ag fest is back for another celebration of maui agriculture

The 17th Annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair is back, once again putting the “people behind agriculture” front and center. More than just a celebration of farming, the event highlights the farmers, ranchers, chefs, and youth who make up Maui County’s diverse and deeply rooted agricultural community.

Adding to the excitement, this year’s AgFest will feature Coco Deck Owner and Executive Chef Alvin Savella, along with Mala Ocean Tavern Executive Chef Mitch Atwell. Both chefs will be competing in the “Grand Taste,” a culinary competition, during AgFest. Their participation brings a strong connection between Maui’s farms and its culinary scene, showing how local ingredients move from the field straight to the plate. It’s a reminder that agriculture doesn’t just feed the island, it shapes the way Maui cooks, eats, and gathers.

Mala Ocean Tavern Executive Chef Mitch Atwell. Photo by Kate Clark.

AgFest takes place on Saturday, May 30th, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the War Memorial Special Events Field in Wailuku. It is hosted by the Maui County Farm Bureau and the Maui 4-H Livestock Association, both of which have long supported agricultural education and hands-on learning across the island.

The event is designed to be a full day experience for the entire community. Visitors can walk through livestock exhibits, meet local producers, and learn more about the wide range of crops grown throughout Maui County. 

Over the years, AgFest has grown into one of Maui’s most anticipated community events. Last year, more than 7,500 people attended, with popular experiences like the Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast, Grand Taste, and Taste Education sessions selling out quickly. That kind of turnout speaks to a growing curiosity and appreciation for where food comes from, and the people who make it possible.

As the event continues to grow, organizers encourage guests to plan ahead and buy tickets early so they don’t miss out on key experiences. Tickets are available online at MauiAgFest.org. Read more about AgFest on Maui Now here.

Celebrate Lei Day in Lahaina with us at Mala Ocean Tavern! 🌺

On Friday, May 1st from 3–7 PM, we’re welcoming the beautiful Lolo Blossom Lei Stand to MALA for a special pop-up in honor of Hawai‘i’s beloved Lei Day. Stop by and pick up a handcrafted lei before dinner, during happy hour, or as you stroll along Front Street’s restaurant row.

Lei Day is a cherished Hawai‘i tradition that celebrates the artistry, culture, and spirit of aloha represented through lei making. Each lei tells a story and carries meaning; whether it’s given to honor someone special, celebrate an occasion, or simply share a moment of connection. We’re, once again, thrilled to partner with Lolo Blossom, known for their vibrant, thoughtfully crafted floral leis, to bring this experience to our MALA community.

From 3–7 PM, guests can browse and purchase fresh floral leis right outside the restaurant, making it the perfect stop before settling in for an afternoon by the ocean. Pair your visit with Mala’s daily happy hour from 2–4 PM, or come and enjoy dinner overlooking the ocean as the evening sets in. It’s a wonderful way to ease into the evening while taking in the energy of Lahaina and celebrating one of Hawai‘i’s most beautiful traditions.

Whether you’re treating yourself, surprising someone special, or simply embracing the spirit of the day, a lei is the perfect way to mark the occasion. Grab a lei, take a sunset stroll down Front Street, and let the evening lead you right back to MALA for dinner, drinks, and oceanfront views.

This pop-up is open to both diners and anyone passing through Lahaina, so feel free to stop by, say aloha, and support a local maker while celebrating Lei Day with us.

Join us Friday, May 1st from 3–7 PM at Mala Ocean Tavern for the Lolo Blossom Lei Stand pop-up and celebrate Lei Day the Lahaina way.

Reserve your table for Dinner or swing by during Live Music Happy Hour and make it a Front Street evening. 🌺

Vote Mala Ocean Tavern for the ‘Aipono Awards 2026

Maui Magazine’s ‘Aipono Awards 2026 voting is now open, and we’re honored to be nominated in multiple categories! If Mala has been part of your Lahaina tradition, a sunset dinner, or your favorite brunch, we’d be grateful for your support.

Voting is open now through February 28.

Mahalo for celebrating the moments with us, and for supporting our Mala ‘ohana, from front to back of house. Your vote means more than you know! 💙🧡

Kaena Winery Tasting Dinner at Mala - Lahaina Food & Wine Festival

Join us at Mala Ocean Tavern for an intimate, seated tasting dinner celebrating Kaena Wines presented as part of the Lahaina Food & Wine Festival. This multi-course, prix fixe experience highlights Kaena’s Grenache-forward portfolio, paired course-by-course with a custom menu from Executive Chef Mitch, blending refined technique with vibrant island influences. Expect guided pairings, stories behind the wines, and a special night designed for savoring.

Tasting Menu + Wine Pairings

I
Crispy Kauaʻi Prawn
Black Lime | Avocado
Paired with Kaena Winery Hapa Blanc 2021

II
Hokkaido Scallop Crudo
Mango Gelée | Espelette | Huamomona Farms Marigold & Watercress | Citrus Vinaigrette
Paired with Kaena Winery Grenache Rosé 2024

III
Ricotta & Parmesan Agnolotti
Braised Beef Short Rib | Blistered Tomato | Garlic Herb Mac Nut Crumble
Paired with Kaena Winery Grenache Tierra Alta 2022

IV
Wagyu NY Strip au Poivre
Fingerling Potato Purée | Pink Peppercorn Cream
Paired with Kaena Winery Hapa Red Blend 2019

V
Sticky Toffee Cake
Rum Ice Cream | Brûléed Apple Banana | Dark Rum Caramel

Menu is subject to slight changes based on seasonality and product availability.

About Kaena Wines

Kaena Wines is rooted in island influence and a deep respect for craft, with a story shaped by generations of care, patience, and hospitality. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear more about the winery’s philosophy and what inspires each bottle.

Reservations

This is a limited-seating experience. Reserve your table now and join us for one of the Lahaina Food & Wine Festival’s most intimate dinners of the week.

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Want to go a little deeper on the story behind Lahaina Food & Wine Festival? Listen to The Maui No Ka Oi Podcast presented by SilverShark Media featuring a conversation on the heart of the festival and what it means for our community. Catch the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mala Ocean Tavern Recognized in Best of Maui 2025

We are grateful to share that Mala Ocean Tavern was recognized across multiple categories in the Best of Maui 2025 reader-voted lists. These mentions reflect not only the food and experience we strive to offer, but the continued support of our Maui community that has stood with us year after year.

This year, Mala was named among the best in the following categories:

• Best Waterfront Dining
  Recognized for the experience of dining oceanside in Lahaina, where thoughtful cuisine meets a setting shaped by Maui’s natural beauty, along with the occasional turtle sighting.

• Best Business Lunch
  Recognized as a welcoming place to gather for midday meals, meetings, and meaningful conversations.

• Best Seafood Restaurant
  Acknowledged for our commitment to fresh seafood prepared with care and inspired by island flavors.

• Best Steak
  Honored for steak dishes that focus on quality ingredients and classic, well-executed preparation.

• Best Breakfast and Brunch
  Celebrated for a brunch experience that has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

To be recognized in multiple categories is an honor we hold with care, especially alongside so many other incredible Maui businesses we admire. Knowing these acknowledgments come from our community makes them especially meaningful to everyone who brings Mala to life each day.

Mahalo for continuing to support us and for choosing to gather at Mala for so many moments, big and small. We are grateful to share our table with you and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

With love and Aloha,
The Mala ‘Ohana 💙🧡