Jeff B.
Yelp
(Desserted 05/16/23 TU @ 7:00pm): The sweets here might make you moan with delight!
I was on my way home and felt there was still room for dessert, so I took a minor detour to Moena Sweets to see what they had to offer. I "found" them the other day when I made a wrong turn, so I made a note of their location, and lo and behold here I was. It looked like a nice local business to try close to home. Would this be a sweet retreat at this frozen treat parlor!?
PURCHASE
Double Scoop Ube And Poha Berry Ice Cream In A Cup ($7.95): When in Hawaii, of course I had to try more local flavors. The ube was simply ubeliscious, while the poha berry was creamy, custardy, and tropical. I really enjoyed each flavor both on their own and matched together. However, I couldn't help but be surprised that I paid this much for two scoops of ice cream. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Zno5BEsftYPzoLfHHK_1Wg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
Greeted by a sweet young female behind the counter, https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=oI09mvrRVETKCVkZ8xSJjA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw she patiently waited while I cased all of the flavors and contemplated whether or not I wanted gelato or ice cream. Once I decided, she quickly scooped my selection, handed me my order, and I quietly sat at a nearby table to enjoy my dessert. Everything was short and sweet which was all I needed - mahalo!
PARKING (FREE)
Located within the Koko Marina Center in a sizable outdoor shopping center with plenty of parking stalls, I easily found a spot right out front - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A cute quaint open layout inside https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ihPMKrT81neduWeWiXi37g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with a handful of chairs/tables and one setting outside, I liked the two interior quote murals with a whimsical https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=PjQZlpGviR42zImwBww9ew&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw one and an inspirational https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=yf08Qa64IwR73xjsTMno-g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw one, respectively. Easily legible price menus were hung up on the wall behind the order counter. There was a very antiseptic clean modern rustic welcoming feel. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front wall windows and doors while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=IWbj7yeib047Vnxe1YOh6w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Moena Sweets was a pleasant way to end the day. However, as much as I enjoyed the tantalizing treat that trekked across my tongue, the price was simply too prohibitive for me to realistically consider another return. I'm sure the ingredients were all-natural, organic, locally sourced, etc. which were all wonderful attributes if these were true. Unfortunately, I personally wasn't as concerned about these features in my food. The service was friendly and straightforward. This was pretty much a parlor that focused on gelato and ice cream snacks with multiple options. Plus, it was always a pleasure to support a mom & pop small business. I found fairly good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $8.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 3.5 STAR