Bigger of an operation now compared to back when I was growing up in Hilo. But they have always…read morekept the fact that you can walk in and see the workers hand dipping cookies and whatnot. They've not changed much besides having newer items here and there. They've classic chocolate dipped shortbread cookies are always a winner. Best part about visiting is that you get samples of their products if you just ask kindly! The staff are always so friendly and helpful. I wish they would bring back the Peanut Butter Crunch Bars!

Make sure to check this place out if you're in the area! We stopped by around 8:30 AM and honestly…read moreweren't even sure it was open at first--the building looks pretty dark from the outside because of the tint. But as soon as we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the wonderful staff, and the whole vibe completely changed. Inside, the space is bright, inviting, and thoughtfully set up. We were offered samples of their Kona coffee along with a couple of treats of the day, which was such a nice touch. As you walk around, you can actually watch them making their delicious goodies, which makes the experience even more fun and tempting. The shop was beautifully decorated for the upcoming Easter holiday, and they also had some really lovely gift boxes--perfect if you're looking to bring something home for family or friends. There's also a small area where you can grab drinks (and possibly ice cream too). I ordered a green tea latte, and it was absolutely wonderful. Overall, such a cozy, welcoming spot with great treats and friendly service. Definitely worth stopping by--whether you're craving something sweet or looking to pick up a thoughtful gift!

The sweetest candy shop, located on the main street in downtown Hilo! Gummies, chocolates, taffy,…read moreBig League Chew (hello nostalgia!), and so much more...there's something to satisfy every sweet tooth. I went in with one mission: to find the elusive (and discontinued?) Peach Penguin gummies. Does anyone know these? I've not had them but a friend who grew up in the Bay Area raves about them, so it's my mission to find them (other than on the internet). It's not surprising that we didn't find them, but we did find every other gummy candy under the sun, including gummy peaches and sharks. It was still so fun to look at all the sweet eye candy. If you're visiting Hilo and searching for a sweet treat, definitely check out Sugar Coast Candy!

We have traveled to 3 countries looking for these and unexpectedly found a Wonka bar in Hawaii!…read moreThis made our trip! They have a wide variety of nostalgic candy along with local picks and gourmet options. Service was great, store was very clean and quality of chocolates was on point.

Owner Carla my New Angle. My 80 yr old Sister and I were on Vacation on the Cruise ship recently…read moreand got lost walking in Hilo during there big parade. Carl was getting gas as I walked up to ask where we were and how to get back she handed me a Cookie from a box on the front seat and took the time out of her day to take us back to the Cruise Ship. I live in California and I don't think anyone would go out of their way like this Angel did. We made it back to the Ship and home safe and I will keep the cookie in my Curio Cabinet to remind me how Carla and the Hawaiian people are so thoughtful. Aloha AL Pedrani-Rio Vista, CA.

Sure, they are very similar to Big Island Candies in ways, but yet they have their own specialty…read moreproducts which I enjoy. The gift shop in Hilo is small, but easy to navigate and purchase. Great place for gifts! Who else makes heart-shaped arare?!

I'm really glad I checked, the day I had planned to visit the shop downtown, what time they closed,…read moreand I'm glad I checked at 2:45, since the answer is: 3. I'm also glad I happened to be a couple blocks away at that time, cause it would've stunk if I'd missed out! They have a whole range of great chocolates, from 55-90 percent that were all great, a fantastic matcha chocolate, great dried fruit chocolates, and one very good, *very* spicy dark chocolate (I loved it enough to buy a bar, but much more so than most pepper chocolates I've had, it does *not* play around.) Definitely also loved that they had samples of basically everything they sell. Also loved, we learned, it was actually the chocolatier himself running the shop when we were there, so all our questions were being answered directly from the source. It also worked out in that they didn't actually *have* any bars of the spicy chocolate out, as he'd just made a new batch and hadn't packaged them yet, so when he learned we were leaving the next day, he pressed one for me right then and there! How's that for great service?

So glad we stumbled upon this little gem during our travels! The owners were so friendly and all…read morethe samples were delicious. Since it was hot and we were traveling by car, we opted for the cacao nibs and THEY ARE INCREDIBLE. We had them on ice cream paired with molten lava cake and I'm still thinking (drooling) about it. Lots of options for gifts and the staff will make great recommendations.

Puna Chocolate Company is one of my favorite local chocolate artisan shops, conveniently located in…read moreDowntown Hilo. Since my time away, they have beautifully renovated the interior to have a sit-down booth area. I love the abundance of nene decor honoring our state bird, along with high quality chocolates made in Hawaii. The store clerk was very knowledgeable and described how each cultivars of chocolate differ in their taste profiles. We had the horchata 50% milk chocolate bar, and I don't have a picture because we devoured it in one sitting! Overall, Puna Chocolate Co. is an elegant, delightful, and elevated experience that rivals big names like Big Island Candies and Dandelion Chocolates in San Francisco. Highly recommend in stopping by!

I stopped by Puna Chocolate Company for an afternoon coffee and ordered an espresso. It wasn't…read moreterribly busy in the store so my drink was prepared in minutes. The espresso was strong, not overwhelmingly bitter, and had a good consistency to it. While sitting at the bar, I noticed that they had a Day Drink menu with a bunch of coffee and chocolate cocktails, including an espresso martini and a cacao old fashioned. For $14 and $13 respectively, these seemed like very reasonable prices. Definitely something I'll check out on my next visit. On the right side of the store is a gift shop, while the left side has a bunch of seating for patrons. I noticed there were a few people here with their laptops out, so I can only assume it's also a good place to work as well. The store seemed pretty quiet, street parking outside was easy, and the staff I interacted with here was friendly. Puna Chocolate Company is a good rest spot to stop by to escape from the busyness of Downtown Hilo.

I wanted to try their Filipino Adobo Jerky and it was very very dry. I wouldn't recommend it.read more

There are so many items to choose from! I enjoyed looking at all the different jerky choices and…read moresnacks. I will have to come back.

Everything is amazing! Parking - awesome…read moreStaff - super friendly Food - omg, delish And while you wait, browse the crack seed area and buy some snacks! Love this place!!!

Crack seed. For us…read morelocals in Hawai'i, these snacks were childhood staples. The crack seed store, a classic place where vibes of nostalgia are generated every time I walk into one. 'Cause I grew-up with li hing mui and arare. There's a small number of locally-owned crack seed shops on the Big Island of Hawai'i and in Hawai'i in general. This is one of them, the "local-style candy store" for an island boy like me. I enter 5-Spice, located in East Hawai'i after the intersection of Kilauea Ave and W Puainako St, heading south. I remember frequenting this business when it used to be at Puainako Town Center. Their popularity over the years gave them the ability to move to a larger space. Now independently located in their own building with ample parking. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Would I be able to control myself, holding onto what's desired without adding anything extra? It's always impossible for me to do so. Everytime. Yummy preserved items in large display jars, others placed in vacuum sealed bags. All priced by-the-ounce. I become curious, wanting to taste it again. I go to my favorites, seeking them first while browsing through the visual display of many others. Cracked seed goodness on one side, bagged candies and sweets on the other. I've seen this all before yet, I stand still with the desire to place it all in my hands. And I sure do, my hands are full. I mail them to the U.S. mainland in care packages, travel to the neighbor-islands as omiyage, and personally enjoy them at work or at home as snacks. They make great gifts for friends and coworkers too. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Let's talk about food, where mouth-watering plates and yummy burgers are prepared. Bentos are packed to-go on the countertop. Offering an extensive menu for a take-out, all made to enjoy outside on picnic tables or elsewhere. Daily specials are available along with catering + platters too. Front service by the team at the counter is pleasant, attentive. Gratitude is always extended for every purchase. Comfortable, courteous, welcoming. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Meat Jun Plate" A light egg batter and thinly sliced beef served in an upscale fashion due to care in preparation and quality of flavor. The soft and indulgent texture of each meat jun piece, perfectly seasoned + cooked. Your choice of tossed greens, purple sweet potato or macaroni salad. "Honey Chicken Plate" Featuring a crazy yummy sweet and savory glaze, sticky and glossy. This sauce, this recipe creation is glorious. Chicken pieces are tender yet slightly crispy on the exterior. "Bibimbap" Freshly made Korean banchan, thinly sliced seasoned beef over white rice. I pour the gochujang over everything and mix-in the sunny side egg, bringing forward a creamy texture along with heat + depth. Choose the sweet potato salad as your side. "Gravy Burger Combo w/ French Fries" This massive burger patty is filling, satisfying. Charred and smothered in rich brown gravy served with lettuce and mayo. Choose the sweet bread bun, the seasoned salt on their fries makes all the difference. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Delicious food to-go with generous portions, sealed bags of cracked seed items + sweet treats at 5-Spice. For enjoyment at home, to share at work, gifts or omiyage. Find this charm, this unique and tasty experience on the Big Island of Hawai'i - East side. Locally owned and operated.

Great selection. Helpful staff and convenient location (tho parking lot is a little tight). They…read moreoffer shipping and can help with packing for traveling as well. They have a variety of flavors for kettle, taro, sweet potato or mix chips. Not just about the kettle cooked potato chips of my childhood. Loved the Hawaiian Chili Pepper Taro Chips.

The TARO chips!!!…read more The cashier was amazing. So welcoming and knowledgeable. They have a rewards program (stamp card). Beware of the samples!!! You will buy more than you can carry. Thankfully they offer free shipping for orders more than $80.00 Side Note- The slightly burnt chips are amazing as poke nachos.

Small mom and pop shop with excellent offerings. Enjoyed the blueberry and lychee energy bars!read more

Amazing customer service yummy snacks , great beef jerky in a lot flavors Also great prime rib ,…read moreand seafood options .

Great place to try some free macadamia nuts!…read more I didn't realize how many flavors of macadamia nuts were available. The staff was super friendly and generous on giving away samples. Nice tour of the factory, gift shop and small eating area. The back has a nice wildlife sanctuary.

Everybody knows the infamous blue box of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut…read more While this blue box might not be as expensive as Tiffany's, your recipient will be just as thrilled receiving this box. Mauna Loa is a premier Hawaiian brand famous for pairing dry-roasted macadamia nuts with rich chocolates. Founded in 1949 and based on the Big Island of Hawaii beneath its namesake volcano, the company is now owned by Hawaiian Host, Inc. Come here, buy some chocolates, do a tour, have some samples, and have fun.