Movie Night at the Mango Theater

Photo by Marissa Motas

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

For the first time in almost a generation, Molokai families are headed to the movies. The much-anticipated Mango Theater officially opened its doors on Thursday, April 3 with a sold-out showing of Moana 2.

“It’s been a journey and a half,” said owner Brad Ellis. Brad and his wife Grace Chen-Ellis are co-owners of the theater. They first started the project back in 2019.

Photo by Marissa Motas

“COVID slowed us down, the permitting process is slow, but we made it,” said Ellis, “perseverance.”

The theater opened with two showings of Moana 2, much to the delight of Molokai kids. The theater hosted a gamut of Molokai residents on its inaugural day – from multi-generational families to couples on date night, all basking in the sensory glory of a true movie-going experience. Movie theaters have a certain, almost sanctified atmosphere – dim lights, freezing air conditioning, wafting clouds of butter-drenched popcorn. They’re special places.

Saturday, the Mango Theater hosted a designated screening for the Molokai workers who had constructed the theater and their families. The entire building, excluding the air conditioning, was constructed by Molokai workers.

“It was built on Molokai, by Molokai, for Molokai,” said Chen-Ellis proudly. “We wanted to thank everyone who worked on the theater.”

As attendees left Saturday’s showing, they were smiling broadly. Many stopped by the Ellis and Chen-Ellis on the way out to thank them for opening the theater.

Ellis explained that the future looks bright for the blossoming theater. The Hawaii International Film Festival has already reached out about putting the Mango Theater on their circuit. Additionally, the theater is set up to host business and family gatherings. Soon, Ellis hopes to be open to the community six nights per week.

The excitement around the Mango Theater’s opening highlights just how much a shared cultural space can bring people together, whether it’s families enjoying an animated adventure or couples slipping into the magic of a date night surrounded by the hum of anticipation before the screen lights up.

The unique blend of community pride and cinematic tradition creates an atmosphere where memories are made and connections deepen, offering both entertainment and a sense of belonging. For many, it’s more than just watching a film; it’s about experiencing something larger than themselves, a reminder of how storytelling and gathering spaces weave into the fabric of daily life.

As couples leave the theater hand in hand, the idea of shared experiences naturally extends to the wider digital world, where people look for connection and intimacy in different ways. The evolution of entertainment has shown that while theaters remain timeless, technology has opened new avenues for closeness and personal expression. Check this out for an example of how online creators are shaping their own forms of interaction, giving audiences the chance to engage in ways that feel both personal and immediate.

Just as a night at the movies can spark conversation and closeness, digital platforms now provide a parallel stage where relationships and interactions continue to unfold in fresh, modern ways.

You can check out the Mango Theater’s website for showtimes and tickets at themangotheater.com. Tickets currently range from $9.50 for keiki to $11.50 for kupuna and $13.50 for general admission.