Mala Ocean Tavern Blog
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!
WHERE HAWAII EATS VISITs MALA
Mala Ocean Tavern’s Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau featured on Where Hawaii Eats! Anne Lee hosts special guests from all over the islands each week to learn about their experiences, and get some insight into Hawaii’s extraordinary food scene and culture.
Mala Ocean Tavern’s Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau featured on Where Hawaii Eats! Anne Lee hosts special guests from the islands each week to learn about their experiences and get some insight into Hawaii’s extraordinary food scene and culture. Lee stopped by the Best Oceanfront Dining on Maui to talk with Chef Kalei and Mixologist Dennis Day to explore the cuisine and inspiration Maui’s favorite oceanfront eatery. Check out the episodes that aired January 2023.
Where Hawaii Eats presented by Dining Out airs on K5 Hawaii News Now. You can also subscribe to the Where Hawaii Eats YouTube Channel to find other exciting restaurants in the Hawaiian Islands.
“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.
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
Lisa kerrick named general manager of mala ocean tavern
We are so proud to announce and name Lisa Kerrick as General Manager at Māla Ocean Tavern. Lisa comes to MĀLA with years of experience in the restaurant industry, enthusiasm for a career in the food and beverage, and the drive to continue to maintain MĀLA as a favorite in dining for locals and guests of Lahaina, Maui.
Oceanfront restaurant names Lahaina hospitality veteran Lisa Kerrick as General Manager.
We are so proud to announce and name Lisa Kerrick as General Manager at Māla Ocean Tavern. Lisa comes to MĀLA with years of experience in the restaurant industry, enthusiasm for a career in the food and beverage, and the drive to continue to maintain MĀLA as a favorite in dining for locals and guests of Lahaina, Maui.
Originally from Mount Shasta, California, Kerrick originally came to Maui on a gap year during college. What was intended to be one year, turned to 20. Lisa found a home on Maui through her passions on the island and finding a career in the busy restaurant industry on the island. Lisa honed and sharpened her skills working her way through the ranks of restaurant management on the westside of Maui in the TS family and spending many years at Kaanapali’s beach hot spot Hula Grill.
Relocating to Maui gave Lisa the opportunity to become a member of the Kahana Canoe Club that helped her get settled on the island. Being an athlete is a big part of who she is, and her Ohana at the Kahana Canoe Club gave her support and taught her valuable life lessons along the way. She relates working in food and beverage to the athleticism that drives her, saying “Much of what I love about the food and beverage industry is synchronized with my athleticism. The challenge, the energy, the creativity, the people. I can’t pick just one thing, it's all of it.” Lisa spends much of her time at the starting line, but on land more than in the water these days, adding “Running half marathons and marathons is my idea of a good time. I love the challenge of it all and not knowing what could happen on game day.”
Taking on a new challenge in the restaurant world, she has joined the growing team at the ever evolving Maui staple restaurant, Māla Ocean Tavern, stepping in as the General Manager. MĀLA is known for being a destination for celebrations of all kinds and it is not hard for Kerrick to get on board with the vibe and style of the oceanfront eatery. When asked what drew her to MĀLA, she says, “MĀLA reminds me of the reason I was drawn to the Food and Beverage industry as a career path. Making those special moments happen, making connections, making peoples day! MĀLA is unique as is the service provided.”
MĀLA ownership has nothing but glowing reviews for their new General Manager Lisa Kerrick, stepping in for former GM Rob Farrell, who is expanding with the restaurateurs with a new project coming to Lahaina in October. Co-Owner Caleb Hopkins worded it best, “We could not be more thrilled to have Lisa Kerrick as the new General Manager at MĀLA. Her experience, attitude, and enthusiasm cannot be compared. She commands the respect of the many employees that she has come in contact with over the years, and we see her taking Māla Ocean Tavern into the next phase of its reinvention, being one of the trendiest spots for all ages on Maui. We are thrilled to have her leading the restaurant and the staff.”
Looking ahead to MĀLA’s future, Kerrick wants to continue what the restaurant has already started with being a restaurant for everyone and for any occasion, catering for local events, participating in beach clean ups, and more. She is excited to work with a company that shares her passion for the community and others. She has said, “We are a well versed staff of professionals, our individuality shows in the drinks we pour, the service we provide, and food we present, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.” Lisa knows that Food and Beverage has become so much more than culinary and service, and is motivated to continue to raise awareness about the impact F&B has on our island, “A large part of what we do in our industry is giving back to the community. With MĀLA being so close to the waters edge it is our duty to uphold our standards and ocean safe practices.” Kerrick is excited to collaborate even more with non-profits that align with working towards preserving Maui beaches, ocean awareness, and finding new efficient ways to cut down on the restaurant’s carbon footprint.
MĀLA sources with aloha, creates with aloha, and serves with aloha… We believe that All You Need Is Aloha, and Lisa Kerrick embraces the aloha as the General Manager of Māla Ocean Tavern, as aloha to her is, “The genuine feeling of love for what you do and the people around you.” Join us in welcoming Lisa Kerrick to the Māla Ocean Tavern ohana and team.
