MAMAS FISH HOUSE

With nearly 7,000 Google reviews, rated at 4.7 stars, guests refer to the eatery as “world class”, “luxurious”, “artistic” and “royal”. The restaurant, which opened its doors in 1973, has worn local, national and international awards and serves anywhere from 800 to 1,000 customers per day. The first dining of its kind on the island of Maui, Mama’s Fish House was an early piece of the island of Maui, serving customers as the first resorts and businesses were being built when it was decided that the isle would be geared toward tourism. Like a portal into true island culture and history, Mama’s Fish House honors Hawaiian and Polynesian elements from the décor to the exquisite food.

Owners Floyd and Doris Christenson first visited the island of Maui many years ago, when it had just become an official state. Inspired by the getaway to the tropics, the family decided to take time to travel the islands of the Pacific, not only to learn the culture and feast on the delicacies, but also to determine where their new home would be, dreaming of the island lifestyle.

The Christenson’s purchased a boat, and in 1960 set sail from California toward the beginning of their island exploring journey. Using the sun as a navigational beacon, Floyd sailed his family all across the stretches of Pacific islands. The family became one with the sea, the islands and the people. Villages welcomed them with open arms, educating them on their fishing and cooking practices.

The Christenson’s love for food grew stronger and stronger, and their respect for island culture grew deeper and deeper. After four years of grand adventures, Floyd and Doris moved their family to the island of Maui permanently, knowing that with the developing tourist destination would come the ideal spot for their dream restaurant. After years on the island the Christenson’s purchased the property that is now Mama’s Fish House and The Inn at Mama’s Fish House.

What began as a family dream, has blossomed into a destination restaurant with almost 34,000 reviews on Open Table. What makes Mama’s Fish House so special is not just the Polynesian inspired décor, family travel photos covering the walls or artifacts of island history through out, but the menu and style of serving.

Mama’s Fish House uses the freshest of fish and seafood possible. Each day, the fishermen venture out for the daily catch and each is prepared and served with in 24 hours of leaving the water. The daily menu changes as the fishermen bring back different catches, but it is always certain that each menu item shows the fishermen’s name that caught the fish as well as where it was hooked.

Serving the freshest shrimp, oysters, lobster, crab, prawns and fish on antique plates and handmade tapa print table cloths, Mama’s Fish House delights every guest with not only award-winning sea food but atmosphere as well. From miles off shore the fishermen catch mahi mahi, from 2,000 feet down along the reefs opakapaka, onaga, lehi and uku are slowly reeled up to the surface.

From the seaside lagoons, fishermen wrangle papio and from the ponds of the islands catch moi. With so many unique and island native fish in the waters of Maui, Mama’s Fish House has a diverse and unique menu sure to tickle the taste buds of every diner that sits down in the open-air restaurant.

The restaurant works with over 100 local producers, ensuring that all ingredients in the dishes are fresh, from the fish to the produce, even the fresh flower arrangements places throughout the building. It has always been a goal of Floyd and Doris to not only support local, but to be a part of the local.

The restaurant is designed to be of a resort casual style, but beautiful none the less. Surrounded by beach, Mama’s Fish House gives every guest a scenic view of the ocean from the open shutters around the tables, with tiki torches lighting the evening under the stars.

When traveling to Mama’s Fish House, simply watch for the old white fishing boat that marks the sign of the island eatery. Reservations are highly recommended, as with popularity the restaurant does book out even months in advance.

Start the evening off with a stroll down the stretch of beach that Mama’s Fish House is nestled onto, and when it is time to be seated, enjoy a delicious island inspired cocktail, like the Celebration Champagne Punch, a delicious blend of champagne, strawberry, pineapple, orange and coconut rum. After feasting on the freshest of seafood available, be sure to save room for a tropical dessert, like the Hana Banana Crisp served with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream.

Tastebuds will go wild for the island flavors and locally grown ingredients. With impeccable service given by the staff, Mama’s Fish House is a perfect dining destination for a romantic date night for two, or a family outing with kids included. A perfect place for the entire family!

Mama’s Fish House also features an Inn, made up of beachfront cottages, junior suites and garden cottages. Designed with the same Polynesian style as the restaurant, guests are treated like royalty in the luxurious comforts of the island authentic spaces. Located on the secluded beach, guests have an ideal sunbathing and ocean splashing spot, amongst the white sand and palm trees. A true beauty of a getaway!

Through travel of the Pacific islands, Floyd and Doris’ love for food flourished, giving new inspiration and ideas to their dream restaurant and home in paradise.

With two children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, the family business has become more than just a dream, but a beautiful reality that has become a staple of the island of Maui. For a very detailed telling of the stories of the Christenson’s travels, to make reservations for the restaurant or Inn and to make online merchandise orders, visit the Mama’s Fish House website. Be transported into a Polynesian paradise with every bite and sip, only at Mama’s. Go Rent A Car Maui has vans, trucks, suv’s and sedans ready to start the fresh fish adventures to Mama’s Fish House!