Mama's Fish House
Rating
Family of 4
$200-350 for dinner.
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
Mama's Fish House is Maui's most celebrated restaurant and one of the most renowned seafood restaurants in Hawaii. Opened in 1973 by the Christenson family on a secluded beach in Kuau (just east of Paia), it has become a pilgrimage for food lovers and the special-occasion restaurant for families visiting Maui.
The setting is extraordinary. An oceanfront dining room opens to a private beach with palm trees, an outrigger canoe in the sand, and the sound of waves. Tiki torches light the path at sunset. The interior is adorned with vintage Polynesian artifacts, carved wood, tropical flowers, and the warm glow of a restaurant that has been loved for over 50 years.
The fish is the centerpiece. Local fishermen supply the kitchen daily, and the menu credits each catch: 'Mahi Mahi caught by Captain Byron off Ho'okipa' or 'Ahi caught by Captain Jimmy off Molokini.' The preparation is Hawaiian-inspired with Asian and Polynesian influences -- macadamia-crusted, wrapped in ti leaf, or served with tropical fruit salsas.
The flavors are complex but not fussy, and the portions are generous.
For families, Mama's is welcoming despite its reputation. A kids menu offers simpler preparations at lower prices. The staff gives children leis. The atmosphere is celebratory without being stuffy. Resort casual attire is appropriate -- no formal dress required.
The Polynesian Black Pearl dessert is Mama's signature -- a chocolate sphere resting on a bed of coconut haupia cream. When hot chocolate is poured over it, the sphere melts into a pool of chocolate mousse. It is as theatrical as it is delicious and the perfect ending to a special meal.
Reservations are essential. Mama's is Maui's most popular restaurant and walk-ins are essentially impossible for dinner. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season (December-April, June-August). Lunch reservations are slightly easier to secure and offer the same food at a 20-30% lower price point. Early sunset dinner (5-6 PM) offers the best combination of light, atmosphere, and availability.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Lunch is slightly less expensive and more casual. Sunset dinner reservations (5-6 PM) offer the best ambiance. Book 2-4 weeks in advance -- this is Maui's most popular restaurant.
Wait Times
Reservations essential -- this is Maui's most popular restaurant. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season. Walk-ins are essentially impossible for dinner. Lunch is slightly easier to book.
Nearby Food
Paia town (5 min): Paia Fish Market (casual seafood, counter service, much less expensive), Flatbread Company (pizza with Maui ingredients), Cafe des Amis (crepes). Mama's is a category above all of these.
Why Kids Love It
Mama's Fish House is not just a restaurant -- it is a Maui experience. Set on a secluded beach with palm trees, an outrigger canoe on the sand, and tiki torches at sunset, it feels like eating in a postcard. The fish is caught daily by local fishermen, and the menu lists who caught each fish and where -- 'Ono caught by Captain Jimmy off Molokini.' Kids love knowing the story behind their meal.
The Polynesian decor is immersive -- carved wood, tropical flowers, vintage photos, and ocean-view tables that feel like dining in old Hawaii. The Polynesian Black Pearl dessert (a chocolate sphere filled with mousse on a bed of haupia) is Instagram-famous and a showstopper for kids.
This is a special-occasion meal, and Mama's treats it that way. The staff is warm and professional with families. Kids get leis, the atmosphere is celebratory, and the food is among the best on the island.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Book reservations 2-4 weeks ahead -- this is Maui's most popular restaurant and cannot be walked into
- Request an ocean-view table when booking -- the beach setting at sunset is extraordinary
- The Polynesian Black Pearl dessert is the signature -- a chocolate sphere that melts when hot chocolate is poured over it
- The menu credits each fisherman and their catch location -- a unique Maui touch
- Lunch is a slightly more affordable way to experience Mama's without the dinner price premium
What to Bring
- nothing special -- resort casual attire is appropriate
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$200-350 for dinner.
Entrees $45-75.
Kids menu available (~$20).
Math: 2 adult entrees ($120) + 2 kid meals ($40) + appetizer ($25) + drinks ($30) + tip ($45) = ~$260.
Lunch: $150-200.
This is a splurge meal.
Tips to Save
- Lunch is 20-30% less expensive than dinner and equally delicious.
- The kids menu is reasonably priced (~$20).
- Skip cocktails (expensive) and drink water with the meal.
- Share the Polynesian Black Pearl dessert -- it is enormous.
- Book early to secure the reservation you want.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Monday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
