Mala Ocean Tavern Blog
Mala Featured During the Maui Invitational on ESPN!
We're thrilled to share that Mala was recently featured during the Maui Invitational broadcast on ESPN! This showcase highlights Mala's commitment to celebrating the vibrant culture, culinary excellence, and aloha spirit of Hawai‘i.
Check out the full feature here: Watch Now
Mahalo to everyone who made this spotlight possible. Let's keep sharing the magic of Mala with the world!
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
Mala Ocean Tavern was the first restaurant to open on Front Street after the Lahaina Fires in August of 2023. Pride of Maui spotlighted the historic Lahaina restaurant.
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…
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.
VOTE for the best on maui
It’s that time of year again on Maui! Voting has started for the Maui No Ka Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Awards! The restaurant award voting will go through January 31st, 2023. Support local businesses and vote for your favorites. We hope MALA is your favorite, but most importantly, we want you to vote! Either way, voting will help a local business. Vote now and show some love for your favorite Maui restaurants.
It’s that time of year again on Maui! Voting has started for the Maui No Ka Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Awards! The restaurant award voting will go through January 31st, 2023. Support local businesses and vote for your favorites. We hope MALA is your favorite, but most importantly, we want you to vote! Either way, voting will help a local business. Vote now and show some love for your favorite Maui restaurants.
The Mala Ocean Tavern Team is proud of the awards that we won in 2022 and we have been working hard to continue to maintain our standards and excellence in serving our community and guests to the beautiful island of Maui. We hope for your support.
2022 - Maui No Ka Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Awards
Best Oceanfront Dining - Gold
Best Business Lunch - Gold
Most Maui-est - Silver
Best Late Night Dining - Silver
Best Service - Silver
Best Wine List - Silver
Our sister restaurants hope for your support too, check them out, Down The Hatch, Breakwall Shave Ice Co. and Duckine! It only takes a few minutes to vote for all of your favorite local restaurants on Maui. There are lots of categories and we’re vying for a few. See the categories that we’re going for on the images below & link straight to the voting. Mahalo nui loa for your continued encouragement and support, we wouldn’t be here without y’all!
“Shaka For Suede"
Mala Ocean Tavern would like to invite you to join us on Friday, December 16, 2022 for a Happy Hour 2-4p fundraiser, benefiting "Shaka For Suede". Suede Ducheneau is 5 years old and in July of 2022 was diagnosed with moderately severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, his sister Roux just turned 4 and within the last month has also been diagnosed with hearing loss. Both children must undergo testing and continually monitor the rate of progression of their hearing loss. At MALA, we are trying to raise funds for "Shaka For Suede" to reach the goal of $8000.00 to cover the expenses for the upcoming year. We thank you in advance for any donation you can make to "Shaka For Suede".
LIVE MUSIC HAPPY HOUR 2-4P AND FUNDRAISER & Silent auction
Mala Ocean Tavern would like to invite you to join us on Friday, December 16, 2022 for a Happy Hour 2-4p fundraiser, benefiting "Shaka For Suede". Suede Ducheneau is 5 years old and in July of 2022 was diagnosed with moderately severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, his sister Roux just turned 4 and within the last month has also been diagnosed with hearing loss. Both children must undergo testing and continually monitor the rate of progression of their hearing loss. The family lives on Maui and must see specialists only located on Oahu, creating even more expenses for the family to travel for these appointments. The visits are scheduled twice a month. Along with the travel expenses, additional equipment for the children are also a new expense for the family on a budget. At MALA, we are trying to raise funds for "Shaka For Suede" to reach the goal of $8000.00 to cover the expenses for the upcoming year. We thank you in advance for any donation you can make to "Shaka For Suede".
About Suede and Roux Ducheneau.
The Ducheneau Family lives on Maui's west side, and like many families in their position, the essential expenses needed for young children's treatments have burdened their family and their savings. The Ducheneau family is a part of the Mala Ocean Tavern ohana and we want to help the family raise awareness and help them find the support they need to make it through this challenging time.
A little about Suede and Roux; Suede will be 6 in January; he was diagnosed officially at Kapiolani Medical Center in July of 2022 with moderately severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. What does this mean? The nerve that produces sound to the brain does not function as normal. Suede has been fitted for his hearing aids and is over the moon that he can hear what his parents are now saying to him. Since birth, Suede has undergone six surgeries in relation to his hearing. He hasn't let that phase him. Suede is always smiling and enjoying the life that he was given. He loves sharks, Cooking with his Dad, and he absolutely loves his new hearing aid!
His sister Roux will soon join him in wearing a very cute pair of hearing aids. Roux, just turned 4. She has started her testing, after recent brainstem testing that diagnosed her with hearing loss. Her future testing will occur every 6 months. With the example of her brother, she is already learning sign language. Roux loves cats, "Bluey", and putting on make-up.
Suede has recently been enrolled in the Kihei Elementary Deaf Education Program, and the family is currently in the process of enrollment for Roux.
As parents of young children, Kalei and Kate Ducheneau are working hard to make the life their children need and deserve. Both working Full-Time, and Kate is taking 9 credit hours at the University of Hawaii Maui College, they are doing their very best to support the needs of their wonderful, bright, and loving children.
From mother Kate Ducheneau, "We will continue to seek answers and advice from pediatric specialists for our children as we feel they are our most knowledgeable resource. We are SO grateful for our local community for reaching out to us and supporting our family during this time." If you would like to contribute or contact the family directly please contact kateducheneau@gmail.com.
Mala Ocean Tavern is helping to raise funds for the Ducheneau's, our Ohana. We appreciate any support or assistance that you are able to provide for this young family on Maui.
The Ducheneau's are active in Hands and Voice non-profit Hawaii Start-up Chapter, working towards helping the Deaf and Hearing Impaired in the community, and encourage people to find out more. https://www.handsandvoices.org/resources/dhh-plus.html
Donations for “Shaka For Suede” can be made via Venmo @Shaka4Suede. See the QR Code above.
