Return to Mai Tai Bar (Ala Moana)

Ellie's family touched down while we were back at the Ala Moana center doing a little bit of shopping. We decided to meet up and have a drink there so we looked at our options: the Pineapple Room in Macy's, Bubba Gumps, Islands, or the Mai Tai Bar. After looking at the Pineapple Room, which was empty and sadly looking onto the parking garage, we decided the best option was to go to the local and great Mai Tai Bar. Because I had already had the Traditional Mai Tai, I decided to give the Mango Mai Tai a try. Ellie opted for the Icy Mai Tai, which promised an alcoholic approach to the classic Hawaiian shave ice.

The presentation of both drinks was exactly like that of the previously reviewed Traditional Mai Tai, so I will not go into details. The mango Mai Tai had a flavor very similar to that of Mango Nata de Coco (the sweet Korean treat with floating mango coconut jelly chunks). The drink was, surprisingly, not too syrupy and was a crisp delight on a hot Hawaiian afternoon. As good as the cocktail was, however, it did not have the distinct flavor profile of a Mai Tai; it was more of a good mango drink with rum than a Mai Tai with a mango twist. As far as Mai Tai's go, this falls below my expectations. I only got through a few sips before Ellie offered to trade me for her more Mai-Tai-y Icy Mai Tai. 

The Icy Mai Tai tasted very similar to the Traditional MT. It definitely had more of a Mai Tai flavor than did the mango MT and the rums were more strongly pronounced. It tasted a bit less of orange juice and had a bit more pineapple, but the overall profile was about the same. Because of the icy-ness, however, it was a decent amount more drinkable and refreshing. It was a good mix of palatability and strength. It was a bit disappointing that the drink was like any bar's blended cocktail; it was just Mai Tai ingredients blended with ice. The drink was not the alcoholic version of a traditional Hawaiian shave ice promised by the menu. Overall, it was very similar and offers a good, more refreshing alternative to the Traditional Mai Tai. 

Mango Mai Tai: 5/10

Icy Mai Tai: 7/10

Hawaiian Shave Ice for reference: