Spirits by the Sea: An Addams Family Halloween at MALA Ocean Tavern

This Halloween, Lahaina’s oceanfront icon transforms into something delightfully spooky. Māla Ocean Tavern invites you to celebrate the night in true Addams Family style with Spirits by the Sea: An Addams Family Halloween on Friday, October 31st from 10PM–1AM.

Step inside our seaside tavern and expect eerie ambiance, dark glamour, and plenty of “spirits” in every sense of the word. Our team has conjured up an evening that blends the mysterious charm of the Addams Family with Māla’s signature style.

🎶 Music by DJ Sarah Haywood
DJ Sarah Haywood will be spinning beats that carry you from witching hour to last call.

🍴Culinary Delights by Chef Mitch
Chef Mitch will be crafting special Halloween-inspired dishes and tavern favorites, served fresh until midnight.

🍸 Cocktails & Oceanfront Vibes
Sip on craft cocktails while the waves crash just outside. Whether you’re channeling Morticia’s elegance or Uncle Fester’s chaos, our bar will keep your spirit alive with every pour.

👻 Costumes Encouraged
This is your chance to get spooky. Dress up, lean in, and let the Addams Family spirit inspire your look - whether you’re a Gomez, a Wednesday, or your own eerie creation.

📍 Event Details

• Doors open: 10:00 PM sharp

• Food service: Until midnight

• Party continues: Until 1:00 AM

• Limited EARLYBIRD tickets: $10 (save $10)

• Door admission: $20

Join us for a night where the ocean meets the macabre, and the Addams Family spirit takes over Lahaina. It’s going to be creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, and most importantly, unforgettable.

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 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.

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…

Mala Ocean Tavern: A Beacon of Resilience on Maui's Front Street

Nestled along the shores of Maui's Lahaina, Mala Ocean Tavern stands as a symbol of resilience, community spirit, and the unwavering strength after the Lahaina Fires. This oceanfront restaurant has not only captured the hearts of locals but has also made waves across the nation, during their reopening at the first restaurant to open their doors on Front Street.

Mala Ocean Tavern holds a unique distinction in the vibrant history of Lahaina, being a staple of the Lahaina community since 2004. After the devastating Lahaina Fires, the town is left with many scars with residents losing everything from their homes to their businesses.

The story of Mala Ocean Tavern is not just one of culinary excellence but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of Lahaina's community. The founders, Mark and Judy Ellman, envisioned a haven by the sea where locals and visitors alike could come together to savor fresh, locally sourced cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Pacific. Under new ownership since 2018 this vision continued through covid and now through the fires, and has became even more significant as Mala Ocean Tavern reopened its doors to the community on February 1, 2024, providing a symbol of hope and renewal for Lahaina.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident in its menu, which showcases a fusion of local flavors. With an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients, Mala Ocean Tavern not only delivers a delightful culinary experience but also supports the island's farmers and fishermen. From mouthwatering seafood dishes to flavorful vegetarian options, the menu caters to diverse palates, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Mala Ocean Tavern's post-fire reopening has not gone unnoticed, drawing attention from renowned publications that celebrate its resilience and the revitalization of Lahaina. Hawaii Magazine has lauded the restaurant for its dedication to preserving the spirit of the town, while Travel Weekly has praised its unwavering commitment to the aloha spirit. The coverage from various CBS and ABC affiliates has brought the story of Mala Ocean Tavern to living rooms across the nation, casting a spotlight on this beacon of hope in Lahaina. And special thanks to Conde Nast Traveler for telling the story of Lahaina and making mention of our tiny little tavern. Hear owner Javier Barberi speak with Hawaii Public Radio about the reopening of Maui’s favorite tavern. Island News totes Mala Ocean Tavern helping to reboot West Maui local business. And in other news, the BBC discussed taxing visitors to Hawaii, and Javier Barberi speaks to using the funds to support the local community. Taiwan SET TV visited Lahaina in April 2024 to cover recovery on Maui, and Barberi was interviewed. Link to the video and Javier at 8:53.

We appreciate the support that we have gotten from grants we applied for, and glad to be among five community-centered historic restaurants on the island of Maui to be the surprise beneficiaries of the “Maui Climate Fund”. Read more in 5 Restaurants Begin a New Chapter.

What sets Mala Ocean Tavern apart is not just its delectable dishes or stunning ocean views but the community-centric ethos that permeates every aspect of its operation. The restaurant has become a gathering place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the Lahaina community comes, once again, together to celebrate life's simple pleasures.

As you plan your visit to Maui, consider making Mala Ocean Tavern a must-visit destination. Experience the warmth of hospitality, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and witness the resilience of a community. Mala Ocean Tavern invites you to be a part of its story – a story of renewal, triumph, and the enduring spirit of Lahaina. Come, dine by the sea, and immerse yourself in the tale of this little tavern that has captured many hearts for the last 20 years.