Mala Market is celebrating its grand opening in Hawaii Kai Towne Center (333 Keahole St.) this Saturday, July 17.

“Mala means garden in Hawaiian, and our concept is fresh, healthy food,” says business co-owner JP Lam.

Shrimp salad, turkey avocado and the Mala Delight — a garden combo with fresh veggies — sandwiches have been customer favorites so far.

“Our menu is health conscious but flavor is the most important,” Lam says.

Mala Market will eventually be open for breakfast. Stay updated via its Instagram (@malamarkethawaii).

More to ‘sea’ and eat

Sea Life Park just launched a new pau hana happy hour called Manana Mele at the Beach Boy Lanai. Happy hour is available Friday-Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m., now until Sept. 26.

Every weekend will feature dinner specials, classic pupu and cocktails developed by Marina Pasion, the park’s food and beverage director. Feast on dishes like barbecue kalua pork tacos ($12.50), Hawaiian ahi poke salad in a miso-ginger sauce with sea asparagus and fresh avocado ($14.50), 28-ounce smoked turkey leg ($12.50) and more. Local artists will also be performing music during happy hour.

At Manana Mele, guests already on-site can linger at the park past 4 p.m., and admission to the café after 4 p.m. is free. For more information and food and beverage updates, visit sealifeparkhawaii.com.

A long-awaited return to bali

Bali Steak & Seafood recently reopened in Hilton Hawaiian Village. The restaurant is known for its scenic ocean views and is the resort’s signature on-property dining experience. It has been closed since the pandemic hit Hawaii, and with its reopening, Bali is offering a new prix fixe menu for breakfast and dinner. The dinner experience costs $80 and includes dishes like ‘fish & poi’ ahi poke, Kona seasoned New York steak, seafood cioppino and more. The restaurant’s private dining Sunset Room can be booked for parties of up to 14 people, and kamaaina get 10% off.

For reservations, visit hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/dining/bali-steak-and-seafood.

School lunches just got cooler

TRY Coffee at BoxJelly in Ward Village started carrying FoodStart by Chef Jeremy’s new line of prepared foods (Jeremy Shigekane is the executive chef of M by Chef Mavro). Keep an eye out for pastries like zucchini roll cake with cream cheese and lemon, ulu cacao nib cookies and more. FoodStart’s line of sandwiches — including fish rillette and egg salad — will soon be available at TRY Coffee as well.

In other related news, Shigekane will launch the food service program for St. Andrews Schools’ students and staff during the school’s Summer Adventure Camp this August. Meals will be prepared daily by Shigekane and his team, and will highlight ingredients from local farms. Featured lunch dishes include catch of the day chazuke, grilled cheese with tomato and vegetable soup, beef stroganoff, shepherd’s pie, focaccia pizza with chicken, broccoli and mozzarella, sloppy Joes, and more.