We were visiting some friends in Honokaa and just happened upon the store. It was literally smelling like butter cookies the minute we stepped out of our car and everyone inside was laughing as they worked. It just seems like a really happy cookie making place. It is just the front door of the store you walk up to and order the cookies, no seating, no merch, no frills. read more

My aunt said their almond cookies melts in your mouth & she was right! My fave cookie here that I highly recommend trying! This was on our route from Hilo to Kona, and I'm so glad we stopped here. You can smell fresh batches of cookies being baked... mmmm yum!! They have a variety of flavors, we got the ones we wanted to try right then and there lol Shortbread cookies Chocolate chip cookies Macadamia nut cookies Big Jar of Cookies - Variety, All Flavors - almond cookie included ;-) We brought back to Vegas the big jar of all the flavors of cookies. All are pretty good and onoliscious but my fave is the almond cookie, it definitely melts in your mouth. It hit the spot! This is a walk up to & order at the window type place, minimal parking but it wasn't busy when we went on a Monday. Pretty casual which is common and enjoyable in Hawai'i. Loved this and being back home. Highly recommend stopping here if you're on the Big Island in Hawai'i! Mahalo and aloha!!! Chelle read more

See all

If you're going to Big Island, do yourself a favor and stop by Donna's Cookies. It's a small town business with big time feels and treats! Their cookies are a local favorite and gifting packages of these goodies is a must. Favorites include the almond (of course), cornflake and peanut butter cookies! Before you pack to head back to wherever, make room in your luggage for these treats! You'll regret not getting any for yourself and your family if you don't pick some up. read more

I was in that state between sleep and wake and I dropped a cookie I had half eaten onto my bed. I immediately sat up to look for the cookie. It wasn't there. I even checked the folds of my comforter. No cookie. Had I dreamt this? I remember the feeling of it dropping out of my hand. Had some giant roach spirited it away in the instant before I sat up to look for it? Probably not. But I know one thing for sure: it's better not to eat cookies in bed. Or for that matter anything. But I probably will still, since bad habits do not die easily. I mean, cmon, dreaming of eating a cookie and then waking up to look for a non-existent cookie is pretty warped. But that's me. And that's how good Donna's Cookies are. I have never been to Donna's Cookies storefront on the Big Island. I have only bought their cookies in packages and in approx. 19 to 20 oz. bottles in retail stores here on Oahu, mostly at Don Quijote Kaheka and sometimes at Marukai. I haven't seen the packages with about a dozen cookies being sold for a while, only the bottles. And a small cellophane bag of Donna's Cookies is not enough, anyway. But not having been to the storefront, I still felt compelled to write a review because the cookies are so good. There are three Hawaii cookie manufacturers I like. There is Mrs. Barry's cookies in Kona. There is also Wholesale Unlimited's founder Betty's Cookies. But my favorite is Donna's Cookies. Oh, there is also the Cookie Corner which makes great cookies too but those cookies are sold individually at retail kiosks. I guarantee that any of these four local brands is far better than any national cookie brand you can buy. Donna's Cookies makes several types of cookies and their almond cookies, oatmeal raisin, shortbread, and mac nut cookies are outstanding. They also have a bottle which has an assortment of I think eight different cookies but my problem with that bottle is that you only get one layer of each of the eight different cookies in the bottle. That's not quite enough either. Donna's Cookies = great cookies read more

Very basic storefront. I ordered from the door. I could see workers inside baking and packaging cookies. The lady who helped me was very nice. Worth the drive out to get the shortbread and assorted cookies fresh. read more

See all

Love these cookies, especially the frosted flake and coconut. wish they would do mail order. Would order a dozen packages right now!

Aloha bought cookies in Honolulu few weeks ago and taken back to the mainland. Noted in pictures inclose while eating small piece of brown paper. Luckily nothing sharp read more

We ended up stopping here since we drove by on our way across the island. We kept seeing the cookies at different places. They have a walk up window with their flavor menu and sizes you can buy. We got the macadamia nut and butter coconut. They just melt in your mouth! There are also post offices all over the place so we shipped the 2 jars home along with a bunch of other Hawaiian goodies. read more

See all

Found this little cookie treasure off the main drag! The flavors are creative and "pretty darn good"--we tried a variety and couldn't pick a favorite. It's the perfect roadside find for anyone who loves a local secret. read more

See all

A must if you come to Hilo, it's worth the drive. It's about a 30-45 minute drive from Hilo, they are usually open on weekdays and some Saturdays during the holidays, I would suggest you call. My suggestion is to call ahead if you want a certain mix in your jar or buckets of cookies. Our favorites are Sprinkles, Almond Cookie & Chocolate Chip. read more

The bomb cookies are the butter coconut and the short bread . kind of dry so have some water milk or coffee but delicious if you like short bread cookies . These cookies do make a mess the crumble in/out of the package so they won't make it on the plane . You can smell them cooking 1/4 mile away. read more

Donna's Cookies - Donna's cookies best on the Big island! - Bakeries Near Me - Paauilo, Hawaii

See all

How Donna's Cookies got started became a legal cooperation on April 10, 1988 and has been going strong ever since. Prior to that, the founder, Donna Fry (Kamimura) would make cookies, sushi and other local favorites and sell them at Farmer's Markets in Waimea where she grew up. There was so much of a demand for the cookies that she opened a certified kitchen in Honokaa to bake the cookies. After a couple of years she moved to her current location in Kainehe Village near Paauilo. I love Donna's Cookies, what a treat when we receive them as gift at the office or when I get to purchase them at Long's, Don Quiote, or Time's here on Oahu! Donna's cookies was on my co-worker's list to visit before heading to Hilo. We made a stop, along the way from Kamuela on a Saturday but sad the hours of operations are M-F, 6:30 am - 2 pm. Atleast I got to see the shop and take photos, that makes and sales the famous, yummy cookies! Hope to be able to visit during the week days to grab me tons of my favorite buttery cookies straight from the source! A Must visit when you're here, but warning the cookies are very addicting!! read more

See all

We discovered Donna's Cookies over a decade ago. Although it takes about an hour drive from the Hilton resort and is the only point of interest at that spot, it is beyond worth the effort to purchase Donna's cookies from the source. The chocolate chip, and peanut butter are crispy and filled with flavor. The shortbread cookies are always a favorite too. There are many more freshly baked cookie flavors for you to discover at this small white with red trim bakery with heavenly aromas filling the air. Place this on your "must go to" Big Island adventures. Heading there this morning for the third time on this trip before flying back to the Bay Area. Best way to take the taste of Hawaii home. PS:You will love the personalized customer service. read more

Real deal operation here. Absolutely delicious. We literally smelled the deliciousness in the air, made a u-turn and followed our senses. This establishment won't disappoint. Nothing fancy.......just some people baking cookies, telling you "you'll be back," and grateful tastebuds. These are not the best cookies that I've ever had, however, their the best cookies I've ever had in Hawaii. I ordered candied sprinkles, oatmeal and macadamia (my favorite). The pricing was reasonable considering that everything else that I've purchased here has been pricey. (8-10) cookies for $5 each pack. My three packs ran me $15 even for (24-30) cookies in all. This is what happens when you Hawaii hop lol. read more

Donna's Cookies - Candied Sprinkle Cookie package $5.00 - Bakeries Near Me - Paauilo, Hawaii

Great customer service! You order from the window small packages or big jar you see in stores. Go early so you have a better chance to order all there cookies in the small bags. Faves are almond cookie, cornflake, shortbread, oatmeal raisin, shucks they are all good! read more

Donna... whoever you are, we love you. My brother and i rented a car from the Kona side of the island just to get to Donna's bakery at 6:30am and it was the best thing we did the entire time we were on the big island. I was shocked about how cheap these good quality cookies were. i was able to customize my half gallon bucket and my brother did the same.. his didn't make it to the plane cuz the family finished it lol but i kept mine sealed for the plane ride home. it's been a week and im still admiring each bite. my brother is on a mission to recreate these cookies and we hope one day she will decide to ship to california. Thank you donna & workers read more

Great cookies! I drive 40 miles yo purchase these for myself and friends on the mainland.

I love the cookies! Now I can walk across the street to Times and pick up a half gallon when the market is open.

This place is a gold mine. They are literally a small "house" on the side of the road. We stop here every time we are on the Big Island. The ladies that work in the front area packaging are so sweet and friendly. Found out they actually sell the "broken" cookies in a skippy peanut butte jar for $3.50. The pricing here is much netter than in the stores: $5.00 for a package (8 cookies). We usually get the red lid jar ($14.50) to take home. read more

Driving the northern island Hilo to Kona and we needed a snack to hold us to Waimea. Wanted a variety so she hand packed us the 4 flavors we wanted. The butter coconut was the best!!!!these shortbread cookies just melt in your mouth with flavor and buttery yum! Watching them working away packing up fresh cookies was cool. Everyone Must stop and support this wonderful local business! read more

Delicious buttery goodness cookies ! A must stop for Hawaii gifts to take home or a gift to share. Stopped by the famous Donna's cookies to pickup a fresh bucket of Almond cookies for a special gift. The location is Super easy to go to , literally on the right side off the highway ( driving into Hilo direction ) in the small town of Paauilo. The service was friendly and freshly boxed up so quickly. I highly recommend to pick up your favorite cookies here from Peanut butter cookies, shortbread, chocolate chip, coconut and more. read more

See all

This is a must if driving the Hamakua Coast. The cookies are so delicious. The service is quick and friendly. There is only a window to place your order but the smells of fresh baked cookies makes it homey even with places to sit. Lots of choices to choose from. They are all so good! read more

I haven't been to the actual store, but I recently bought my first big plastic jar of Donna's Chocolate Chip Macnut Cookies at Foodland. These cookies are a danger to my health. After that first jar, I've bought and gone through maybe four of them now (and sent some to family not living on Oahu). (And, this is in the span of.. weeks.) Why are they so good?! Do NOT try if you don't want to develop a cookie addiction. Seriously though, these cookies are crazy good. If only I could stop shoving them into my mouth!! read more

One of my great finds from Made in Hawaii Festival 2019 is @donnascookieshawaii (Their Instagram Account handle)'s Chinese Almond Cookies and Cornflakes cookies. Btw, Donna's Cookies are all the way from Hilo, Big Island and I'm glad that I've got the chance to try it. I think they also sell these at Foodland?? (not sure tho) The Almond cookie is kinda sweet, just have the right crunch to it, the rich almond flavor is there (just the way i like it) and sort of melts in your mouth. The Cornflake cookies are very crunchy and not sweet. Between the two, I prefer the Almond cookies more. Best to pair it with warm milk. Overall, It's a nice, old fashioned cookies that people like me (in these modern days) would still love! Yummy! I'm excited to try their other cookies soon! read more

See all

A great stop along the Hamakua Coast on our way to Hilo. It's a small shop (no room to walk around, just look inside) where you can see the workers busy packing up all the cookies that go out to the various businesses that sell their cookies. They are friendly and very welcoming. Also will give you samples of any of the cookies you would like to try. We purchased a bucket of assorted cookies, along with a bag of cornflake cookies. They are delish! read more

See all

Love the cookies, I don't think I have a favorite, I love them all!! And I love that's made right here in Pa'auilo

Call them before hand if you want a quantity of jars, they'll have it ready for you. Love them cookies

Surprising little stand in the middle of nowhere easy to find people are friendly and the cookies are delicious definitely worth a stop

Aloha! Donna's Cookies is a must-do while on the Big Island. They make delightfully delish cookies. From the moment I stepped out of the car, the smell of baked cookie goodness was intoxicating. Walking inside Donna's, I felt like I was in cookie heaven. There's technically not a storefront, as it's the massive kitchen, and the ladies are hard at work baking up a storm. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/BerO_0iiKM-YA4ogExo4zA?select=U1FEkcbqYg6M-ZZ3NxvNAw A friendly staffer gave us a list of the different flavors (ranging from original shortbread, peanut butter, macadamia, cornflake, chocolate chip, coconut, etc). There are different sizes (5oz bags to the large containers) for purchase. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/BerO_0iiKM-YA4ogExo4zA?select=o6J5ykcileM7gYjNVhxLuQ She was kind enough to give samples of the peanut butter. Oh Mylanta! It was super peanut buttery and so light and flaky. I decided to buy several 5oz bags to take back to family (and hoped that they didn't break en route home). My mom and I both enjoyed the cornflake cookies, as it was flavorful and buttery, with the cornflake adding that texture and extra crunch factor that I love so much. For those Filipinos, it somewhat reminded me of pinipig polvoron (but the cornflake instead of rice krispy and not as powdery). Anywho, I wish I had room in my suitcase to bring more Donna's cookies back home for all my friends to try. Oh well! Guess you'll just have make the trek to the Big Island and go get it yourself OR place your order for shipping. Why would you not want to visit paradise and try Donna's cookie heaven? Mahalo! read more

See all

Such a cute gem on the road to Kona. Located on the left hand side of the road in the Kona direction. Its as if its always been there. My mom them informed me that Donnas cookies they sell it at Longs Drugs Stores, which I never did pay attention I just eat. LOL But it was def interesting to find that fun fact out. They make everything from short bread cookies, almond cookies, but my favorite are the peanut butter cookies! They sell it in all types of ways from jars to little bags, its really your preference. Theyre a little pricey but Im sure from the random location they have to make it that much. When you walk in I was expecting to walk into a little area with a cash register a long with a little asian lady waiting to ring me up. But its a huge kitchen and I guess which ever co-worker that has the responsibility to handle the money does that. A good place to stop by and get some goodies to bring back to the family though! Its cash only which isnt suprising. Theres a bathroom too and a good amount of parking for a random little business establishment on the side of the road driving to Kona. :) read more

See all

Have you tried these cookies????!!!! I mean, man, if you haven't, you've got to try these cookies!!! Let me preface this by saying I am a cookie aficionado! I live, breathe, drink, eat and look like cookies! I would rather eat cookies than have sex...? No wait, damn auto-correct! What I meant to say is these cookies are as good as sex...! Well, not quite as good, but a damn good substitution when I'm not getting any!!! Damn, just realized Ive been eating a lot of cookies lately! Ahem! Donna's cookies have been around for many years and originate from the Big Island. Their store is located in Paauilo, on the road to Waimea (if you're coming from Hilo) and vice-Versa. That's if you go the Hamakua Way, not Saddle Road! If you drive early enough when they're baking, all you'll smell as you approach is the scent of baking cookies! I wish they would bottle that smell and sell it as air fresheners, deodorant, breath spray or fart diminishers! Although they retail out of their store, Donna's cookies can also be found in local stores, including KTA, and Longs, along with Cash and Carry (a.k.a. Island Grocery Depot) and TJ's warehouse on Maui. Not sure about Oahu, but I think I've seen them there also. They sell little packages with about 8-10 cookies in them or the 21 ounce containers with the red lids, which holds about 40 cookies! They have macadamia nut, candy sprinkles, Chinese almond cookies, chocolate chip and other favorites. Their shortbread style cookies are TO DIE FOR!!! I mean TO DIE FOR!!! These are by far the best cookies around and you can TAKE THAT TO THE BANK! And, I know I've mail ordered before by calling and giving them my credit card number. Small risk of some of the cookies breaking, but a risk worth taking, nonetheless! And I order them in the gallon containers, cause I would rather GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!! Donna's cookies or sex, Donna's cookies or sex...Donna's cookies or.... read more

I'm writing this review in the hopes of not only helping to support local businesses but also to show how excellent customer service goes a long way. I live on O'ahu and frequent Times Supermarket in Honolulu. They sell Donnas Cookies there and I will often grab a jar of the chocolate chip cookies. Often, I would bring them home to find some of the cookies broken which I didn't mind because the cookies are too good to pass up, until last month. As usual I purchased a jar and by looking through the clear container the cookies all seemed to be in tact. Much to my dismay, when I opened the jar, it was crumbs, literally 85% of the cookies weren't whole and just small pieces. Livid, I went to their website and wrote a heated email demanding compensation. The following day, I called them directly and asked to speak with a manager. Chet Kamimura took my call and apologized ad nauseam for letting me down and disappointing me. He explained that their business does their best to guarantee quality and quantity, adding that they do not use preservatives in their product which would help to keep the cookie whole. He explained, "when the product leaves our stores, we do our best to pack as many cookies in to the jar (whole) but during shipment, the products may fall causing the cookies to break inside..." Feeling like a heel for my e-mail, I didn't want to ask for anything as I now understood their position and, Chet was right...there's just no way to guarantee the cookies wouldn't break during transport and handling. But, what he did next made me a customer for life. He took down my full name and address and hand packed not one but TWO JARS of the assorted cookies and shipped them to me complete with a "FRAGILE HANDLE WITH CARE" sticker on the box. I wasn't expecting the two jars, much less the personalized apology and his sincere attention to making it up to me. In Hawaiian, there is a word which often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. The word is "MAHALO" and while many will flippantly use the word, Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier so eloquently phrased it like this. Mahalo, in its essence means it is because of you and what you have done for me that I am in a state of gratitude....that my whole being is grateful. So to YOU, Mr Kamimura, I say MAHALO PIHA....I am filled with gratitude for what you have done. You've made me a customer for life. So to anyone who is looking to support a local business, trust and know that Donnas Cookies is truly worth the investment. read more

Hello everyone, i just wanted to mention that Donnas cookies was sold in 2008. The cookies shop was never inhereit by the "son"as previously mention in a comment. It was first own by Donna and her husband, then her parents took ownership as Donna moved on. As they got older,it became hard for them,so in 2008 they sold it. read more

This is always a go to spot when we visit the Big Island. The ladies are always friendly... share samples...and happy to custom pack whatever your choice is. There are so many choices of cookies but peanut butter is my favorite. Definitely stop by when you are there! read more

Donna's cookies are buttery and delicious but I agree with Jasmine's post. So sad that this company has the worst customer service. Locals are very loyal to companies who produce products that they have grown up with but there are other companies on the Big Island that I can be loyal to that provide delicious cookies and excellent customer service. Aloha goes a long way! read more

They make the best almond cookies I've tasted a long time. It brings me back to buying the almond cookie at the crack seed store in the jar or at Chun's Store Haleiwa at the register or Sagara's Waialua back in the early 70s. I pray they will start shipping for all the lahui on this big,big island Florid. God bless Donna's for being the Best ever. Praying for favor and overflow read more

Donna's Cookies - Donna's Almond Cookies, ready for Prayer time with Dawn O'Brien - Bakeries Near Me - Paauilo, Hawaii

We travel all over in Hawaii looking for these Delicious "ONO" Cookies!! We went to their shop and asked them to send these cookies to the Mainland! The owner said they Can't! :( read more

Donna's Cookies has been a household name for many, especially those of us residing on the Big Island. During a recent purchase, I encountered the "son", who was obnoxious, entitled and had the customer services skills of a gnat. Perhaps, he should take a few classes on Marketing. He's fortunate that he "inherited" an all ready established business, which requires him to do most "nothing". It's the cookies that sell. Humility runs through the veins of our island. He has absolutely none. read more

We stumbled upon Donnas cookies as we drove through the town. The car in front of us pulled off the highway to stop there so we decided to as well! It's a very small shop, in fact you walk in to their assembly line of packaging cookies! They offered us a shortbread cookie that was DELICIOUS! We decided to go with Chocolate chip cookies though. She quickly grabbed us a package and we were in our way. Perfect little tasty treat to enjoy with milk. I want to go back and try their other flavors! read more

Donna's Cookies - Bakeries Near Me - Paauilo, Hawaii

A very small shop offering various types of cookies, all homemade. Relatively cheap, we got about 20 small cookies for $9. The cookies are delicious and they gave us several free samples; they're very generous! I would definitely recommend if you're in the area. read more