Mala Ocean Tavern is our go to dining experience in West Maui. We refer all our friends to Mala. The ocean setting is spectacular and the service is always Aloha. A special thank you to Mechi the hostess who worked her magic to allow us to be served by one of our favorite servers Carlos. The craft cocktails are always a hit.this time it was the Dragon's Kiss! The whole fish was flavorful with three different starches of rice, ube mash and mashed potatoes. The bread pudding with lilikoi sauce is the best. Mahalo Mala for another great experience! read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - The best view! - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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My husband made a reservation here to celebrate our daughter's birthday. Big mistake! Dining at Mala was the low point of our most recent Hawaiian vacation. The hostess had us seated at the high table right next to the bathrooms where there were constantly people walking by our table. She claimed there were no other tables available and was not interested in finding an alternative table for us. I have a 10-second video of our little girl blowing out her birthday candle, and we got video-bombed by a lady walking by within that short duration. The food was... okay. The kids got their own dishes, while my husband and I shared the calamari and the whole fish. The calamari was on the softer side if we're being euphemistic, and the whole fish was kind of dry. Our server was lovely, which saved this from being a one-star review. As a place to grab a quick bite, Mala is probably fine though there are better options on this island. As a place where you make a reservation weeks in advance to celebrate a milestone, please do yourself a favor and go elsewhere unless you enjoy the sound of flushing toilets and doors opening/ closing during your meal. Never again. read more

Food was surperb. Service was top notch. Ambiance was quaint, clearly this is the place to be during the daylight hours. The famous "best burger in Maui" was from the old menu... so no trying it to confirm if their claim was true. read more

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Kamaʻāina should definitely come here! I was visiting Maui with my mom and our hotel concierge recommended Mala Ocean Tavern. We went during sunset and the vibes were sooo cute. It's breezy and feels like you're indoors-outdoors since all the windows and doors are open. They also offer 20% off for kamaʻāina, which is a huge plus. Parking is super limited though, so plan ahead. The Waipoli Butter Lettuce salad was honestly one of the best salads I've ever had. It had gorgonzola, candied almonds, and green goddess dressing, super so flavorful. If you're not ordering anything else, it could totally be a full meal. It's $24 which sounds pricey for a salad, but the portion is huge and worth it. I checked their happy hour menu too and it's a bit cheaper, plus you can add protein like chicken, shrimp, or even steak. I also got a side of the truffle parmesan risotto ($15). It was a nice addition but nothing super memorable. For our entrée, we tried the crispy duck breast. The flavor was good, but the duck itself was a little tough. The sides were really unique though, it came with what looked like mashed potatoes but turned out to be a Maui mango gastrique and apple parsnip purée, which was fruity and slightly sweet. A week later, I came back for brunch. I ordered their eggs benedict special of the month: a blackened soft shell crab benedict. It was on the pricier side, but overall good. The bread they used was so soft, almost like a fluffy muffin, and the hollandaise was a bit different from traditional but really tasty. The crab itself was just okay, it had a slight fishy smell. It came with a huge block of hash brown, which I wasn't a huge fan of. It wasn't crispy and felt more like a soft potato. I also got the coconut shrimp which had six pieces served with garlic aioli and mojo verde. Super flavorful and definitely recommend. read more

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This place was incredible! First (and most importantly) the food was 12/10!!! Second the service was also 12/10!! Sunset views also incredible!!! read more

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Had an absolutely perfect Mother's Day brunch with my amazing daughters, thanks to Desire and the entire friendly, professional staff at Mala! We indulged in 5 orders between us: Ahi bruschetta, chilaquiles, fish sandwich (blue marlin today), lemon ricotta pancakes, and affogato. Every bite delicious. And the ahi was the surprise favorite! Drinks were creative and fun too. Loved every minute of our afternoon at Mala! read more

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The views are undefeated at this spot and the Mai Tais came highly recommended. We went for Brunch and I was admittedly a bit underwhelmed by the marlin fish sando which was a special; surprisingly small portion. The ahi tuna Bruschetta was tasty and my son and I absolutely loved the ube hot bread which we ordered as a starter. Had some serious regrets about not giving the loco moco a spin but hope to do so next time we're back. Staff was very nice across the board! read more

When we're on vacation, we always try to visit local restaurants to experience authentic flavors and the true vibe of the place. Mala Ocean Tavern was exactly that kind of experience. The restaurant is located right by the ocean, and the views are absolutely gorgeous. The hostess seated us on the porch, and it was the perfect day to sit outside. The breeze, the sound of the waves, and the stunning view made the whole experience feel extra special. Our waitress Desire introduced herself, and we instantly clicked. She was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She patiently answered our questions about the menu and suggested a few drinks. Later she even taught my husband how to properly drink his first oyster shot, which made the experience even more fun. We started with No-Tai, Mala Lemonade, and coconut shrimp. The drinks were refreshing and perfect for a sunny day by the ocean. The coconut shrimp were fantastic--perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated with a light coconut crust that added just the right touch of sweetness and crunch. For the mains, my husband ordered the fish and chips, and I got the Greek pita wrap with marinated chicken thighs. Both dishes were absolutely banging--fresh, flavorful, and very satisfying. Desire also suggested adding their local hot sauce, and wow... that sauce took both dishes to the next level. Overall, it was an amazing experience--stunning views, wonderful service, and delicious food. If you're visiting Maui, Mala Ocean Tavern should definitely be on your list. read more

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We ordered Loco moco Ahi tuna bruschetta- 21 for 2 pieces taste good but pricey Grilled mahi mahi is really good with the vegetables and sauce! read more

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Nestled right on the ocean, Mala Ocean Tavern is the perfect spot for brunch, lunch, drinks or dessert. Once seated the views are panoramic with turtles at the shoreline, it's an incredible dining experience all while keeping the aloha spirit of casual meets fresh plates. Our server, China was so nice and genuine, she was full of suggestions not just for the menu but also offering tips on what do on island. My husband went the lunch route with Mahi Mahi tacos and blonde bikini ale, locally brewed, and I chose the ahi eggs Benedict, such a great combo that you would think to eat on the mainland. Overall a great experience from the fresh food, views and friendly staff. read more

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Great little bar on the water! Come in the day time (more casual), sit at the bar and get the Ube bread and the Mai Thai! Those were a great match. The Mai Thai has a great lightly sweetened foam and the Ube bread comes with a honey butter that's to die for. Their blackened fish sandwich was also really well seasoned. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Mai Thai - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Mala Ocean Tavern was absolutely delicious and such a memorable spot in Maui. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared - you can really tell they care about quality. I had the seafood green curry and it was delicious. The Ube hot bread appetizer was sweet and so good, came right to our table nice and hot. Great service with our waiter and staff bringing water and clearing plates. What made it even better was the location: dining right on the ocean with the waves just steps away created the perfect island vibe. The atmosphere was relaxed yet special, and everything we tried was excellent. I would definitely recommend Mala to anyone visiting Maui and would happily return again. read more

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Mala Ocean Tavern sits in the heart of Lahaina's waterfront district with a setting that feels both elevated and effortlessly island-cool. From the exterior, it embraces Maui's tropical charm with open-air spaces, shaded patios, and stunning oceanfront views of gently crashing waves, creating an immediate sense of relaxation even before you step inside. Once you enter, the interior strikes a balance between modern sophistication and coastal ease: cozy booths, natural wood accents, rattan details, and large windows that flood the space with warm, golden light as the sun sets. Our party of four made a reservation for 4:45pm on a Friday night to catch the sunset, and it was perfect timing to view the beautiful ombre of sunlight descending behind the nearby island of Lanai over the course of our 90 minute dinner. Parking is limited, but we were able to find a nearby spot, and were immediately seated upon arriving (though the restaurant was already nearly full), where we were led to a quaint little table on an open-air patio overhanging the water. Our server was kind and knowledgeable, walking us through the menu, complete with sophisticated appetizers, sumptuous entrees (both seafood and meat-based), and fun cocktails and mocktails, all with a nod to traditional Hawaiian touches - additionally, there's always limited-time specials embracing seasonal ingredients. We began with their Ube Hot Bread ($14), which is a strikingly indigo-hued, pillowy, pull-apart bread served with whipped honey butter topped with black Hawaiian sea salt. The ube flavor was mild yet slightly sweet and earthy, and the black Hawaiian sea salt added both a visual pop and a flavorful contrast. We also split their Poisson Cru ($18), which is cured fish (mahi mahi that night) in a delightfully acidic marinade of coconut milk, onion, cucumber, avocado, and chili oil, served alongside perfectly crispy purple housemade Molokai sweet potato chips. This was a textural wonderland, with cool, creamy avocado alongside crunchy chips, and soft, tender mahi mahi. For entrees, one member of our party opted for the Mala Surf and Turf ($54), which is grilled black angus flank steak served with charred Spanish octopus, herb smashed red potatoes, broccolini, and a toasted sunflower chimichurri. The flank steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare with a lovely texture, and the charred Spanish octopus had that perfect smoky flavor and a succulent, tender bite. The smashed red potatoes soaked up the earthy, bitterly umami flavor of the sunflower chimichurri so well, and of course, paired nicely with the Garlic Fries ($10), which are your standard fries served with a garlicky aioli. Another two members of our party split an order of the Seared Scallops ($61) and a Greek Salad ($20). The scallops were large, tender, and juicy, with that signature slightly-sweet aftertaste, and paired nicely with the rich, decadent parmesan risotto, acidically tangy balsamic-marinated cipollini onions, roasted tomatoes, braised Waipoli watercress, and an umami-tasting truffle pesto. The Greek salad was a great variation of a classic, with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a complex lemon tahini rounding everything out. Lastly, upon our server's recommendation, I ordered their Braised Pork Shank ($46), which is a succulent, large pork shank that practically falls apart in your mouth, swimming in a sweet and savory papaya mostarda/rosemary demi (lending acidity, sweetness, and herbiness), all atop an earthy, unique purple Molokai sweet potato mash, with al dente green beans. This was truly one of the best dishes I've had all year, and I was completely stuffed. For a dessert, we shared an order of their House Made Bread Pudding ($14), which is bread pudding paired with vanilla ice cream and a lilikoi (passionfruit) anglaise. This was the only disappointing dish of the night - we found the bread pudding itself to be a bit dry, and the anglaise to be overly acidic. Overall, we had a lovely dinner at Mala Ocean Tavern - the general vibe is upscale yet inviting, perfect for a laid-back lunch, seaside cocktails, or a sunset dinner. Service is outstandingly friendly, the food is truly unique and delicious, and the vibe is truly a fair balance between approachable and special-occasion dining - we'll certainly be back the next time we're in Maui! read more

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Solid brunch spot with an amazing view. We went on a weekday after peak brunch hours and were seated right away. Parking near the restaurant was limited. We sat on the outer patio, where the views were stunning--loved the sea breeze and the sound of the ocean on a relaxed vacation day. The service was very friendly. The food was solid overall. We tried the malasadas (yum, loved the lilikoi anglaise injection), the fresh island fish sandwich (the fish was fresh but otherwise not particularly memorable), and the ahi eggs Benedict, which was a daily special. Even though the food felt a bit overpriced, the setting and atmosphere made it a great brunch experience. read more

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We came here with our toddler and 9 month old baby girl and we couldn't have better compliments for Mala Ocean Tavern. The food and drinks were phenomenal. We got the surf and turf, scallops, calamari, and ocean shooters along with the mai tai's. So delicious! The best part of our whole experience was our waitress Justine. She was so kind to our kiddos and was truly the best. Thank you so much Justine for making our last night in Maui so memorable! read more

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Mala Tavern is such a lovely late-lunch spot. Live music, ocean waves, and that laid-back Maui energy you want on vacation. It's basically a beach hut--in the best way--with genuinely great service and really yummy food. Try to get a reservation during their happy hour. The coconut shrimp was a standout, and the sauce it comes with is amazing. Every seat feels special with the ocean right there, and even the bar is a great place to sit. Relaxed, scenic, and there's a little parking lot where you might look out to the ocean and see a whale spout. read more

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Our family hadn't been back to Maui in 13 years, and this trip was intentional -- we wanted to revisit the island properly and introduce our kids to some of the dining experiences that make this place special. Mala Ocean Tavern was on that list from the start. The restaurant was full when we arrived, which is a good sign on its own. We had booked a late reservation, and it worked in our favor -- we were seated at exactly the table my wife had hoped for, tucked out of the wind on what turned out to be a breezy evening. A small thing, but those details matter when you're trying to actually enjoy a meal together as a family. Our server, Kat, was the kind of waitstaff that quietly elevates an entire dinner. Attentive without being intrusive, warm without being performative -- she checked in at the right moments, kept everything moving efficiently, and genuinely seemed invested in making sure we were happy. She's the reason this review gets five stars without hesitation. On the food: my wife had the coconut curry, my daughter went with the pasta, my son ordered the Wagyu burger, and I had the filet mignon. Across four very different orders, everything landed well. No weak links. The filet was cooked exactly as requested, and from what I could tell, no one at the table had any complaints -- which, with kids, is its own accomplishment. If you're visiting Maui and looking for a dinner that delivers on both atmosphere and execution, Mala is a reliable choice. Book in advance, request an outdoor table with some shelter if the wind is a factor, and hope you get Kat. read more

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This is a popular spot, not focused on customer comfort. We were sat at a small table in the middle, I had asked to be moved to a table that was free - the answer was no it's reserved. The first forty minutes we were there no one sat at the table. The staff kept bumping into my chair - super annoying. We started with the Crispy calamari- crispy no- crunchy but soggy yes, the dip looked like it sat out for a bit- you can notice the discolouration. Main was good fish burger tasted good lacked presentation. Total bill 1 burger, 1 fish burger, calamari- no drinks $63.05 - was also charge a kitchen fee of 4% - like what ! And the tips start at 20% read more

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Amazing views from the waterfront tables. Food very good (not amazing), so worth eating there regardless of your table location. They also have a mirrored backsplash that reflects the ocean views for some tables not immediately adjacent to the ocean. This is a small place with a small bar, but they have happy hour specials and live music that are worth checking out. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - View inside restaurant. - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

After raving about this restaurant's sister restaurant across the street that we dined at the two nights prior, we decided to spend our 20th anniversary dinner here. Unfortunately, it didn't compare. We ordered the scallops which were delicious, yet quite a small portion for the $61 price. The pesto sauce on the shrimp over pappardelle pasta was overpowering ($48). Our server, Kat, seemed to disappear once our meal was served. I ended up pouring my $64 bottle of wine throughout our dinner myself. My greatest disappointment was the 4% added tip for the kitchen on the bottle of wine! read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

The maitre'd read the reservation and gave my husband a happy birthday postcard. No one else did. The waiter asked if I was observing gluten free and no dairy. I was not. The manager came over and said happy anniversary and the he was glad we came there to celebrate. Too bad my anniversary is not for several months. Once the server came over, we did have good service. We ordered a smashed avocado Caesar salad to share. It was a huge portion. Their salads are really entree salads to which you add a protein. Because of an allergy, I had the fresh catch of the day without the regular sauce. They did accommodate me. The sauce was great but the fish was fair. My husband had the ahi. He said it was very good. They did have ceiling fans on, but it was still overly warm and the tables were very close together. It is a small place and we felt overwhelmed with the noise. We felt a bit rushed because we put down our forks after eating the salad when the runner came with our entree. The table wasn't even cleared yet. The food was good but not outstanding,the parking was terrible, and the closeness on a hot night was not appreciated. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - The bar at Mala Ocean Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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We fell in love with Mala ocean tavern. It was the perfect mix of creative fine dining, beach vibe, and welcoming staff. The team led by Sergio was awesome, and Tyler made our night especially memorable. We missed the love music during happy hour, 2-4pm. Will need to make a return trip. Easy parking at the mall with a short walk. Best bites: Tuna bruschetta was amazing! I could have eaten 5 The yellowtail was perfect, crispy skin, perfectly cooked, and the Japanese squash puree would be awesome on any dish The octopus and Greek salad was phenomenal. I'm not a huge fan of octopus, but Sergio recommended and it did not disappoint. The salad was also super welcoming after a week of Portuguese sausage and egg, which I love Other bites: Brussels were good, not amazing The bread with the burrata needs to be changed, unless you love oats and grain Nitpicking aside, check out Mala if you want delicious food in creative dishes, great drinks, and awesome people' read more

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The food is your average seafood spot by the beach, charge a little more to enjoy a gorgeous view. The calamari is super dense, some people like it some don't. I personally like the tentacles/as is. The pan fried mahi mahi was really unique and had good ginger flavor. The service here is great! They truly take care of their customers. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Pan Fried Mahi Mahi - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

Another impeccable experience at Mala's. Honestly better than the last. The drinks were DELICIOUS (on the rocks and mala spritz), the Brussels sprout pupu is to die for, and the surf and turf was exactly what I wanted it to be. Perfectly tender and charred octopus and a beautifully cooked steak. Even the sides of potatoes and broccolini were perfection. I'm really happy with this meal read more

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We came straight here from the airport and what a great way to start our trip! The views are gorgeous, drinks and food top-tier, excellent service, & lovely live music to top it off. Don't miss the Ahi Bruschetta--scrumptious. read more

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Wow is all I can say, the food was amazing, the service even better. The view from our table was unreal, would eat here again no questions asked. Also order the coconut shrimp, I didn't get a picture of those because they were eaten as soon as they touched the table. Can't say enough great things! read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - View from inside - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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Food was decent. High ratings for the area/restaurant. At this time, parking is only allowed at the Safeway lot across the street. I ordered fried calamari, but not a fan of the thick cut (looks like chicken katsu or sliced pork tonkatsu). Gotta cover your food sometimes dining in the patio. Waves come in and splash in your food sometimes. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Outdoor seating overlooking the Sea Turtles refuge. Families of Big turtles just on the rocks while eating - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

As a Mexican, I can confidently say these chilaquiles were made with pure love. I'm not exaggerating when I say the flavors took me straight back to my abuelita's kitchen. The tomatillo salsa had the perfect balance of sourness and sweetness spot on. What impressed me most was the attention to authenticity. They didn't fall into the trap of using American shredded cheese (which so many places sadly do). Instead, the cheese, the crunch of the chips, and that salsa all came together in the most comforting, home-style way. Every bite made me feel like someone's grandma was back there cooking just for me. This place respects the dish, and you can taste that care in every detail. I'll definitely be coming back. If you want REAL chilaquiles, this is the spot! read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Chilaquiles - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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Sometimes a solo meal is exactly what you need, and Mala Ocean Tavern was the perfect spot for it. Sitting oceanfront with that Maui breeze and the sound of the waves just hits different. I ordered the ahi bruschetta to start and it was super fresh and flavorful. Then I had the whole fried opakapaka, which was absolutely amazing crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. One of those dishes that feels both comforting and impressive at the same time. I also tried the ponzu oyster shooters, which were bright, fresh, and such a fun little burst of flavor. Even dining solo, the experience felt relaxed and welcoming. Great food, beautiful ocean views, and one of those meals where you just sit back and enjoy the moment. Definitely one of my favorite spots on Maui. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Ponzu Shooter Ahi Bruschetta - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Maui. This was by far, not only the best meal that we had in Maui, but the views were amazing, ambience was great, and our server was truly the best. Mala was a family favorite, hands down! Also, If you dine in here, definitely request China as your server if possible. She was awesome!! So informative and she was amazing with the kiddos and on point with her recommendations. We absolutely plan to come back to this restaurant every time we go to Maui. read more

Really delicious high end meal in Maui! Service was very good and everything we tried was delicious. From the ube bread with honey whipped butter to the filet with mash potatoes, shrimp and my pesto shrimp pasta. We had the dessert speciality which was a chocolate cake with ube ice cream and this was also quite good. Will definitely be back my next time in Maui. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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Great service everyone was super welcoming! Our appetizers came out very fast, we order the seared Ahi bruschetta and it was absolutely delicious. Our main course did take quite a while, granted it was busy so the kitchen must have been very hectic. We ordered the Shrimp Pesto Pasta which was so creamy and fresh, and the Seared Mahi Mahi which again was so fresh and fl read more

This is one of the best restaurants I've been to! The food and drinks were absolutely delicious, service was amazing, and we had an ocean front view. It was so ocean front that my husband was getting splashed, but we didn't mind, it added to the experience. It's also in front of a turtle sanctuary so you will see turtle heads popping up for air throughout your dining experience. Definitely recommend trying the ube hot bread, Caesar salad, mahi mahi, and coconut prawns! read more

Service was excellent. Right on the water great. The food was very good. Had 1 app, 2 entrees. 3 drinks. $220 before tip. So expensive

The service and food were impeccable!!! Stopped in by chance and will surely be back!

We sat out on the patio and had brunch which was delicious! The sound of the ocean was so relaxing, and the service was great (Tom). The hostess hooked it up by getting us an outdoor seat and we couldn't be more thankful. Will definitely be back. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - HH Keiki Chicken Strips - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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We went on the Makai adventures whale watching tour and stopped for lunch afterwards. My girlfriend had told me about Mala, despite all the times we had visited Maui, we have never been. We were warmly greeted immediately and sat down with a partial ocean view. The waitress was very attentive, brought us water right away. Since I was feeling a little queasy after the boat adventure, I decided on the Fish and Chips. My husband ordered the grilled fish sandwich. The presentation was very nice, the portions were generous. It was nice that both came with French fries. I thought the fish was over fried. The breading was too heavy. The fish was very good once I peeled away the breading. The grilled fish sandwich was a nice size, nothing fancy. I saw others had the sushi which looked amazing. It's possible we might have ordered the wrong entree. The view and service was fantastic. I would definitely go back, just order something different. read more

Mala Ocean Tavern - Specials - Seafood Near Me - Lahaina, Hawaii

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January 20, 2026 because the Mai Tais are better than anywhere else and the calamari is so good. We stopped in for our third visit prior to departing for home after 11 days on the island. Tonight's fresh catch was Marlon and the fish and chips were from that same Marlon, thus the fish and chips are absolutely delicious! The service was great as it has been on all of our stops for brunch/dinner the past 11 days. Sol A. (with the blue eyes that we both complement her on during our 11 day stay), thank you for the great service and sharing some laughs too! Bella, who was sitting to our left-hand side at the bar area, it was a great meeting you and we wish you the best in your travels!! To all the staff, we look forward to our return and thank you for making us feel so welcomed. read more

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Stopped by for happy hour at Mala Ocean Tavern and boy was it a great experience. Had a fish burger with their fish of the day Hawaiian blue Gill and it was scrumptious. We also went with the wagyu burger, it was super juicy and full with flavor. Far an appetizer fried calamari was our choice tasty and full of flavor. We went around 2:30pm wasn't a long wait even though the place was full we waited 5 min to check In but we were seated almost immediately. Great place to eat and listen and watch the waves crashing into the rocks. Great place great food definitely a must try spot. read more

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Lovely restaurant and super kind staff. This place is cute yet classy on its own. Lots of good food choices and drink options. The pork shank was huge and the Molokai yam was sweet. We had fun with the table next to us who were also Kama'aina. Really happy to see restaurants like Mala Ocean Tavern doing well! Highly recommend for locals and tourists alike! read more

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