I too grew up with Kays but was disappointed to taste heavy aspartame odd sweetness in the "salty seed". Used to be only salt on that buggah. My bad, I should have asked for a taster before I bought a whole resealed bag. Still giving it 5 stars though because they give it their best. read more

I'm so glad crackseed places still exist - per description from the owner, it's been open for 42 years. My mouth is just watering thinking of all the yummy goodness, and I did find a lot of good stuff in here. The only think that this place fell victim to is the stupid tips option when you go to check out on the tablet. Everytime I choose "no tip" I feel like a jerk, but seriously, tip for every freaking thing? Ridiculous! But seriously, if you want super yummy, delicious crack seed, come here! Some of the best! TIP OPTIONAL. read more

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Truth be told, I didn't even come here to get snacks. I'm on a Labubu craze and that's why I came here. They only have authentic ones and don't sell Lafufus. They had Labubus from series 1-3, which is all at this point. I wanted one from series 2, Have a Seat $50. I opened my blind box and got Zizi. I'm happy with that. Pop Mart featured her on one of their reels sunning on the beach. I did end up getting snacks while I was there. I got a medium strawberry Icee $3.80 with li hing powder $0.95. It was so good. It hit the spot on this hot day. I also purchased a bag of li hing pineapples $4. That was pretty good also. The two ladies working there were really nice. They entered me into a drawing to win a free Labubu. You get an entry with every Labubu purchased. Have your fingers crossed for me. read more

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@fortunefoodfinds: "What's CRACKin'?! Picked up a variety of snacks from Kay's crackseed in Manoa. Melon Dream Icee float, haw flakes, super sweet soft li hing, li hing pineapple sour belts, lemon zest gushers, n' coffee plum. When your childhood memz are ignited, you can't help but get excited!" Staff: friendly Interior: one long aisle, snacks filled on both walls, sell labubus Exterior: located in the Manoa Marketplace Wait time: for icee or shave ice, if no line help you out right away Parking: free lot Overall comments: so many local kine snacks. Just like when you were a kid, can pick up an icee or shave ice. A crackseed shop that is great for all generations! read more

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Kay's Crackseed is located in the Manoa Marketplace and they've been serving the local community since 1978. There is a huge variety of seeds, mui, plums, wet/dry fruits, lemon peel, candies, etc. After trying some samples, I decided to get an icee with li hing sauce, crystalized ginger, and seedless rock salt plum. For those that don't live in Hawaii or have friends that moved away from Hawaii, let them know that Kay's recently launched their online site where you can buy crackseed, nostalgic snacks and candies, li hing mui, and more! They're offering free shipping on orders over $150. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Seedless rock salt plum and li hing strawberry icee - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Made the drive to Mānoa Marketplace to buy crack seed for a special care package for my daughter on the mainland. This is my kid's favorite crack seed store. Now that everything is prepackaged and priced, it makes it easy to shop. The prices are comparable to what you buy for the stuff sold at drugstores and grocery stores, but it is SO much better. Worth the drive for a special treat so might as well get plenty! read more

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Cute little crack seed shop located in Manoa Marketplace. Lots of parking right outside of the shop. It looks like the building is doing maintenance, but they are still open. The workers are so friendly, always smiling. If you need assistance they are willing to help out. I always go there to purchase Lihing seed and other types of snacks. This shop never disappoints. We recently seen they sell ice cake with ice cream in it! A must try. Check them out for all your crack seed candies. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Been coming here ever since small kid time! Love that are now customizing the icees. Our favorite is the strawberry with ice cream, mochi balls and condensed milk (it reminds me of the shave ices that they serve at bon dances except in a cup and much easier to eat). The workers do such a great job making it. They are always nice and friendly so no complaints with the service here. I hope they consider expanding their icee line like how Doe Fang was before. read more

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Shopping for Crackseed in Honolulu, Hawaii... My cousin on the mainland is searching for "chunk ginger". It's supposed to be red in color. I've been looking almost everywhere and sending photos to her. I have no idea what she wants. Haha! I thought that Kays Crackseed at Manoa Marketplace might have it. The staff were very helpful and offered suggestions. They pointed out "Ginger Chunk". I sent a photo... It wasn't the one! Argggg! I'm quite sure she doesn't want the type with li hing powder. She said it doesn't have visible crystals on it and not super sweet nor extra salty. Hmmm... Well... Since I was there, I got some pickled mango for myself. Should be good for digestion and have some health benefits, right? Next time, maybe I'll have an Icee Float or shave ice! The ice cake looked interesting, too. Plus - all types of candy! read more

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Memories from the 70's... Grew up eating this stuff. I remember buying 25 cents Yick Lung packages of cracked seed on the weekends when I had money! Foot balls were my favorite, followed by li hing mui, then salted lemon peel! As I type this, those memories make my mouth water! Haha! This place reminds me of those days of childhood! Support the small local businesses like these to help carry on the traditions to our future generations! read more

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Decided to stop by Manoa Market Place, haven't been there for a while, wanted to buy some seeds to eat, found some locally made products. As you know, Good Crack Seed stores is really hard to fine these days. Talking to the owner, they been in business for 47 years. Her parents use to run the store. Now her mom makes some of the Crack Seed with her secret recipes. Stop by if you're in the Manoa area. Aloha, Derek read more

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Kay's Crackseed always brings back those nostalgic childhood memories. This time around, my family and I stopped by for a special treat - ice cake! We were excited to share it with the kids, and they picked the li hing flavor. Definitely a solid choice. It's fun seeing the next generation enjoy the same snacks we grew up on. Kay's is one of those local gems that just feels familiar every time you go. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Ice cake flavors - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Love a good crack seed store! This one is tiny so if you blink, you might miss it! The store is small but they have a lot of your usual favorites. The back of the store is lined with jars of tasty goodies and the front has hanging bags of candies like li hing gummies or lemon gushers. I was hoping they'd have ling hing lemon peel gummies but they only had one or the other! Prices are a little high. A small bag of li hing gummies was $4 so I think it's most worth it to try the more unique options! read more

It's my first time in this place too. Actually, it's next to Keahi Health foods, Manoa. They are very friendly and helpful. They had this mini bottles of the huge bottles filled with wet and dried seeds. This is reminding me of my childhood where seed stores were in every neighborhood...that's old Hawaii! So, I purchased a 1/2 pound of wet rock salt plum. As I watched her, my mouth started puckering with anticipation of waiting to sink some of that juicy plum. It's puckering while I'm writing!!! I need some after this. I purchased the bottle to start my mini seed shelf...can't wait! I have to keep the big kids out of my stash!!! I really don't want to share now...hmmmm! However, I picked up those sweet red fat cherry plums for in between bouts with wet rock salt plum... Yummy! You guys have to come down...good selections...ice cakes, icee (many different flavors), check the menu. I think I'm taking some on my trip so I don't crave too much. I'll see you around, Ciao!!! read more

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Located in Manoa Market place near Longs Manoa and many other shops and restaurants! They have a lot of parking and other stores and they have an open market on Sunday. With covid they now only allow 3 customers in at a time, you are required to wear a mask before entering also all employees wore mask in the shop. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Hours - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Been coming here almost all my life and finally came around to writing a review! Always come here mainly for the shave ice or icees. So many different flavors and options for toppings. My go to order is li hing, guava, and mango with ice cream, condensed milk, and li hing powder.. mm so bomb, cravings satisfied. If you don't want to eat your shave ice at the time you buy, they have made to go and ready shave ice with ice cream in the middle, all different flavors in their freezer!! Love to get me some crackseed when I'm here too of course. They have a bunch of traditional crackseed candy I grew up eating and also regular candy! Owners are so sweet and going to this place reminds me of when I used to take my grandma here. It's located in manoa marketplace so plenty of parking. Whether you're visiting or from here, this is a must try for crackseed and shave ice! read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Shave ice - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Old School snacks that never goes out of style, Kay's has just about everything in this tiny nook hidden up at Mania Marketplace. Awesome setup as they have pre-packed items in couple of sizes ready as grab and go it makes the shopping experience simple and quick. They do have everything from crack seed, gummies, dried fruits and more not including that cool shaved ice and Icee that you can add ice cream float and/or LiHing powder or juice. Oh they already had me at ice cream so I couldn't resist a coke float with ice cream which they put in first at the bottom and it was an instant brain freeze moment bliss. Treats of all kinds is super cool here...thank you!! read more

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We stopped at Kay's Crackseed to buy some Hawaiian crackseed snacks. They have a huge variety of salted plums, mango and other dried fruits as well as a Japanese packaged snacks. Everything is laid out and easy to find. But the store clerks are helpful if you're looking for something in particular. LI hing on everything! Lately, I've been on a Li Hing Mui Prune Mix binge. So I bought several bags as well as some salted lemon and candied ginger for my Mom who likes to keep some around as a lozenge when she has a cold. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbtc1hRhLDo read more

I love supporting a small business! So many goodies. And can't forget about the strawberry icee with li hing powder and the ice cakes! read more

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Love that they have THREE different size pre-packaged goodies. From li hing to dried Fuji Apples. They have drinks, candy etc. it's a must see / visit place. The staff are nice, too. Located in the Manoa Marketplace on the end section more towards East. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Smallest pre-packaged goodies. WHITE li hing POWDER???!!!!!! I gotta try it! - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We've been frequenting Manoa Marketplace the past couple of weeks because my daughter has swimming in the area. We've been going to check out lunch spots in the area. We stopped by Kay's crackseed one day to check it out. My daughter and I kept seeing people come out with delicious Icees. We had to go in and check it out. The crack seed store is small but they have a lot to offer. They have dried seeds and lihing products. They also offer ice creams, shave ice, and Icee. We got one strawberry Icee and a small bag of lihing sour patch kids. The Icee was so good. It really hit the spot on a warm day. It was gone in a matter of minutes. The lihing sour patch kids was also so so good. My husband loves those and he's pretty much tried every brand. But he loved these. There was real lihing powder and there was a lot. He loved it from the moment it touched his lips and he kept eating it and eating it. That bag was gone, my daughter and I got to try one measly piece. We can't wait to go back there and try more things. I'm sure my husband is waiting to get more lihing sour patch. read more

Variety of snacks is excellent as is the taste. Service by professional, courteous, and friendly people. Ambiance is very snack oriented.

Love this mom n pop crack seed store! Went for lemon ginger but came out with 5 packages of assorted candy and crack seeds PLUS these yummy ice cakes topped with ice cream ready made from the cooler. They come with those old-fashioned wooden spoons and were SO delish and perfect for a hot, humid day (in December, welcome to Hawaii)! Free parking in the lot in front, and friendly help inside! We'll be back for sure. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Lychee ice cake with ice cream - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Crackseed stores are few and far between these days so it is nice to see a small family business still in operation in Manoa. I don't know how long they've been there but it has been a while. Gone are the days that they scoop out the seed to your liking when you point to your choice of seeds or other snacks stored in big glass jars. The seeds are now pre-bagged in different weight quantities and pre-priced. The good thing is that you can grab a bag of seed for about $3 so you can try before you buy a larger quantity. The selection here is good and there are a lot of other candies and frozen treats so there will be something for everyone in your family. If you are in the area for lunch Kays is worth stopping by. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - My stash from Kay's - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love crackseed stores! There's not too many of these places around so it makes me happy to see these stores! They sell a variety of crackseed by the pound. Also candies too! I love their li hing mui gummies and their ume seeds! They also sell icees and shave ice here too! read more

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This Crackseed store is an institution in Manoa Marketplace. It's a small, dingy store without a huge variety, but they definitely get the job done, especially if you're craving an icee on a hot day!! They accept credit card over $3 (the small icee without icecream is $2.50, small with icecream is $3.20, so if you don't have cash it's the perfect excuse to spring for the icecream). read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Used to go to Kay's in high school (over 20 years ago)...and after my husband bought the worst Enjoy-brand li hing mui sour apples and watermelons, decided to try Kay's again. Kay was grouchy but funny, so was looking forward to seeing her all old. New owners though...some workers nice, some completely lack any personality. Who cares tho, cuz OH.MY.GOD. the li hing sour apples were so ono. Choke li hing powder. That lemon peel covered gummy stuff is supposed to be the new thing, so bought a bunch for friends. I was told little bit cheaper than at Carousel Land or whatevs that place at Kahala is. Good lord, salivating thinking about my stash of apples... read more

Kay’s Crackseed - $89 worth of li hing sour apples, lemon peel strawberries/colas/bears, choc covered bears. - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Located in the cute Manoa Shopping Center. Lots of parking, but it rains a lot. I've heard about this place but just checking it out for the first time now. My dentist wouldn't appreciate me coming here, but my sweet tooth sure does! All sorts of treats, the rock candy is my favorite. read more

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I've had cravings for a li hing icee float recently, but because I'm not from this side of the island I wasn't too sure which crackseed store to go to, but a friend mentioned Kay's and well it's quite close to where we live so I figured I'd take the short drive there. I was not disappointed. Kay's is a small hole in the wall, but so well kept and clean. It's got that nostalgic crackseed feeling and is sure to have exactly what you're craving, something sweet, sour, salty, they're bound to have something you'll love. I love li hing icee floats and the fact that they sell it with both the powder/ juice options is awesome. I for one prefer the li hing juice. This time around I got the strawberry li hing icee float with li hing juice and my two go two favorites, chocolate covered gummy bears and li hing watermelon. Both were so yummy, my partner and I quickly finished the bags within the next day or so. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Kay's and will totally be back again soon to satisfy my sweet tooth cravings! read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Outside of store (with the social distancing wait marker for when they reach their max capacity). - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Came in here for the first time to buy some goodies for family that's visiting from the mainland. The shop is very small so you can literally see what I'm doing at all times. The lady inside the shop kept following me everywhere, staring at me and asking if I need help constantly as if I'm going to steal. I was thinking about leaving because of this but I truly did not want to drive to another store so I stayed which I wish I didn't. I asked a couple questions about pricing which she didn't seem to understand what I was trying to ask so she asked someone else who also didn't understand and gave attitude so I said never mind, it's okay and went back to shopping. Needless to say, this is the first and last time I will be at this crack seed store. Unfortunate, because everything actually looks really good and is packaged nicely. read more

MUST TRY : ginger gummy bears, li hi mui gushers, and their home made frozen ice cake! They have a good assortment of Crackseed goodies. The ginger selection is amazing. It's a small shop and now with Covid they started limiting 3 customers at a time. Their home made ice cakes are so good and come in lots of different flavors which makes it fun and difficult to choose at the same time. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Gushers - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Great place to get your crack seed and they make this shave ice cake ice cream that is the best. So many goodies and snacks from my childhood days to choose from . Owner is super friendly and helpful. read more

Love going to Kay's crack seed for their icee and shave ice. It is a lot more convenient and they have pretty good choices. Their crack seed is also pretty great. They take credit card with a $3 minimum and offer icee stamp cards which we also seem to fill up. We enjoy sitting out front watching the birds and people. The only junk part is how small the store is. When in line waiting for your order, it can get quite full with two people also waiting. read more

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I actually like coming here for the shaved ice. They're tasty, very big, and a pretty good price. A must after hiking Manoa Falls. They have a variety of candy, including my favorite, ling hing sour belts. Customer service is very good. Everyone has been helpful and friendly. It's just an enjoyable experience and treat all around. read more

Kay's Crackseed is a hidden gem located in Manoa Marketplace. They offer a variety of sweets such as lihing candies, icees, sour belts, gummy bears, and so much more. It is pretty small, but the amount of different things they have is astounding. Definitely gives off a very vintage feel. Lowkey feels like you're traveling back in time if you ask me. I got few things when I stopped by, but wish I could try everything!! I got the seedless li hing plum, seedless rock salt plum, dried mango, li hing salt gummy bears, lychee sour belts, and a couple other things that I don't really remember the names of. My favorite would probably have to be the lychee sour belts and the dried mango. I will be honest, I am not a big ume person, but I really enjoyed the wet seedless ones. All the other ones were a little too sour for me, but that's just not what I like. Most of the candy are made in house, which is so impressive because honestly, I have no idea how they make it. If you were ever considering picking up snacks for a picnic or even for the movies, definitely stop here because it is so worth it! And try everything if you can! read more

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Cute little crack seed shop in Manoa Marketplace. The lady that I believe was the owner was very helpful and friendly. Super welcoming and conversational. Had great recommendations when I asked questions. They have all kinds of crack seed, lihing gummies, icee, shave ice, and popcorn. They accept credit card with minimum $5, woohoo for not needing only cash. Will definitely come back for more lemon peel and check out some of their other snacks. Glad crack seed stores are still around. Such an important part of local culture. read more

Kay's Crackseed is a nice hole in the wall of deliciousness located in the backside of Manoa Market Place. This place is cute and the people who work here are incredibly friendly. Although they sell all different kinds of crackseed from your standard li hing mui, different types of gummy candies, to kakimochi, etc. they have it all. They also serve Icees as well as other candies. But what brought me here was their shave ice as it is delicious and seriously the perfect treat on a hot humid day. My favorites here is the strawberries and cream shave ice (be sure to ask for it with vanilla ice cream). I know there are some of you who do not like the beans but for me it is a must as well as getting some condensed milk on top give it a nice sweetness that is just so good together. Dang my mouth is watering just thinking about it. So if you are in the area, stop by for some snacks and don't forget to try their shave ice to cool you off on a hot day. read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Shave ice bowl - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Kay's Crackseed does the trick! Fun snacks, great variety, and good service. I was in the Manoa Marketplace shopping at a grocery store, when I saw some kids walking around with Icees. Nostalgic. I asked where I could get the Icee and I was pointed to Kay's Crackseed. It's located in the back parking lot area of the Manoa Marketplace. Cute little shop. Kay's has about 50+ variety of crack seed, ice creams, candies, and a whole lotta fun. I got what I came here for - Icees in Cola and Strawberry. The mother and daughter team that were working while I was in the shop were vry friendly. I'll be back! Food Grade: A! Service Grade: B Worth the Money Grade: B+ Overall Impression Grade: B+ read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Icee float - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Finally got to check this place out! A friend brought me some pickled mango from here and I was immediately hooked so naturally I had to see it for myself. It's a small little shop tucked away in Manoa Marketplace right behind longs. I couldn't believe that I used to live in Manoa and had never come here before. Although the prices are definitely higher than the other crack seed stores I have been to, the quality is definitely there. The pickled mango and Li Hing pickled mango is by far my favorite both on and off island however the Li hing powder there is okay. The seedless li hing mui was very soft and fresher than most places. They have four different flavors of icee by the register and cute little candy set up. Will definitely return! read more

Kay’s Crackseed - Candy Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My two year old is a shaved ice junkie and loves his shaved ice from Kay's. The ice is blended so fine you'll swear you're eating gelato. Great flavors and toppings, you can even add ice cream! My son likes it plain but enjoys the flavor selections. Small store with great candy options for kids or snacks. Kay's is a great stop to send some of your favorite hawaii snacks to friends from out of town. There are a few umbrella tables outside of you want to sit and eat your shaved ice . The small serving is about $5.25 and is more than enough for my 2-year old. read more