Honu’s seating capacity has been reduced from 100 seats to approximately 60 seats, both inside and out. The beautifully appointed restaurant is completely open air with many tables located, literally, at the water’s edge. PHOTO BY TONY NOVAK-CLIFFORD.

LAHAINA — Honu, Chef Mark and Judy Ellman’s wildly popular seafood and artisan pizza restaurant in Lahaina, reopened on Tuesday, Dec. 15. It’s been more than nine months since the restaurant was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple’s other award-winning restaurant, Frida’s Mexican Beach House, was reopened on Oct. 1.

“The response from the community when we reopened Frida’s was incredible. All our staff is really looking forward to welcoming guests back to Honu. It’s so gratifying to live and work in a place where everyone is so supportive of each other,” said Mark.

Menu favorites remain the focus — seafood cocktails, Ahi Bruschetta, Green Goddess Caesar, fresh fish, Whole Wok Fried Local Fish (ala Avalon), a variety of brick oven pizzas, sandwiches and burgers.

Parties are limited to five guests per table. All restaurant employees wear masks and gloves; guests are required to wear masks at all times except when seated at their tables. “We have a designated sanitation person to continually sanitize tables, restrooms, and surfaces,” Mark added.

The Hawaiian word “honu” means turtle and tortoise. And diners at Honu are regularly delighted by the large sea turtles swimming and relaxing just beyond their tables.

Both Honu and Frida’s have new regular hours: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. “After having our Sundays off and realizing how good that is for everyone’s mental health, we’ve decided to remain closed on Sundays at both restaurants from now on,” Mark said.

Honu is located oceanfront at 1295 Front St. in Lahaina. Call 667-9390 or visit www.honumaui.com for more information.

Frida’s is located at 1287 Front. St.; call 661-1287 or visit www.fridasmaui.com for more information.