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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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Recommended Reviews - Big Island Candies

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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

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1 month 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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7 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!

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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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Fujiya Hawaii

Fujiya Hawaii

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

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.

This charming little shop is very clean and offers a variety of mochi to choose from…read more We were greeted as soon as we walked in and was assisted right away. There was one employee working at the register and another in the back. The service was attentive and efficient although there was only one person on the floor. They carry a great assortment of mochi and manju, including some varieties that need to be refrigerated. In addition, they offer local favorites like li-hing gummy bears and assorted flavored sembei, giving you plenty of sweet and savory options to choose from. The employee at the register was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, happily sharing information about the different mochi flavors and offerings. Most importantly, the mochi here is absolutely delicious. During this visit, we ordered a Girls' Day pack and tried the chocolate ganache Oreo flavor which was amazing. The mochi was perfectly soft and paired beautifully with the rich chocolate ganache filling. My friend loved it so much that she went back the very next day to order more! If you love mochi, you really need to stop by. I highly recommended this shop.

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Peanut Butter Mochi
Peanut Butter Mochi
Manju and mochi varieties
Manju and mochi varieties
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Grape Bites

Big Island Candies - chocolate - Updated July 2026

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