Mama’s Fish House

Foodies from all over flock to Mama’s Fish House for ocean-to-plate dishes in a postcard-perfect setting. At this tiki bar meets restaurant, the fish is delivered daily by local anglers and many dishes showcase regional ingredients like Maui onions, Hawaiian chili pepper, and Hana ginger. As a young couple in California, owners Floyd and Doris Christenson fell in love with Maui while on vacation. In 1960, they sailed back across the Pacific, navigating only by sun and sextant, and anchored back on their dream island, where they eventually opened Mama’s. Today, the hot spot can be crowded and pricey, but few begrudge the premium for the fresh fare and stunning panoramas. Make a reservation well in advance for an ocean-view table.

Whenever a ton of people, and guidebooks, make the claim that ‘you simply have to go to this place because it’s absolutely amazing,’ I sometimes tend to steer clear because I view it as a tourist trap. I made an exception and decided to visit Mama’s Fish House on Maui, which is situated near the beginning of the Road to Hana. The view is insane, like dining in a postcard, and the food really is that incredibly good. One tip that we received from a local was to go during lunch, as the menu is about the same as the dinner one, but the prices are lower. Plus, you need the sun to enjoy the view, so it makes sense to go during the day anyway. So having visited Mama’s, and realizing that it really is everything everyone said it was, I can state with confidence (sheepishly) that you simply have to go to this place because it’s absolutely amazing. There, I said it!

Mama’s lives just off the infamous Road to Hana that hugs the northern coast of Maui, caught between lush, tropical rainforest and dazzling blue ocean. First, try the Polynesian Ono, which is served like a ceviche, with a delightful island-like surprise (I’ll give you a hint-it grows on coconut trees). Ono is a very typical Hawaiian fish, and the Hawaiian word for “tasty,” and its mildly sweet, delicate, white flesh most definitely lives up to its name. Mama marinated it in lime and coconut milk, “Tahitian style,” and the coconut milk adds an incredible layer of sweetness and flavor you don’t find in more typical ceviches. Then it’s all served up in a fresh Maui coconut. Gilligan would be proud. Next up, the incomparable Hamachi Kama. The “kama” means it’s the neck or collar of a hamachi, or yellowtail tuna. Sounds unappetizing, but it’s actually the most delicious part of the fish, and possibly one of the best-kept secrets around. (Next time you’re out for sushi, ask for it. It’s rarely on the menu, and the sushi chefs are probably angling to save it for themselves.) This tasty morsel was served with the fins, and fried in a batter so delicious, the Colonel must be tossing in his sleep. There were a million explosive flavors, with the peppery, salty crunch of the batter and the soft flesh of the kama. Guarantee you’ll end up eating the entire fin. Wow. I don’t know whose actual “mama” created “Mama’s Fish House,” but I do know that kid is one lucky S.O.B.

This is Maui, exotic drinks, view and food.

Amazing lunch at Mama’s Fish House

Tiki bar meets restaurant meets the best food on Maui: Foodies flock to Mama’s for the freshest ocean-to-plate dishes. It’s so locavore that the menu even names the angler who caught your fish that day! This hotspot can be pricey, but few begrudge the premium, so reservations are a definite must. Snag an ocean-view table if you can.