For nearly 12 years, Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee, located in the quaint setting of Old Koloa Town, Kauai, Hawaii, has quietly offered a myriad of sweet and savory offerings to its patrons, an approach that gives a nod to both local flavors and locally-produced ingredients. The establishment serves not merely as an ice cream and coffee shop but evolves into a space providing a wide assortment of culinary delights.
In a discussion with Amanda Smith of Kauai TV, Martin, a representative of Koloa Mill, said succinctly, “we serve ice cream, shave ice, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.” He also noted the specific intent behind the selection of their ice cream brand, “The ice cream we serve is Roselani brand, made on Maui since 1932, and it was really important for us to have a Hawaii product here to serve.”
This emphasis on local produce also permeates through to their coffee offerings, steadfastly utilizing Kauai Coffee, known for its distinct and flavorful profile, embodying the essence of the locale from where it originates.
Regarding their ice cream, Martin noted the particular popularity of one flavor, stating, “Our number one flavor, four times more popular than the next, is Kona Mud Pie.” The inclusiveness in their dessert menu is also seen in the availability of Dole Whip, a non-dairy soft serve, that, while most recognized in its pineapple iteration, is available in several other flavors.
The shave ice at Koloa Mill, well-appreciated for its fine and fluffy texture, is crafted meticulously from a frozen block, shaved to create a light and enjoyable consistency. Martin provided an amusing observation regarding the younger clientele, sharing, “It’s funny because with the ice cream and with the shave ice, when the young kids come to order, they order by color, not by flavor. ‘Mom, can I have blue? Mom, I’d like to have red.'”
Koloa Mill’s endeavor to provide hearty breakfast options, such as breakfast sandwiches, contributes to offering a well-rounded start to the day for locals and visitors alike. Regarding their relatively new breakfast offering, which has only been a part of their menu for roughly a year, Martin emphasized its freshness and depth of flavor, stating that each sandwich is “made fresh to order” and available in variants such as ham, turkey, bacon, or Hawaiian pineapple sausage.
When asked about the breakfast sandwich, Amanda Smith commented on the flavors, identifying, “maple and sage in there,” further affirming the depth and complexity brought to seemingly simple menu items.
Undoubtedly, Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee’s subtle commitment to providing high-quality, locally-sourced products, from the premium Roselani Ice Cream to the savory breakfast sandwiches, stands out. Their offerings extend from the classically sweet to the robustly savory, ensuring a comprehensive palate experience without ostentation, but with a quiet dedication to quality and the community they serve.