry and simply… good food. Chef Kalei is inspired by the different cultures and cuisine on Maui, along with the influence of family to create a fusion of flavors that will surprise and delight the palate.
Originally from Cocoa Beach, Florida, Kate Ducheneau moved to Maui with her brothers in 2015, met Kalei shortly there-after, they were married and started their family. Kate’s passion for the food mirrors her husbands. She came to the MALA Ohana last year helping with kitchen admin. When her partner moved into the role of Executive Chef, wife Kate was able to grow her role as well, becoming MALA Back of House Administrator, and assisting with the back of house operations.
With a partner and teammate focused on kitchen admin, Chef Kalei has been able to soar with creativity and maintain a balanced, efficient kitchen. Kate is a strong inspiration for Chef Kalei, being the first to try some of his creations or motivating him to continue to learn and grow. MALA has a dream team in the duo. Many ask Chef Kalei if his wife cooks as well, and he says, “She can cook, we both cook, but she’s the better baker”.
Along with being driven to build their careers in the Maui Culinary scene, Chef Kalei and Kate want to use their influence to help raise awareness to a cause close to their hearts. After the discovery of their son Suede’s hearing loss, followed by the same diagnosis for their daughter Roux, Kate has immersed herself in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community in Hawaii, and both are advocates for hearing loss education. If you would like to learn more go to the Hawaii CSC - Comprehensive Service Center for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind.
Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau’s drive and passion has been shining as he has been running the MALA Kitchen for recent months in the transition. When asked if he is ready for the role, he says, “I have learned so much at MALA, not only about the food and style of the cuisine, but how I want to be as a Chef.” He continued to speak about what is influencing him and inspiring him most right now. “Stepping into this role, I am focused on sourcing locally as much as possible, building relationships with the local fisherman and farmers, and maintaining the excellence that MALA has already achieved.”
MALA General Manager Lisa Kerrick was asked about her fresh new team, “You can already see this in the dishes Chef Kalei is creating. He adds his perfected touches on classic MALA dishes, and is delivering thoughtful and creative features. We’re excited to see how Chef Kalei will enhance the MALA dining experience through bringing what he has to offer to the forefront.”
Join us in congratulating Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau and Back of House Administrator Kate Ducheneau in their new roles at Mala Ocean Tavern.
Mala Photos by Jennica Lowell
Family Photo by Grace Oliver Photography