Since the Honolulu Marathon and related events recorded a record number of participants, the number of Japanese tourists seen in Waikiki has increased dramatically toward the end of the year. At the same time, Japanese residents in Hawaii are taking their children back to Japan for the winter holidays. In any case, choosing a souvenir to take back to Japan is always a difficult task. I always try to choose souvenirs that can tell the story behind the product and the face of the producer.
I first encountered Sweet Brown Hawaii Caramels at a small pop-up market held at a temple a few years ago. In Hawaii, there are many pop-up made-in-Hawaii markets in Honolulu, Kailua, Haleiwa, and other areas where producers who do not have actual shops gather.
As I passed by their booth, I thought to myself, “I miss caramel,” and when I tasted it, the gentle sweetness melted in my mouth. I remember thinking, “Oh, I’ve had a great encounter! I remember I was so happy.
When I asked them about their business, they told me that they do everything from making caramels to packaging and selling them, all by themselves. Since then, whenever I have visited markets around Honolulu, I have seen crowds of people forming in front of their store. Next February will mark 10 years in business. The circle through caramels is steadily expanding.
We visited their kitchen to talk with them.
Steve and his wife Luico. Their first encounter with caramel dates back to 2015. Steve and his family visited a farmer’s market in San Francisco, where they tasted homemade caramels and couldn’t help but smile at how delicious they were.
Steve, who had always enjoyed baking, began making caramels while exchanging recipes with his brother, a pastry chef. When he shared them with friends, they became so popular that some said, “I want you to sell them,” or “I’ll design the packaging! I’ll design the package! Then he decided to “take the first step” and launched Sweet Brown Hawaii Caramels in 2016.
The couple decided to use no preservatives and no additives, to use organic ingredients whenever possible, and to use Hawaiian coffee and macadamia nuts to make the caramel a bounty of Hawaii.
The first store was opened at the Hyatt Regency Farmers Market in Waikiki. In addition to the rarity of the caramels themselves, the original packaging by a local artist, and the reasonable size and price were well received. The caramels were also introduced in a Japanese magazine. The caramels were also introduced in a Japanese magazine and quickly became a popular souvenir among tourists, and many people now buy them every time they visit Hawaii.
The kitchen where these caramels are made is located in the Kalihi area. When I opened the door, I found a clean space with pure white walls and green window frames.
On this day, they would be making 100% Kona coffee macadamia nut caramel. A sweet aroma was already emanating from the large skillet pot.
In the pot, which is stirred at a steady rhythm, Steve adds organic cream at just the right moment, 100% Kona coffee from the Big Island of Hawaii, and then a gulp of macadamia nuts from the Big Island of Hawaii.
He carefully controls the temperature and stops stirring at the perfect moment. He once had a bitter experience of burning caramel by incorrectly adjusting the temperature. I was impressed by the serious expression on Steve’s face, who is always smiling and cheerful.
The hot caramel is poured into the bat, the surface is flattened, and then more macadamia nuts are carefully sprinkled on top.
Every piece has to have nuts in it,” he said. True to his words, every mouthful of the finished caramel is filled with the presence of nuts and the flavor of Kona coffee.
Once cooled and hardened, each caramel was carefully cut, wrapped in cellophane, and packaged in a differently designed package for each flavor. Truly, everything was done by hand.
Flavors include the classic Kona Coffee, “Apple Pie Caramel with Graham Cracker Crust,” “Vanilla Macadamia Nut,” “Coconut (vegan),” “Sea Salt,” “Pineapple,” and “Peanut Butter,” all of which are covered with graham crackers and offer the taste and texture of apple pie in a single piece. Peanut Butter,” and many more. If in doubt, choose the assortment box ($8), which offers six different flavors.
In addition to the standard flavors, new flavors are being introduced one after another. This holiday season, a matcha (green tea) flavor has joined the lineup.
However, no matter how busy we are, we never cut corners in each and every process. But no matter how busy we are, we never cut corners in any of the processes. This is always reflected in the taste,” says Luico.
Caramel is like a child to both of them. She is more important to us than anything else, and we want to continue to love her as we discuss how we will raise her.
When you taste them after learning about their background, they taste even better and make you feel happier. Souvenirs made in Hawaii, where you can see the producer’s face, are sure to thrill you both in the moment of choosing and in the moment of giving them. Pop-up markets are held in Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, and other locations, so be sure to stop by and enjoy the “encounter.
The pop-up markets they open can be found on Instagram and on their website.
© Source travel watch