Why Mama's Fish House Restaurant? What makes Mama's so special?
EVERYTHING!
If you have had the good fortune to dine at this extraordinary world-famous restaurant you will most likely find yourself nodding along with everything I’m about to say.
Mama’s Fish House restaurant is my happy place. You can find me there once or twice a week when I’m on island, either sitting at one of the two authentic handcrafted Koa bars or dining at one of their tables (clad in beautiful Polynesian blue tribal tablecloths), gazing at the extraordinary view.
It’s a magical, wonderful island experience, located on the north shore of Maui.
Local fishermen with the fresh catch of the day! It really doesn’t get much better then that.
What will you likely experience at Mama’s Fish House?
Your ethereal adventure will start with the parking valets welcoming you with a generous smile when you first arrive. This Tahitian-influenced open-air tropical breeze restaurant has been rightly famous for generations, and you will see why. From its delicious seafood to its incredibly gracious professional staff, this restaurant has it all. From celebratory signature tropical drinks to delicious fresh fish entrées caught by local fishermen, to mouthwatering appetizers and scrumptious desserts—all with a marvelous wine list to complement any of your food choices. It’s definitely pricey, but worth it!
This beloved Maui restaurant will enhance any visit to the islands-- and I would even venture to say it will be one of the highlights of your trip to Hawaii.
Oh, and did I mention it is one of the only oceanfront restaurants on Maui’s North Shore? Because of its beach-access locale, Mama’s has a most spectacular view with gorgeous sunsets. Bring your camera! You won’t want to miss the photo op before you dine for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Where is Mama’s Fish House Restaurant located?
Maui, Hawai’i in Paia — 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Nestled on north shore of Maui with a beautiful beach, palm trees, and spectacular views. The traffic can be tough, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive there.
Making a reservation at Mama’s?
Lunch seating begins at 11:00AM, Dinner begins at 4:00PM
Reservations are highly suggested in advance for entry and all reservations are booked on OpenTable. https://www.opentable.com/mamas-fish-house
To reach Mama's by phone call (808)579-8488
What are FUN & entertaining things to do before or after visiting Mama’s?
If you arrive early, have a stroll through colorful, bohemian Paia town just before Mama’s. For thrills, go to Ho’okipa (just past Mama’s) and watch some of the best surfers and wind surfers in the world surf the break. If you are a naturalist, the right side of Ho’okipa beach has huge sea turtles to observe up close, you might even see a protected Hawaiian Monk Seal.
Photo Credit Above: Dayanidhi Das
Surfer Marlon Lewis
Do you want to enhance your Mama’s Fish House experience, and bring a piece of Mama's home with you?
If you are up for some local high culture, be sure to visit my Paia art galley before or after your dining experience! Come by the Kim McDonald Art Gallery by appointment only. Call us at 808-757-8211 or email kim@kimmcdonald.com to schedule a day/time that works for you. It is located about 2 miles before Mama's Fish House restaurant in the town of Paia. Or shop online at www.KimMcdonald.com
My work features much of Maui’s Hawaiian lifestyle and landscapes, but my number one selling subject matter is one you will recognize immediately—it is the spectacular view from Mama’s Fish House! The restaurant owners have always been great collectors of mine and have been incredibly supportive. I cherish the honor of having seven paintings in the collection of Mama’s Fish House restaurant—so keep an eye out when you’re visiting Mama’s and I’m sure you’ll see one of my paintings on display.
Moonrise Over Mama’s (Giclee Print)
Size 19”x26” & 30"X40”
Why go early to Mama’s? For the unparalleled photo-ops!
You’ll definitely want to go early-- at least 20 minutes early. First check in with the charming staff at the hostess stand. Then take some of the most spectacular pictures you have taken in your entire life on the pristine beach, especially at sunset. Actually, any time of day! I have many photos and I mean probably hundreds of photos taken on the beach with the coconut trees, authentic Polynesian canoes on the beautiful sandy beach, with a soft shoreline break. Each one fills my heart, as it will yours.
My Ohana and I a few years back, posing on the infamous coconut tree. Look at the MOON!
What should you wear to Mama’s?
This is one of my favorite questions. Personally I love getting decked out to go to Mama’s. It’s one of the few restaurants that celebrate both high end and casual island-chic attire. It’s an open-air restaurant, so If you have a late seating it can get a little chilly at night during certain times a year. You may want to bring a light sweater or a wrap. Men will often wear an “Aloha” shirt, as we call them in Hawaii. Flip-flops, heels or island casual shoes, as you might take a stroll in the sand.
What are some my favorite cocktails?
The bartenders at Mama's are some of my buddies. They’re great conversationalists and incredibly well-trained mixologists.
One of my favorite cocktails is the “Pau Hana”—a local favorite— Guava juice, Tahitian lime, and Bombay gin—scented with ginger! Delicious!
Another one I would recommend is called the “Pink Floyd,” named after Floyd Christenson, one of the owners. This unique drink is rightfully famous-- Elderflower liqueur, Tahitian lime, cranberry, & Maui Pau vodka.
Of course there’s the epic, “Mama’s Mai Tai”-- I find this colorful drink a little sweet before dinner. But according to everyone, it’s a winner.
And then God created appetizers!
I don’t know what else to say except their appetizers are my favorite dishes in the restaurant. I often just get two appetizers-- one for a starter, and one for dinner. Or you share several with a friend at the bar. Don’t miss out on the appetizers (aka “pupus” in Hawaii).
Here are some of my favorites…
Opakapaka Tahitian in freshly opened coconut with Hana lime and coconut milk.
Shrimp wontons with macadamia nut sauce, Yum.
Sashimi trio is my favorite appetizer. Their fresh-caught fish changes nightly depending on what the local fisherman bring home. This dish melts in your mouth-- it’s incredible.
What are the most popular entrées?
Although they have alternatives to fish, it’s a fresh seafood restaurant! That is where they get their world-class reputation—only serving the freshest fish caught by local fishermen, just hours before your dining experience. Having dined there hundreds of times, here are some of my favorites:
The infamous Mahi-Mahi stuffed with lobster and crab baked in macadamia nut crust, a crowd pleaser.
One of my current favorites is the Ono sautéed with garlic, capers, mushrooms and roasted kabacha .
Check out their menu online at https://www.mamasfishhouse.com/ to see all the choices.
Note!! The menu changes daily depending on the fish that come in!
What’s the best dessert?
Everyone seems to be ordering and photographing the Black Pearl dessert. Even though it is amazing (and photogenic) it’s not my favorite. My favorites are the Hana banana crisp with homemade Tahitian vanilla ice cream, and my second love--coconut chiffon cake made with fresh Maui coconut. It goes perfectly with the fresh-brewed local coffee. Or skip the traditional desserts and opt for an espresso martini. Delicious!
Why do people choose Mama's for celebratory dates?
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, Mama’s is the place to go on- island when you want to create an indelible experience that will be remembered for years. Anniversaries, birthdays, engagement parties, you name it. If it is a once-in-a-lifetime event, it is happening at Mama’s. Don’t forget to let the staff know ahead of time what you’re celebrating, they may just have a flower lei for you when you arrive.
Who are the owners of Mama’s Fish House, and who created the amazing interior works of art?
The late Doris and Floyd Christiansen were the proud founders and dedicated owners of the restaurant. What I admired most about Doris and Floyd was their inspiration for the unique—they are looking to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They clearly strived for excellence at every turn. You’ll be wowed as soon as you enter the restaurant and have a walk around, either before or after dinner. Be sure to take the time to appreciate all of the unique interior spaces, created by one of my good friends and one of the greatest designers in Hawai’i, Bill Cole. He is a design genius and you’ll see what I mean when you experience the extraordinary aesthetics of Mama's Fish House restaurant.
Directions to Mama’s Fish House below!
A family owned restaurant since 1973
Fresh tropical flowers are delivered daily. Featured here are some gorgeous hot pink ginger blossoms next to the lovely Jodi.
“Day Dreamer” is a featured piece in the restaurant and also available as a giclee print. Click the photo to learn more.
Size 20"X25" & 31"X39"
Celebratory dinner with my assistant Dannee Morrill and I after we opened the new Kim McDonald Art Gallery in Paia.
Did you know you can also stay at, “The Inn at Mama’s?”
Nestled in a coconut grove in a secluded beach on Maui’s north shore, away from the busy resorts that line the shores of West and South Maui. Close by is Paia, Maui’s coolest town, with shopping, galleries, cafes, night-life and the island’s biggest and best organic grocery store. Our beach is next door to famous Hookipa Beach, where international wind-surfing, kite-surfing and board-surfing competitions are held.
Book your stay in the link below. https://www.mamasfishhouse.com/index.htm
The iconic Hawaiian canoe and the breathtaking view.
“Aloha From Mama’s Fish House” (Giclee Print with Borders, also available without borders).
15"X30” & 24"X48”
Do you recognize the blue tribal design? It is featured on the tablecloths throughout the restaurant! I love the vintage Hawai'i feel.
Celebrating Mama’s Fish House and all the memorable wonderful times we’ve had there!
How do you pay homage to a legend? By celebrating it in its own dedicated painting series!
I have thoroughly enjoyed creating this series of original oil paintings, it’s a first for me to explore and paint the gorgeous view from Mama’s Fish House dining room, looking out over beautiful Mama’s Beach with the familiar canoe and stunning sunset. Mama’s Fish House restaurant is one of my favorite places to hang out on Maui. I love the staff and I love the dining experience, but mostly I love the view! I have tried to capture the jeweled blue colors in the night sky, the glistening ocean, the flickering light of the tiki torches and the mysterious night moon.
Hopefully these paintings will evoke that “nowhere else in the world” feeling that you experienced when you gazed out from our favorite island haven! - Kim McDonald
Kim McDonald Art Gallery - For appointments contact us below!
P 808-757-8211 or email Kim@KimMcDonald.com
Directions to the Kim McDonald Art Gallery below.
Mama Doris on her 82nd Birthday! She was presented a gorgeous and tasty work of art by head dessert and pastry chef, Jules.
