Mala Ocean Tavern: A Beacon of Resilience on Maui's Front Street

Nestled along the shores of Maui's Lahaina, Mala Ocean Tavern stands as a symbol of resilience, community spirit, and the unwavering strength after the Lahaina Fires. This oceanfront restaurant has not only captured the hearts of locals but has also made waves across the nation, during their reopening at the first restaurant to open their doors on Front Street.

Mala Ocean Tavern holds a unique distinction in the vibrant history of Lahaina, being a staple of the Lahaina community since 2004. After the devastating Lahaina Fires, the town is left with many scars with residents losing everything from their homes to their businesses.

The story of Mala Ocean Tavern is not just one of culinary excellence but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of Lahaina's community. The founders, Mark and Judy Ellman, envisioned a haven by the sea where locals and visitors alike could come together to savor fresh, locally sourced cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Pacific. Under new ownership since 2018 this vision continued through covid and now through the fires, and has became even more significant as Mala Ocean Tavern reopened its doors to the community on February 1, 2024, providing a symbol of hope and renewal for Lahaina.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident in its menu, which showcases a fusion of local flavors. With an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients, Mala Ocean Tavern not only delivers a delightful culinary experience but also supports the island's farmers and fishermen. From mouthwatering seafood dishes to flavorful vegetarian options, the menu caters to diverse palates, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Mala Ocean Tavern's post-fire reopening has not gone unnoticed, drawing attention from renowned publications that celebrate its resilience and the revitalization of Lahaina. Hawaii Magazine has lauded the restaurant for its dedication to preserving the spirit of the town, while Travel Weekly has praised its unwavering commitment to the aloha spirit. The coverage from various CBS and ABC affiliates has brought the story of Mala Ocean Tavern to living rooms across the nation, casting a spotlight on this beacon of hope in Lahaina. Hear owner Javier Barberi speak with Hawaii Public Radio about the reopening of Maui’s favorite tavern. Island News totes Mala Ocean Tavern helping to reboot West Maui local business. And in other news, the BBC discussed taxing visitors to Hawaii, and Javier Barberi speaks to using the funds to support the local community.

What sets Mala Ocean Tavern apart is not just its delectable dishes or stunning ocean views but the community-centric ethos that permeates every aspect of its operation. The restaurant has become a gathering place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the Lahaina community comes, once again, together to celebrate life's simple pleasures.

As you plan your visit to Maui, consider making Mala Ocean Tavern a must-visit destination. Experience the warmth of hospitality, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and witness the resilience of a community. Mala Ocean Tavern invites you to be a part of its story – a story of renewal, triumph, and the enduring spirit of Lahaina. Come, dine by the sea, and immerse yourself in the tale of this little tavern that has captured many hearts for the last 20 years.

Young, local, and hungry

By Kate Ducheneau

Local Flavor, Local Style, Local Chefs.

Maui’s favorite restaurants Mala Ocean Tavern, Down The Hatch and Duckine have an all star line-up of Chef’s and they are all local born and raised. Making their community proud as Executive Chefs, these Lahainaluna graduates are cultivating unique menus and putting an emphasis on young local professionals, promoting the local economy on Maui, Chef Alvin Savella, Chef Naiwi Teruya, and Chef Kalei Ducheneau, are creating a lot of buzz around the island. It was not planned, and through the last couple of years with many big changes, the stars aligned for the young restaurant group to have three up and coming Chef’s curate sensational menus that are making waves in the culinary scene on Maui.

The most recognized name, Chef Alvin Savella of Duckine, grew up in the same community that he now works professionally. Savella, now the Executive Chef and Co-owner of Maui’s newest hot spot, Asian Fusion restaurant Duckine (duck-kine) reflects on his family and the community he grew up in, “I always want to represent them well, it’s a small town and everyone knows everyone. I can only hope that what I do as a Chef or even just as a person for that matter can inspire and influence the next generation.” With food and family being some of Savella’s fondest childhood memories, he credits his parents, uncles, aunts, and community for the influence on his cuisine. “At an early age they taught us how to pick and clean vegetables, raise chickens, break down whole fish, pigs, cattle and goat to put on the family table.” This family style inspiration comes through in Savella’s recently opened west-side restaurant, Duckine, which features ‘family style meals’ with a big emphasis on Duck, along with a variety veggie and gluten free dishes, there is something for everyone. You will find Whole Duck, crispy and delicious, Dim Sum shareable items like Duck Bao Buns, house made Ube Noodles, and more. Chef Savella brings his unique style and elevates already beloved dishes within the Maui community.

Chef Naiwi Teruya is well known on Maui as a member of popular local band ‘3 Pounds of Kalo’ but this multi-talented local boy is a rising star in the Lahaina culinary scene. Chef Teruya found a home at Maui’s Best Bar Down The Hatch, and has already gained accolades for having the Best Poké on Maui (Maui No Ka Oi ‘Aipono Awards 2022). Chef Naiwi’s artful approach to life comes through in his dishes for the Southern Aloha cuisine at Down the Hatch. When asked what inspires him, he says, “When I think about creating a dish and combining flavors, I think about how “fun” it would be to do things that aren’t done normally. I like to always think about people and how they will enjoy my food. I have premonitions about food throughout my day.” Those premonitions lead to delicious and fresh food! Chef Naiwi prides himself on utilizing the fresh ingredients around him, especially with Down The Hatch’s location so close to Lahaina Harbor, he boasts, “We always support our local fishermen, I love purchasing fresh fish straight front Lahaina Harbor, our guests can even catch fish on charters, have their captain clean it and bring it to us and we’ll cook it for you, it even comes with a drink! That’s why we call ourselves the place to eat fish!” Chef Naiwi has made a name for himself in the local community for his talent, hard work, and craft. When asked who Chef Teruya owes his success to he credits his mother Mary Haunani Teruya for being his first culinary teacher and Uncle Willie K for raising him through his teenage years and inspiring greatness within him.

The youngest of the Executive Chefs for the West Maui restaurant group, Chef Kalei Ducheneau of Mala Ocean Tavern is up and coming on the Maui culinary scene. Born and raised on Maui Chef Kalei Ducheneau brings an interesting mix to his culinary approach, half Hawaiian and half French, Chef Kalei credits his culture and the food he grew up eating as his inspiration behind his culinary creations, “I grew up in this community, I understand the local ingredients and how they compliment each other”. Ducheneau shows his utilization of local ingredients and the influence local farmers in each dish he features at Mala Ocean Tavern. Recently stepping up from Sous Chef to Executive Chef at MALA, Chef Kalei mentions that he has had the opportunity to learn and grow from a multitude of talented local chefs, such as his most recent mentor Chef Alvin Savella. He has also worked at many local restaurants that put an emphasis on local produce and sourcing from our local community such as Merriman’s and Lahaina Fish Company. Chef Kalei is passionate about brining the best of Maui to each dish he presents, he proudly expresses, “I believe in supporting local and having local farming be present in the daily life of our local restaurants. When we support local, we will continue to uplift and support our community as a whole.” Chef Kalei sites being an alumnus of Lahainaluna High School promotes a sense of strength within him and roots him to his community, he is excited to watch the culinary community continue to prosper with the influx of emphasis on Hawaiian Cuisine and fresh local produce.

With such amazing young, local and hungry Chefs, there is no question why Mala Ocean Tavern, Down The Hatch and Duckine are making such an impact on the West Maui dining scene. The culinary creations coming from the kitchens of Chef Savella, Chef Teruya and Chef Ducheneau highlight their values and the community that they were raised in. The emphasis that these chefs bring to their ingredients and their guests’ dining experience, brings a deeper meaning to the expression “cooked with love”… and aloha.

The New Year is FRESH & WHITE at MALA! Let’s ring in 2023!

Join us for New Year’s Eve 2023 for MALA’s WHITE PARTY!

We’ll be celebrating oceanfront, and we’re going to be fancy! Wear your White and get ready to party!

The Garden will have an open air tent and the SILENT DISCO dance party will be outside! We’ll have DJ Maddy & DJ Kazami, along with a house channel to make sure you’re grooving to your favorite tunes.

Get your photo taken with Spotlight Photo Booth & have a momento to take home with you.

We’ll be toasting at Midnight & will cheers with some bubbles!

Tickets are $120/ea. You Must be 21+. Ticket includes passed pupus, two DJs, silent disco headphones, complimentary photos, and New Year’s toast!

Dining on NYE at MALA and want to stay for the party? You can get a discounted ticket when you dine with us before the party starts. Please contact the restaurant when you make your dining reservation to get your NYE tickets for $75/ea.

Out with the old, and in with the NEW YEAR! MALA’s WHITE PARTY will be the best party on Maui, we hope to see you there!

*MALA NYE Tickets are non-refundable.

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.

View fullsize

View fullsize

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.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

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.  

View fullsize

View fullsize

Mala Photos by Jennica Lowell

Family Photo by Grace Oliver Photography

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.