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!

I was quite impressed with the operation they have going at Big Island Candies…read more This place is incredible! They offer a large variety of candies that are made right there in the store. You can watch the hard workers diligently making fresh and delicious candies! The store is full of different types of candies wrapped nicely that make the perfect 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.

I love their energy bars and go often for them. So I was glad to know that I could reserve them…read moreahead of time for the holidays. The Staff is always friendly and helpful. They give more individual aloha to you then Big Island Candies.

I love Bruddah pops and usually purchase them from Cafe Kalawe in Kaneohe. Bruddah pops are frozen…read morejuice bars with lihing mui frozen inside and come in various flavors. Since we were in Hilo I wanted to find J & R's to buy the bruddah pops for omiyage. It was hard to find at first because the store was renamed Full 9 yards, but my wife spotted the Bruddah pops sign in the window. Great place to buy omiyage. You can buy the pops frozen or defrosted, but if you are planning to buy them and take them on a plane they recommend buying them frozen which we did. My new favorite flavor is cherry which I never find on Oahu. I am slowly making a list of omiyage from Hilo for my next visit and I am sure to stop by Full 9 Yards again. They are located in the same parking lot as Hawaiian Style Cafe and there is plenty of free parking.

R&J Lollipop's and things are far more than our favorite bruddah pops. They have a large variety of…read morelocally made hand crafted items, large selection of Hello Kitty items, Baby, Hawaiian and Sports items. Not to mention holiday themed gifts. Its always fun and the staff are top notched!! Their prices are also hard to beat!!!

Loved this shop! Located in the Ali'i Gardens Marketplace, this little shop sells yummy treats that…read moreare local from Hawaii! We stepped in and were greeted immediately and offered samples of several items, including the Hamakua Toffee, apple banana, furikake rice crispies and white chocolate with cacao nibs. Everything was delicious and we ended up purchasing several items. Great customer service and a nice spot to pick up some local, tasty gifts for friends and family (or yourself hehe).

Great mix of products! Hawaiian made and delicious!…read more It's only been open for a few weeks so this was a cool new find. I see I get to be the first to review! Every product in Yay! Candy has a story of local history behind it that the store owners/operators are happy to share. They are very local focused and said they have a very strict policy to only carry products from Hawaiian companies. The owners said they seek out vendors where everything is made on one of the islands and ingredients are source locally when possible. Fair trade when not. So no cheep imports here. We checked a few and couldn't find anything that didn't meet this criteria. The store is ran by a super sweet couple that reminds me of my grandparents and make you feel super welcome when you come in. They have a bit of a sense of humor about their store as well it seems. They have a secret dentist discount. So all you dentist with a sweet tooth, we found your spot. Samples! They have samples available for most products. So if you're unsure you can probably try it, but be warned if you sample it you will want to buy it. Chocoholics be warned! I saw over half a dozen local grown and made "bean to bar" as they say, chocolate crafters on their shelves and each with multiple options. Farm to table tarts. And a wall of small farm macadamia nuts options, including chocolate covered varieties, and the best friggin toffee I've ever tried. Lilikoi, Li hing, coconut options in everything. Even organic cotton Candy?? My new favorite candy store! The only negative is I don't live on the island, so I have to wait for my next visit to get my next fix.

Love this little locally owned shop. Great snacks and drinks. Perfect place for locals to get all…read morethe food they love and great place for tourists to try new unique food and to buy snacks to take back as souvenirs.

My favorite! Every trip to the big island I buy several packages. Made with only fresh…read moreingredients.

One of the best discoveries! She was so nice and friendly and the cookies were delicious. This will…read morebe a must stop on future trips.

Stopped in after we visited the falls, and it was just one guy working. He was busy restocking and…read morepackaging. We bought one bag and it was the best toffee we've had!! The shop is really open and they have a cool 3D diorama of the town inside.

Stopped in with the family and picked up a bag of toffee. It was delicious. The vibe felt a little…read moreoff when we arrived, but I later heard from the owner and she was incredibly kind and thoughtful in explaining the situation. It is a small family run business and you can tell they really care. Looking forward to stopping by again next time we are in town. Honestly, it was all made up for with the amazing toffee, probably some of the best I have ever had.

Pāhoa Fresh Fish is pure joy on a plate. If you know, you…read moreknow. Pāhoa Fresh Fish is one of those places that instantly puts you in a better mood before you even take a bite. The fish is consistently fresh, perfectly cooked, and incredibly ono, especially the mahi, which somehow manages to be tender, flavorful, and satisfying every single time. What really sets this place apart is the unique way they prepare the fish. It's simple, honest, and done right no gimmicks, just skill, care, and respect for good ingredients. You can taste the experience and the love in every bite. This is the kind of food that makes you stop talking for a second because you're too busy enjoying it. And let's talk about the French fries, because they deserve their own shout-out. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly seasoned absolute comfort food perfection. Paired with the fish, it's a combo that never misses. The vibe at Pāhoa Fresh Fish is just as good as the food. It's friendly, down-to-earth, welcoming, and full of aloha. The people working there are kind, relaxed, and genuinely happy to see you. It feels like a place made for the community, not just another stop to grab food. This spot creates a lot of happy, happy people. You see it in the smiles, the satisfied silence at the tables, and the way folks keep coming back again and again. We're incredibly lucky to have a place like this in our town a place that feeds people well, lifts spirits, and brings a little extra joy into everyday life. Mahalo nui loa to Pāhoa Fresh Fish for the amazing food, the good vibes, and all the full bellies and happy hearts you've given our community. Mahalo KAPONO JIM

The service is quick, and friendly, I liked that you can pick more than one kind of fish in your…read moreorder. The fries are a nice side and their slaw was delicious. There's limited seating. We didn't try the desserts but a local "Lava Punch" of ginger and tumeric was awesome.