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    Big Island Candies

    4.5 (260 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Neat display
    Courtney L.

    It may be called "Big Island Candies", but you need to come for the cookies! The treats here make for perfect gifts as most of them are packed in classy and durable boxes that won't get crushed in your luggage. Even if you don't need to pick up gifts for anyone, of course there's no shame in purchasing a few boxes of cookies for yourself! Prices may seem relatively high, but since you can only get these in Hawaii, it's all about the authenticity. My personal favorite is the dark chocolate-dipped coffee shortbread, so I got a whole box of those. They contain specks of real Kona coffee beans! 17 cookies (packed by weight) was $19.75. The shortbread is buttery and crispy while the chocolate adds a perfect rich finish. In my opinion, there's no contest between these and those sold by the Honolulu Cookie Company. Many of the cookies have a macadamia shortbread base, but for those who can't have nuts, I saw that they also had options like pineapple, lemon and butter shortbread. Many of their boxes contain a variety of different cookie flavors which is perfect if you're seeking an assortment. Service was extremely friendly. Upon entry, we were greeted with a shortbread sample, which I enjoyed while browsing the store. One employee kindly helped me find a particular cookie flavor I was looking for, and at checkout, they provide a free wrapped cookie per person. As a reward program, for every $100 spent, you get $5.00 off. It may be a small discount, but I am telling you, the cookies are totally worth it regardless! 4.75 stars.

    Outside left window
    Patricia S.

    This long established business has been around for a very king time and they never disappoint. This location at a Moana Center by Center Stage is a nice size and has a lovely lady at the entrance handing out samples. I was looking for a thank you gift, two anniversary goody bags and a "just because" treat for my niece (haupia bark). This place was so nicely decorated with flowers that I actually felt like I was outdoors and not in a shop. No matter what you're looking for, if the recipient has a sweet tooth, this is the place to go. PS I meant to ask why it's called Big Island Candies when their sweets are cookies....

    Susan B.

    Great selections of cookies, candies, etc. They offer samples at the front and if you want to sample other cookies, you can ask one of the staff members. All their items are wrapped and presented very nicely. Great for souvenirs. Everything was well organized and displayed. Staff were very friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. Prices are kinda pricey. Qualities of their cookies are good. I bought many different ones to try.

    Don't forget the cookies!
    Richard H.

    Been here countless times when here for vacation and work. The colorful boxes are by itself enough to want to buy their goodies in which they are known for their various cookies. I actually prefer this retail shop over their main production and retail location in Hilo. I was finally able to use up my rewards card where I had the choice of the logo insulated bag or $5 off of what I purchased.

    2025 Valentine's Day
    Maki K.

    My favorite cookies and brownies!! Chocolate taste so good Cookies taste so fresh and crunchy Loved this cute package for Valentine's Day gift box!

    The original
    Craig T.

    Update on Big Island candies decided to go there before I head to Vegas just a little Omiyage (Gift) I always bring a little token from Hawaii to give the front desk worker when I check into my hotel room . This is only me I try to bring something that they cannot get in Vegas . I know there no Big Island Candies that I can think of ? There's Honolulu cookie company and Cookie Corner . Support local

    Hannah H.

    Don't fall for other brands or companies that offer shortbreads, baked treats, or chocolates, as Big Island Candies should be your main go-to! Big Island's signature shortbreads are delicious, and, if you're a shortbread lover, try theirs - you will not be disappointed! They have a nice variety, such as: one with no nuts, pineapple, lemon, coconut, Kona mocha, chocolate chip macadamia nut, dipped in milk chocolate, dipped in white chocolate, taro, coffee, cinnamon white dipped, and peppermint white dipped. We picked up a few gift boxes of these for gifts. I'm a fan of their milk chocolate macadamia nut toffee, as it's crunchy and chewy, and oh-so-addicting! The staff here are super friendly and welcoming, and the check-out line is pretty efficient. If you're lucky, they also have some samplings! Located at the Ala Moana Center, there's plenty of parking. +delicious toffees +great shortbread varieties +friendly staff +located at the Ala Moana Center

    Mari J.

    Great Selection of quality cookies, staff are friendly, you can ask for samples to try the cookies . you free stuff when you shop $100 ;)

    Jerry E.

    Fortuitously ran into some very special cookies (see uploaded photo with the Japanese female chef), while revisiting this place. They were not cheap by any standards, but for once in a lifetime experience, perhaps it was worth it. For those who truly know how to appreciate gourmet cookies should check it out and share their constructive comments with fellow Yelpers.

    Irene M.

    Locally loved... Big Island Candies is a classic and it's because they know how to capture us with their cookies that I remember back in the day I had to go Big Island to satisfy my cravings. So blessed to have them here in Ala Moana Center right now on the street level near the Centerstage with a sample greeting right at the door it's obvious we come here for various occasions including bring back their almond shortbread for the Lunar New Year and now with Sakura shaped cookies as the one sprinkled in pink sugar brings out the feeling of Spring. Various boxes and cute bags making it a great gift for anyone and the vibe in this store is quite crowded but with clear information of each item displayed making it easy to browse you're sure to leave here with a smile. Thank you!

    Sig Zane 'Ie 'Ie
    Jo Y.

    Established in 1977 by Alan Ikawa and wife Irene, Big Island Candies began operations with just a chocolate melter and shrink wrap machine in a small warehouse in Hilo's industrial district. Alan and Irene grew up in Hilo, with Alan working with a Swiss pastry chef, which inspired them to start making candies such as mac nut chocolates. The business moved to a bigger store in 1989, and in the late 1990's, its first mail order catalog was launched, and the opening of its current flagship store/factory where visitors can watch the making of candies. In 2013, it opened its 1st permanent store outside of the Big Island, at the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu. Big Island Candies often introduces new flavors and items which now totals 80+ products. With its signature milk chocolate diagonally dipped mac nut shortbread cookies, it also offers varies varieties of their mac nut shortbread, choc covered mac nut brownies, pineapple manju, cookies, biscotti, toffee, coffee, mac nuts, dipped ika, choc mints, tote bags, frozen apple pies (only at the Hilo location), and more. All products are made with the finest quality of ingredients, e.g., real butter and 100& Kona coffee, and high-grade chocolate. The concept behind Big Island Candies is the practice of "omiyage", which means "gift giving" in Japanese, and is ingrained in the culture in HI. The products are made with high quality ingredients, and its packaging is elegantly designed in sophisticated printed boxes by 4 in-house designers. There are limited editions of packaging designs that change seasonally, e.g., Golden Dragon boxes for the Chinese Lunar New Year. Products have a 6-to-8-week shelf life and should be consumed within 2 weeks of purchase, as no preservatives are used. I have given shortbread and chocolates as omiyage to friends on the Mainland and Japan, and all have commented on how delicious the items are, loved its high quality, and captivated by the exquisite package designs. They often tell me how they have to "ration" their eating of them to one a day so that they last longer! These products are surely excellent gifts for those who do not live here, as well as for locals, who never tire of the delicious cookies and candies. Big Island Candies also collaborates with other businesses, such as Eden in Love, in using their designs in offering cute canvas tote bags. It has also collaborated with local fashion designer Sig Zane, who incorporates authentic Hawaiian plant imagery in the Big Island Candies packaging. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. They are knowledgeable about the products and can easily offer suggestions if you're not sure what you want. Once I received a box of chocolates from a friend that was mailed to me, and the carrier had left it by the front door in the hot sun. Yes, it melted, and Big Island Candies happily replaced it with a new box, even if it was not their fault. They surely guarantee their products to be of a high standard. The store is clean, bright, and well designed with merchandise excellently and professionally displayed that is appealing to the eye. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, it is a pleasant experience just to browse through their displays. Don't forget to use their Mahalo punch card for your purchases. With a fully punched card, you get $5 off your purchase. Hours of operation are daily from 10a to 8p. They're located near the center stage on the ground level of the shopping center. Free parking available for shopping center customers. With the special attention given to all the products of Big Island Candies that result in a high quality and an excellence in their taste, I continue to give their products as gifts, knowing that the recipients will be thrilled to receive them! Support local!

    Hawaiian salt cookies
    Angel H.

    Everyone that I know loves this store, especially if they're a tourist. Big Island Candies have the best cookies and chocolates. I was passing by today and saw a huge Hello Kitty window display. They're currently promoting the pink Hello Kitty shirts. How adorable! I went in the store to get a better look. I received the best service. There was an associate standing by the door greeting customers and offering samples. She had chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered potato chips. I walked around some more and they offered me more samples. I got a chocolate brownie sample and a lilikoi flavored one also. They were all delicious. The chocolate covered potato chips were my favorite. That sweet and salty mix was so good. They're most famous for their chocolate dipped shortbreads. It comes in so many varieties now. They have a limited time pink colored ones which is for breast cancer awareness month.

    Trio of crunch, rocky road, and crunchies

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    2 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Thanks for coming out and bringing all the sweet treats to yelps Passport to SALT! Super friendly staff and yummy bites

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Way too expensive! I bought 6 small boxes of cookies for over $100 dollars. The cooked were average, except the chocolate covered shortbread

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    8 months ago

    The are always fast and friendly there they also will give you a sample if you want to try something. Always busy but it's worth the wait

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    Big Island Candies Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Big Island Candies

    Where in ala moana center are you located?

    We are located on the ground level and on the mountain side of center stage. Look for the bright orange sign. Our neighbor is Manaola!

    Does the Ala Moana location sell their frozen apple pies?

    Yes! We sell the frozen apple pie at the Ala Moana location. We also sell the frozen peach pineapple pie and frozen blueberry, ube, and koshian manju. All are to take home and bake. Delicious!

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Big Island Candies

    I'm so glad they have a store here on Oahu, so we can enjoy their famous dipped cookies which I love .

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

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    Lin's Hawaiian Snacks - Regular size Shave Ice:  Lilikoi, Lychee, Strawberry with azuki beans, mochi balls and ice cream

    Lin's Hawaiian Snacks

    4.2(367 reviews)
    0.6 miAla Moana
    $$

    Lin's Hawaiian Snacks is a traditional Hawaiian candy store, featuring lots of local favorites like…read moredried fruits sprinkled with li hing mui sour plum powder along with sugary candies. My boyfriend loves li hing therefore I asked my friend for recommendations and this was the place. Conveniently located in Ward near Consolidated Theaters and Whole Foods, there are ample free parking within the block. I love that this seed shop lets you sample any of their products; loved their dried lemon peels and pickled guava. Great place to pick up local snacks for omiyage and gift giving outside of Hawaii, as well as treats for yourself. Highly recommend!

    Went to Lin's Hawaiian Snacks one day when we were in town and looking for a place that had icee…read morefloats and crackseed. There's a paid parking lot right next to the building. Kind of junk that you have to pay for parking especially because crackseed nowadays is also not cheap anymore so it's almost like a treat to be able to have it every so often. When we got there, there was quite a few people in there especially for a week day. We looked around, picked up some snacks, and saw cute little bags of snacks that you could buy for favors. And then checked out and also ordered our icee floats. You can get any flavor ice cream in your float. And you can also add lihing powder to it which is what my boyfriend did. Nice staff, clean in the inside, organized. Definitely someplace I would come if I'm needing a crackseed fix or an icee float and I'm in town.

    Photos
    Lin's Hawaiian Snacks - Pick your favorite seed!

    Pick your favorite seed!

    Lin's Hawaiian Snacks - Simple, clean decor

    Simple, clean decor

    Lin's Hawaiian Snacks - Inside shop

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    Inside shop

    Crack Seed Store - Getting my Li Hing Cherry fix!

    Crack Seed Store

    4.6(291 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    As the name implies, it literally sells only crackseed products. Every time we visit from the…read moremainland we pretty much come here to get our fix. This store is tiny but it has a wide selection, with and without Li Hing powder on it. My wife considers the crackseed here better than the ones they sell at ABC or Donki. The woman working there says they are shipped from China and Taiwan. We always go for the lemon strips and get a couple of small bags of Moys. Interestingly, this also seems to be the go to spot for the local kids. Every time we go, there are always kids coming in to get an Icee Slushie. For the brave, you can even get Li Hing powder on your icee! Located around a small cluster of small shops, cafes, and restaurants in the Kaimuki area, so one can make a little worthwhile trip out of it. The workers there are friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend :)

    I had a great time here ahaha. They have a large variety of preserved fruit with and without li…read morehing. The employees here were nice and explained the flavor profile of each of their products. I ended up getting the spicy mango, li hing mui, lychee candy with li hing powder, and pineapple with li hing. I loved all of it but the standout to me personally were the chili mango. It's sweet, tangy, and has a nice kick. I wish I bought more of their stuff to take home! Will be back when I'm back in Honolulu!

    Photos
    Crack Seed Store - Crack Seed Store

    Crack Seed Store

    Crack Seed Store - Inside

    Inside

    Crack Seed Store - Yummy seeds here

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    Yummy seeds here

    IT'SUGAR - Assorted Candy

    IT'SUGAR

    4.0(117 reviews)
    0.1 miAla Moana
    $$

    Cue the music:…read more "Heaven, I'm in heaven And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak And I seem to find the happiness I seek When we're out together dancing, cheek to cheek." Fred Astaire - Cheek to Cheek Lyrics Music started to play in my mind as I entered this store. I wanted to dance the aisle and sing the song out loud as I explored the 18,000-square-foot store. It's a sweet tooth lover like me.....Heaven. This place is humungous. You will find something to please everyone's sweet tooth, from gummies, hard candy, chocolate, Pez, Pop Rocks, candy novelties, and more. I wish they had a Hawaii section where you can create your own mix of wet Li Hung Mui, lemon peel, Li Hung powder... and mix it with whatever candy you want. Having a section for local candy suppliers to shine or possibly pop-ups would be amazing. Discount: 10% off for military Location: Located on the fourth floor of Ala Moana. Photos: So many cute Hawaii-themed photo ops displays for your social media. Parking: Park by Target in the Mauka Wing and walk through. Service: Staff was positioned throughout the store. Everyone was nice. The cashier helping me was extra nice. He persuaded me to sign up for a free membership. Overall, a great place to please your sweet tooth.

    IT'SUGAR is a leading specialty candy retailer founded in 2006 by Jeff Rubin, known for "sugar…read moreinnovations," lighthearted rebellion, and massive, themed candy selections. Operating over 100 locations, it offers an immersive "retailtainment" experience featuring pop-culture merchandise, giant candy items, and, notably, the world's first 3-story candy department store at American Dream in New Jersey. Yaaaas, we love us an IT'SUGAR! I've been to the one in Las Vegas and in Glendale (Arizona) and now I can add Honolulu to the list. I'll be honest and say I had no interest coming in at first but I saw they had a Sour Patch Kid sign outside and I walked in under the pretense that they were having a themed section for one of my favorite candies. They did not. Womp womp. Nonetheless, it was fun looking at all their fun offerings.

    Photos
    IT'SUGAR - Display made from candy

    Display made from candy

    IT'SUGAR
    IT'SUGAR - Inside the candy store. Chandeliers!

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    Inside the candy store. Chandeliers!

    Keep It Simple - Refill your containers with soaps, lotions, etc.

    Keep It Simple

    4.3(49 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    Shopping in Kaimuki, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. I was actually looking for the Aloha Trinket Box on Waialae Avenue when I saw this store, right there! Keep It Simple Honolulu Zero Waste is a trendy store with cool merchandise. You can find Aloha Collection items without standing in line at their stores when the new prints drop! They carried the new Moana print and both the pink and the green Hello Kitty prints! Yay! They also had jewelry, clothing, and empty containers for filling. Save the environment and reuse bottles and plastics! Select your favorite detergents, lotions, and hand soaps here! Staff were very welcoming, friendly, and helpful! Check them out and support local!

    Located in Kaimuki on the Mauka side of Waialae Ave. Didn't see a dedicated parking lot but there…read moreis free street parking available all around. After parking you'll walk to Waialae Ave to enter their front door. The store is very cute, with a mish mash of items like jewelry, aromatherapy, clothing, ecologically friendly cloths, even a candy area. Welcomed by Brandy, she made sure we knew about the deals and how it worked, answered all our questions and was very sweet and personable. We were there on a Saturday so the place was somewhat busy but the line at cashier moved quickly. We make it a point to purchase at least one item from these small local boutiques so we bought the car aroma bottles which were on sale and only $5 when we bring back to fill up. Brandy showed us how to uncap, turn upside down then cap again, comes with a cute tie to hang in your car. Lots of fragrances to sample!

    Photos
    Keep It Simple - Clean, spacious, and beautiful

    Clean, spacious, and beautiful

    Keep It Simple - Reusable kitchen products

    Reusable kitchen products

    Keep It Simple - Clean jars for detergents and lotions

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    Clean jars for detergents and lotions

    Fujiya Hawaii - Thank you Fujiya!

    Fujiya Hawaii

    4.7(378 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Grab-and-go
    Locally owned & operated

    Came in on National mochi day and got a complimentary habutae mochi with a strawberry on top! Of…read morecourse, I could not resist picking up some other treats while there. Got my favorite tsunami (white bean) mochi and saw a matcha butter mochi that I just had to try. The mochi had good texture and the flavors were good. The matcha in the butter mochi is delicate. Everything in the shop has good presentation and all the mochi is packaged in cute little containers. There are other Japanese snacks and cute stickers you can get there also. Lovely local mochiya offering freshly made treats!

    I had no idea Fujiya Hawaii is still open for business. I was gifted these Pure Peanut Butter Mochi…read morefrom one of my students during Teachers appreciation week. It was sooo delicious! Soft, fresh mochi filled with crunchy peanut butter. Yum! I remember when they were on Waikamilo Road in Kalihi. If you didn't know, like me. They've relocated to the McCully area. Where mochi is continued to be made fresh and a window to see the making of it. The bright and colorful painted wall caught my attention. Great for taking selfies or pictures your purchases. There's three benches outside decorated with stickers that's available for purchase. Too cute! Fujiya Hawaii offers much more than delicious mochi. Such as iced cold drinks, locally made snacks, mochi leis, T-Shirts and the cutest stickers, to name a few things available for purchase. I asked a few questions and the pleasant lady that answered my questions was very helpful and offered me samples of the different flavors of Senbei & Japanese Okoshi- crispy puffed brown rice with macadamia nuts. That was really yummy! I had to add a bag to my order. By Supporting a locally and family owned business, that's been in business since in 1953. Fujiya Hawaii is one of the many locally owned businesses that's teamed up with American savings bank. When using your debit card, you'll save $5 off $35 and $10 off $70 purchase. Definitely stop by & you'll be happy that you did.

    Photos
    Fujiya Hawaii - Adorable

    Adorable

    Fujiya Hawaii
    Fujiya Hawaii

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    Big Island Candies - chocolate - Updated September 2026

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