Mama's is just not worth the tuxedo/evening gown in NYC price. Very good, yes--but not what we paid for nice, not spectacular food. Kind of a letdown...

My wife and I live on Maui for three months every winter, and dining at Maui's best restaurants is one of our favorite activities. In my opinion, Mama's food and ambiance are no better than many other Maui restaurants that have significantly lower prices. In other words, Mama's is very good but is overpriced.

Our favorite Maui restaurant is Plantation House in Kapalua, where the view is better than at Mama's, the food is as good or better, the portions are larger, and the prices are about 20% lower.

LOTS of information about many of our favorite Maui restaurants, both expensive and inexpensive, on this website:
www.mauihawaii.org

My husband and I had lunch at Mama's in February and I agree with the above posting, it is way overpriced and very touristy. The Plantation House in Kapalua is wonderful, beautiful view, terrific food and service. After reading so much about Mama's we had to try it, but will not return on any future visits.

To those who have not been; If spending $100 on lunch for two will make it difficult to make the monthly rent, don't go to Mama's. If you just think it's too expenseve, but can afford it, by all means, GO! You won't regret it. It is pricey, but it is much more than just a meal (which was awesome). The beach, which is the view from most tables, is incredible! The interior is indescribable. It is truly an experience that we will want to repeat over the years.
We were hestitant, but are so glad we did it!
Whatever you do, if you decide to forgo Mama's, do not replace it with dinner at Roy's in Kahana. That was truly the most awful meal we had while on Maui. We had been two years ago and it was wonderful. Don't know what happened, but we will not be back.
So, go to Mama's!

Our family was just there and we went back twice it was so good. We unanimously agreed it was the best fish we had ever eaten and by far the best meals of our trip.

If you can afford a $100 lunch or not is beside the point. When I pay for any meal I expect great food. Mama's may have a wonderful view but that doesn't make up for the fact that my almost $200 meal was only okay. I don't have any regrets about going to Mama's but I would not return.

I don't like seafood, but insisted that the group of us travelling with my husband's company go to eat a Mamas b/c I heard so much about it.

When clearing our plates, our waitress wanted to know who was the one who didn't like seafood, b/c all our plates were spotless. The food was great.

We wouldn't pay the really high prices on our own, but some people dont' think twice about spending money on a meal like this. It would ruin a meal for my husband, no matter how great the food was, to personally pay the high prices at Mamas. I'm glad I had the opportunity to go. It depends on your comfort level re: $$ is concerned here.

Forget Mama's, too expensive.

Lots of other less expensive restaurants.

Nice ambiance (and Mai Tai), but overpriced for what you got. I'm spolied though with seafood, living near SF. :-)