Lisa kerrick named general manager of mala ocean tavern

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.  

The results are in! 2022 ‘aipono restaurant awards

We are proud to have been a part of this past weekend’s Maui Mag 'Aipono Awards at the Old Lahaina Luau! Mahalos to all the people who took the time to vote and show the aloha for so many of Maui's local restaurants and small businesses. Mahalo nui loa to Maui No Ka Oi Magazine for hosting this event for nearly 20 Years!

We extend our gratitude to our staff for all their hard work, to everyone who continues to support our businesses, and to everyone who voted for us! It is wonderful to be among all of the talent on the island of Maui and in Hawaii. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.  All of the great restaurants on Maui encourage us to strive to always be our absolute best! 

We are honored to have taken home the following awards:

MĀLA OCEAN TAVERN
GOLD  - BEST OCEANFRONT DINING
GOLD - BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
SILVER - MOST MAUI-EST
SILVER - BEST LATE NIGHT DINING
SILVER - BEST SERVICE
SILVER - BEST WINE LIST

Mala Ocean Tavern FEATURED ON "MOVE WITH MARICRIS!" TRAVEL VLOG!

Mala Ocean Tavern is host to guests from all over the world, and we appreciate those who share their oceanfront dining experience with others. Maricris Lapaix documented her experience at MALA during her travels to Maui featured them on her Travel Vlog. Check out her video and get travel tips for when you are on the island. We hope you join us for Brunch, Happy Hour, Dinner, or Late Night soon at MALA. All you need is aloha!

Maricris Lapaix is a fitness entrepreneur, trainer & traveler. She believes movement is the catalyst to living a life rich in experiences. Through her work as a trainer, and travel experiences she has received inspiration for her show, Move with Maricris. Her mission is to inspire others to move to be "Strong in Life," and to enjoy all that life has to offer. As she travels to beautiful destinations, her ultimate goal is to immerse herself in different cultures through movement, food and active experiences.

By immersing herself in different cultures, Maricris wants to shift the mindset of one's fitness journey. It is not about aesthetics, but the gifts that the commitment to health provides – time with loved ones, and a strong and able body ready for action and anything desired. Travel is what opens our minds and hearts to the beauty that surrounds us. It is a reminder that there is an entire world out there full of beautiful cultures, food, and experiences. A reminder that happiness comes in many forms. Movement and travel reignite a passion for life, and all that is possible within our individual lifetime. These experiences serve as life’s checks and balances to remind us what truly matters in this lifetime.

MALA OCEAN TAVERN GETTING RECOGNIZED IN 2022

We’ve made it to March and it feels like we are getting back into the groove after a couple of years of ups and downs on Maui. Here at Mala Ocean Tavern, we are excited and thrilled to announce some recognitions. The staff at MALA is one of a kind and we are proud to be recognized for the accomplishments of our hard working team. Under the direction of General Manager Rob Farrell and Executive Chef Alvin Savella, MALA is being launched onto a national platform, and we are humbled and honored.

From the Kitchen to the Bar, every person that works at our oceanfront eatery contributes to the whole, and it’s all about Aloha! Food and drinks thoughtfully created and prepared with Aloha, served with Aloha, and enjoyed with Aloha only perpetuates the feelings and way of Aloha. We hope you can experience MALA for yourself and join us oceanfront on Front Street in Lahaina for a one of a kind dining experience, and continue to the spread the Aloha.

Most recently, MALA’s Cocktail served at Brunch (daily 9a-2p) made Restaurant Hospitality’s list for “The 10 Best Cocktails at Independent Restaurants Across America”. A big congratulations to Graham Schamberg, MALA Bartender & Mixologist, for crafting this award wining cocktail for Maui’s best brunch.

At MALA, we pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest possible products and supporting other local small businesses along the way. We are lucky to have local farms and local fisherman helping us bring you quality cuisine on Maui. Along with several notable Maui Restaurants (one being our sister restaurant Down The Hatch), Mala Ocean Tavern was listed on RestaurantClicks.com’s “Ultimate Guide to Maui’s Seafood Restaurants”. Mahalos to all those working hard to bring fresh seafood to Maui’s restaurants, we could not do it without you. Fresh seafood is served daily during Brunch (Breakfast + Lunch), Happy Hour, Dinner, and during our Friday and Saturday Late Night Raw Fish & Wagyu Menu by Chef Savella.

A few year’s ago MALA brought Brunch to the Westside of Maui seven days a week and there was no looking back. MALA is the perfect spot, situated right next to a turtle conservation area on Lahaina’s shores for a sunny, ocean breeze, brunch. Serving MALA Brunch daily 9a-2p, and featuring the culinary creations by our Executive Chef Alvin Savella (you might know him at The Kitchen Assassin), it is wonderful to see Mala Ocean Tavern making it onto RestaurantClicks.com’s list for “Maui’s Brunch Guide: Where to Go This Weekend”… or in our case, any day of the week!

We hope that you join us for Brunch, Happy Hour, Dinner or Late Night. Reservations are encouraged, but we welcome walk-ins and hope you try to stop by when you are in Lahaina. Reservations can be made online or by calling MALA at (808) 667-9394.

Day Family Fundraiser | Live Music & Silent Auction

View fullsize

Meet Email Day & Her Family

View fullsize

Flyer Artwork by Jessica Stackpoole

View fullsize

Support with the "All Day Err Day" Hat

Event Details:

Silent Auction 10:00 - 11:30p

Live Music - 10:00p - 12:00a featuring

Will Hartz and Solow Vella

3 Pounds of kalo

Current Participants & Donors:

Down The Hatch, Breakwall Shave Ice Co., Mala Ocean Tavern, Kohola Brewing Company, Kimo’s Maui, Esters Fair Prospect, Leilani’s, Duke's Beach House , Honu Oceanside, Jessica Stackpoole, Mahina, Hi Spice, Slight Detour, Cool Cats Cafe, Lahaina Lifestyle, Punakea Palms, Maui Gourmet Food, Lani Lace Lingerie, Pohaikealoha Kaikala Music, Da Playground, David Fincher, Tito’s Vodka, Herradura Tequila, Michael David Winery, UFO Parasail, Sea Maui, Ali’i Maui Outrigger Canoes, & More!

All Day Err Day Fundraiser:

We invite you to join us for the Day Family Fundraiser & Silent Auction, Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Māla Ocean Tavern. Emali Day is the wife to Dennis and the mother of their children Kona, Hina, & Asa. They are a  close & humble family living on Maui. Emali is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, and right before her 40th birthday she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As you can imagine, the news was devastating for the young family. Emali Day is a stay at home mother, who homeschools their children, lives by simple principles and high morals, and leads with love above all. As a community we are coming together to support Emali and her family.

After hearing of her diagnosis, processing, and diligently exploring her options, Emali realized she needed to listen to her intuition and follow the path for her in this journey.  Emali saw several local specialists and was given a plan of action. Unfortunately, with Maui's limited resources she was offered a plan she wasn’t fully comfortable with. The offer; a 5-year “survival plan”, a plan to quickly get major surgery, and medication for the next 5-10 years. As eager as she was to get better and continue living life, there was no guarantee, and she has a lot more life to live. 

Researching more options, with less invasive methods, the Day’s found facilities on the mainland that offer integrative healing protocols that aim for the root cause of imbalances in the body. The goal being to reverse all the disease in the body while also building immunity for the long haul. There are a number of natural treatments given, with IPT (a low dose chemotherapy delivered through insulin), being one that seems the direction to begin. IPT aims to attack the cancer directly without killing healthy cells at the same time. This is a 4 Week treatment which takes place at EuroMed in Arizona. that has been healing people for many years using proven integrative medical techniques. The idea is to get complete healing of her body so that she may live a long and healthy life watching her children and grandchildren grow. Insurance will not cover most, if any, of the treatment cost. Combined with travel expenses and loss of wages, it seems impossible to get there. But with the help of many loved ones and strangers, she has been able to go to EuroMed and the healing process on her own terms. All of Emali’s cancer markers are steadily dropping and the tumor is shrinking. But considering it  took years to get to this place of dis-ease, her healing journey is not over yet. 

The Day Family Fundraiser will raise funds to assist in covering medical costs, travel expenses, food, and loss of wages. Mahalo nui loa for taking time to read about Emali Day and her family, and supporting them all during her cancer treatment and healing journey. 

Show your support with the Day Family Hat with the beloved motto of the Day Family “All Day Err Day”. Hats Available in the MALA SHOP!

Mahalo nui loa for being here. Please read Emali’s story from her husband's perspective:

Aloha,

My name is Dennis Day and I'm fundraising for my wife, Emali's, healing journey with breast cancer.

A few months ago Emali noticed a lump in her breast. She thought it might be a clogged duct as she'd just finished nursing our youngest child, Asa. It seemed normal because she had similar lumps after our other children, Kona and Hina, finished nursing. Many doctor and specialist appointments later, it was discovered she in fact had stage 2 breast cancer.

Since I've known Emali, she's always been a strong and independent woman. She was the first person in my life that was health conscious and explained it to me in lay terms. As far as I can remember she's lived a natural, tree-hugger type of lifestyle. When we were first dating she was seeking help from a naturopathic doctor concerning gut issues she had. So began the candida healing journey. After being diagnosed with candida there was only one solution that aligned with Emali and that was to heal with the power of the mind and eating a fully clean diet. For well over a year Em slowly healed herself from this disease. I've never witnessed anyone take control over their own health and mind as she did. It was hard and took tremendous amounts of discipline but she did it every day without complaint. I thought, "what an inspiration." It was at that moment I knew we would be together for the rest of our lives.

Years later we began having children and, yet again, I had the chance to witness the amazing power this woman possesses. Watching her have home-births for all 3 of our children put me in awe. She has always had this natural way of doing things that I never heard of prior to meeting her. We watch what we feed our kids; call us "mean parents" but there has always been very little sugar, almost no candy or soda, and home cooked meals. We even watch the type of toothpaste and deodorant we use to make sure there's no "bad stuff." We believe this is the right thing to do for our family and do them daily.

Em has made it a point to live our lives and not boast, brag or preach to others about what we do. She never wanted anyone to feel bad about themselves based on hearing how we live. This is just our life. Simple.

Her humility and grace has always been something I've admired but never talked about because, again, she just isn't like that.

We try to figure things out on our own in life, not because we don't need anything from anyone but rather to not burden anyone. As I write this I'm trying to ask for help in such a way that would make Emali proud and not put-off. With all the background about the natural living, there could only be one way for Em to take on cancer and that is as natural as possible. Truly trying to heal her body to prevent this thing from ever coming back.

Emali saw several local specialists and was given a plan of action. Unfortunately, with Maui's limited resources she wasn't offered a plan she felt fully comfortable with. They offer a 5-year survival plan and she has a lot more life to live. After a lot of research, we have found facilities on the mainland that offer integrative healing protocols that aim for the root cause of all imbalances in the body. This way, she can work to reverse all the disease in the body while also building her immunity for the long haul. There are a number of natural treatments given but also IPT (a low dose chemotherapy delivered through insulin). IPT aims to attack the cancer directly without killing her healthy cells at the same time. This is a 4 week treatment plan that has not been easy for her to accept. Not only does she homeschool our children but this is the longest time she will be away from the family. 

The funds we hope to raise will cover medical costs, travel expenses, food, and possible loss of wages. Thoughts of loving kindness and positivity are always hoped for; at this daunting moment in her life, we ask for whatever you see fit to give.

Mahalo nui loa.

Dennis Day

Ua ola loko i ke aloha - love gives life within.