Founded in Hilo in 1977, this candy maker is best known for milk chocolate-dipped macadamia nut shortbread. It uses Big Island macadamia nuts and 100% Kona and Kaʻū coffee, and on weekdays big windows look onto the factory floor.
Why we love it
This is the classic Hilo omiyage (gift) run. Watch the shortbread get dipped, then stock up for everyone back home.
What to expect
The Hilo flagship on Hinano Street is a combined factory and retail shop, with a glass window that looks from the store onto the production floor. Greeters meet visitors at the door with free samples, and there’s a free cup of Kona coffee to sip while you browse and watch. Overhead signs explain each step of the process going on behind the glass. Shelves hold cookies, chocolates, and confections in gift packaging, ready for omiyage. It’s a quick stop, not a half-day outing. Unlike Hilo’s farms and gardens, the draw here is watching a working confectionery dip and pack its sweets up close.
Know before you go
- Factory viewing
- Production is visible Monday through Friday, 9am to 3:45pm, except holidays. The store itself is open daily, 8:30am to 5pm.
- What to buy
- The signature is milk chocolate–dipped macadamia nut shortbread. The shop also sells cookies, chocolates, and confections made with Big Island macadamia nuts and 100% Kona and Kaʻū coffee.
- Crowds
- Many local bus tour companies stop here, so the shop can get crowded at times.
- Heat
- Milk chocolate pieces can melt in a parked rental car, so make this your last stop or bring a cooler bag.
- Payment
- Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, and Discover are accepted. Call (808) 935-8890 with questions.
Illustrative photo — not taken at Big Island Candies.
Photo: Yuika Takamura via Unsplash
