I was in Maui a few weeks ago and had the pleasure of going to lunch with my mom and my sister’s mother-in-law at Mama’s Fish House on the North Shore. It was time for ladies-who-lunch with the mommies at Mama’s (oh, I how crack myself up!).
My sister and her sister-in-law had been a few days earlier and couldn’t stop raving about it. So even though it involved getting off of the beach and putting on real clothes it seemed like a worthwhile adventure. And the only thing better than a ladies lunch adventure with one little mommy is one with two!
We drove out past Paia on the road to Hana (Mama’s is just outside of Paia, so we stopped before the drive got too interesting). As soon as we got out of the car we were delighted by this magical little tropical escape. We walked down a little palm tree-lined path with the ocean on our right. The open front of the restaurant was on our left. The entrance was at the far end, opposite the parking lot which gave us a welcome little stroll after our car trip.
First you walk under this cool archway, check out the geko pavers 
And then you are at Mama’s!
The restaurant had that amazing, tropical, polished wood look. It was dark and cozy and open and airy at the same time. All of the servers wore fresh flowers in their hair and there were amazing flower arrangements everywhere you looked.
Mama’s is known for its local fresh fish, which is brought in daily. The menu proudly lists the name of the fisherman who caught whatever is on the menu that day. Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper “ladies who lunch” lunch without cocktails.
Our waitress gave such a sweet performance. She was very animated and enthusiastically recommended several dishes. Based on her suggestions, for our appetizers we had a Hawaiian ceviche with Opakapaka and mango and a Maui venison that was seared and served over a kale slaw (both of which I forgot to photograph but trust me they looked as good as they tasted). For our main dishes, I had the stuffed fish, mom had the ginger-steamed Opakapaka, and mom-in-law had the Ahi and Mahi-Mahi in Panang curry. Even though I enjoyed my main dish, I sort-of regret not ordering one of the waitress’s recommendations because her appetizer suggestions were so fantastic.
Even though we were all properly stuffed at this point, we knew that we couldn’t leave without trying the coconut cake. The last coconut cake that I remember having was a very heavy and decadent, Southern style coconut cake. This was the complete opposite – it was like eating a delicious, coconut-flavored cloud.
I love a good ladies-who-lunch date!
Mammas Fish House is my all time favorite restaurant on any of the islands! I’m so glad you had a chance to experience how lovely it is!
❤️❤️
the last pic. # good daughter
Should say “Love ” the last pic!….
What a great trip!
I am still thinking about that coconut cake……
An outstanding photo documentary
Two more tidbits about Mama’s. They employ two fulltime woodworkers to continuously add or repair wood carvings and wood features. The flowers designs have been created for the past 30 years by a local woman, who’s sole client is Mama’s.
I do recommend going at lunch when the light is nice, but they have tiki torches to light up the cove at night. If you arrive on Maui in the afternoon, make a reservation for about 90 mins or so after arrival and pop in for appetizers and a drink. Lighter on the wallet and an awesome emersion and aloha to an island paradise.
They offer complimentary poi with lomi lomi salmon. Their poi is better than most and worth a try, even if 1000 years you tried poi once and hated it. And the ono on the sashimi trio is the best thing I ate on Maui.
Finally, my favorite way to enjoy Mama’s is to bring two to three adventurous eater friends and order three to five appetizers and one or two entrees. The entrees are delicious, but the appetizers offer so many delightful opportunities to have a party in da’ mouth.
Mahalo Cynthia for taking the mommies to lunch. ☀️
Mahalo for the reservation Mitsi!
It was a wonderful ladies-who-lunch event. I’m glad we went. Mitzi, Mahalo for the reservation.