We had quietly started to assume that Mama’s Fish House might be coasting on its reputation and wondered if it’s really worth the hype and price. We always drove by because we could never get a reservation until this trip. Even though the family-run restaurant has been serving guests since 1973, this was our very first time eating there. This ended up being one of the best Hawaii restaurant experiences we can remember.
First impressions shifted everything.
The restaurant was completely full when we arrived. Every table was taken, and the room had that relaxed, confident hum that only happens when people are genuinely enjoying themselves. Nothing felt stiff or staged as we had expected such a high end restaurant might be. Before we ordered, a warm loaf of bread and a plate of complimentary pickled vegetables appeared. It was welcoming and straightforward rather than showy. They offered more bread later, but we declined so we would not fill up too early. By the end of the meal, we were glad we had.
The setting itself added something without trying too hard. The small cove beside the restaurant is beautiful, and learning that Mama’s is still owned by the founders’ daughter gave the place a more grounded feeling. Nothing about it felt corporate or designed for effect as is the case in some other high-end Hawaii diners. It felt like a restaurant that grew naturally into its situation rather than one that was built around a story first.
From our table, we watched the light shift from sunset to evening across the water. The room was open and bright without being too loud. The large staff moved around from experience rather than performance. It set the tone before any dish arrived.
We started with the suggested fish collars, which sounded strange but were crisp, full of flavor, and sauced to unforgettable perfection. The Waipoli greens salad followed and was fresh with greens that were about as good as you’ll find here. Our server also brought a small curry sampler for $5, which he recommended for tasting that preparation without committing to it fully. It was a nice touch that made the experience feel personalized and collaborative. It also signaled that we might trust his guidance on the remaining food.
A small slip that turned into one of the high points.
The service was a standout all night. It was confident, not stiff, attentive but not hovering, and consistently warm. There was one moment when the salad did not arrive before the entree. After waiting a bit, we asked about it. In addition to the server apologizing for the omission, the manager appeared almost immediately to offer a sincere apology and let us know that dessert would be on the house as a result.
What stood out was that they had no idea we were writing a review or who we were. It was handled with such surprisingly calm professionalism that it became one of the moments we most remembered. It demonstrated a lost culture of accountability and care rather than scripted hospitality. When the bill came, we noticed an additional discount had been applied because we ordered just one dessert.
Entrees that justified the restaurant’s reputation.
For our main courses, we ordered two of the three fish entrees listed on the menu: the Mahi-Mahi sauteed with garlic, capers and Big Island Hamakua mushrooms, and the Uku with caramelized Maui onions, bok choy and avocado. Before deciding, we had contemplated sharing a half or whole fish. Our server suggested that choosing two different preparations would show us more of what the kitchen does best, and in hindsight, he was right. The two dishes were completely distinct in flavor and presentation. Both were balanced and cooked correctly, and each one let the quality of the fish speak for itself.
Over the years, we have eaten at most of the high-end restaurants across Hawaii. Some have individual dishes we still talk about, but most were easily forgotten. What stood out here was the absence of gaps. The kitchen felt steady and intentional, and every course led nicely to the next.
The dining room stayed full throughout the night. The servers and bus helpers moved quickly but never seemed rushed. The pacing was calm and measured, and nothing about the experience ever felt rushed or delayed. Consistency at this level is rare in busy dining rooms in Hawaii or anywhere.
Dessert and the final tone of the night.
We ordered a banana crumble with ice cream. It arrived warm and not overly sweet, and it matched the rest of the meal by not trying too hard. It was a simple, satisfying finish.
By the time we left, it became clear that nothing in the evening had felt out of place. The atmosphere, the pacing, the food, and the service were all aligned. That cohesion felt uncommon especially at a restaurant with this level of demand.
As always, we paid in full for everything, and the restaurant had no idea this would be a Beat of Hawaii review. The total came to about $300 for two people (before discount below). Considering the appetizers, one cocktail, salad, curry sampler, two entrees, dessert, and the overall experience, it felt reasonable for Maui dining at this level. We also noticed that the prices were no higher than what we had paid at Merriman’s, yet for us, the food at Mama’s, the ambiance, and the service were all noticeably better, though others may feel differently.
What stayed with us most wasn’t a single dish.
It was the feeling that every part of the evening worked harmoniously to create something special. The service: natural. The kitchen: confident. And the iconic setting fit the restaurant rather than overshadowing it. Mama’s did not feel like another place coasting on its name or leaning on past nostalgia. It felt present and committed to what it does.
After so many meals across the islands, this one stood out because it exceeded expectations at every turn. It reminded us that even the most talked-about places can still surprise you when the food, the setting, and the people come together the way they did on this visit.
How we secured a reservation at Mama’s Fish House.
Mama’s was booked weeks before our arrival. We heard that if you check back in the last week or even a few days before you want to dine, there might be cancellations. We did just that and secured a table. It was later than we wanted to eat, however, so we showed up in person the day before to ask if an earlier seating was available, and it was.
If you have eaten at Mama’s recently, how did your experience compare, and what stayed with you after you left?
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Pure magic…the surroundings, food and best service. We would love to try and go again for another memorable meal! We were there in August 2023.
We went to Mama’s on New Year’s Day. It was wonderful! We had excellent service. There is something magical about being there. We consider it our ” Last Meal” restaurant. Meaning if you could pick where you wanted to have your last meal, it would definitely be Mama’s. The food is always perfect. The ambiance is great as well. There’s no place like it in the world.
I worked at Mama’s in ’75 and ’76 at a time when Floyd and Doris were forming their “vision” for the place. I lived in the duplex next door and had a wide range of duties. My job description was “whatever it takes”, including helping Lani with the meal prep. On an average night, we might have served 35 to 40 meals. (On Tuesdays, we served Mexican food!)
It’s really gratifying to see how successful the place has become and Kudos to the owners for keeping the magic intact through all the growth and changes. Whenever we make it to Maui, it’s a must-stop for us.
I have heard only superlative things about Mama’s Fish House on Maui. Not being much of a fish person, I have never dined there, in part due to the expensive image.
Years ago I stopped by and enjoyed a house Mai Tai served in an authentic ceramic Tiki cup in the lounge. When I got the bill, I asked if that price included the cup, since it was the most expensive Mai Tai on Maui. No, the authentic ceramic Tiki cup was extra!
More recently, we drove thru the parking lot and were asked by the valet, if we had reservations. Not having any, we were directed out of the lot. We just wanted to see if they still used those cool Tiki cups.
Dined on an Anniversary trip in July 2022. I had read that you can show up with no reservation and ask to sit at the bar. We did just that and were seated within 15 minutes. The bartenders were awesome. The food was great. I had Mama’s Boulliabaisse and we shared crab cakes.
The experience was incredible.
We sat next to 2 ladies who we ran into later that night at a sunset Haleakala trip!
$300 (including tip) is an average price for two at just about any upper tier restaurant in the state of Michigan when drinks are on the bill, let alone Hawaii. Has nothing to do with high hogs or how one lives.
I have dined there as well. It was fine, but nothing special given the prices. I would not put it on your must dining experience on Maui. The issue is that there are only a few fine dining experiences on the Island. I have other favorites.
$300 you spent before the discount. Wow that’s a $150 per person meal not including the tip. Viewers explained entree’s start at $70 dollars. Glad to hear some people can afford to live high on the hog. IMO this is a prime example of plugging just what kind of tourist Hawaii wants and demands. No wonder Hawaii has more spending in shorter visits and the average tourist spending is up.
Over rated, over priced. Easy to get into actually. Still a solid place if it fits into your schedule. Not worth a special trip at all. Your review is definitely a little too much and sus as the kids say. Your face is on your web site. I think other high end places are a little better personally. For Mamas, walk in, sit at the bar or just tip people and you’ll get a seat like almost anywhere else.
No denying Mama’s is a special experience. But your portrayal of it being a value in relation to similarly situated Maui restaurants is simply inaccurate and misleading.
Good for the restaurant that it can still pack ‘em in charging $70 or more for an entree. But if it was truly a good value then they wouldn’t charge for bread or curry (really?).
Mama’s thrives on its hype as much if not more than the quality of its fish. Been there, ate that. And it was great. But not $72 for a piece of fish great. As someone who lives in New York, I know from pricey entrees. But anything in that range closer to home often proves to be not worth the tab.
We have eaten-no, dined-at Mama’s several times since we started visiting Maui almost yearly since the mid 1990s. It’s always the same. basically just as you described it, from the delicious food to the impeccable but at the same time casual feeling service, matching the spectacular setting. Never felt rushed despite the crowd and line of waiting people; remarkable. Like others in this commentary, we have eaten in many very high-end restaurants, and this is among the very best. In fact, the unusually efficient yet friendly service, so unlike many other fancy restaurants probably makes it the best. Each time we have visited, we expect that all this can’t consistently be as good as this over decades, but it hasn’t deteriorated, a credit to the family that runs it. The only (slight) pain point is the bill, but you get what you pay for here.
I couldn’t agree with you more. The only thing you didn’t mention were the gorgeous floral arrangements that are created in every nook and cranny. We’ve been going there for more than 30 years, we have watched it grow from one small building to its expanded version seen today. We’ve never been disappointed and have used it for every special occasion, enjoyed their inn facilities when our family comes to visit us and I recommend to every B&B guest that they try and get a reservation. We’ve watched the Christenson Family grow up and pass on. We feel it is not only the best dining experience on the island but in all of our travels around the world.
Yep, we too truly loved Mama’s and despite the hype and expense will return every time we visit Maui.
You’ll have to go back for a Black Pearl. And this time get the curry. Trust me. I keep thinking I’ll try something different, and every time I go back to my favorites, but there are no bad choices.
We love the poke bowls at Tobi’s in Paia, which is the other end of the Hawaii dining spectrum. We’ve been told that they get their fish from the same fishermen as Mama’s. No idea if that is true, but I’d believe it.
We had the pleasure of having dinner at Mama’s Fish House this past October. The article you wrote was spot-on. The service was impeccable, the food was amazing, and the ambiance was elegant but also very relaxing. It was a memorable experience and the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
The servers were never intrusive and they knew what to recommend in the way of different courses and drinks based on our questions and comments. The food is worthy of a Michelin star, although we are not aware that Mama’s Fish House has ever been awarded one. The naturally beautiful setting of the restaurant made it hard to leave, but we ended up walking along the oceanfront after leaving to give ourselves several more minutes of enjoyment.
Just booked what I believe is our 14th reservation at Mama’s Fish House. I tried to get a 6:30 reservation but none were available during our stay in May. So we will go early to see sunset and then go for our reservation at 7:30. It is always a highlight of our trips. Never had a bad dish or service. We love going to Mama’s for our splurge.
Our early trips I tried to get reservations but couldn’t. Now I didn’t care, all we want is Paia Fish Market. I didn’t need gourmet, I just need the fish. And Paia Fish Market does exactly that at a fraction of the price; if it’s just the two of us we eat here daily.
Thanks for your review but I’ll stick with tried and true.
It’s a shame the Lahaina restaurant burned down. If you’re on the west side it not worth the trip to the east side for a take out fish item.
I believe you are thinking of another restaurant as Mama’s Fish House never had a location in Lahaina. Their food is not take out quality but much higher quality.
We love Paia Fish Market in Paia, and used to love the one in Kihei, but we brought friends with us in 2024 to the Kihei location, and we were very disappointed. We skipped it altogether this year, but may try it again in December.
Have you been to the Southside (Kihei) location? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Mama’s is a frequent stop for us on our Maui visits. We always go for lunch because then you can really enjoy the view, which I think is one third of the experience and part of what you are paying the high prices for. To me, this is one of the best restaruants on the planet, and I’ve eaten in some very high end, famous places. The food is top-notch, the service is fantastic and the setting is beautiful. Yes, the check is heavy, but the experience never disappoints.
Our first visit to Mama’s was in 2004. We have been there a few times since. We always tell our friends to ‘make your reservation Early.’
I tell everyone that I’ve never had better fish. The fish was so good it made my eyes roll back into my head – they laugh :0) But, it really was just that good.
Factor in the iconic location – the Hawaii we all dream of. Well, Mama’s has it all. Trouble is, now the word will really get out. We may never get another reservation!
I am so happy to know that nothing has changed. Hope to return one day soon. Mahalo for such a nice review. This is ‘my kind of Beat of Hawaii’ :0) Thank you guys!
Liked your review of Mama’s Fish House (MFH).
We have been coming to Maui almost every year since around 1982 and always (do/try to) go to MFH. We discovered that it is best to go there for lunch as the view is incredible and you cannot see it at night.
I also found that when you cannot get reservations online, contacting the restaurant by phone not always goes through by they do respond to email.
On one trip were able to secure an elusive reservation in that way and even change it to an earlier time that date when the party we were meeting had to catch an earlier flight.
Maui has fantastic restaurants but MFH is one of the best.
Aloha!
Ate there on New Year’s eve, the day before our anniversary.
Always the best with no regrets.
Loved the snow man of sand.
We’ve been to Mama’s several times we arrive about 30 to 45 mins early. My wife always dresses to the t’s, so we take several photos of us as a couple and her individually. When asked take photos of others looking for that special shot of on the beach.
We’ve met and had so many wonderful conversations with individuals from around the world on that beach.
The interior leaves no doubt that you’re in Hawaii it’s not just a restaurant, but an experience.
And you are right BOH bros it’s a different vibe.
I only wish I could post a picture of the big eye sashimi that was suggested to us a couple of years ago by our waiter who stated that it had just arrived to the restaurant that we’d have first crack at it if ordered. That was without a doubt the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life.
Anyways great article all ready have Mama’s booked for our next trip to Maui.
I’m so glad to see this review because it describes how we feel about Mama’s … we’ve been eating there since the late 1970s … every trip … I have reservations in just a couple of weeks … and I just cannot wait!
I’ve taken many first timers to Mama’s and every single one has raved over the food … my favorite is the bouillabaisse … or maybe it’s the bisque they serve with the bread … the staff embodies the welcoming inherent in Aloha and we’ve always walked away with a new friend or two. O
Staying at The Inn, part of Mama’s, makes it possible to enjoy my favorite drink “The Pink Floyd” … no longer on the menu but they remember the perfect recipe … having retired a dozen years ago, I’m out of the habit of business dinners, so two Floyd’s is all I can have before strolling along the beach back to my cottage. A perfect evening
Congratualtions! Every year when I come, even months in advance to my annual Maui visit, I am unable to secure a dinner reservation at Mama’s. I have given up on eating there again. I remember when you could call and, while often not being able to get a reservation that same evening, you could usually get one within a couple of days, or no more than a week at most. The last two times I tried, a couple of years ago, they told me it would be months, not even weeks, from when I was scheduled to visit. Apparently, like what it seems to be on the mainland here in San Diego County, no one cooks anymore, and they have plenty of money to eat out a lot. At Mama’s, bring a wad of cash. And yes, if you can get a reservation for dinner (lunch is usually easier), the food and service will be excellent. Good luck! (BIG sigh!).
We went to Mama’s for the first time in 2025 after trying to get reservations since 2017! The dish that stood out for us was the whole fried fish, which we devoured! (100.00). Everything was truly amazing and authentic!
Mama’s Fish House
We’ve eaten at Mama’s Fish House on four occasions over the past twenty years. Our experience each time was spectacular, just like your staff encountered.
Our first time to Mama’s was to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in 2006. We’ve introduced a number of our friends and family to Mama’s and each and every one has loved the experience.
We already have a reservation for our 45th anniversary this March.
Aloha,
Larry C
My family and I have probably dined at Mama’s five times in the past 12 years and from the littlest who was 12 months old to grandma we all had such a fun time and made memories that will last a lifetime. Always a special treat to go there.
Every year we make our reservations well in advance. We go to Mama’s at least once during our stay on Maui. With each reservation comes a very satisfying atmosphere along with the meal. The Black Pearl desert is our favorite! We will be going back in February this year to enjoy another day at Mama’s!
We eat at Mama’s every time we come to Maui. Since we book our trip well in advance, getting a reservation is easy. Since we stay in Kaanapali and aren’t fans of driving at night, we get an early reservation, maybe 4-4:30 and first go to Ho’okipa, which is less than a mile down the road, to see the surfers and maybe turtles. It makes for a really relaxing late Maui afternoon.
It was nice reading your review, especially since you expected something jaded and discovered that Mama’s is a really nice restaurant that lives up to its history. Basically, it has earned its image by living it, and those who eat there without over-expectations will have a great experience. We’ve never had a bad one, including the day it rained so hard that they discovered a leak in their roof in the kitchen.
My wife and I have been fortunate enough to have dined at Mama’s Fish House on Maui several times over the last 20 years. What stands out is exactly what Beat of Hawaii found-a level of hospitality and excellence in food and ambience that is, for our money, unmatched anywhere. That this level has been maintained for so many years is remarkable. Go to Mama’s if you have the chance, you’ll be greatly rewarded.
I drive by Mama’s daily and l have new respect for
a place l assumed just another hypped tourist
grab. Thanks for this article.
Went there many times, lived there owned a restaurant in Kihei. We had a bar tender visit our place weekly. He told
Us how to always get in.
When you arrive tell them you want the bar where you can order food no reservations. When the food came almost all the time a table would open up and they would move us
There if you can eat at the bar and many times
It was more fun.
You have managed to put into words the feelings my family has had over the many years we’ve been having dinner at Mama’s. You’re right, it’s not just the food and the locale, but it’s the all over welcoming aloha that makes you feel cherished as a customer in their restaurant. We always go back when we’re on island, despite comments about being overpriced – the flavors and ambience are what we crave, and we’ve never been disappointed!
We’ve been going to Mama’s every year since 1988, sometimes twice a year, and every visit has been outstanding and special.
It is truly a classic.
We first visited Mama’s in 1998. It was a wonderful experience, and one we still talk about.
Our 2 subsequent visits (the last being about 10 years ago) were not the same experience.
After our last visit, we kind of decided that we never needed to visit again. The staff was not friendly, and our orders were both incorrect, and the food wasn’t nearly as well-prepared as it had been on previous visits. They did eventually bring the correct entrees, but their nonchalant attitude about it made us think that this happens fairly often.
We felt that they were relying on their reputation rather than upholding their reputation.
Very different from your experience. Maybe it’s time for us to try it again.
We our Anniversary dinner here in 2024 with the same experience you had (although the check was a bit higher), and absolutely loved every minute of our meal. We both had worked in food service many many years ago, so we greatly appreciate the service received. Our dinners were every bit as good as all the five star reviews, including yours, note. Mama’s is worth securing a reservation when on Maui.
We have dined at Mama’s on each of our yearly visits for many years. Yes, indeed, Mama’s is one of the best restaurants in all the islands. Everything mentioned in the article is exact. It is best to make a reservation at least 3 months prior to your visit (if available). When asked many years ago why the prices were increasing, Floyd Christenson, owner, once told us, “it just happened when we needed to increase our prices. People kept coming and paying more, so it didn’t effect us.” But, in the past 4 years, prices have remained stable. Definitely, dine at Mama’s.
Excellent article. Good to know all is still the best. One question: What took you so long to enjoy this unique experience?