There are 4 See's Candies stores on Oahu, with the 1st location in 1970 at Kahala Mall. The other 3 locations are in Ala Moana Shopping Center, Aiea, and the most recent in Kapolei in 2014. There is a seasonal pop-up in Kaneohe.
This review is for the See's Candies at Kahala Mall.
See's Candies is an old-school chain, as it's been in business since 1921 with about 200+ stores in the US. The quality chocolates are from Guittard Chocolate Co., and the nuts are from Mariana Nut Co. of CA. No preservatives are used.
They offer chocolates (dark, milk, white, soft centers, nuts, chews); lollypops; seasonal holiday-themed items. They also have bridge mix, peanut brittle, hard candies, and candy bars. While many of their candies are sold in traditional packaging, cute and colorful foil and cellphane packaging are used for holiday celebrations.
A 1 lb box of assorted chocolates has 26 pieces. You can purchase by the box or by the piece. On occasion, I have been gifted a GC for a lb of chocolates. How I love to choose my own chocolates; however, that means choosing them one by one while customers are patiently waiting for you to complete your purchase. I think the best time to do this is when there is no one in the store.
Customer service excels in this Kahala store! All employees are required to wear white smocks or dress and black bowtie or ties with black slacks or skirts. Employees are friendly, polite, and knowledgeable about See's candies.
And everyone knows that staff will offer you a free chocolate while asking your preference of milk or dark chocolate, with nuts, caramels of soft centers, etc. But did you know that customers can ask for a sample of any candy in the store? Funny story: Most of us will subtly linger in the store, knowing that staff will approach to offer a free chocolate. Once, this local celebrity, with his wife and child, came into the store, and LOUDLY SHOUTED, "WE'RE HERE TO GET OUR FREE CHOCOLATES!" It was so loud that everyone turned and laughed. No shame. They each got their chocolate!
The store is its own building near CVS Longs. The interior is very clean and bright, with white walls and shelves.
I love my nuts, chews, and caramels. At one time, I liked the Awesome Nut and Chew Bar that consisted of nougat, almonds, and honey covered with dark chocolate. However, over the years, this bar has gotten smaller and smaller.
Limited editions of See's Candies are also sold by Macy's and Safeway.
And the last time my son came to visit from Toronto, Canada, he returned home with boxes of See's Candies as gifts, as See's Candies is not available in Canada.
A box of See's chocolates will always bring a smile to anyone's face! read more