Whats not to love about this place? Giftable, yummy cookies, candies and the limited edition kulolo mochi brownies. Beautifully boxed-perfect for gifting. And 5 star service- so helpful, knowledgeable and so many lovelies in green ready to assist..shout out to Lynn for all the help and cookie gifting advice! read more

We popped into the Big Island Candies shop at Ala Moana looking for a particular cookie Mark Y loves. They didn't have it . No idea if they still make it. They clearly make plenty of other cookies. And they have really gorgeous packaging. Definitely not cheap. There was a woman near the door offering samples of coconut white chocolate bark to everyone...except us. Super rude to us when we asked her for a sample. That was the impetus for me to leave without buying a thing. Doubt I will ever go back. read more

I mainly like this place for the Harumi cookies that they sell. Usually very popular and sold out I personally love the coffee cookies but the salted ones are just as delicious. I gave these as gifts to my supervisor from the mainland and he loved them so much. Definitely a great product from here to share as a gift. Another standout item I love is that Big Island Crunch Bar. That stuff is so dangerously delicious... I could eat multiples of that stuff bruh... LOL I also enjoy the free samples slay LOL read more

Love this place! Anytime I come to Honolulu, I make it a point to stop in a stock up on their goodies. The team are all so friendly and helpful. read more

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. read more

Big Island Candies - Neat display - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Any time I need gift for out of state or foreigners this is one of my first stops. I love their designer boxes which change almost monthly. And the price range is wide so you are most likely guaranteed to find something for the person(s) you are gifting. I almost never buy any for myself because we are sure to get many boxes during the holidays and periodically throughout the year. The only thing I almost always buy for myself (and sometimes for gifts) is the candy bars. But they are expensive (usually $17 for 3 bars). The store isn't as large as the Hilo store but has all the same items. It is also bright and clean with boxes displayed artistically. And checkout is a breeze, they will monitor the line and will open cashier stands as appropriate. Always ask for the punchcard because when it is filled you will get $5 off your purchase. And don't forget about the samples. read more

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.... read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Big Island Candies - Don't forget the cookies! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My favorite place to get the seasonal Red Velvet Cheesecake and Milk Brownies! The store is constantly busy but the staff is amazing at keeping the store clean and tidy. The shelf's are always stocked and everyone is eager to help you find what you're looking for. Big Island Candies is the pinnacle of the Aloha standard, a great place to also visit is their workshop in Hilo! read more

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! read more

Big Island Candies - 2025 Valentine's Day - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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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 read more

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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 read more

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

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

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The treats are delicious. Service is outstanding. They are all willing to help and so very nice. The ambiance in the store is great. It makes you want to buy more. ;) read more

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. read more

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One of my friends recommended this shop, so we checked it out. It's located at Ala Moana Shopping Center and was a bit hard to find. At first, I didn't really see anything interesting, but entered a giveway and didn't win LOL. After inspecting the prize, I decided to buy the dark chocolate macadamia nut trio. It comes with crunch, rocky road, and crunchies! The crunchies is one of their specialties and has kettle chips inside! This was definitely unique- I liked the combination of sweet and salty! I loved getting the variety pack and will definitely come here every time I make a trip to Hawaii! read more

Big Island Candies - Trio of crunch, rocky road, and crunchies - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Great place to pick up omiyage for family and friends. Or even a snack for you! Cheerful greeters at the door offering you samples of the goodies BIC make in Hilo, HI. Well organized stocking of products in store. Lots of informational signage explaining each item. I love the peanut butter brownies and more. Great place to support local. No pictures today. : ( read more

We lone free sample as you walk in. Clean store and staff is friendly. Everything is in order. And presented well. Don't forget to use your punch card for free stuff . Cooks are well packaged and are outstanding and there are special cookies so really ask the staff or get to know your special flavors. read more

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

I love their stuff it's just so pricey. Need to keep in mind that you get what you pay for... My favorites are the Lemon Brownie and Grandmas Tea Cookie. read more

Stopped to pick up a father's day present and we found the perfect one. Tried a sample at the door and decided the lemon cookies would probably be the best with our father's day celebrations. We got a gift box of the lemon shortbread cookies. Delicious! Jake n kev read more

I've enjoyed Big Island Candies for many years, especially their chocolate dipped shortbread cookies. This was my first time stepping into a store though and was surprised to see all the varieties of treats available! I was on a mission to purchase a specific 'gift box' that someone had sent my team as a thank you gift. The print on this box was exquisite and caught my eye. It was made into a drawer that you could slide open and find them filled with a variety of brownies and cookies. I was happy to find the box right away! It was a little pricey ~$30-35, but I really wanted the box. Lol. The brownies are absolutely delicious and of course, the chocolate dipped shortbread cookies are a must! I also bought a separate box of brownies and gosh, I demolished those brownies way too fast. They had so many different varieties, but glad I went with the milk chocolate. Delicious! While I do enjoy their treats and they make for great gifts, it can get pricey. $18 for a box of brownies... So divine though! Haha. read more

Service went very well. I was looking for gifts when I was approached by Kathy. She walked me straight to what I ended up purchasing. I shop here everytime I visit Oahu. This is the first time a sales person was so engaging. Everyone has been nice. No complaint thete. Not all knew the products as well as Kathy. Another sweet experience at Big Island Candies. read more

This is my go to spot when I bring my gifts to my mainland friends and colleagues. Especially during Christmas time, boxes are beautifully wrapped and impressive! Not only that, these cookies are to die for. I remember eating them as a kid when my family would mail it to us in Japan. If you spend over $100, you get $5 off which was a nice plus. I easily spent over $150 but I bought a variety of 6 boxes so I was happy. Line wrapped all around the store to pay. Workers were hustling and had the line moving along pretty quickly so it was a great experience! read more

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Came across a Big Island Candies Apple Pie at Foodland oahu - i normally dont blow over $30 on a pie but ive heard so much about it and since its Christmas i decided to splurge as my taste buds were demanding the pie - and im very happy i did! This pie is very delicious! Yummy and tasteful with the buttery crust! Full of apples too! I do not regret the splurge at all and will prolly make it a habit to get this pie more often! read more

Big Island Candies - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I came here a few times to buy different food souvenirs and they have various free samples every day. All of the shortbreads and brownies have the perfect texture. The Harumi salt cookies are insanely delicious (while the Kona coffee version is just okay IMO) so definitely recommend that if it's still available. The mika chocolates have an incredible and luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture too (the macadamia honey blossom version in particular). read more

Big Island Candies is my favorite confectionery shop! It was originally in Hilo, Hawaii, where you're able to shop their factory. I'm so happy they brought it to Oahu. My favorite items to purchase are the season boxes with the different flavors. They have the most nicest decorative boxes, for gifts, or a gift for yourself! The store features shortbread cookies, brownies, chocolate bars and much more! You're greeted with samples as soon as you walk in. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I love the shortbread cookies, salted brownies, and chocolate covered cuttlefish. They have unique flavors tailored to Hawaii's natural fruits, which I love! Don't forget to grab a stamp card, and receive $5.00 off your next purchase! Happy Eats read more

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Need snacks for yourself or to give to others? Come to Big Island Candies in Ala Moana on the ground floor, close to the main stage. If you're already a fan and can't get to their factory in Hilo, then this is your best bet. The shopping center has tons of free parking, but park anywhere and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells??? They are known for their chocolate dipped, short bread cookies, but they do have more than just those. Their main items are cookies, chocolates, brownies, biscottis and mandu, that come in many different flavors and quantities. I love anything dark chocolate, so I'm always looking for those when I go. Samples for some items are available, but not all, so if you're curious about something, maybe ask if they have a sample that you don't see. The shop is kinda a pop-up shop but they've been here for some time now and they have many of the favorite's in-stock. If you don't see any on the displays ask them, and they might have more in the back. Don't forget to grab a basket when you enter... a few items might turn into many... till my next visit... Grind On, Pau! read more

Very nice works and place. Recommend if visiting and almost spent so much money here. Might go back before I leave and spend that Much. Delicious sweets. Service was great and got the help needed when I was confused. read more

Big Island Candies - Koi fish trifold box - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Lately have been buying gifts from The Big Island Candies. They have so many new varieties of cookies, snacks, and candies that you can always find something new to give to that someone special. I'm so glad they have a store here on Oahu, so we can enjoy their famous dipped cookies which I love . The cookies are so fresh, light, & crunchy. The plain ones are so good too. It doesn't have the commercialized taste. Everything here is so good from crunchy chocolate bars, brownies, salted butter cookies, biscotti bites, chocolate corn chip bars, gift set and more! They have an incentive loyalty/reward punch card. If you need a bag for your purchase, on your first reusable bag is $0.15/bag and after is $1/bag. You can purchase a insulated bag or use your filled card for that bag or $5 off your next purchase. Their website price may be a dollar or so less than the retail store at Ala Moana due to shipping. Mailing gifts through their website will be sent straight from the Hilo factory store. Just keeping the cookies cool and not melted at home can he a challenge, since it's been so hot these days! Everyone seem to enjoy receiving these cookies/products the from Big Island Candies ! Thanks for reading my review! =) read more

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It was a great day in Honolulu when Big Island Candies decided to open up in Honolulu. For so many years, the only way you could get those delicious treats would be if: 1) you knew someone was going to visit Hilo, 2) you knew someone who had family in Hilo. 3) you, yourself were taking a trip to Hilo. Known for their delicious candy treats, dipped cookies and specialty items- there are items you can't get through mail order, there are items which require you to purchase at the store. There are items you can only get at the Hilo store. One such item used to be the chocolate-covered dried squid. Sound unappetizing? Gotta try it- surprisingly good. Their dipped cookies are great but their biscotti has become a favorite for us, with the dark chocolate swirl. Don't forget- biscotti is made to be dipped into a drink and softened, or you run the risk of a visit to the dentist :). Located ground level near center stage area. read more

Big Island Candies - Nice packaging- mmmm delicious biscotti - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Big Island Candies is located on the ground floor of Ala Moana Center by center stage. It's the perfect place to purchase omiyage when traveling to visit friends/family/clients. They offer a variety of shortbread cookies and some other local snacks. I come almost every time right before I'm about to travel to pick up boxes of their Macadamia Nut Shortbread Assorted Combo (Original, Milk Dipped and Dark Dipped). This is my personal box of choice for a gift. So far we haven't had any complaints from friends, clients and family. Customer service is always friendly and they offer samples so you can try items they offer. Keep in mind that they are extremely busy during the holidays but the line moves relatively quickly. Don't forget to get a stamp card! You can get $5 off your next purchase after you fill one up. If you forget yours, start a new one and they can consolidate them for you at a future visit. Great and convenient store to buy gifts or a snack for yourself. Tip - DO NOT put them in your check in luggage. The cookies can arrived damaged during transit. Pack them in your carryon luggage. read more

Back when I had to travel to Hilo on a regular basis for work, one of my favorite stops was to pick up some omiyage at Big Island Candies (BIC) not a mile away from the airport. Since 2013, BIC set up a small shop in Ala Moana Shopping Center on Oahu. Conveniently located on the mauka side of the center of Ala Moana SC on the ground floor, BIC is easy to get too. It's not a big shop, but they have a good assortment of BIC's famous shortbread cookies & brownies- even their infamous chocolate dipped cuttlefish! One of the great things about BIC- they're constantly rotating, trying out new flavors, and launching seasonal promotions. One of my favorites is tied to the Chinese New Year, when they have a almond-flavored version of their famous shortbread cookies, they're ono-licious! Last time I was in BIC, they had a new flavor to me, their taro shortbread- can't wait to taste that one! One last thing, BIC has a frequent shopper program. $5 in purchases get you one punch on your card. When you have $100 in purchases (20 punches) you get $5 off your next purchase or a very nice BIC-themed cooler bag. Perfect for my sister who will be visiting in a couple of weeks and always lugs back Hawaiian goodies and omiyage back to Seattle! Taste, convenience, and the fact that they make a great omiyage are the reasons why I enjoy visiting BIC! Definitely will recommend & repeat! #supportlocal! read more

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Service is once again to notch. My wife heard about their new limited edition white chocolate dipped almond cookies.( Just in time for Chinese New Year). These. cookies were delicious. The almond cookies are dipped in a rich but not to sweet white chocolates. The beautifully wrapped box we bought had both plain and white chocolate dipped cookies. Get some and enjoy. read more

Big Island Candies - Gift wrapped box - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Yesterday we came to this Ala Moana location and purchased a variety of brownie gift boxes. One of the boxes was an assorted brownies box and upon biting into the very first one we picked, an individually sealed chocolate-covered brownie, a hair was revealed to be stuck inside of it. Needless to say, we were surprised. The hair was firmly stuck and baked in, it could not be picked out and removed by hand, and was sure to have fallen in during the production process. It was fully embedded and could not have come from any of us. This raises concerns about food safety, especially with COVID concerns and the current situation in Hawaii. Hopefully we don't get sick from this but take this as a warning to check all your good fully before eating any of them. It's a shame too as the brownies actually are pretty good, we've had them before on the big island, and the staff and store are also really nice. read more

Big Island Candies - Hair baked into the brownie. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If you're visiting from the mainland, don't leave with just one box, buy a couple of boxes. The cookies are flavorful and moist. Each cookie in the box is individually packaged, great way to share during these uncertain times. If I had to pick between Big Island Candies and Honolulu cookie company, I'd go with Big Island candies. Since Honolulu cookies feel too dry for my taste. Go with their classic short bread cookie. Once you start eating, just tell yourself it's zero calories. Haha Service was very friendly and helpful. My brother and sister accompanied me and they enjoyed their cookies too read more

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