Why Mama’s Fish House is Maui’s Most Famous Restaurant

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If there’s one restaurant in Maui that everyone talks about, it’s Mama’s Fish House.

This oceanfront seafood spot is so popular that reservations book up six months to a year in advance—and after dining there myself, I completely understand why.

If you’re dreaming of dining at Mama’s Fish House, here’s everything you need to know—from how to get a reservation to the must-try dishes on the menu.

Mama’s Fish House in Maui

I was lucky enough to snag a last-minute reservation during my trip to Maui, and let me tell you, this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

From the tropical ambiance to the incredibly fresh seafood, every part of the experience was unforgettable.

History of Mama’s Fish House

Before Mama’s Fish House became Maui’s most famous restaurant, the Christenson family set sail across the Pacific, embracing the cultures of Tahiti and the Marquesas.

Inspired by Maui’s beauty, they settled on the island and built a restaurant celebrating fresh, local seafood and Polynesian flavors.

Today, Mama’s Fish House remains a Maui treasure, honoring its roots with every dish served.

Want to see more of Maui’s beauty? Visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park: Read My Guide to Maui’s Black Sand Beach!

My Mama’s Fish House Experience

Every moment at Mama’s Fish House was special, from the beautiful tropical entrance to the professional staff greeting me.

Arriving at Mama’s Fish House

My table was in the perfect spot! By the open-air windows with a view of the water.

Sitting there, sipping my cocktail, and watching the sunset over the Pacific felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The restaurant’s decor was lively, with Tahitian-style tablecloths, fresh Hawaiian flowers on the table, and all the tropical vibes you can imagine.

Cocktails & Drinks

I started with a Bali Hai, a light and refreshing cocktail made with rum and Tahitian lime, served chilled in a martini glass.

The drink menu at Mama’s Fish House is impressive, with a mix of classic cocktails, tiki drinks, wine, and local beers.

Cocktails at Mama’s Fish House

In addition to cocktails, they also have a vast selection of wine and beer.

The Food: A Seafood Lover’s Dream

Appetizers

I couldn’t wait to dive into the appetizer menu, which featured a mix of fresh sashimi, ceviche, and island-inspired dishes.

Their appetizer list showcases numerous fresh and delicious fish and meat options.

You can opt for Sashimi, served with whiskey barrel-aged soy sauce and wasabi, or the Diver Caught Maui Octopus.

Entrées – The Star of the Show

Choosing an entrée was tough because everything sounded amazing. Since this was a seafood restaurant, I knew I had to order fresh fish.

I chose the Hawaiian Kanpachi as my entree, which boasted a Macadamia Nut Crust and was served with Lobster and Crab. It comes as no surprise that it is one of their most famous entrees.

One of the incredible seafood dishes at Mama’s Fish House in Maui, packed with local flavor

The second entree, the Antarctic Toothfish, is as exciting as it sounds, having been caught at 6,000 feet under frozen glaciers. The Toothfish comes with Maui Onions, Hawaiian Chili, and avocado.

The entrees are pricey, I am not going to lie. They average at about $68 each. But for a once-in-a-lifetime meal, it is certainly worth the price.

Dessert – The Polynesian Black Pearl

A meal at Mama’s Fish House is complete with trying one of their desserts.

Of course, I had to try the most famous one, the Polynesian Black Pearl, which has Manoa chocolate Mousse and Lilikoi.

The Polynesian Black Pearl at Mama’s Fish House

The dessert resembles a black pearl in a clamshell! The chocolate mousse was to die for.

How to Get a Reservation at Mama’s Fish House

We booked our Hawaii trip at the last minute, so I didn’t think we’d be able to get in. But after weeks of checking for cancellations, I finally grabbed a last-minute spot!

If you’re planning a trip and don’t have a reservation, keep trying—it’s worth it.