(Desserted 04/25/26 SA @ 5:30pm): You had me at Mango's!
After an afternoon of drinking and eating at two local breweries, before I headed back to the resort where I was staying, I walked around in search for shave ice and came across Mango's. If you knew me, I loved all-things mangos, so this was a no-brainer to check it out. A family-owned business that opened in 2022, they served shave ice, ice cream, homemade desserts, Dole Whip, and fun souvenirs. How would my shave ice experience be, and did they have mango flavor!?
PURCHASE(S)
Small Shave Ice Mango & Watermelon + Additional Flavor Coconut ($8.95 + $0.75): A decent portion size, this was as fluffy as you would come to expect from any shave ice purchased on any of the Hawaiian Islands (the fluffier the better, please!). The three tropical flavors I selected paired perfectly. Not overly sweet, they each had their own distinct taste. As I rapidly tried to eat this frozen treat so it wouldn't melt and make a mess, I wished it came with a funnel skirt or platform to catch everything (Matsumoto had something to this effect which was a wonderful idea). Regardless, with brief bouts of brain-freeze, this was a nice way to end my day in Old Koloa Town. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=144&select=AGCmC1dKOuMUr2QlwEY0kg
Cinnamon Toast Cake Slice ($5.95): This simply looked amazing as it sat in the display case, so I had to take one for later. Once I got into it the next morning for breakfast, it was still fluffy, light, and moist with all of the goodness of cinnamon toast crunch cereal, and the creamy thick layer of frosting was truly the icing on the cake. I wished I had another for later! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=AhMBmjk9xwxIcLxzWMrihg
SERVICE
Warmly greeted by two friendly young women behind the counter, I was able to browse the menu while they helped the group ahead of me. Once it was my turn, I knew what I wanted, easily placed my order, I soothingly watched one of them craft my shave ice while the other packaged my cake and rang me up. Minutes later, I was at an outside table with my prized possession - easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I took the bus, so this wasn't an issue for me. Otherwise, there appeared to be some onsite parking with spots along the main drag of Koloa Rd. and other side streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A brightly-painted interior that bursted with the sense of a candy store but actually an ice cream parlor, a dessert shop, and random plushies and toys was what you walked into. Simple easily legible menus of the types of treats, flavors, and prices were hung on the wall behind the counter https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=144&select=X93KwvmR6ASMbyyYSSJJTw while several racks throughout displayed other anthemic local souvenirs. A decent amount of natural lighting came in through the front doors and windows while an assortment of electric recessed and track ceiling lights filled in the rest. There weren't any TVs, but pop music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=144&select=1ZNTy-MJlQQvT5uUy6BwMw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I enjoyed my time and treats at Mango's and would consider another return if I were in the area and wanted a dessert. The menu options and flavors were very limited, the prices a bit elevated (except for the cake), and the service was easy and straightforward. Plus, I always loved to try and support small local mom & pop businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $16.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more